The document provides guidance on applying for jobs in Germany. It discusses what German employers expect, including German and English language skills, relevant work experience, motivation, and ability to work in a team. It also covers writing a cover letter, creating a CV, preparing for and participating in a job interview, and contacting ZAV for additional support during the job search process in Germany.

1. ZAV Internationaler Personalservice
04.04.2013
Job Application in Germany

2. Index
What German employers expect from you
Applying for a position (Covering letter, CV)
Job interview
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3. What do German employers expect from you?
German skills
English skills
Preferably job experience in the relevant sector
Motivation
Ablility to work in a team
Punctuality
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4. Job Application vs Self-Marketing
JOB!!!!!
Self-Marketing II
•Job Interview
•Employer / country survey
•Prepare right questions
Self-Marketing I
•CV
•Cover Letter
Self Esteem
•Short profile development
•Vacancy analysis
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5. Bildrahmen
(Bild in Masterfolie einfügen)
Written Application in Germany
How to apply in Germany© Bundesagentur für Arbeit – ZAV Internationaler Personalservice

6. Check list for your application
1. What exactly would I like to do?
2. What are they looking for?
3. Would I like to live and work in that country/region?
4. Am I qualified enough/ overqualified for the job?
5. What are the requirements (must-have)
6. Qualifications that I possess (check list)
7. Qualifications that I do not possess (check list)
8. What additional skills can I offer?
9. Questions I’d like to ask the employer before I proceed with an
application?
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7. Written Application
In a folder (DIN A4) you should send the following:
1. Cover letter/ Carta de Presentación (typed)
2. CV (tabular, anti-chronologic, photo)
3. Annexes (on demand):
► copies of school, university diplomas and any professional
training
► copies of testimonials and letters of references
(only mentioning names is not enough!)
Alternatively: On-line application with attachments
 CV and Cover Letter – as PDF, with signature
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8. Written Application
Basic Rules:
1. Application papers should be short and precise
(cover letter -1 page; CV – max. 2-3 pages)
2. Documents should indicate a differentiated picture of the
applicant
3. Letter of application should be targeted at the employer and the
position
4. No mistakes should be made in the application
(grammar/spelling)
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9. Written Application: Photo
• From a professional photographer
• Size: 6,5 x 4,5 cm
• Coloured or black and white
• Open sight, maybe a smile
• For men: Jacket, shirt and tie
• For women: Jacket and blouse
• No WANTED-Photo !
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10. Photo: Feel the difference
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11. Cover Letter: General Model
1. The right person in charge (Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren),
2. Explain the reason for this letter (want ad, article, contact).
Explain why your background makes you the best for the
position.
3. Your contribution to the company. Describe your interest in the
company.
4. Closing Paragraph: Request specific action from the reader, i.e.
to phone you or to send you an interview invitation.
5. Closing (Mit freundlichen Grüßen)
6. Signature
7. Your full name (typed)
8. Enclosures
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12. Cover Letter: General Model
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13. Curriculum Vitae: General Model
Name / Address / Date of birth/ Nationality
Work experience
Practical training / Internships
Training / University
Others (i.e. Military Service, Voluntary Work)
Schooling
Languages
Other Skills (i.e. Computer Skills, Driving Licence, Interests)
Location, Date, Signature!
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14. Curriculum Vitae: General Model
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15. Bildrahmen
(Bild in Masterfolie einfügen)
Job Interview in Germany
How to Apply in Germany © Bundesagentur für Arbeit – ZAV Internationaler Personalservice

16. Job Interview: Organization
Arrive in time
Clothes chosen for the occasion
Small talk with the employer
Business part
• Self –presentation (“Tell us about yourself”)
• Professional questions (“Describe your experience with…”)
• Character questions
CV and testimonials as hand-outs (2 copies)
Travel expenses?
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17. Typical Character Questions
What are your strengths / weaknesses?
How would other people describe yourself?
What are your career objectives for the next five years?
Tell me about your most/ least successful project.
Why do you want to work for our company?
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18. Telephone Interview
Fix the time
Find a suitable location
Ask prepared questions (also about accomodation)
Your voice is your friend
Smile!
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19. Telephone Interview: Hotel and Gastronomy Jobs
Employer calls the applicant or makes an appointment for the call
Be prepared to speak German on the phone
Business part rather than a small talk
Accomodation/ salary questions
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20. Co-operation with ZAV
You provide ZAV with:
• Your application form and consent on the use of data
• CV (Englisch/ German)
• Information about changes in your plans, location, work
ZAV provides you with:
• Job offers (if available)
• Relevant information
• General advice
Leben und Arbeiten im Ausland © Bundesagentur für Arbeit - ZAV Internationaler Personalservice Frankfurt Seite 20

21. Useful Links
Employment/ Empleo:
http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/ (la candidatura)
www.gehalts-check.de (salarios)
Language courses/ Cursos de idioma:
www.vhs.de (“Volkshochschule”)
www.goethe.de
www.sprachcaffee.de
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22. ¡ MUCHAS GRACIAS
POR SU ATENCIÓN
y
BIENVENIDOS
A ALEMANIA!
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