English equivalent: job agency
Job placement refers to the process of matching job seekers with suitable employers to establish employment relationships. This service can be provided through both public employment agencies and private job agencies.
Public Job Placement in Germany
Public job placement in Germany is mainly handled by the Federal Employment Agency (BA), headquartered in Nuremberg. The BA operates via:
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180 local Employment Agencies (Arbeitsagenturen) and approximately 660 branch offices, which manage regional job placement. While these agencies were once focused on executive-level recruitment, their services have expanded to cover a broader range of job sectors.
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The Central Placement Office for Foreign and Specialized Workers (ZAV), which specializes in:
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Executive recruitment
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Artist placement
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International job placement
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Labor market access approvals
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Additionally, the BA operates modern service platforms such as:
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Personnel Service Agencies (PSAs), which offer temporary employment for unemployed individuals. These agencies also provide training and upskilling opportunities during periods of non-placement.
Private Job Placement Agencies
Private employment agencies have operated without the need for a license since 2002. These agencies serve as intermediaries, connecting job seekers with companies looking to hire. Generally, only employers are charged for these services.
The placement fee is typically limited to:
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12% of the salary for shorter employment contracts
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15% of the salary for longer-term placements
This fee structure ensures fair compensation while protecting job seekers from excessive costs.
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