Working Abroad Career Guide for Germany

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Country Profile
As Western Europe's richest and most populous nation, the Federal Republic of Germany (Bundesrepublik Deutschland) remains a key member of the continent's economic, political, and defense organizations. Yet Germany is haunted by its history. Devastated by World War I, Adolf Hitler’s subsequent rise to power, his heinous battle for world domination and the second World War, Germany has spent the last half-century recovering its political, economic and moral strength.

With the advent of the Cold War, two German states were formed in 1949: the western Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the eastern German Democratic Republic (GDR). The democratic FRG embedded itself in key Western economic and security organizations, the EC and NATO, while the communist GDR was on the front line of the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact. The decline of the USSR and the end of the Cold War allowed for German unification in 1990.

There are approximately 83 million people living in Germany, a fairly ethnically homogenous population with only small populations of Greek, Polish, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish, Turkish, and Russian peoples. Yet Germany is also a prime destination for political and economic refugees from many developing countries. There are more than 7 million foreign residents, including those granted asylum, guest workers, and their dependents. With a per capita income level of about $25,000, Germany is a broadly middle class society. A generous social welfare system provides for universal medical
care, unemployment compensation, and other social needs.

Professional Resources
There are a number of professional organizations, trade publications, networking associations and other resources to accommodate Germany’s large population and complex job market. The Deutsche Angestelltengewerkschaft (DAG) represents white-collar workers in Germany. In addition to performing normal union tasks, DAG organizes seminars, networking services, and continuing education for its members.

Job-seekers can also search telephone directories for the contact information on German companies. Das Große deutsche Branchenbuch (German Yellow Pages) provides names, addresses and telephone/fax numbers of 3 million German businesses in 7,000 different sectors. Searches can be done by sector, name, street, zip code (PLZ) and more. The website is in German, Spanish and English.

Business-minded job-seekers in Germany should check out Hoppenstedt Börsenforum. The organization’s website, in German only, provides information on publicly traded companies in Germany, providing address, phone, fax, a brief description, list of management, and financial statements for each company.

Job Search Resources
There are two classic ways to find jobs in Germany – employment bureaus and newspapers advertisements. Recently however, with the growing importance of the Internet, on-line job recruitment is playing an increasing role in job placement. An applicant who already has a specific idea of where they would like to work can also apply to companies directly. Many
companies give information about job vacancies and job requirements on their websites. Die Zeit is a weekly paper, which publishes high-level job listings, and is available in print and on-line.

Job-seekers in Germany should also know how to network. “Networking,” the process of using recommendations from friends, relatives, and colleagues, is sometimes difficult for foreigners, who may not know enough people to seek referrals. Expatriates can take advantage of Germany’s various networking associations to get started on their job hunt.

Searching on-line job sites is the most efficient and comprehensive way to begin a job search in Germany. These sites are generally searchable by sector, and many have very detailed search engines that search for jobs within selected criteria such as geographic location, educational background, and salary range. Most websites allow you to post personal résumés and search job databases. Once an appropriate match has been identified, information for contacting the firm or headhunter is usually supplied.

Financial Considerations
Living in Germany can be expensive. Urban centers, such as Munich or Berlin, will be more costly than living in Rostock or the Ruhr area. Unfortunately, inflated housing markets tend to coincide with areas where there are high expatriate populations, such as Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg, and to a lesser extent Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Berlin. A one-bedroom apartment in Berlin will typically cost 1500-2500 DEM ($650-1000 USD) per month. Because there is a housing shortage, you might need to hire a home search service, which can greatly reduce the expense and frustration of locating housing.

Most German salaries are high, but there is no legislated or administratively determined minimum wage. Wages and salaries are set either by collective bargaining agreements between industrial unions and employer federations, or by individual contracts. Salaries are generally paid once a month, with the money deposited directly into a bank account around the 25th. Your employer might provide a housing subsidy (Wohngeld) to help with your rent and a child subsidy (Kindergeld) to help with the raising of your children. Companies often subsidize the cost of transportation, and perhaps pay all or part of the cost of your lunch.

