English jobs in Germany are rare and hard to find. International professionals need to convince German employers to hire them in English and allow them to learn German “on the job” – if they want to find enough job offers.

In this Q&A session I answer questions from expatriates like you. Professionals who are hunting for their next job in Germany.

In the introduction I explain why the time between September and Christmas is perfect for the jobhunt.

Then I answer questions from my audience. Here are some examples:

English jobs in Germany – your questions answered

I’ve listened to one of your previous podcast recordings and the guest directed listeners to apply via their website (or LinkedIn). However, when applying through the website, the application still goes to HR. This means the hiring manager may not even be aware of the application for the position they mentioned. What are your suggestions in such cases?
Petal

Mr Pyak I am an international expat I dont know German but trying to learn German but very fluent in English. Can we really get job in Germany? I am into sales and marketing professional with 18 years of experience ,had many awards for the performance but everytime when we apply the job we dont get the opportunity .Why is that so?
Sandeep

My doubt is below. If the job description is in German, is there any use of applying to same position in an English Cover Letter & CV ?
Akhil

I have 2 questions. 1: After my interviews I have gotten the response that I need a work permit & visa before they would be willing to give me a job offer, but when I have gone to get that from the government they say I need to get a job offer first (which matches my online research). How do I respond to potential employers when they say this? My other question is if I purchase your services, but I get a job offer from a recruiting firm would I get some sort of refund?
Eric

Hi, I am trying all your tricks and advice but not working so far. I am a Supply chain professional with 14 yr exp and in Berlin since Mar’19. What is the issue? so far applied 200 plus jobs
Vijay

The jobs that require the verbal communication more than written like sales and business development jobs ,do the German Companies prefer English speaking candidates rather than German language.
Sandeep

How do I explain or motivate career change in a way that will position me to win the minds of Germans. I have two years experience say in Taxation but made a decision to transition into Data analytics. I have the skills and qualifications for such a change. But the German employers at the interview explain that it is ‘komisch’
Phemelo

Hello, I work with operations and Supplychain, having the German level between B1 and B2, my perception after 1 month applying for Jobs here is German, os that there is a Barreer with HR that disclassify us, what would be a good strategy to get through? Thanks
Wagner

Hello Pyak, I got a draft contract offer from a company in koln (Germany) with unlimited contract. In the draft copy the remuneration was mentioned 50,000 Euros per year. And later I asked for more remuneration like 54,000 Euros per year. And the company didn’t come back to me after it. I really feel bad if I had agreed for the same remuneration. I would have got the offer. Any suggestions, how to get back to them to work for same remuneration. It’s been a one-month now.
Peeyush

How about when someone speaks good German, C1, but is over 60. I hear it is hard to get a job in Germany when one is older. I did get a response from an email I sent to a company for a computer operator job.But they want Zeugnisse, which we don’t have in America. Any suggestions? They want an Anschreiben, CV (which the already received??) but I can send it again, and my Zeugnisse. My question, is best way to do the above and is it worth my while at my age to even bother.
Cacilia

When I read a job description in German, but the requirements do not mention good German knowledge (just fluent in English, for example). In such cases, it it worth giving it a try? Thanks a lot!
Tung

Between September and Christmas eve is the best time to apply for a new job. German employers make decisions way faster than in the rest of the year. (The average job ad is online for only 12 days in the last quarter, compared to 33-45 days in the first nine months of the year.)
Make use of this time! Let me guide you in your job hunt and get you in touch with German managers of your choice.

I wish you success.

Chris Pyak
Author
“How To Win Jobs & Influence Germans”