How to IMPROVE your job application for Germany

[@EA-47]

You guys are doing an amazing work for us foreigners, keep it up ❤️

[@MsMinoula]

Mistake #4 You are a foreigner who is looking for a job in Germany :P I mean, I've heard back from american companies' german/eu office ..while the german "international" companies I've been applying to haven't given me so much as a screening call. I accept it that a company will hire who they believe fits best, no issue with that but let's be honest. Sometimes you will be rejected because of some prejudice . That's a reality job seekers from abroad have to come to terms with. Not to discredit any of the advice shown, it is really well presented and positive. It's not a bad idea to ask for some help , knowing you are not first choice means your application does need to be excellent. eventually you will get interviews. I edited for more positivity.

[@simplegermany]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@EmmanuelMuthomi]

I am afraid you are right!

[@fleazapp]

so true. my gf has 10+ years of experience, but only knows German at A2 level, and still barely gets a job. Although I understand this, it still doesn't make sense when those fluent speakers don't do their work properly

[@dot-q8k]

Lol, wait and watch the downfall of the west is near!

[@saladien9987]

My wife has the same issue. Germans just don’t want A2. That’s why that country is going under.

[@turjo119]

I must've forgotten to read a newsletter article cause i didn't know you two had actually launched an online course. I hope those struggling to find jobs will land one hopefully with your aid ❤

[@truthseeker5613]

Great videos guys... So far, this is my favorite channel for german info. I want to know if it's possible that you make a video about completing higher education in Germany and what are some of the best universities. Thank you for your hard work! ❤

[@estertistica]

Your job is one of the kind! My goal is to binge-watch your videos!

[@estertistica]

Ops, *one of a kind 😁

[@Rudilsa80]

I literally stumbled upon this video and boy am I glad. I am a mum of three from the uk and haven’t had financial employment for 13 years. I am creating my “German CV” and want to make it immediately relatable to German employers. I have German citizenship but my German is B1 level and that was self learnt. I was wondering if a job centre is a reliable option to find help with getting into the German work market.

[@simplegermany]

Good to have you here with us 😊 tbh a Jobcenter may be able to assist you, but I wouldn't rely on them. I'd rather rely on my own efforts and an active job search approach. You will find more job openings online than the Jobcenter has access to. Then again the Jobcenter may have some job openings you don't find online - it depends a bit on the job you are looking for 😊

[@Rudilsa80]

@@simplegermany thanks for the advice.

[@joannunemaker6332]

Good advice. I enjoyed this video. 😊❤

[@DenG611]

Hey ladies, how about showing what German format CV is? Thanks

[@simplegermany]

We do in this video 😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaHOgYKjYpaZnNUsi=TN_5vB909nW_apHq

[@AlexandraKoledova]

hi, dear Jen and Yvonne! thank you for your video! you are making good content) I have a question. So, I understand well why German employers want to get targeted CVs and cover letters etc. I did it intuitively as well. But why then they all reject you with absolutely the same copy-past emails? From company to company - text usually is the same or pretty similar that is sent automatically. I think I got only 1 personal and targeted rejection. This what was making me mostly disappointed and demotivated while I was searching for job. When you spend so much time and put so much effort and don't deserve even 1 freehand personal sentence about the denial. I would appreciate your opinion about it) Thank you!

[@simplegermany]

Yeah, I get it that can be very disheartening. When I (Jen) was looking for jobs I even sent personalized videos and custom applications. Most of the time I did not even get a single response. However, I did not let that demotivate me. I knew I would find the right company. Eventually I did. If I would have just blasted a general CV after my disappointments, I would have probably not found the company that I did. So keep at it :)

[@PierIsABaraReader]

You should have a separate PSA video for individuals trying their luck with their student visa and attempting to convert it to Chancenkarte or other Work Permits while "still supposed to be studying". There are still individuals that has this mindset.

this video is gold!

[@AntonioB.Arroyo]

Hello Jen & Yvonne, i'm really curious if this approach is also useful when applying for ausbildungs, as they are not necessarily 'a job', but they do include working for a company, thank you for your time, great video btw!

[@simplegermany]

The general approach of describing how you can be of value to the company always applies, regardless of what position you are looking for. Your CV will of course look different, since you most likely don't have that much work experience yet.

[@designwithm8497]

I appreciate your efforts in offering assistance. However, I have concerns about discrimination. As a 54-year-old Greek seeking a position as a visual merchandiser in Dresden, I have already implemented all the suggestions provided in this video. Unfortunately, after a year and a half, I have yet to find success. I genuinely feel that the rejections I face may be linked to my foreign name, and possibly my age as well.

