Job search

Do you want to work in Berlin? Here you can find information and tips for your job search. The focus is mainly on employment as an employee. Self-employment is only briefly explained here.

How can I find a job in Berlin?

Tip: Many jobs have different names. You can use these different names when searching for jobs online. To do this, you need to know the correct job title. You can find job titles on BERUFENET

There are other ways to look for jobs:

  • Social media: You can also find job offers on social media. You can search for jobs and follow companies you are interested in.
  • Job fairs: You can meet companies at job fairs. You can talk to employers directly and learn more about the jobs they offer. Make sure to bring your application documents with you. You can find all job fair dates on the Hauptstadtportal (Berlin Service Portal).
  • Companies: If you already know which companies you would like to work for, you can look for jobs directly on their websites. You will often find job offers under “Jobs” or “Careers”.

In Berlin, finding a job can often take some time. In restaurants, hotels or shops, you may sometimes be able to start after just a few weeks. For office jobs or jobs that require special qualifications, the application process can take several months.

Where can I get help?

In Germany, you can get help finding a job and receive advice on job applications, training and further education from the Agentur für Arbeit (Employment Agency) and the Jobcenter (Job Center) Which office can help you depends on your situation. If you receive money from the Job Center , you can also get career advice there. Otherwise, contact the Employment Agency . Both offices offer free advice. They can help you find a suitable job or plan your next steps in your career.

Book an appointment | Employment Agency

Do you need help?

There are many advice centers in Berlin that can support you with your job search. Here you can find suitable contacts.

What career opportunities do I have in Berlin?

First, you should decide how much you can and want to work. In Germany, you can work full-time or part-time, take a mini-job (up to €603 per month), or begin an apprenticeship.

If you do not yet know which profession suits you, you can get information at the Berufsinformationszentrum (BIZ) or online through BERUFENET. There, you can learn about the tasks involved in a profession and which qualifications you need. You can also find out which professions offer good opportunities on the labor market. An internship is also a good way to get to know an employer or a profession.

Freelancing and self-employment are also possible, but more complicated. For this, you often need a special work permit and advice. You can find more information and helpful tips at Handbook Germany.

Logo Talent Berlin

Berlin Industries | Talent Berlin

Here you can learn about the different industries in Berlin. You may discover something new that interests you and matches your qualifications.

Talent Berlin

I have experience, yet I only find helper jobs. What can I do?

If you have a qualification, you should have it recognized. You can find more information here: Recognition of International Qualifications.

If you do not have a vocational qualification but already have a lot of work experience, you can have your professional skills assessed. On the platform Meine-Berufserfahrung.de, you can check online which skills you have for a profession. The test is available in several languages.

Further training can also be useful to improve your possibilities on the labor market. You can find information about this on the platform Mein Now.

Can I find work without German language skills?

Yes, this is possible. But it is often more difficult.

Some jobs require only limited German language skills, for example in IT professions, in English-speaking employers, in hospitality, cleaning, warehousing, or production. Some employers accept English. However, you often still need some German for everyday work. At Talent Berlin, you can find a list of English-speaking employers.

Find out how you can learn German alongside your work.

Why do I only receive rejections?

Many people face difficulties when searching for a job. Common reasons include missing or incomplete documents, limited German language skills, qualifications that have not yet been recognized, unrealistic expectations regarding the job or salary, or many applicants competing for few positions.

If things do not work out, it does not mean that you are doing something wrong. It is normal to apply for several months before finding a job. Advice and counseling centers can help you explore new options.

Not sure which documents you need for a job application or what you should pay attention to? In the documents section, you can find helpful templates for your job application.

How can I present myself well in a job application and interview?

Focus on your strengths and unique qualities. What makes you a good fit for this particular job?

It is okay if there are gaps in your CV or if you have done different kinds of work in the past. Think about why your personal experience and career path are a good fit for the job or the company. This is your story. Use it to show what makes you special.

How can I use AI to find a job?

