Job search

Job application is a formal affair and usually follows a set course. It is worth knowing the most important steps - from the application to the interview:

1. Preparation

To begin with, you should read the job advertisement carefully. Here you will find information about the company, a description of the tasks, requirements for applicants, the application deadline and information on sending the application.

When preparing your application documents, it is important that you note the application deadline for the vacancy. Applications received outside the specified deadline are generally not included in the selection process. You should also note the form of application requested by the employer. It is possible that you should submit your application online, via an application form, by e-mail or by post.

2. Application documents

The aim of your application is to convince the employer that you are the right person for the advertised position. Your application should make a professional, competent and authentic impression. Please ensure that all application documents are spelled and punctuated correctly.

Unless otherwise stated, your application should include the following:

• Cover letter (German: ‘Motivationsschreiben‘ or ‘Anschreiben‘)
• Curriculum vitae or résumé (German: ‘Lebenslauf‘)
• Attachments:
  • As proof of your qualifications: Copies of diplomas, degrees or certificates (school-leaving certificate, training certificate, technical college or university degree, further training etc.)
  • References or testimonials (German: Arbeitszeugnisse)

Cover Letter

In the cover letter, you outline the skills and experience you bring to the job. You also clarify your motivation to work for the company and in the respective position. On the europass website you will find a template for creating your cover letter, which will provide you with orientation for the design.

Here are some key questions and tips:

• What is your motivation to work for the company and in the position in question?
• What qualifies you to perform the job described in the job advertisement?
• If possible, the cover letter should be no longer than one DIN A4 page.
• Check whether the cover letter must contain certain information, such as your earliest starting date or the salary you are seeking.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

In your CV, you provide an overview of your personal and professional career. As companies often receive a large number of applications, a clear and comprehensible structure is particularly important. In Germany, a tabular overview has become established, which is divided into various sections such as professional experience, school and vocational training, academic education, etc.

It is customary to sort the information in CVs chronologically in descending order. This means that the most recent information comes first (as this is the most important for employers). The "europass” website provides templates and an online tool to help you present your qualifications and skills in a structured and understandable way.

Here are a few tips:

• Always keep your CV up to date.
• Check your CV carefully to ensure that it matches the required profile. The qualifications that are particularly relevant to the job should stand out. Do not hesitate to delete information from your CV that is too far back or not relevant to the application.
• Only list experience, qualifications or skills that you can prove.

Attachments

The experience and skills relevant to the job that you list in your CV should be supported by evidence. Enclose a copy of these with your application documents.

Diplomas, degrees or certificates

To provide evidence of your qualifications, attach copies or scans of your vocational training certificates or school or university diplomas to your application.

To make foreign qualifications comprehensible for German employers, it is best to have your certificates translated into German by a sworn interpreter. If your qualifications acquired abroad have already been assessed in the recognition procedure, you should inform the company of the result of the recognition procedure and, if necessary, submit the certificates.

Job references

You can enclose references with your application as proof of professional experience.

In Germany, it is customary to receive an official reference from your employer after every job, apprenticeship or internship. If you have German references, attach them to your application. If not, because it is not customary in your country, explain this in your cover letter. You could still try to obtain a reference from past employers to use for applications.

The documents listed above are a selection of the most frequently requested application documents. The documents that you should submit with your application are usually listed in the job advertisement.

3. Selection procedure

Your application will be reviewed by the employer as part of the pre-selection process. If your application basically meets the requirements, you will be considered in the further selection process.

The selection process may vary depending on the employer. Sometimes you will have to complete an aptitude test and/or take part in an assessment center (AC) before the interview.

These are personnel selection instruments. They are used to test suitability for the job on the basis of scientific methods.

Suitability test

Suitability tests are used to compare your skills and knowledge with those of other applicants using standardized tests and exercises and to compare them with the requirements of the job. The test is carried out either online from home or at the company's premises on a PC or in writing. You have to solve tasks from a wide range of categories, such as general knowledge, language, mathematics, logical thinking, etc. The test is tailored to the requirements profile of the desired profession.

Assessment Center (AC)

The assessment center is often used for the allocation of management positions. It consists of several tasks that have to be completed both orally and in writing. Participation in an AC can take up to three days. You can expect the following tasks in an assessment center: writing an essay, creating a presentation, job-specific tasks, group work and discussions with other participants. Sometimes a critical work situation is simulated (“critical incident”) to test how you act under pressure.

Job interview

If your application has been assessed as positive by the company, you will receive an invitation to an interview.

At the interview, the company wants to get a picture of you and get to know you personally. Be prepared to be asked questions about yourself, your motivation, the employer and your skills for the job advertised.

Tips:

• Find out about the company in detail in advance.
• When asked about your skills for the job, give specific examples, such as the content of your training or studies, professional experience, further training, etc.
• Make sure you are dressed appropriately
• You will usually also have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the interview. Make a list before the interview. Many questions will be clarified during the interview, and you can ask additional questions.

After the interview, you will receive a binding acceptance or rejection from the company. If the company has decided in your favor, you will receive an employment contract. In this you can find your future income and read your rights and obligations as an employee of the company. If you agree to the terms and conditions, sign the employment contract and send it back to the company.

4. Support by the Hamburg Welcome Center (HWC)

If you are looking for a job in Hamburg or want to do an internship for career orientation or as a career entry, the HWC will support you.  It is important to us that you find something that matches your qualifications and skills.

The HWC also provides information on issues relating to the employment relationship, e.g. pay, working conditions, temporary work, dismissal and other rights and obligations as an employee. You can receive advice before or after concluding an employment contract.

Simply get in touch with us!