Germans can choose between two health care provider systems (private or government-sponsored), depending on their employment status and income. In 2001, if your annual income is above DM 78300,00 ($35,870 USD), you can choose either system. For incomes below this level, you have to go into the government provider. Private medical insurance is usually cheaper than the federal system.

Employment Trends
Although the Germany economy is historically based on industry, the service-oriented sector is growing exponentially. In the past thirty years, the service industry grew from a 40 percent share of the gross national product to 65 percent. The German government has been slow to recognize these shifts, and many German industries, such as IT and sales and marketing, are
now scrambling for qualified employees.

The national government has begun to reform the general framework of its policies to solve Germany’s lack of skilled labor. The Bündnis für Arbeit, or German Federal Labor Office, seeks to decrease non-wage labor costs, promote company tax reform, and reform salary policies to support the growth of employment. The top five German industries are biotechnology
and genetics, information technology and multimedia, finance and marketing, general service, and health services.

Despite the country’s lack of trained employees, unemployment rates in Germany are high. Although the average rate is ten percent, the Eastern portion of the country sustains an unemployment rate of 18 percent. This discrepancy is due to the economic gap still present more than a decade after the Berlin Wall fell.

Resume/CV's
When applying for a position in Germany, you may use either German or English, depending on the company and your fluency. Every aspect of your application should be professional—your photo, stationery, language, and even your signature.

It is best to address your cover letter to a specific person. State your purpose, and specify where you saw the advertisement for the job. Explain your qualifications and interest, refer to your enclosures (resume, photo), and that you “look forward” to an interview.

The resume begins with personal data—name, address, contact information, date and place of birth, nationality, marital status, and number of children. Outline your information in tabular fashion, with education and work experience listed in chronological order. If you are new to the job market, emphasize education and outside activities; if mid-career, emphasize your employment.

“Education” includes junior and secondary school, college and university training, with names, locations, dates of attendance, diplomas, majors, and degrees. Add honors, internships, additional training, languages, and IT knowledge.

In the “Work Experience” section, list the name, location and function of each employer, and your title(s), responsibilities, achievements, and dates of employment. Expand upon those areas that are most relevant to the position. Computer skills and language proficiency should also be noted

Information Technology
Germany represents the largest European information technology (IT) market. Computer network equipment is the fastest growing sub-sector within the computer hardware market, with strong demand exists for all categories. The software and service segments within the IT market look even more promising than the hardware sector.

The German information technology sector, like many countries around the world, is experiencing a sharp expansion. This recent period of growth has lead to a shortage of skilled labor. Therefore the German government initiated the ‘Green Card Program’, which is trying to fill vacancies in the IT job market with foreign workers.

No official licensing qualifications are mandated by the state for IT-workers wishing to work in Germany. The qualifications of the candidate are assessed entirely by the potential employer.

Interviewing Advice
The interview will be conducted in either German or English, depending on the company and on your fluency. If you know German at all, practice it. Even a few phrases will be appreciated. Dress conservatively: for men—dark, well-tailored suits with ties; and for women, tailored suits or dresses. Research the company beforehand and be prepared to discuss your
relevant skills.

German interviews are typically formal and efficient. It begins with introductions, handshakes and an exchange of business cards. When addressing those present, always include their professional titles (e.g., Herr Doctor Professor). Your own business card should give your name, graduate degree, title and contact information

After the introduction, there may or may not be a few moments of casual conversation. However, after that, it is down to serious business. Respond to questions openly and honestly, be courteous, and do not interrupt. Describe how your qualifications match the position, and how you can contribute to the company. Feel free to ask relevant questions about such areas as operational structure, reporting lines, and colleagues. Finally, show genuine interest in the position.

