Sometimes, it isn’t easy to find a job in Germany. But with a few extra tips, you’ll be prepared when the right opportunity strikes. Below you can find valuable tips on how to optimize your job search to quickly find your dream job.
Labor Shortage in Germany?
There is good news for all ex-pats looking to find a job in Germany. Statistics show that Germany experiences a lack of experienced workers. For instance, SMEs are desperately looking for qualified workers to fill their numerous vacancies.
So, there is a supply of jobs in Germany, but how do you find them? You might want to find a job while you’ve already started your career in Germany or as a fresh start. Both is great and we can help you with it.
Social networks are goldmines
If you’re looking for jobs in Germany, make your voice heard. “Beziehung” means “relationship” in German and it is common to use your relationships to find a new job. Germans jokingly refer to it as “Vitamin B” but this direct way can prove to be very effective. Your wider social circles are a valuable source to find out about vacancies in their companies.
Usually, internal referrals are already pre-screened for a good cultural fit in companies. That’s why German companies can offer bonuses to incentivize their workforce to passively look for potential talents. Moreover, some jobs in Germany may not be published online.
Hence, word of mouth is key. It can give you an advantage when it comes to finding a new job in Germany. If you’re looking for that step forward, speak up and listen; online and offline.
Brush up your profiles
LinkedIn is owned by Microsoft and very popular in the USA. Most Americans are probably signed up with a profile there. Luckily, it gained market share in Germany and is a good tool for expats to find jobs in Germany.
On another note, there is still a local competitor called Xing. Mostly, German, this site can help you search for jobs in Germany and open more doors at lesser-known companies. Xing is basically Germany’s twin of LinkedIn. Sometimes, traditional employers in Germany prefer to search for talents on Xing, so do your research and get ahead of the curve.
Make sure your profile is up to date when you move to Germany. Make sure to follow companies you’re interested in and look for mutual connections. Vitamin B can also work online. Those loose contacts might help you significantly with your job search.
German Silicon Valley – attractive jobs at start-ups
Germany and especially Berlin experience a start-up boom right now. Globalization benefits Germany a lot and businesses are always in need of international skilled professionals. Furthermore, this means that you don’t necessarily need to speak fluent German.
Sometimes, traditional German employers would prefer a decent level of German, but in start-ups rules are different. Therefore, chances are not too bad that there’s a company in Germany looking to expand to the region you are from. A native speaker for this market can be a great asset and you should position yourself accordingly.
For example, many German SMEs want to expand to the US or China. If you’re an American or Chinese citizen, highlight your knowledge and expertise of the market during your search.
Networking never stops
Every day, network events are hosted in major German cities. They are designed for talents and employers to find together and exchange. We recommend to find your nice and actively attend events to spark new connections. There are sites like GründerSzene and Eventbrite that help you identify the event that suits you best. Leverage these opportunities to get a flavor for trends and companies.
Consequently, you’ll find it much easier to find a job in Germany that is right for you. You increase your chances of meeting the next contact who could then connect you to the right person. Vitamin B is everywhere.
Look beyond the plate
Although Germany is part of the EU, not all jobs are born equal. For example, a lawyer might not be able to practice without an equivalent German degree. Even if you have built a career in your home country, make sure that your skills are transferrable.
When you begin to find a job in Germany you might need or want to reconsider a different career path. If you’re struggling with finding jobs in Germany in your field of expertise, consider a broader horizon. This in return, will increase your chances of finding opportunities you have not thought of before.
