The public sector has its own rules. Article 33 of the German Basic Law and civil service law stipulate that positions are filled based on suitability, aptitude, and professional achievement — not sympathy. Consequences: requirements in job postings are mandatory criteria, not a wish list. Those who do not meet formal minimum requirements will not be invited — unlike in the private sector. BA employment statistics: the public sector is Germany's largest employer. Interamt.de is the central job portal. Specifics: the cover letter is often called a 'motivation letter', structured selection process, civil servant status often possible after a probationary period. AGG applies here too — but age limits for civil servant status exist in some federal states.
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