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Summary: to find a job in Germany you need a German-style CV (Lebenslauf), a cover letter (Anschreiben) tailored to each listing, evaluated qualifications and an active presence on job sites and LinkedIn. The statutory minimum wage in 2026 is €13.90 per hour, and almost all contracts have a probation period (Probezeit) of up to 6 months.
Where to look for work?
- The Federal Employment Agency’s Jobbörse (Bundesagentur für Arbeit): Germany’s largest official job database, and free.
- StepStone, Indeed and XING: the most widely used job listing sites.
- LinkedIn: especially for IT, engineering and international companies with an English-speaking environment.
- Make it in Germany: the government’s official portal for foreign professionals.
- The “Karriere” page on company websites: many mid-sized companies (Mittelstand) advertise only on their own website.
- The Iranian network: many opportunities are found through referrals. See Iranian companies in the directory of Iranian businesses.
Application documents (Bewerbungsunterlagen)
The German CV (Lebenslauf)
- Maximum 2 pages, tabular and in reverse chronological order
- A professional photo is optional but still common
- Dates as month/year; briefly explain any gaps
- State language levels using the European framework (A1 to C2)
- Give the university and field with the German equivalent and the anabin status (for example “H+”)
The cover letter (Anschreiben)
One page, specific to that listing: why this company, which skills you have that solve their problem, and your availability date (Eintrittstermin) and salary expectation (Gehaltsvorstellung) if the listing asks for it. Many companies now also accept one-click applications without a Anschreiben.
Attachments
Degree certificates and evaluation (ZAB or anabin), employment references (Arbeitszeugnis) with translation, and language certificates. All in one small PDF file.
The job interview
- Punctuality: arrive 5 to 10 minutes early; for an online interview, test the technology beforehand.
- Common questions: “Erzählen Sie etwas über sich”, strengths and weaknesses, why Germany and why this company.
- Salary: talk in terms of gross annual figures (Brutto pro Jahr). Use sites such as Gehaltsvergleich or salary reports for your field.
- Ask questions: about the team, training and career path – it shows interest.
The employment contract: key points
- Befristet / Unbefristet: fixed-term or permanent contract.
- Probezeit: probation period of up to 6 months; during it the notice period is two weeks.
- Holiday: statutory minimum 20 working days in a 5-day week; usually 25 to 30 days.
- Working hours: usually 38 to 40 hours per week.
- Gross and net pay: tax and insurance are deducted from gross pay – see the tax guide.
Permission to work
Before starting, make sure your residence permits this work (it is stated on the residence card: “Erwerbstätigkeit erlaubt” or restrictions). For professionals outside Germany, the Blue Card route is suitable, and for people without a university degree the Ausbildung route.
Free support
- Arbeitsagentur and Jobcenter: career counselling, training courses and sometimes payment of course costs (Bildungsgutschein).
- IQ Netzwerk: free advice on the recognition of qualifications and job-seeking for immigrants.
- Job-related language courses (Berufssprachkurse): up to level C1, usually free.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Germany in 2026?
€13.90 gross per hour from 1 January 2026.
Can I find a job in Germany without German?
In IT, research and some international companies yes, but in most jobs at least B1 to B2 is needed, and German greatly increases your chances.
Is a photo mandatory on a German CV?
No, because of the anti-discrimination law it is not mandatory, but many applicants still add a professional photo.
How long is the probation period (Probezeit)?
Up to 6 months; during this time both parties can terminate the contract with two weeks’ notice.
This article is for information only. Last updated: September 2026.
