What is the skills shortage and how can I benefit as an applicant?

The skills shortage means: demand for qualified workers exceeds supply. According to the BA Fachkraefteengpassanalyse 2024 and EURES 2024, Germany has structural shortages in numerous occupations — IT, nursing, skilled trades, engineering. Cedefop Germany 2025 forecasts: the problem will grow until 2035 due to demographic change. As an applicant, you benefit: shorter search times, greater negotiating power on salary, fewer formal requirements ('nice to have' instead of 'must have'), more willingness to accept career changers. WEF: companies in shortage occupations are increasingly investing in reskilling internal candidates. Caveat: the skills shortage is regional and industry-specific — not all occupations are affected.