Finding work

The employment market in the Stuttgart Region offers lots of opportunities - especially in the industries central to the business region:

automobile construction, mechanical engineering, information technology and the creative arts industry.

Numerous high-tech and high-performance companies have attractive jobs and development opportunities for qualified employees. The employment market figures are some of the best in Europe. Are you looking for a job in the Stuttgart Region? The Welcome Service Region Stuttgart can support you in starting your working life in the region.

Looking for a job

To find out what professions are especially in demand in Germany and in Baden-Württemberg, check the analysis by the Federal Employment Agency on the shortage of specialist staff. You can get a good overview of unfilled positions on online jobs marketplaces:

Another possibility for getting to know the companies in the region is at jobs fairs. Information on the jobs fairs in the Stuttgart Region can be found on the homepage of the Stuttgart Region Economic Development Corporation (Wirtschaftsförderung Region Stuttgart GmbH). Larger firms in particular generally advertise their vacant jobs in the 'Careers' section on their company websites.

Job offers in online or print newspapers are another important source. You can find a selection in the overview under Downloads in the right-hand column.

An important point of contact for jobseekers who are not yet living in Germany is the Federal Employment Agency's International Placement Services (ZAV, Zentrale Auslands- und Fachvermittlung).

Applying for a job

To apply to a German company, it is best to first look at the formal requirements for a written application. These involve what an application looks like in Germany and what the HR department expects from you in addition to corresponding qualifications.

For example, in Germany it is customary to send a written application. A written application comprises a cover letter, a CV (dated and signed), copies of qualifications and certificates, proof of internships and possibly samples of your work. Additionally, a full application in Germany includes a photo of the applicant.

The europass CV should help you to present your qualifications, skills and competencies in a way that is understood across Europe. You can find detailed information on the europass-info website.

Many companies accept applications online or via e-mail. Send your complete set of documents for the written application by e-mail in one file or fill in a special form on the homepage of the company you wish to apply to. Please observe the guidelines listed in the advert.

Helpful hint: Do not send any original documents with your application; always use copies instead. A normal copy is generally acceptable. Certified copies only have to be submitted if expressly required by the company. Phone them up to make sure. When you do, you can also ask whether you need to have your certificates translated into German or English so that the company can understand your qualifications.

Hints on sending job applications are also available from the Federal Employment Agency and the ZAV as well as the Make it in Germany welcome portal.

There is also a huge amount of literature and guides on applications as well as lots of helpful information on the internet. If you need guidance, the Welcome Service Region Stuttgart will be happy to help.

Self-employment

Many people dream about being self-employed, setting up a business and being their own boss.

Good advice on what to expect before, during and after setting up a business is just as important for success as the initial idea itself.

You can get information and advice for example from the Service Center 'Existenzgründung' at the Stuttgart Region Chamber of Industry and Commerce and from the Stuttgart Region Economic Development Corporation.

Helpful hint: Citizens of third countries who have completed their studies in Germany can obtain a permit from the immigration authorities that is a 'residence permit to take up self-employment'. The self-employment must be related to the qualifications obtained during your studies.

Dual career

The Stuttgart Region Dual Career Center supports the partners or spouses of employees in finding a job. This offering is geared to people who have moved to the region in the past two years or who are currently involved in the decision-making process. You can get further information on personalised advice from the Stuttgart Region Dual Career Center.

 

Helpful hint: Non-EU citizens should check which entry and residence rules apply to them. For example, the jobseeker's visa allows academics the possibility to come to Germany for six months in order to look for a job. You can find more information under Work permit.

The Welcome Service Region Stuttgart (WSRS) is an offering by the Stuttgart Region Economic Development Corporation (Wirtschaftsförderung Region Stuttgart GmbH). The project is funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism Baden-Württemberg.