Key takeaways
  • Short and specific beats long and polite.
  • Mention the exact role and one strong reason you fit.
  • Follow up once after about a week, then move on.
  • Never paste your full CV into a message.

In my program we contact 3 to 4 people at every target company. These are the message structures that work best, adapted for Germany, where people like short, direct messages without exaggeration.

1. After you applied

Hello Ms Weber, I just applied for the Data Analyst role (Job ID 1234). I have 4 years of SQL and Python in e-commerce, including a pricing dashboard that cut manual reporting by 60%. Happy to share more if helpful. Best regards, Priya

2. Before you apply

Hello Mr Schulz, I'm interested in the Backend Engineer role in your payments team. Is it open to candidates who need a visa? I have 5 years of Java and Kafka in fintech. Thank you, Arjun

3. Asking an employee

Hi Lena, I saw you work in the platform team. I'm applying for the SRE role and would value 10 minutes to hear how the team works. Would that be possible this week? Thanks, Rahul

4. Follow up after a week

Hello Ms Weber, I wanted to follow up on my application for the Data Analyst role. I'm still very interested and available for a call at your convenience. Best regards, Priya

5. Thank you after an interview

Hello Mr Schulz, thank you for the conversation today. I especially liked hearing about the migration project, and I'm even more motivated to join. Best regards, Arjun

6. To a headhunter

Hello Mr Becker, I'm a mechanical engineer with 6 years in automotive testing, B1 German, looking for roles in Bavaria. If you work on similar searches, I'd be glad to connect. Best regards, Sneha

Mistakes that get ignored

  • "Dear Sir/Madam" when you can see the person's name.
  • Long life stories or pasted CVs.
  • Asking "any job" without a role.
  • Daily follow ups.

Use the formal address (Ms or Mr plus surname) for first messages in Germany, unless the person's profile is clearly informal.

Written by Swapnil (Samadhan Mule)

I moved to Germany for my master's, collected more than 1,000 rejections, and then got multiple job offers within six months. I work in digital marketing in Germany and help international professionals get hired in Europe. Read my story.