Germany : Job market

What are my chances of getting a job?

New graduates from the UK rarely secure work immediately after graduation at a professional level in Germany, except teaching English as a foreign language, although there are opportunities in casual work in the hospitality and other service sectors.

• Typical problems encountered: unlike the UK, there are no graduate level positions that are open to graduates in any discipline. In addition, German students almost always complete one or more periods of work experience (Praktikum) before graduation, and go on to apply for work in the same field.
• How to improve your chances: you are more likely to secure graduate-level work in Germany if you first gain qualifications and experience in the UK. A further qualification gained in Germany could also boost your chances. If you are determined to get work there as soon as possible, securing at least one Praktikum should improve your chances.
• Language requirements: While most well-educated Germans can speak some English, many fluently, and English is widely used in international business settings, you will need a strong command of German to stand a realistic chance of getting work in Germany. Learndirect has a searchable database of courses in the UK. Your university may also run modules in some foreign languages, including German. Self-study and distance learning courses are available through organisations such as Eurotalk Interactive , Key Languages and the Open University (OU) .

Where can I work?

• Major industries: chemicals, engineering, electronics, IT, machinery, vehicles, machine tools, food and beverages, shipbuilding, textiles.
• Recent growth areas: telecommunications, hi-tech manufactured products, automotive industry, banking, tourism.
• Industries in decline: mining, forestry, steel, agriculture, the remnants of former state-run industries in the former East Germany.
• Shortage occupations: skilled trades, engineering, IT, hospitality, administration, teaching.
• Major companies: Allianz, BASF, Bayer, BMW, Bosch, Deutsche Bank, SAP, Siemens, Volkswagen.
• Search for more companies: the British Chamber of Commerce in Germany ,  Gelbe Seiten (German Yellow Pages) , the German-British Chamber of Industry and Commerce , the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany , Kompass Germany and Wikipedia - List of Companies in Germany also provide information about companies operating in Germany as well as German companies operating in the UK.
• Major cities: Berlin (the capital and largest city), Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, München (Munich), Stuttgart.

What’s it like working in Germany?

• Average working hours: slightly shorter than in the UK, at an average of around 35 hours per week.
• Holidays: minimum 24 days per annum, but usually between 28 and 32, plus nine days’ public holiday. 3 October is the Day of German Unity, a national holiday; otherwise the major Christian festivals are holidays as in the UK. See How to Germany for a full list.
• Average graduate starting salary: comparable to the UK overall - €35,973-€39,897 (Hobsons Careers in Europe).
• Tax rates: income tax is on a progressive scale ranging from 0% to 45% (2009). Compulsory contributions are made by workers into a social insurance fund to cover medical treatment, pension contributions, etc. (About Germany).
• Work practices and customs: business etiquette is somewhat more formal in Germany than in the UK. Titles are accorded greater importance, and people are more often addressed by their title and surname than in British workplaces. Dress and behaviour are expected to be conservative by British standards.