Job search websites in Germany

A guide for everybody who wants to find a job from abroad before relocating to Germany, including a list of job search websites popular in Germany. We explain the job application process and how to use your foreign qualifications in Germany.

Language requirements

Many companies are open to applications in English although an application in German is a big advantage. In most companies at least some understanding of German is required even for teaching English. Language requirements vary by sector: all medical jobs require verbal German skills whereas software developers in start ups might get by without speaking German.

The application process

Check with the company before applying whether you can simply apply by e-mail or whether they prefer applications via some online application tool. Include a cover letter, a CV and copies of your diplomas and work references.

You might get invited for a first interview round via Zoom or Skype although you probably have to come to Germany in person for a final interview. Staged application processes where applicants first speak to the human resources person, then to colleagues working in their field of expertise, are the norm in many companies. Software companies often ask applicants to do a coding test.

Expect long and formal application procedures up to several months at big companies and more informal ones at start ups. Many companies in Germany opened up to remote application and work settings during the Corona pandemic.

Some professions like engineers or tech workers can expect to get offers from recruiters via Linkedin or Xing. Its important to signal on your profile pages to recruiters that you are still located abroad but are about to relocate to Germany so that they have you on their radars. Usually recruiters get a commission from the company and applicants don't have to pay.

Foreign qualifications and diplomas in Germany

While expertise for some tech jobs will be tested during the interview, most jobs rely on formal qualifications. You can check on this website whether your qualification is recognised in Germany.

Germany has some 150 regulated professions like teachers, lawyers, doctors or opticians ^source. You can check this EU database for regulated professions to see if your job is regulated in Germany. You have to get your qualification recognized by the relevant German authority or professional association if you want to work in a regulated job.

You find more information about recognising of foreign diplomas in Germany on the website of Central Office for Foreign Education (Zentrale Stelle für die Bewertung ausländischer Qualifikationen) or select the responsible authority directly by federal state (Bundesland).

List of the biggest job search websites in Germany

The following job search websites have listings of many jobs across all of Germany. These are the big players among job portals in Germany.

Bundesagentur für Arbeit - 1.5 million jobs. The Bundesagentur für Arbeit is an agency of the German state.
Stepstone.de - 600.000 jobs from 60.000 companies.
Monster.de
Meinestadt.de - 580.000 jobs.
Stellenanzeigen.de
Indeed

Meta job search engines

Meta job search websites search across many websites with job listings and compile the result. This saves you the hassle to enter the same search query on several websites.