Unemployed in Germany? How to Track Your Job Search and Show Proof to the Agentur für Arbeit

Unemployed in Germany? How to Track Your Job Search and Show Proof to the Agentur für Arbeit

Losing your job or reaching the end of a contract in Germany usually means registering with the Agentur für Arbeit. If you receive unemployment benefits, your advisor (often called your Arbeitsvermittler or Vermittlungsfachkraft) may ask you to show what you've done to find a new job. In German, these job search efforts are called Eigenbemühungen.

Keeping that record on paper or in scattered emails is stressful. JobStacky lets you track every application in one place and export a clean Excel file you can bring to your next appointment.

Please note: JobStacky is not affiliated with the Agentur für Arbeit. What you need to prove, how often and in what format depends on your individual agreements with your advisor. Always check with them what they expect.

What your advisor may want to see

Requirements differ from person to person, but a job search record typically includes:

• The company you applied to
• The job title
• The date you applied
• How you applied (online, email, in person)
• The status or result (waiting, interview, rejection)
• A contact person or reference number, if available

Your advisor may also agree with you on a number of applications per month. Keeping an up-to-date list makes it easy to show you're meeting it.

Step 1: Save every job you apply to

Add each job to the JobStacky Job Application Tracker. You can:

• Click Add Job and enter the details manually.
• Use the JobStacky Chrome extension to save jobs from job boards in one click.

Add the company, job title, location, application date, contact person and reference number when you have them.

Step 2: Keep the status up to date

Update each job as things change: applied, viewed, interview, offer or rejection. Add notes after phone calls or interviews. This gives your advisor a clear picture of your progress, not just a list of names.

You can also set deadlines and sort your jobs by priority, so you apply first to the roles that close soonest.

Step 3: Export your applications to Excel

When your appointment comes up:

1. Open your job tracker and click Export to Excel.
2. Optionally, choose a date range (From Date and To Date) to export only the period your advisor asked about, for example the last month.
3. Select the columns you want, such as Company Name, Job Title, Job Type, Status, Application Date, Location, Contact Name, Contact Email and Reference Number.
4. Click Export and save the file.

You can print the Excel file, send it by email or upload it if your advisor accepts digital documents.

Tips for working with your advisor

• Ask what format they prefer at your first appointment, and whether an Excel list is accepted.
• Keep proof like confirmation emails or rejection letters. Add them as notes or save them alongside your list.
• Export regularly, for example once a month, so you always have a current overview.
• Be honest and complete. Only list applications you actually sent.

Make your applications stronger too

Tracking helps you prove your effort. Strong applications help you get hired. These guides can help:

• Lebenslauf schreiben (German)
• Anschreiben Bewerbung (German)
• 7 resume mistakes that get you auto-rejected by ATS
• How to follow up on a job application

Two JobStacky users found new jobs within six months using this approach. Read their story in From Job Loss to New Job.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Agentur für Arbeit accept a JobStacky export?

That's up to your advisor. Many accept a clear list of applications, but ask them which format and details they need.

Can I export only applications from a certain month?

Yes. Use the From Date and To Date fields in the export window.

Is the JobStacky tracker free?

You can start for free. See the pricing page for details.

Is there a German version of this guide?

Yes. Read Arbeitslos? So dokumentierst du deine Bewerbungen für die Agentur für Arbeit.

Keep your proof ready

Track every application and export an Excel overview for your advisor with JobStacky.