[@simplegermany]

Thanks for sharing your experience. To be honest, we don't have experience with the visual merchandise industry.

[@designwithm8497]

@@simplegermany Thank you for your response. Ageism is indeed a significant issue in my home country, and I initially believed it wouldn't be a problem in Germany. However, I'm beginning to rethink that perspective.

[@bhavdippathar003]

Hi Yovnne & Jen Again really great video. I want to join The Smoothler Club but unfortunately currently it is showing full. Is there any other-way around to join definitely would love it. Thank you for sharing the good information. Keep sharing ❤

[@simplegermany]

Thanks for your great feedback 😊 Indeed, the Smoothler Club is currently closed. Should it ever re-open, we will for sure let you know!

[@gonzalezsilvi4152]

Hi there, could you please share the link or format of German-style CV?

[@simplegermany]

Hey! You can get it here: simplegermany.shop/products/german-style-cv-template-ebook

[@nihadabasov7654]

Hey hey! always great content! thanks a lot for this. I just have a question for which I can't find a proper and neat answer so far. I want to know if with this new law of 3 years - are my university or language course years fully count towards naturalisation? or is it still as 2 years of education = 1 year ?

[@simplegermany]

Studies don’t always count, it depends how they are defined. Only the time counts that gets defined as gewöhnlicher Aufenthalt.

[@TariqulIslam-x1d]

Good vedio

[@smrititales]

I agree with the above points. I had followed all the above steps, and my CV had got shortlisted for a big German company too. They asked for further documents, which I had provided and enquired if they need anything else. However, they never responded after that, I followed up with the team for almost 3-4 months. They replied saying the application process is still going on and they will update on that. After 6-7 months, I get an email saying they couldn't move forward with the application with no reason given. It was so strange!

[@simplegermany]

Yes, with some companies in Germany the hiring process can be very slow. Then again with others it's faster. I depends on the type of company.

[@wenbemol888]

How about cover letter? I think that’s my big mistake and have trouble solving it :(

[@simplegermany]

The cover letter is a tricky one, as it depends on how the job ad is written. We go into detail and have a specific lesson just on the cover letter in our Get Hired course (link in description). If you'd like quick free guidance, you can watch our KZbin video on the topic: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jofNaoSkfMZqidE 😊

[@jillianmorrison8505]

In Berlin, it is common for foreigners (and locals) to take 6-12 months to find a new job... yet hiring managers say they can't find anyone to fill their roles? I have been applying to jobs for which I would easily expect a call-back, but only painful rejections so far. I've just purchased this course, so let's see how we go :)

[@simplegermany]

Awesome! We’re confident it will help you out! Please do let us know how it goes ☺️ all the best for your job search!

[@octavioorozco4315]

I'm going to have my second interview for an engineering position, is there something I can improve on or prepare for? 😬 i guess my CV barely pass the german criteria lulz. Lovely videos as always :)

[@simplegermany]

Big congrats! We talk about job interviews in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnu3q6eljdVqga8si=O4_gkei3nz-V8-o3 We go into a lot more detail in our video course. 😊

[@cashahmed]

Hey Jen/Ivon, does adding pic on CV required? Will my CV get rejected if I don't add it? Thanks.

[@simplegermany]

From the conversations we have had with recruiters, it is not a must. But it can help if it is professional. If it is a bad picture it will hurt you more than not having a picture. Every recruiter has a different opinion on the topic of a picture 😉

[@spacextreme1]

I have few questions. 1. What really is a German style cv? Europass CV ? CV in German language? 2. Do companies really use ATS and if yes how does it work? 3. Fine tuning CV 10+ times a day is not really practical. Which top 3 job boards do you suggest? Lastly, Do you have an SQA position open somewhere you know of? 😂

[@simplegermany]

Hey! We answer what a German-style CV is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaHOgYKjYpaZnNU Don’t use Europass to apply for professional jobs! That will most likely hinder your chances. ATS is BS in Germany. And we mention the top boards on our guide here: www.simplegermany.com/work-in-germany-without-german/#5_Tips_to_help_you_find_an_English-speaking_job_in_Germany We tackle all of these topics into more detail in our course as well ☺️

[@entHERpreneur]

Good content. Most of the rejections I face is because they prefer people living in Germany (even if it is a remote job) because of Visa and insurance issues, even though Job description doesn't mention it. I don't live in EU but I am fluent in German, as often asked in jobs I apply for (social media manger). Some companies approached me for next round of interview but the moment I tell them I don't live in Germany, I face rejection. What do I do then?

[@simplegermany]

Our question would be whether you want to move to Germany? It's true a lot of German companies have restrictions for employees to live outside of Germany or the EU full-time, due to insurance issues. So we see two solutions for you; either you portray that you want to move to Germany (even if it is a remote job) or if you don't, you offer to work as a freelancer. That erases the insurance issue.