Engineering
Germany is famous for its aviation and automobile engineering; Mercedes, BMW, and Volkswagen all come to mind. Overall German employment trends in electronic and chemical engineering are positive. However, as the country’s industrial- based economy shifts to a more service oriented economy, mechanical, construction, and architecture engineering work is drying up somewhat, due to the general slowdown in the construction and heavy industry sectors.

German engineers undergo rigorous training and educational course studies. Engineers may acquire their education by one of two possible methods, a university diploma or an internship program. Instead of university, individuals can attend a job academy for approximately three years, often in cooperation with the future employer. Although not equivalent to a university diploma, job academies are shorter than a university education.

The diploma degree can only be achieved at the university and takes about five to six years of studying. In order to go to a university it is necessary to achieve the highest German school qualification called ‘abitur’. German universities are now planning to reform the system in order to ease the application for foreign students. This reform includes the adjustment of the
German degrees to a more international standard.

Work Permits
All non-European Union (EU) citizens must obtain a Work Permit prior to working in Germany. Likewise, a Residence Permit is required for all stays of more than 90 days in Germany. It is highly recommended that the appropriate forms for these permits be obtained and submitted before leaving an individual’s home country. These forms can be obtained from a German
Embassy or one of its General Consulates or through downloads from one of the embassy websites.

Processing the completed forms may take up to three months. The following documents should be submitted along with two (2) copies of the application forms: a valid passport; two (2) passport photographs; an employment contract or, if a student, an admissions certificate from a German university; and proof that the individual will be able support his/herself financially while staying in Germany.

In Germany it will also be necessary to register with local authorities (Ortsamt, Bezirksamt, or Einwohnermeldeamt) within the first week of your arrival. Registration can be done at the local police station or at the city hall. You have to do this even if you are temporarily staying in a hotel. If you move from one residence or one city to another in Germany, you will be
required to re-register. These procedures are required of all residents of Germany, whether German nationals or expatriates. When you register, you will receive a form (Einzugsbestatigung des Wohnungsgebers), which your landlord must fill in as proof of your residence. You will also be required to take a German medical exam if you are a non-EU citizen.

Accounting & Finance
The number of employees in the German financial services sector has risen throughout the nineties, despite a general decline in the number of German banking institutions. This demonstrates the country’s continued high demand for well-qualified financial services workers. The technological boom of the late nineties has drastically changed the finance and accounting sectors. Technology has created new fields in the industry, such as online banking and account management via telecommunications. These new developments have lead to a growing demand for skilled, IT-savvy employees.

Although it is important to have a traditional education in the finance and accounting field, many employees do apprenticeships to increase their field of knowledge. No official licensing qualifications are mandated by the state for
financial services workers and accountants wishing to work in Germany.

If you’re looking for a job in finance and accounting in Germany, check out the Deutscher Bankangestellten-Verband (DBV). The organization’s website offers an extensive amount of information on the German finance and accounting sector, including tips on finding jobs and locating business contacts.

Cultural Advice
Well-known for its beer, Lederhosen, and less-than-gourmet food, Germany is a country rich in history, art and natural beauty. Before you make your move, keep the following cultural tips in mind:

• Communications are generally quite formal. Even if colleagues have known each other for twenty years, many will still address each other as Mister (Herr) or Mrs. (Frau). Therefore, it is best to use the respectful Sie in sentences until being offered to switch over to the more familiar Du.

• Germans are people with a strong work ethic. In business they are very thorough and reliable. In general, German employers are driven by accuracy, discipline, and diligence. This sounds harsh and stereotypical, but it usually results in a good relationship between employer and employee. This inclination toward discipline may appear to expatriates as aloofness or unfriendliness, but is not necessarily the case.

• Family life is very important in German society. Therefore, Germans tend to leave work fairly early (relative to world standards) in order to spend time with their families. Vacations can be up to six weeks per year and are a priority for German families.

