How do I apply for a job in Germany, and which documents do I need?

To search for jobs: The Federal Employment Agency's (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) Jobsuche site is free. You can search by job and location without an account. There are filters for full-time, part-time (Teilzeit), mini jobs (Minijob) and working from home. If you like, you can open an account and save your searches.

An application (Bewerbungsunterlagen) usually has three parts: cover letter (Anschreiben), CV (Lebenslauf) and certificates (Zeugnisse: diplomas and employment references). References and language course certificates can be added if you have them.

Cover letter: Explain why you're applying and why you're a good fit. Mention your language skills and expertise. Write in clear paragraphs.

CV: Written as a table. First personal details, then work experience starting with the most recent job, education, language and computer skills. In Germany a photo on the CV is common but not required.

Documents: Send copies, not originals. Unless the ad asks for it, official certification (Beglaubigung) is usually not needed.

Language and sending: If the ad isn't in English, apply in German. Have someone with good German check your documents for mistakes. Send your application the way the ad asks, either as a PDF by email or as a printed folder.