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A practical, updated guide to CVs, cover letters, visa basics, networking, and a comprehensive list of job websites for Germany — including both classic portals and the latest 2025 additions.
Understanding the German Job Market
Germany continues to attract global professionals across automotive, engineering, IT, healthcare, and finance. Major hubs like Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg remain competitive, so combining the right portals with targeted networking can significantly improve results.
Application Essentials
- German-style CV (Lebenslauf): Keep it structured and focused (ideally ≤2 pages). Tailor to each role.
- Cover Letter (Anschreiben): Explain your fit, motivation, and impact for that specific employer.
- Translate when required: If the role needs German, submit documents in German.
- Visa basics: Non-EU professionals commonly use the EU Blue Card; always verify current immigration rules.
- Network smartly: Leverage LinkedIn/XING groups, meetups, and alumni circles.
- Be persistent: Expect multiple interview rounds and due diligence. Consistency wins.
Top Job Websites:
General Job Portals
- Excelloit – Specialized in IT recruitment.
- Jobs.de – Broad multi-industry listings.
- Workwise.io – Startups and SMEs.
- JobScout24 – Popular historic brand (keep for completeness).
- Make-it-in-Germany – Official portal for qualified professionals.
- CareerBuilder – Global portal with German listings.
- EnglishJobs.de – English-speaking roles.
- Republic.de/Stellenmarkt – Industry-wide listings (keep for completeness).
- JobNinja – App-driven job search.
- The Local – English-friendly jobs.
- Job-Treff – Multi-sector portal.
- Jobware – Professional jobs.
- LinkedIn – Jobs + recruiting network.
- Monster.de – Global engine, DE focus.
- Stellenanzeigen.de – Large German portal.
- StellenOnline – Broad coverage.
- StepStone – One of the biggest in Germany.
- Jobs.sz.de – Süddeutsche Zeitung jobs.
- Stellenmarkt.Sueddeutsche.de – SZ job portal.
- YourFirm – Focus on SMEs.
- XING – D-A-CH professional network.
- Indeed – Extensive aggregator in Germany.
Specialized Job Websites
- Aubi-Plus – Apprenticeships & training.
- DV-Treff – IT/SAP & software.
- Experteer – Senior & executive roles.
- FoodJobs – Food industry.
- Golem Jobs – Tech roles.
- HandwerkerStellen – Skilled trades.
- Heise Jobs – IT & tech.
- HogaPage – Hospitality.
- Ingenieur.de – Engineering.
- IT-Arbeitsmarkt – IT jobs.
- IT-Steps – IT roles (keep for completeness).
- IT-Treff – Tech/IT roles.
- Kliniken.de Jobs – Healthcare.
- SalesJob – Sales roles.
- Sekretärin.de – Admin roles.
- t3n Jobs – Digital & startup.
Regional Job Websites
- Jobs-für-meine-Region – Regional network (keep for completeness).
- Kalaydo – Strong in Rhineland.
- MeineStadt.de Jobs – City-level search.
- Regio-Jobanzeiger – Regional boards.
New & Noteworthy in 2025 (Additions)
- Arbeitsagentur.de – Official Federal Employment Agency portal.
- Google for Jobs – Aggregated results directly on Google (search for job titles + location).
- Adzuna – Growing job search aggregator.
- Honeypot.io – Developer-focused; employers invite candidates.
- Wellfound (ex-AngelList) – Startups (tech, product, design).
- Expatica Jobs – Curated jobs for expats.
- Europe Language Jobs – Multilingual roles.
- EURES – EU-wide mobility portal.
- jobvector – STEM specialists.
- Glassdoor & kununu – Employer reviews & salaries.
- Talent.Berlin – City talent portal example (Berlin).
Quick Comparison (New Platforms)
| Platform | Focus | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Arbeitsagentur.de | Official government portal | All professions |
| Google for Jobs | Aggregator (within Google) | Broad visibility |
| Adzuna | Aggregator | Wide coverage |
| Honeypot.io | Developer-focused | Software engineers |
| Wellfound | Startups | Tech, product, design |
| Expatica Jobs | Expat-friendly | International talent |
| Europe Language Jobs | Multilingual roles | Polyglots |
| jobvector | STEM specialists | Engineers, scientists, IT |
| Glassdoor / kununu | Employer insights | Company research |
Pro Tips
- Mix platforms: Use large portals, expat-friendly sites, and niche boards together.
- Set alerts: Create job alerts on core platforms to catch new roles early.
- Localize: Add German keywords to your CV and profiles.
- Vet employers: Check Glassdoor/kununu before applying or accepting offers.
- Network: A warm intro can beat a cold application.
References & Sources
Disclaimer & Credits
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not guarantee employment outcomes. While care has been taken to ensure accuracy, Excelloit Consultancy Services GmbH assumes no liability for errors, changes to third-party platforms, or content on external websites. Readers should verify details directly with official sources and employers.
Drafting note: This blog was prepared with assistance from ChatGPT (OpenAI).