  • When looking for a job: You can use AI to find companies in Berlin that work in areas you have experience in or that interest you. If you like a company, check if they currently have any job openings. You can also apply directly to the company, even if there is no job opening.
  • For your job application: You can use AI to help you write your cover letter . This can help you avoid mistakes and make sure you include the important points for the job. However, the cover letter should sound like you and use language that you normally use. For example, if your German is at B1 level, you should not use very difficult language in your cover letter .
  • For a job interview: You can use AI to prepare for a job interview. Give it as much specific information as possible about the company, the job and the people you will be speaking to. The AI can ask you typical interview questions and give example answers. Make sure to check the answers carefully. They should fit you and your CV.

Tip: Instead of writing a long and detailed prompt for every job application, most AI systems offer a personal assistant. You can give it information about yourself once and tell it how you want it to write, for example: “friendly and professional, German level B2”. This saves time later and can lead to better results.

Hier findest du Vorlagen für deine Bewerbungsunterlagen.

Unterlagenliste Jobsuche

Motivationsschreiben

What is it?

Ein Motivationsschreiben ist ein persönlicher Text. Du erklärst darin, warum du etwas möchtest, zum Beispiel einen Job, einen Studienplatz oder eine Ausbildung.

Du schreibst, was dich interessiert, was du gut kannst und warum du gut zu der Stelle passt.

Where can I get it?

Du schreibst das Motivationsschreiben selbst.

Du kannst dir Hilfe holen. Im Internet gibt es zum Beispiel Online-Tools, die dich Schritt für Schritt beim Schreiben unterstützen, wie das Tool von Europass Create your Europass Cover Letter (auf Englisch).

What does it look like?

Das Motivationsschreiben ist ein freier Text. Es sieht oft ähnlich wie ein Brief aus und ist meistens 1 Seite lang.

Tabellarischer Lebenslauf

What is it?

Ein Lebenslauf (auch CV genannt) ist eine Übersicht. Du zeigst darin deine Schule, Ausbildung und Jobs. Du brauchst den Lebenslauf, wenn du dich zum Beispiel für eine Arbeit bewirbst. 

In einem tabellarischen Lebenslauf stehen die Informationen in kurzen Stichpunkten. Sie sind nach Themen geordnet, zum Beispiel Ausbildung und Berufserfahrung.

Where can I get it?

Du erstellst den Lebenslauf selbst am Computer. Du kannst auch Vorlagen im Internet nutzen.

CV | Europass

What does it look like?

Der tabellerische Lebenslauf ist klar aufgebaut und gut lesbar. Oft stehen links die Zeitangaben und rechts die Informationen (zum Beispiel wo du gearbeitet hast und was du gemacht hast).

Typische Inhalte sind Schule, Ausbildung, Berufserfahrung, Sprachkenntnisse und weitere Fähigkeiten.

Arbeitszeugnis

What is it?

Für deine Arbeit kannst du von deiner Firma ein Zeugnis bekommen. Im Arbeitszeugnis steht, was du genau gemacht hast. Im Zeugnis steht auch, wie gut du deine Arbeit gemacht hast.

Für Zeugnisse gibt es eine spezielle Sprache. Wenn in deinem Zeugnis zum Beispiel diese Wörter stehen, dass ist es ein sehr gutes Zeugnis:

  • stets zu unserer vollsten Zufriedenheit
  • hat unsere Erwartungen immer und in allerbester Weise erfüllt
  • Verhalten war stets und in jeder Hinsicht vorbildlich
Where can I get it?

Du bekommst es von der Firma, bei der du gearbeitet hast oder arbeitest. Frage deinen Chef oder deine Chefin danach.

Qualifikationsnachweis

What is it?

Qualifikationsnachweise zeigen, welche Bildung, Ausbildung oder Arbeitserfahrung du hast. Manchmal heißen sie auch „Zeugnisse“.

Qualifikationsnachweise sind zum Beispiel:

  • ein Abschlusszeugnis von einer Universität oder Hochschule
  • ein Ausbildungszeugnis
  • ein Arbeitszeugnis von deiner Arbeit

Du brauchst sie oft, wenn du dich für einen Job, eine Ausbildung oder ein Studium bewirbst.

