Work & Job in Essen

If you lose your job or actively search: Register at the employment agency on the very first day of unemployment at the latest. This is essential for unemployment benefit and job placement. In Köln you can reach the agency in person or online.

Many employers require a criminal record certificate when applying. There are two types: the standard certificate (for private purposes and most jobs) and the extended certificate (for work with children or in special sectors). You apply online or at the registration office.

Before signing: read the employment contract carefully. Pay attention to salary, working hours, vacation entitlement, notice periods and probation period. In Germany your employer must give you a written summary of all working conditions by the first working day at the latest.

Your tax class determines how much income tax your employer withholds every month. With a new job or life change (marriage, divorce, children) you should check your tax class and change it at the tax office if needed.

Every employee is automatically insured for pension. Employer and employee share the contribution (9.3% each). You can check your pension account and estimated pension at the German pension insurance at any time.

Under certain conditions you can retire earlier – often with reductions of 0.3% per month of early retirement. The 'pension for particularly long-term insured' (63 pension) allows deduction-free pension after 45 contribution years.

Since 2017 you can flexibly combine pension and work. The FlexiRente allows you to receive partial pension while continuing to work – without rigid additional earnings limits. Those who continue working and paying contributions even increase their pension.

A complete application consists of cover letter, CV and certificates. Structure and clarity matter more than length – recruiters read your application in under 30 seconds.

Your CV is the most important page of your application. Keep it clear, up-to-date and maximum 2 pages. The Europass is the EU standard – free, multilingual and recognized by employers across Europe.

The cover letter answers three questions: Why this position? Why this company? Why you? Keep it to one page, write concretely and avoid phrases like 'I hereby apply...'.

The interview decides. Most rejections come not from lacking qualifications but from poor preparation. Know the company, know yourself, know the role – then you're prepared.

One in four employees becomes unable to work before retirement age. Statutory reduced earnings pension is usually not enough – disability insurance protects your income if you can no longer work.

Dispute with employer, unfair dismissal, warning – employment law disputes are expensive. Legal protection insurance covers lawyer and court costs and gives you the security to actually enforce your rights.