[@entHERpreneur]

@@simplegermany even if I tell them I am open to relocate, they cancel on me as I don't have work visa, which I cannot get until they give me an offer letter. What do you suggest in this case?

[@simplegermany]

Again there are different ways to approach this. We know of community members who start as freelancers while waiting for the visa to come through. If you are hitting a wall by applying from outside of Germany, maybe the Chancenkarte is an option for you - that is what it is made for at the end of the day 😊

[@Parask03_]

A quick question - you mentioned tailoring CV as per job ad. I tried that earlier, but it takes about 30 minutes or so, to tailor the resume only to get rejected on the next day. Any suggestions?

[@simplegermany]

Make sure you follow all the other guidelines we mention in this video and in our playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLnp3hGZLHcOWdFqddbduUQMC_y_CbP2QV. And if you want a more concise version, you can purchase our course: simplegermany.com/get-hired

[@styzicmuzic]

Hi Jen and Yvonne, do you guys know anyone who could review our CV to see if it will be effective?

[@simplegermany]

Yes, we do 😊 We offer CV reviews to students who have adapted our German-Style CV template. You can book your personal call here: simplegermany.shop/pages/german-style-cv-template-packages

[@styzicmuzic]

@@simplegermanythat's great! thank you guys

[@elizabethsilvia5249]

Hola Jen, Soy Eli. Por favor en castellano podes explicarme lo del impuesto a la religión, en que momento lo cobran. Si voy para trabajar pero aún no tengo un trabajo: Cómo en cuáles áreas puedo postularme ya que estoy aprendiendo alemán. Con respecto a los Banco, cuál me conviene como hacer el trámite.

[@simplegermany]

Hola Eli. Con gusto! El impuesto de la iglesia: Cuando haces el Anmeldung, tienes que llenar un formulario. Si en este formulario pones que eres Cristiana/o, entonces la Bürgerbüro le pasa esa información a Finanzas (Finanzamt) y ese impuesto se te cobrará desde tu salario. En cuanto al trabajo: depende mucho de en qué industria estés. Tenemos una playlist entera (en inglés) sobre cómo encontrar trabajo en Alemania: kzbin.info/aero/PLnp3hGZLHcOWdFqddbduUQMC_y_CbP2QV&si=dgg14UQTebBrvBJ4 En cuanto al banco - puedes encontrar los bancos en nuestro tool porque depende de tu nacionalidad y estado de residencia en Alemania: www.simplegermany.com/banky/

[@jazzochannel]

I did a job-seeker's course in Norway in 2013-ish. One of the instructors had this piece of advice: "You need to get brown on your nose". Seems to me like the German market needs the applicants to brown their nose even more than the Norwegian market.

[@ThePaulodash]

What does "brown their nose" means?

[@I_Will_Be_There_For_You]

Following

[@jazzochannel]

@@ThePaulodash guess 3 times... I can spell it out, but in this case it's better to allow people to conjure up their own mental images. I'll help you... which part of the human body do you have to touch with your nose to make it brown?

[@DenG611]

Kiss ass ​@@ThePaulodash

[@owaisabbasi7704]

The ZAV just recommended me to use Europass format for CV and shared a link with me as well.... Now I am confused after watching this video....

[@simplegermany]

Don’t use Europass! That’s all we can say! Governmental institutions are sometimes very far from reality and don’t live in realtime. We have the finger on the pulse and share all our insights with you! We want to help you, not share theoretical processes 😊

[@owaisabbasi7704]

@@simplegermany Thank you so much for your help and support. I am trying to find my feet in germany. Preparing for certificate and then will apply through Chancenkarte. I am very positive, hopefully one day ....

[@LigawingPinoy]

I don’t mean any offense, but I believe the topics you’re discussing are fairly standard expectations for job applicants, whether in Germany or elsewhere. Applicants (should) typically invest time tailoring their résumés to the position they’re applying for, make sure to read the job opening itself, and do some research or at least read up on the company before applying. That being said, the video content is great-it serves as a really good reminder for everyone who is looking for a job! Thank you for always making a video for expats and/or future expats. 😊❤

[@simplegermany]

We totally agree, however reality is often different. We wouldn’t be making these videos if it were common practice 😊 in so many of our consultations do we see these mistakes and the work not being done. Cultural differences play a big role here as well. What some think might be a standard is not perceived as such elsewhere.

[@hobbytsworld]

German hiring process is totally subjective story & there is no order in it from my perspective.

