The application process for your first job usually follows a timeline you should know early. This guide shows the typical stages from the job advert to the signed contract, the statutory notice periods and the rights you have from your first working day. The guides on single steps are listed below.
Short answer: An application for your first job runs through advert, documents, selection, offer and contract. The employer sets how long each step takes, so timeframes are guides and not promises. During the probation period a notice period of two weeks applies under § 622 (3) BGB. Outside probation, employees can give four weeks notice to the 15th or the end of a month. Last updated: November 2026.
Key points in brief
- The process only ends with a signed contract, not with a confirmation by email.
- How long individual steps take depends on the employer. Treat timeframes as planning aids, not promises.
- During the probation period a notice period of two weeks applies (§ 622 (3) BGB).
- Outside probation, employees can give four weeks notice to the 15th or the end of a month (§ 622 (1) BGB).
- Full holiday entitlement arises after a waiting period of six months (§ 4 BUrlG). Before that you receive one twelfth of the annual leave for each full month (§ 5 BUrlG).
- You may review a job offer calmly. Ask for time to think before you sign.
What stages does the process have?
The table shows the typical stages. The order can change, for example when an assessment centre takes place before the interview.
| Stage | What happens | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Job advert | You check requirements, tasks and salary information | Reading a job advert (in German) |
| Documents | Cover letter, CV and certificates are submitted | Applying by email (in German) |
| Selection | Initial screening, possibly a test or trial work | Assessment centre for graduates (in German); Trial work in applications (in German) |
| Offer | You receive an offer with a draft contract | Accepting a job offer (in German) |
| Contract | Signature and start, check clauses beforehand | Non-compete clause in an employment contract (in German) |
How do you plan the timeline realistically?
The timeline depends on three factors: the closing date of the advert, the response time of the employer and your own appointments. A simple example shows the effort involved.
Assumption: The advert closes on the 30th of a month, and the employer gets back to you after three weeks. It then makes sense to plan a fixed buffer between the response and the interview.
- Note the closing date of the advert and any response deadline stated.
- Allow a reserve for the response and plan your own appointments around it.
- Set yourself a date for a follow-up if nobody responds, and record it in writing.
- Allow time to review the contract before you accept.
Which rights do you have from your first working day?
From the start, statutory minimum standards apply that the employment contract may not undercut. Rules on leave and notice are clearly defined. The holiday entitlement in your first job is explained in Holiday entitlement in your first job (in German), and your rights at a glance in Employee rights at career start (in German).
| Topic | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Full holiday entitlement | After a waiting period of six months | § 4 BUrlG |
| Partial leave | One twelfth of annual leave for each full month | § 5 BUrlG |
| Notice during probation | Two weeks | § 622 (3) BGB |
| Notice by employee | Four weeks to the 15th or the end of a month | § 622 (1) BGB |
What should you consider with AI-supported applications?
AI can help with wording, but you must check the content of your cover letter and CV yourself. How recruiters sort applications with AI filters and what looks conspicuous is covered in Writing a job application with AI (in German) and AI filters in applications (in German).
Frequently asked questions
How long does an application for a first job take?
That depends on the employer, the role and the number of applications. A fixed figure cannot be given reliably. Plan with timeframes and ask for an update if the employer does not get back to you.
How should I respond to a rejection?
A rejection can be reviewed calmly and used for the next application. Rejection after an application: what you can do now (in German) sets out the sensible steps.
Must trial work be paid?
Whether trial work must be paid depends on the individual case. The process and the points to check are explained in Trial work in applications: must it be paid? (in German).
When can I ask for a comparison salary?
Whether and when you can request information about a comparison salary is covered in Pay transparency: when you can ask for a comparison salary (in German). It is best to name salary expectations once the framework is clear.
What should I do about a gap in my CV?
You do not have to hide a gap, but you can explain it briefly and factually. Wording options are shown in Gap in your CV: how to explain it in your application (in German).
What to do next
- Create a document with all deadlines you learn from the advert and the employer.
- Check your documents for completeness and adapt the cover letter to the specific role.
- Prepare trial work or selection steps in time and clarify pay before you agree.
- Read every contract in full before you sign and ask about any unclear clauses.
Related guides
All guides in this topic group, sorted by subtopic:
Writing and submitting applications
- Writing a job application with AI: what is allowed and what stands out (in German)
- Job application without work experience: which documents count (in German)
- Applying by email: structure, attachment and subject line (in German)
- AI filters in applications: how recruiters sort documents (in German)
- Applying after parental leave: what counts in your CV (in German)
- Gap in your CV: how to explain it in your application (in German)
- Reading a job advert: what the requirements really mean (in German)
- Grade in your application: when to state it and when not (in German)
- Dropped-out degree and CV: how to present the break (in German)
- Application photo: obligatory or optional at career start? (in German)
- Application without a final certificate: how to proceed (in German)
- Career changer application: what recruiters really want (in German)
Selection process
- Assessment centre for graduates: process and preparation (in German)
- Rejection after an application: what you can do now (in German)
- Trial work in applications: must it be paid? (in German)
Contract and pay
- Pay transparency: when you can ask for a comparison salary (in German)
- EU Blue Card: salary threshold and requirements (in German)
- Accepting a job offer: time to think and checking the contract (in German)
- Side job and employment contract: what the contract allows (in German)
- Non-compete clause in an employment contract: what to check (in German)
- Pay slip with an application: is it required? (in German)
- Service contract or employment contract? Differences for graduates (in German)
- Temp work at career start: contract, pay and notice (in German)
Working time, leave and rights
- Termination agreement: what blocking period and severance mean (in German)
- Weekly working time instead of an eight-hour day: what the reform should bring (in German)
- Reading a work reference: what the wording really means (in German)
- Holiday entitlement in your first job: how many days you get (in German)
- Employee rights at career start: what you have from day one (in German)
- Right to home office: what is planned in Germany (in German)
- Trust-based working time and flexitime: what the contract must say (in German)
- Right to part-time work: how to apply (in German)
- Interim reference: when you can get it (in German)
Further guides
- Career Start After University: Your Guide to the First Job
- First Job Health Insurance: Statutory or Private?
Sources: § 622 BGB (in German), § 4 BUrlG (in German) and § 5 BUrlG (in German).
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
