From Resume to Paid Internship: What Helped a Ukrainian Find a Job in Germany

A Ukrainian woman who got a job at a German company shared her experience of employment in Germany. She advises applying while learning the language, looking for vacancies directly from employers, and preparing different versions of the resume. She talked about it in her TikTok video.

Job Vacancies in Germany: Where to Search for Jobs and How to Write a Resume

In addition to Stepstone and Indeed, the Ukrainian woman recommends checking the job database of the Federal Employment Agency and the Karriere or Jobs sections on company websites. If getting a job quickly is important, consider looking in neighboring cities.

She prepares her resume in Word with a simple layout to make it easier for automated screening systems to read the text. When applying, choose the format requested by the employer. It's best to tailor the resume to the positions you are applying for:

• Prepare three to four versions for different groups of vacancies.
• In each version, highlight the experience and skills relevant to that job.
• In the cover letter, explain how your experience fits the specific employer.

When searching in several cities, it is helpful to compare salaries in Germany by profession and region. Before applying, check whether the salary for full employment is specified and what amount is offered before deductions.

Paid Internship in Germany: When to Apply

The Ukrainian woman also advises looking for announcements marked Praktikum. One of her internships lasted a year, and she received a salary throughout that time. Payment conditions should be clarified with the specific employer.

Based on her experience, it is worth applying while learning German, even if you lack a few desired skills. In the announcement, pay attention to the requirements that the employer explicitly states are mandatory, especially the language level.

If after employment you plan to transition to a work permit, check the conditions for yourself and family members in advance. Changing the basis of residence for one spouse does not automatically change the documents of the other.