How to read German job ads when you are still a graduate

German job advertisements often list more requirements than any single graduate can meet. That density is not always a hard filter. Hiring managers in many mid-sized firms expect candidates to match the core of the role and to show they can grow into the rest.

Start by separating Pflichtanforderungen from Wunschkenntnisse. If the ad repeats a skill in the first paragraph and again under Aufgaben, treat it as essential. Items buried under Sonstiges or labelled von Vorteil are usually negotiable for alumni with a strong study record.

Watch for language clues. Deutsch fließend in Wort und Schrift for a regional office role usually means day-to-day German at work. English as a working language in international teams can open doors even when your German is still B2, provided you are honest about the level and show a concrete plan to improve.

Salary bands and Befristung (fixed-term contracts) deserve a second look. A twelve-month Einstiegsstelle with clear continuation language can be a sound first step; an open-ended title with vague duties may hide a poorly defined role. Bring any ambiguous ad to your consultation so you can decide whether to invest an Anschreiben.