Germany is a striking choice for those seeking a career overseas because studies show that it ranks as the 8th most habitable country in the world with its high quality of life index and ranks 7th in the Gender Equality Index among nations.
The German economy has its great innovative instincts and strong focus on exports to thank for its competitiveness and global networking. In high-selling sectors, such as car-making, mechanical and plant engineering, the chemicals industry, and medical technology, exports account for well over half of total sales.
In all, Germany is a good point of call to consider for relocation especially when your seeking a job opportunity. Below is how to get a job in Germany:
• ASSESS YOUR CHANCES
You need to be sure of your chances of working in a place like Germany. There is demand, among others, for doctors, nursing staff, engineers, mechatronic technicians, IT specialists and train drivers. Before you start looking for a job it is best to first clarify whether you need a visa to work in Germany.
• GET YOUR QUALIFICATIONS RECOGNIZED
For many jobs it can be useful and for some it is even necessary that vocational or educational qualifications from your home country are recognized in Germany.
• LOOK FOR A JOB
You just need to carry out job searches on distinct websites. If you’re interested in specific companies, look for openings directly on their corporate websites.
• WRITE AN APPLICATION
Who doesn’t know that an application is essential to apply for any job? Generally, an application to a German company includes a covering letter, a CV with a photograph, certificates and testimonials. Make sure you have the required qualifications and emphasize them in your covering letter.
• APPLY FOR A VISA
Citizens from EU countries, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland do not require a visa to work in Germany. You need to know if your home country requires a visa or not.
Are you a citizen of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand or the USA? Then you can enter Germany without a visa and remain for up to three months. If you want to work here, however, you will need to apply for a residence permit that allows you to take up an employment.
Citizens of all other countries require a visa. You should only apply for one when you already have a contract of employment in Germany. Make an appointment at the German Embassy in your country and inform your future employer that it can take some time before all visa formalities are finalized.
If you have a higher education qualification that is recognised in Germany, you can receive a six-month visa to look for a job.
• ACQUIRE HEALTH INSURANCE
Health insurance is mandatory in Germany, and that applies from the first day of your stay.
Now that you know how to acquire a job in Germany, you need to know that the easiest jobs you can find in Germany are the ones that are in demand. According to a study disseminated in February this year by the German operational foundation, the demand for skilled labor cannot be met by the local population.
The large size, stable growth, and structural changes in the German economy are generating hundreds of jobs every year. The problem is the local talent to fill these positions is limited. Germany also has an aging population and by 2025, four million Germans are expected to retire. This means more work opportunities for foreigners.
Without further ado, here are details of the jobs that are in demand and sectors that are facing a skills shortage.
• Top job openings in Germany:
~ Software developers,
~ Programmers
~ Electronics engineers
~ IT consultants, IT analysts
~ Nurses
~ Business managers
~ Account managers
~ Production assistants
~ Sales managers, representatives
~ Product managers
~ Architects
~ Civil engineers
• Industries with maximum job opportunities:
~ Automotive sector
~ Mechanical sector
~ Healthcare
~ Electrical and electronics industry
~ IT and telecommunications
~ Consumer and service industries
~ Building and construction sector
• Careers in demand
~ Doctors:
There is a strong prerequisite for doctors, especially in the rural sector whether in private practice or government clinics. The German healthcare system requires more than 5000 physicians to meet the shortage of doctors.
You can receive your license from the state to practice in Germany even if you have a foreign degree. The only requirement is your degree must be considered equivalent to a German medical degree.
~ Nurses:
There is a shortage of nurses in hospitals and elderly care facilities. With an aging population, the demand will only increase. Germany may need more than 150,000 nursing professionals during the next ten years.
If you are trained as a qualified nurse and your degree is recognized, then you can find a job here. You will need a medical fitness certificate and knowledge of German at B2 or B1 level.
~ Engineers:
Engineers in various sectors are on popular demand. The area offers good career opportunities and competitive salaries. If your engineering degree is equivalent to a German qualification, then you will have plenty of job opportunities.
~ Scientists and software engineers:
STEM graduates can find research and development jobs in government and private research firms. There is also a huge demand for software engineers. STEM graduates can approach the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) to check if their degree is equivalent to German educational qualifications.
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