Getting ready for the German labour market
Getting ready for the German labour market
by Laura Parrott
University and Career Counsellor
Entering the job market for the first time can be difficult to navigate, especially for those in a foreign country who are not native speakers. At St. George´s, a significant number of our students decide to study in Germany and subsequently start looking for their first job here. To prepare our final years´ students, we ensure they have a clear understanding of the specificities of the German job market and help them to maximise their chances of finding the best opportunities.
Competent language skills are crucial.
One of the primary considerations for international students entering the job market is having proficient language skills. Only an estimated 3.4% of jobs are conducted entirely in English. Job specifications for English speaking jobs often have a caveat that you must have some German language skills. Even for English-speaking job roles, there is often a requirement for some level of German. This varies depending on the field, but generally, jobs that engage with the German legal system or authorities, such as HR positions, will need German language proficiency. Start-up companies, especially those in technological fields, are less likely to require language skills. Non-German native speakers may need to be more resourceful in their job search, and we guide our students to the various existing platforms that can facilitate a successful job hunt.
Education is key.
German companies frequently prioritise education qualifications over work experience. Over the years, the importance has grown, with many individuals obtaining degrees to secure job opportunities. We constantly advise our students to choose the best options for formal qualifications, such as IGCSE, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and the IB Career Diploma.
Standing out from the crowd is essential.
We prepare our students to write CVs and motivational letters in a manner consistent with German standards. We provide them with How-To guides and emphasise the significance of distinguishing themselves from other applicants. We assist them in highlighting not only their qualifications, but also their personal identities through extra-curricular and community service activities.
St. George´s motto, Beyond Education, is a fundamental aspect of our students´ school experience. From a young age, we encourage pupils to explore and develop their passions and interests, whether through sport, music, drama, or other pursuits. Through all our programmes, we prepare them to be on stage, build confidence and feel comfortable in future interviews.
When trying to enter the labour market in Germany, or any other job market, one needs to be proactive, resilient, and true to themselves. From the outset, our school aims to nurture the whole child, with a strong emphasis on student well-being. We aspire to cultivate responsible citizens, who have a clear sense of their identity and the courage to pursue their dreams.
We genuinely hope that the sense of confidence, courage and community building that we instill in all of our students will shine through during their interviews.