• It is customary throughout most of Germany for men to stand when women enter a room, and to remain standing when women are standing. Handshaking is also customary, even between men and women, provided that the woman offers her hand first. Only older men will on occasion kiss a woman’s hand.

Business meetings are often conducted over long lunches or beer. The beer is very tasty, but also strong, and one must be careful not to drink too much. When invited to dinner, expect the person extending the invitation to pay for the meal. Gifts for business meals are not expected.

Sales & Marketing
General employment trends in sales and marketing are very positive. The growth of Germany’s marketing industry, triggered by emerging technology and expanding global markets, is providing skilled applicants with new positions and more job opportunities. However, this boom is also causing a huge deficiency in qualified workers. In 2000, the amount of job offers grew by 20 percent, placing a big demand on the country’s sales and marketing workforce. Two-thirds of the jobs were posted by employment agencies.

The most qualified applicants will have a university degree in business administration, but many employees get their jobs by doing traineeships. In sales and marketing, creativity counts more than a degree, so getting a foot in the door is of primary importance.

Job-seekers should check out the Zentralverband der deutschen Werbewirtschaft (ZAW—The Central Association of the German Advertising Economy). The ZAW seeks to strike a balance between the advertising community and government in order to shape collective policies. Consequently, it is the counterweight to the governmental institutions in Germany and the European Union that regulate the advertising industry. The organization’s website offers many relevant articles as well as basic figures of the sales and marketing industry

General Business
Paralleling the growth in the United States, Japan, and other highly industrialized economies, e-commerce and e-consulting is growing in Germany. In the networked economy there is less time to spend on analysis and planning and a greater focus on building and developing a client's business.

As a result, consultancies are being forced to re-think the skill sets of their employees, and there is a growing emphasis on technical and business management experience as opposed to analytical and strategic competence. In addition to the new e-consultancies, hardware manufacturers, advertising agencies, and investment banks are entering the e-consulting arena.

Human resources management personnel can check out Deutsche Gesellschaft für Personalführung mbH (DGFP). The organization’s website is in German with some English available.

German business labor unions include Bundesverband Deutscher Unternehmensberater (BDU—The Federal Association of German Management Consultants). The BDU offers practical assistance in the exchange of information among the members, the formulation of career profiles, and up-to-date sector specific publications and news.

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Country Career Guides Table of Contents

I. COUNTRY PROFILE

II. JOB-SEARCH RESOURCES
1.Online Job Sites
2.Government-Sponsored Employment Offices
3.Job Fairs/Career Events
4.Staffing Agencies/Temporary Help Firms
5.Newspapers that Publish Job Advertisements
6.Other Resources

III. EMPLOYMENT TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES

General Trends
Information Technology
1. Certification/Education Requirements
2. Organizations/Trade Associations
3. Publications
4. Other Resources
Engineering
1. Certification/Education Requirements
2. Organizations/Trade Associations
3. Publications
4. Other Resources
Accounting and Finance
1. Certification/Education Requirements
2. Organizations/Trade Associations
3. Publications
4. Other Resources
Sales and Marketing
1. Certification/Education Requirements
2. Organizations/Trade Associations
3. Publications
4. Other Resources
General Business
1. Certification/Education Requirements
2. Organizations/Trade Associations
3. Publications
4. Other Resources

IV. PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND RESOURCES
1.Business Organizations/Trade Councils
2.Chambers of Commerce
3.Telephone Directories
4.Publications
5.Other Resources

VI. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS ( Cost of living, salaries, health insurance, taxes, vacation/leave, benefits, etc)

VII. WORK PERMITS/VISAS

VIII. JOB APPLICATION GUIDELINES
1.Cover Letter Guidelines and Sample
2.Resume/CV Guidelines and Samples

IX. INTERVIEWING ADVICE

X. CULTURAL ADVICE

XI. COUNTRY RESOURCE BOOKS