Where can I get it?

Du bekommst Qualifikationsnachweise dort, wo du gelernt oder gearbeitet hast. Zum Beispiel bei deiner Schule, deinem Ausbildungsbetrieb oder deinem Arbeitgeber.

Wenn du deinen Qualifikationsnachweis verloren hast, kannst du eine Kopie anfragen.

What does it look like?

Qualifikationsnachweise sind offizielle Dokumente. Sie enthalten deinen Namen und Informationen zu deiner Ausbildung oder deiner Tätigkeit.

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Locations in this map

Willkommenszentrum Berlin

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The Berlin Senate Commissioner for Integration and Migration

The Counselling Centre for Migrants, which has existed since 1981, and the Welcome Centre Berlin, which was founded in 2016, were merged in April 2021.

People with a history of migration and their relatives continue to receive competent advice on all questions of migration as well as arrival and advancement from a single source. The grown team of the Welcome Center and the cooperation partners, including the networks Integration through Qualification (IQ) and bridge, inform, advise and support individually and multilingually.

The following concerns are covered by the Welcome Centre - Counselling Centre of the Integration Officers:

  • Legal advice in migration law
  • Hardship counselling
  • social counselling
  • Advice on the recognition of professional qualifications from abroad
  • Advice on training and further education, German courses and job search - Advice on setting up a business
  • Advice on labour law

Language overview: https://www.berlin.de/willkommenszentru…

Consulting hours of the partners: https://www.berlin.de/willkommenszentru…

Address

Potsdamer Str. 61
10785 Berlin
Germany

Office Hours

[DeepL:] Our consulting takes place on site, by telephone and digitally.
Opening hours:
Mon 9:00-13:00
Tue 9:00-13:00 + 15:00-18:00
Wed 9:00-13:00
Thu 9:00-13:00 + 15:00-18:00

Consultation by e-mail and arrangement of consultation appointments: beratung@intmig.berlin.de

Appointments for consultation by phone:
Mon, Wed, Fri 10:00-12:00 at (030) 9017-23172.

Personal consultation in Ukrainian and Russian
Monday 09 - 13 h
Tuesday 09 to 13 h, 15 to 18 h
Thursday 09 to 13 h, 15 to 18 h

Supporting Organisation
Die Beauftragte des Berliner Senats für Integration und Migration
Phone
Terminverinbaurng: +49 30 9017 23172

bridge – Berliner Netzwerk für Bleiberecht

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Work and education - Vocational guidance

Bridge Vocational Guidance at Work and Education includes the following services:

  • Vocational orientation
  • Career planning
  • Referral counselling
Address

Kurfürstenstraße 131
10785 Berlin
Germany

Office Hours

[DeepL:] Appointment by arrangement

Supporting Organisation
Arbeit und Bildung e.V.
Phone
+49 30 259 309 545 ; +49 30 259 309 515

bridge – Berliner Netzwerk für Bleiberecht

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[DeepL:] in the Club Dialog

[DeepL:] bridge supports asylum seekers, tolerated persons and refugees with temporary residence permits by providing practical assistance in finding work and training and in catching up on school qualifications.

The aim of the network is to sustainably improve the employment opportunities of refugees and to secure their legal residence situation in the long term.

Services:

  • Advice for refugees from Ukraine on labor market integration, in Russian and Ukrainian, family counseling.
  • Advice on professional orientation, career planning Support in the search for training and jobs, in the application process, etc.
  • Placement in various advisory programs in Club Dialog, offers from the network partners of the "bridge" program
  • Placement in training, work or measures to catch up on school-leaving qualifications or approach the job market through placement in (practical vocational) language courses, qualification offers
  • Regular group information events on the following topics: Structure of the German labor market in contrast to the Ukrainian one, types of employment, professions in Germany, etc.
Address

Lindower Str. 18, Aufg. 4
13347 Berlin
Germany

Supporting Organisation
Club Dialog e.V.
Phone
+49 174 243 1573

bridge – Berliner Netzwerke für Bleiberecht

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GFBM Counselling for refugees

The bridge networks offer a comprehensive range of vocational counselling and support services, job-specific German and qualification courses, and placement in internships and employment.

