Finding a job in Germany has been very difficult in recent years with unemployment hitting record highs. In the second of a two-part series Bryan Thomas talks to a Bonn-based organization that might be able to help out in your search for work.

Looking for a job in Germany, Europe, the world?  Searching for the right employees?  Do you require counseling or maybe a career change?  Then Bonn-based ZAV, the German National and International Employment Agency (Zentralstelle fuer Arbeitsvermittlung), is waiting to hear from you.

The ZAV works for companies of all sizes

Since it was first established in 1954, this Central Placement Office has been offering its services to skilled and professional people looking for jobs, both in Germany and abroad. 

From chemists to hotel staff from mathematicians to ballet dancers, their expertise has proved itself invaluable for individuals, organizations, and private companies. 

Should you be a managing director looking for a new challenge, a theatre director looking for actors or a holiday cruise ship requiring cocktail barmen, there is a more than just a good chance that ZAV can be of assistance to help realise your requirements. 

ZAV work for companies of all sizes, from small businesses through medium sized enterprises to large corporations.  Their pool of candidates includes all sectors and areas of corporation. 

Over the years they have been successfully placing people in careers with particular qualifications, placement in other countries and people from other countries into jobs in Germany. 

They will also support citizens of developing countries who wish to return home by finding them appropriate jobs. They are also instrumental in the issue of Green Cards for foreigners wishing to work in Germany’s IT business.

You do not have to be German to plan your career with the support of ZIHOGA, the Central and International Placement Office for Hotel and Catering Staff. 

Following initial training, counselling is available to candidates. Regular events are also held in co-operation with industry associations and vocational schools. Students may also receive training at foreign hotel schools.

Exchange programmes, from three to twelve months, are available for young Germans who would like to improve their knowledge in other countries.

A further service that is available is from the Central Stage, Television and Film Placement Office, (ZBF). Here talented and budding actors, singers and dancers can also receive counselling and advice on their future careers.

The new immigration law that came into force in January paints a clearer picture for those wishing find work in Germany. 

For highly qualified personnel, with present minimum earnings of EUR 84,600 a year, an indefinite visa (‘Niederlassungserlaubnis’) is available, explained Sabrine Seidler, ZAV’s Press Officer.

This will also apply to scientists with expertise in specific areas or professionals such as specialist teachers or institute directors, but who count on receiving lesser earnings.

The original Green Card system, which granted a five-year visa for IT qualified personnel, no longer exists.

Existing Green Card holders can request to extend their stay by obtaining a Niederlassungserlaubnis for an indefinite period. Dependent family members now have the same rights to work and need no longer wait twelve months before being able to take a job.

Until now foreign students had to leave the country on completion of their studies.  But in future they may apply, through ZAV, for work in their own respective field and may also be granted permission to stay in the country for twelve months while job hunting.

The new immigration laws will certainly make it tougher for un-skilled people to obtain visas and work permits and, on first impression, the bureaucracy remains the same, or maybe even more so. But at least the services of the Zentrastelle fuer Arbeitsvermittlung are free.

March 2005

[Copyright Expatica 2005]

Subject: Relocating, job market, finding work