My First Job Hunt in Berlin: Tackling the TELC B1 Writing Test

Okay, so let me tell you, moving to Berlin six months ago was… intense. The excitement of a new city, a new life, everything! But then reality hit, and I realised I needed a job. Fast. I’d been living on savings and instant noodles, and while that was great for my bank account, it wasn’t exactly building a future. I started scouring online job boards – Indeed, StepStone, you name it – and finally, I saw it: a position as a receptionist at a small marketing agency called “Kreativ Büro.” The job description was surprisingly straightforward, and the best part? They asked for a written response to a job advertisement. That’s where the TELC B1 Writing test came in.

What is the TELC B1 Writing Test, Exactly?

Honestly, when I first heard about the TELC B1 Writing test, I panicked. It sounded incredibly formal and important, like I needed to write a dissertation. But I quickly learned it’s really about demonstrating your ability to write a clear, concise, and professional email in German. It’s a standard part of the qualification process for many jobs here, especially if the role involves any kind of communication. The test involved responding to a given text, in this case, the job advertisement. It wasn’t about perfect grammar (though that helps!), it was about showing I could understand the requirements and present myself well.

Reading the Advertisement – “Wir suchen einen freundlichen und engagierten Empfangspraktikanten”

The advertisement itself was perfect. Simple, direct, and in plain German. It read:

• “Wir suchen einen freundlichen und engagierten Empfangspraktikanten zur Verstärkung unseres Teams. Sie unterstützen die Empfangsdame bei administrativen Aufgaben, beantworten telefonische Anfragen und kümmern sich um den Empfang von Besuchern. Wir erwarten von Ihnen Organisationstalent, Zuverlässigkeit und eine freundliche Art. Gerne bieten wir Ihnen eine Übernahme nach erfolgreicher Probezeit. Bitte senden Sie uns Ihre Bewerbung mit Lebenslauf und einem kurzen Anschreiben an bewerbung@kreativbuero.de”

(Translation: “We are looking for a friendly and committed receptionist trainee to strengthen our team. You will assist the receptionist with administrative tasks, answer telephone inquiries, and take care of the reception of visitors. We expect from you organizational skills, reliability, and a friendly disposition. We are pleased to offer you a permanent position after a successful probationary period. Please send us your application with CV and a brief letter of application to bewerbung@kreativbuero.de”)

My First Draft – “Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,”

Okay, deep breath. I started with: “Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,” which I’d heard countless times and felt like the correct thing to do. Then, I tried to summarise my interest. Here’s what I wrote:

• “Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,

• mit großem Interesse habe ich Ihre Stellenanzeige gelesen und möchte mich für die Position als Empfangspraktikant bewerben. Ich bin sehr an einer Tätigkeit in Ihrem Unternehmen interessiert, da ich Freude an der Arbeit im Büro und im Umgang mit Kunden habe.

• Ich bin ein freundlicher und zuverlässiger Mensch und verfüge über gute organisatorische Fähigkeiten. Ich lerne schnell und bin motiviert, meine Kenntnisse und Fähigkeiten in Ihrem Team einzubringen.

• Mit freundlichen Grüßen,

• Max Müller”

(Translation: “Dear Sir or Madam, I read your job advertisement with great interest and would like to apply for the position of receptionist trainee. I am very interested in working in your company, as I enjoy working in an office and dealing with customers. I am a friendly and reliable person and have good organizational skills. I learn quickly and am motivated to contribute my knowledge and skills to your team. Sincerely, Max Müller.”)

The Corrections – “Hören Sie auf, ’Ich lerne schnell‘ zu sagen!”

The feedback I received was brutal, but incredibly helpful. The main issue was my overuse of “Ich lerne schnell.” Apparently, it sounds… well, a bit cliché. My supervisor, Sarah, said, “Hören Sie auf, ‘Ich lerne schnell’ zu sagen! Es klingt so generisch. Versuchen Sie, etwas spezifischeres zu sagen, z.B. ‘Ich habe bereits Erfahrung mit [Software/Programm]’. (Stop saying ‘I learn quickly’! It sounds so generic. Try to say something more specific, e.g., ‘I already have experience with [software/program].’)”

She also pointed out I needed to avoid phrases like “Mit freundlichen Grüßen,” which, while polite, felt a bit too formal for a first impression. Instead, a simple “Viele Grüße” was better. And the biggest mistake? I was trying too hard to impress. It needed to be authentic.

Revision and a More Natural Approach – “Ich freue mich auf Ihre Antwort!”

I rewrote it, taking Sarah’s advice. This time, I wrote:

• “Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,

• Ihre Stellenanzeige hat mein Interesse geweckt, und ich möchte mich gerne für die Position als Empfangspraktikant bewerben. Ich bin freundlich, zuverlässig und habe Freude an der Arbeit im Büro. Ich habe bereits Erfahrung mit der Bedienung von Kassensystemen und bin sicher, dass ich schnell in Ihr Team integriert werden kann.

• Ich freue mich auf Ihre Antwort!

• Mit freundlichen Grüßen,

• Max Müller”

(Translation: “Your job advertisement piqued my interest, and I would like to apply for the position of receptionist trainee. I am friendly, reliable, and enjoy working in an office. I already have experience using cash registers and am sure I can quickly integrate into your team. I look forward to hearing from you! Sincerely, Max Müller.”)

Key Takeaways – “Es geht nicht nur um Grammatik!”

This whole experience taught me a few vital things. Firstly, it’s not just about perfect grammar. While good German is definitely important, the focus is on clear communication and demonstrating your enthusiasm. Secondly, don’t overthink it! Be yourself and be honest. Sarah was absolutely right – “Ich lerne schnell” is a big no-no. Finally, always listen to feedback. It might sting a little, but it’s the best way to improve.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to practice my “Viele Grüße” and hope I get a call from Kreativ Büro! Viel Glück! (Good luck!)