This article follows the article on job searching in Germany. The goal here is to give you practical tips to make your application successful. If you need information on how to conduct a job search in Germany, check out our article. But for now, let's get started!

Company Types: Large or Small?

The requirements and strategies may differ depending on the companies you want to apply to. Let's quickly review the two types of companies found in Germany.

Large Companies

Large companies are global corporations with branches all over the world. The atmosphere is more international and colleagues often speak English with each other, even at the office. That's why German skills are not necessarily required when you apply for a job at this type of company.

Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for 95% of German companies. The headquarters are usually located in small towns, but operations are conducted worldwide. These are also family businesses passed down from generation to generation. And generally, being able to speak fluent German is a requirement.

Tips

We suggest students start their application 6 months before graduation and prepare for every interview, from the first handshake to the right intonation. Some companies only recruit new employees at certain times of the year, so you need to be aware of the hiring calendar to submit your application on time. Here are some tips to help you prepare!

Before Applying

• Prepare by writing a self-presentation from the employer's perspective. Answer questions about the advantages you'll bring to the company, your professional and general skills, as well as your competitive advantages that set you apart from other candidates. Be honest when writing your CV and practice presenting your work experience in detail, as this could be the next question asked by the interviewer. Try to take control of the interview! During your preparation, make a list of all possible questions about your studies, internship period, and work experience.
• Check all information about the company and the department you want to work in. Show that you're passionate about this position.
• Practice English and German. Even if the interview is in English, also practice speaking German. This can be an advantage for you, since you're about to work in Germany anyway. Check out some YouTube channels if you're not familiar with English or German phrases in an interview context. You can find interview tips there and improve your language skills.
• Think of all the questions you'd ask at the end of the interview, because your interviewers will ask if you have any questions about the company or the position. Having questions prepared will help you leave a good impression of a well-prepared candidate with a curious mind.
• For creative and artistic specialties like marketing or graphic design, prepare your portfolio or samples to present during the interview.
• All these tips are useful, but they would be useless if you don't practice in advance. So make sure to do lots of mock interviews with your friends. You can also ask for advice, before the interview, from senior students at your university about their work and application experience.

During the Interview

Be on time! This will show you're serious. Be honest. If you don't understand the interviewers' questions, ask them to explain. Don't be shy. Every question is also important for your future decisions. It also shows that you're a quick thinker and you'll be considered an active candidate. Dress appropriately! First impressions are important! Don't be too nervous. Try to relax and stay calm to answer each question. Don't rush to answer questions. You can think about the answers for about 5 to 10 seconds, then try to respond logically. At the end of the interview, briefly ask when you'll receive a response. If there's no response after 2 weeks, contact the responsible person by phone or email and ask politely.

After Applying

If no prior arrangement was made, check on your application status by email or phone one week after submitting the application. It's normal for your application to be rejected several times. You may also not get responses or interview invitations. Don't be discouraged, keep searching. Persist! Don't give up after receiving the first rejection letters! If you don't get a job offer, ask your interviewers what they think, for example what your strengths are and what you should improve, etc. We hope these tips will be helpful for your application. Be well prepared and you'll surely have a chance! Good luck!