Offers of the GFBM:

  • counselling and placement in German courses
  • Qualification, training and employment courses
  • language assessment
Address

Colditzstraße 34-36
12099 Berlin
Germany

Office Hours

[DeepL:] Appointments by appointment
Open consultation:
Wed 10:00-12:00
Thu 13:00-16:00

Supporting Organisation
GFBM - Gesellschaft für berufsbildende Maßnahmen mbH
Phone
+49 30 755 144 121

bridge – Berliner Netzwerke für Bleiberecht

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Survival Centre - Coordination/Counselling/Professional Preparation

The bridge networks offer a comprehensive range of vocational counselling and support services, job-specific German and qualification courses, and placement in internships and employment.

Offers at the Centre for Survival:

  • Vocational and training preparation in the commercial, industrial-technical and gastronomic fields.
  • Placement in training and work
  • Counselling for university graduates with foreign degrees
  • Advice on residence law
  • Implementation of training courses
  • Psychological support/coaching
Address

Turmstraße 21
10559 Berlin
Germany

Office Hours

[DeepL:] Mon 13-15 h
Fri 13-15 h

Supporting Organisation
Zentrum ÜBERLEBEN gGmbH
Phone
Kursanmeldung/Beratung: 49 30 30 39 06-722, + 49 30 30 39 06723

bridge – Berliner Netzwerke für Bleiberecht

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BBZ - Counselling and support centre for young refugees and migrants

The bridge networks offer a comprehensive range of vocational counselling and support services, job-specific German and qualification courses, and placement in internships and employment.

Offers of the BBZ:

  • Support in the search for a school place, training and studies.
  • Counselling and support during training
  • tutoring and preparation for exams
Address

Turmstraße 72
10551 Berlin
Germany

Office Hours

[DeepL:] Appointments via e-mail or telephone consultation hours

Open consultation hours for initial consultations and emergencies without an appointment:
Tuesday from 10:30 a.m.

Telephone consultation hours:
Thursday 13:00 - 16:00

Supporting Organisation
KommMit -für Migranten und Flüchtlinge- e.V.
Phone
+49 30 66 64 07 -23

bridge – Berliner Netzwerke für Bleiberecht

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ARRIVO Contact Office

The bridge networks offer a comprehensive range of vocational counselling and support services, job-specific German and qualification courses, and placement in internships and employment.

The services of the ARRIVO contact office include:

  • Counselling, preparation and placement of refugees seeking training and employment.
  • Employer acquisition
  • Advice and preparation of companies for the employment of refugees in training and jobs.
Address

Schlesische Straße 27b
10997 Berlin
Germany

Office Hours

[DeepL:] Appointment by arrangement

Supporting Organisation
Verein zur Förderung der Interkulturellen Jugendarbeit e.V. S27 – Kunst und Bildung
Phone
Tel: +49 30 6177 67362 Mobil: +49 176 5769 8604 Mobil: +49 176 4654 3039

bridge – Netzwerk für Bleiberecht

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The Berlin Senate Commissioner for Integration and Migration - Coordination/Legal Advice

The bridge networks offer a comprehensive range of vocational counselling and support services, job-specific German and qualification courses, and placement in internships and employment.

Offers at the Senate Department:

  • Clarification of social and residence law issues.
  • network coordination
  • Public relations
  • Implementation of training courses
Address

Werbellinstraße 42
12053 Berlin
Germany

Office Hours

[DeepL:] Appointment by arrangement

Supporting Organisation
MINA-Leben in Vielfalt e.V.
Phone
+49 30 68972 674 Mobil: +49 176 4340 7379, +49 157 81288310

bridge – Netzwerk für Bleiberecht

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The Berlin Senate Commissioner for Integration and Migration - Coordination/Legal Advice

The bridge networks offer a comprehensive range of vocational counselling and support services, job-specific German and qualification courses, and placement in internships and employment.

