Find it in FRM: How to start a Job Search

If you would like to work in Germany, you should check whether your residence status includes a work permit. You can find this information on the residence permit in your passport. It is important to note that a work permit may be limited to certain professions, industries or companies.

For some professions, you need state recognition to work in that field. This applies, for example, to regulated health professions, teaching professions and engineering professions. For most other professions, this is not necessary. In this case, an equivalence assessment or a certificate evaluation can be advantageous when looking for a job. You can find initial information on the recognition of your foreign professional qualifications here on our skilled workers portal. 

In most cases, the working language is German. Therefore, German language skills are very important when looking for a job and in the workplace.

The Federal Employment Agency (BA) is a German government agency. One of its main tasks is to place people in jobs and training positions. To this end, it has a network of employment agencies and job centres throughout Germany. If you already live in Germany, you can find your nearest office here. 

Would you like employment advice on your chances on the German labour market? Then you can contact the BA's International Placement Services (ZAV). The ZAV will also inform you about the conditions under which you are allowed to work in Germany. Through its BERUFENET website, the BA also offers an encyclopaedia of occupations. There, you can find out about different occupational fields and check what the occupation you are qualified for is called in Germany. 

Another important point of contact is the Welcomecenter FrankfurtRheinMain. The team answers questions about job opportunities in Hessen and helps with application preparation. 

The Regional Integration Network IQ Hessen is committed to improving the integration of adults of foreign origin into the labour market. Among other things, it provides advice on the recognition of your professional qualifications acquired abroad and on qualification opportunities. If you live in Frankfurt, you can also contact the berami advice centre. Another point of contact is the FRAP Agency – an advice centre for career-related issues in Frankfurt.

You can search for suitable job offers online. There are several well-known and broad-based job portals. In addition, there are also industry-specific job portals. It is essential to ensure that these are reputable job portals and job offers. 

Other options for searching for jobs online in Germany include the German government's job portal for skilled workers from abroad, the European job and information portal EURES, and the job exchange of the Federal Employment Agency. In addition, counties often feature regional and local job exchanges. 

Are you already familiar with companies in Germany, or have you come across specific employers during your job search? Many companies also publish their job offers on their company websites. It may therefore be worthwhile to keep a list of companies that interest you and check them regularly for job vacancies. It may also be worthwhile to send a speculative application.

It can also be worthwhile to draw attention to yourself by creating your own profile on well-known online business networks. Some companies also post their job vacancies there. Another way to find vacancies and interesting employers is at job fairs and trade conferences. Regional and local newspapers also publish job advertisements – not only in print, but also online. 

Once you have found one or more suitable job offers, the application process begins. You can find helpful information on this here on our skilled worker portal.

In Germany and in FrankfurtRheinMain, qualified skilled workers are particularly in demand. An overview of professions in which skilled workers are particularly in high demand can be found on the Make it in Germany website. Professions with a shortage of skilled workers are often referred to as shortage occupations.