[@danishkhan-lt6ig]

Agree

[@simplegermany]

True, every company handles the hiring process differently, but the general gist of things are a first get-to-know you call, followed by 2-3 interviews. And it of course is subjective, as next to hard skills, soft skills in terms of your personality play a huge role. And depending on company culture, the criteria in this area vary. We go into detail on exactly that aspect in our course 😊

[@Runlemon]

Is it okay to take your CV, dress professionally and hand it in at HR for any position that they deem is suitable( if they speak English)? Is it seen as rude and irritating or as this person is Eager and interested?

[@simplegermany]

Unsolicited applications (in German Initiativbewerbung) are actually quite welcome in Germany. However, you should know what role you want to perform and what you are good at, because if you don't then how is the company supposed to know? Whether you walk in personally into a company to hand in your application we'd say depends on the type of company and culture. In a corporate environment that might not work as well as in a more low-key flat hierarchy environment.

[@Runlemon]

@@simplegermany Thank you, this helps a lot. The information on your Channel is amazing!

[@yashartha]

I applied to one company and they called me after 2 months and they asked me what type of engine we work with? I mean seriously ? you expect me to be a CHATGPT ? Sorry, but it has nothing to do with CV or anything. They only hire in their own circle.

[@AliAlKhateeb-b1e]

The course " Get hired in Germany " is very expensive! I don't know why.

[@simplegermany]

Thanks for taking a look at our 'Get hired in Germany' course. There is two aspects to pricing; first this is an in-depth course that needs your commitment. You will only see the results if you go through the entire course and take massive action. How many times have you got something for free or very cheap and then actually never used it or used it once and forgot about it? Weirdly enough, we as humans only value things when we invest our hard-earned money. Second, to create such an in-depth course carries quite some costs with it. So in order to keep on doing what we do, we of course need to recuperate those costs - that's how any company works. We truly believe that this course will help those who are willing to put in the work. Having said that we adjusted our early-bird pricing to be able to help even more internationals 😊

[@AliAlKhateeb-b1e]

@@simplegermany Thanks 😊

[@frogGames]

I did everything and still getting rejected, stopped applying now.

[@danishkhan-lt6ig]

Same. German style, German language, skills tried everything. Secondly, some of them got job even without German format cv. It's the same old advice hearing from the past many years

[@frogGames]

@@danishkhan-lt6ig me too, i did everything to specs. I even tried to fake and put some imaginary good skills no response. Meanwhile when i changed my location on LinkedIn to germany i started getting some recruiters contacting me asking if we can do an interview. It's simple they don't want to go through the visa process

[@simplegermany]

And yet, we know so many expats who got hired from abroad - at least in the Tech & IT industry. Other industries might be very different.

[@frogGames]

@@simplegermany Do you any expats that graduated freshly and have successfully found a job contract while being outside of Germany in 2024?

[@rishiraj2548]

🙂

[@TariqulIslam-x1d]

Go vedio

[@ankpe2636]

Whats the future for international workers due to raise of afd ? Do you think germany will still be a heaven for those who are fed up with their own country ?

[@simplegermany]

It is heaven if you make it your heaven. There is no perfect country in the world when you look at the grand-scheme of things. We believe we shape our own lives. We go into more detail in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5PQZqFsZt-GmKM 😊

[@DeutscheStrande-gl5xi]

LOL have you become an expert on getting jobs in Germany? I don’t think you already having a job makes you a qualified expert..sorry. Maybe if you quit your current job and tried successfully getting a couple of new job offers just to prove your point. It’s easier said than done.

[@simplegermany]

Thank you for your perspective. Our students and community who succeed to get jobs in Germany with our help tell a different story 😊

[@DeutscheStrande-gl5xi]

@@simplegermany Very well then, could you please show us the proof of successful students getting actual jobs in separate videos. How about you create videos of students successfully getting jobs?

[@simplegermany]

Yes, feel free to watch the video testimonial here: simplegermany.shop/pages/german-style-cv-template-packages. We never said it was easy, but we do believe with the right skills, mindest and strategy it is totally possible 😊

[@jamesanderson1397]

How can I contact you via email...

[@simplegermany]

Right here: www.simplegermany.com/contact/ 😊

[@mansibhatt6118]

Hi Jen and Yvonne, I am Manshi from India looking for jobs actively. I don't have any idea how can I get into Germany. There's plenty of openings but I don't understand the actual ones. I am tired of applying to the Jobs. Could you please please please help me with this. I have some queries but no one is there to answer them or guide me. 🥲

[@simplegermany]

Hello Manshi 👋 we totally understand that it can be frustrating. We are super happy to help and guide. That is exactly why we built this course 😊 it guides you through every step! We analyze job ads together and have over the shoulder videos where we explain what we think and look at.