Offers at the Senate Department:

  • Clarification of social and residence law issues.
  • network coordination
  • Public relations
  • Implementation of training courses
Address

Sprengelstr. 15
13353 Berlin
Germany

Office Hours

[DeepL:] Appointment by arrangement

Supporting Organisation
YAAR e.V.
Phone
+49 30 72 01 05 22

bridge – Netzwerk für Bleiberecht

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The Berlin Senate Commissioner for Integration and Migration - Coordination/Legal Advice

The bridge networks offer a comprehensive range of vocational counselling and support services, job-specific German and qualification courses, and placement in internships and employment.

Offers at the Senate Department:

  • Clarification of social and residence law issues.
  • network coordination
  • Public relations
  • Implementation of training courses
Address

Potsdamaer Str. 65
10785 Berlin
Germany

Office Hours

[DeepL:] Appointment by arrangement

Supporting Organisation
Beauftragte für Partizipation, Integration und Migration des Senats von Berlin
Phone
+49 30 901723 -121 /+49 30 901723 -129

JOB POINT Berlin Charlottenburg

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Address

Pestalozzistraße 80
10627 Berlin
Germany

Supporting Organisation
GesBiT – gemeinnützige Gesellschaft für Bildung und Teilhabe mbH
Phone
+49 30 3100772-0

JOB POINT Berlin Mitte

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Address

Alt-Moabit 84
10555 Berlin
Germany

Supporting Organisation
GesBiT – gemeinnützige Gesellschaft für Bildung und Teilhabe mbH
Phone
+49 30 3980599-0

JOB POINT Berlin Neukölln

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Address

Karl-Marx-Str. 131–133
12043 Berlin
Germany

Supporting Organisation
GesBiT – gemeinnützige Gesellschaft für Bildung und Teilhabe mbH
Phone
+49 30 680856-0

Projekt zur Arbeitsmarktintegration von Zugewanderten und Geflüchteten

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Support in job search, access to training, studies and internships

The project serves as a contact point for immigrants and people with refugee experience who are looking for a suitable job opportunity. Within the framework of personal support, individual competences are identified and initial steps are organised with regard to the application and networking with potential employers. Individual counselling on personal work biographies and competences

offers:

*Support with orientation on the training and labour market.

*counselling on recognition procedures and labour law issues

*Networking and mediation with potential employers and companies

*Personal coaching and mentoring before and during the application process and the first phase of employment

Address

Firlstraße 36
12459 Berlin
Germany

Office Hours

[DeepL:] Tuesday 9-12 o'clock
Wednesday 1-4 p.m.
Thursday 13-16 o'clock

Supporting Organisation
abw - gemeinnützige Gesellschaft für Arbeit, Bildung und Wohnen mbH
Phone
+49 30 530 12607

Work for Refugees

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GIZ

The counselling service is aimed at newly immigrated men and women from different age groups, with different origins and nationalities as well as their relatives. The MBE offers individual, confidential and free-of-charge counselling on the following topics in particular:

  • German courses (e.g. integration courses)
  • Work and vocational training (job search, recognition of vocational qualifications, etc.)
  • Children and family * Economic situation (income, job centre, debts...) * Health (health insurance, medical care, pregnancy, disability) * Everyday matters (contact with authorities, housing, leisure time...)
  • Legal questions concerning residence
Address

Reformationsplatz 2
13597 Berlin
Germany

Office Hours

At the location:
Monday and Tuesday 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

At the cooperation partner Gemeinwesenverein Heerstraße Nord e. V.:
Friday 13:15 - 15:15

Supporting Organisation
Gesellschaft für Interkulturelles Zusammenleben gGmbH (GIZ)
Phone
+49 30 513 01 00 00

Here you can find short, helpful videos with simple explanations.

Self-employment | Handbook Germany

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