Something a Little Different - Personal Reflections on Searching for a Job in Germany
Guten tag Reader -
Greetings from Berlin! Today, I'm trying something a little different and am going to share some of personal observations and experiences when looking for a a job in Germany with hopes that it will helpful for you in some way. 😊
Let's dive in with our June 19, 2023 edition of The Berlin Life newsletter. (And if you missed last week's email, read Job Interview Fails, The Down Low on Europe's Best Tippers, & Germany Needs Immigrants But Isn't Good at Welcoming Them.)
Personal Reflections on Searching for a Job in Germany
After spending three months searching for a job, I'm now ready to tell you more about my time as a job seeker and not someone coaching those looking for work.
1) Getting ghosted was all too common - It's one thing when you apply for a job and never hear back from that company, but it's another thing to have an interview with promise for a next day follow-up and then find that the company disappears into thin air. I had a really positive, albeit weird interview with a guy who informed me they really wanted to get to know me more. He said they'd get back to me the next day with a date and time proposal for when I could meet with the hiring manager. A few days went by and I heard nothing, so I sent one polite follow-up note indicating my continued interest and sharing my availibility. I never heard from them ever again, which I find entirely disrespctful, unprofessional, and just plain rude. I'm Canadian, so you know how I love politeness. 🙃 Never mind that the guy who interviewed me cursed during the interview and bragged about how they don't follow standard norms or process at their company, as if that was some kind of flex. Trust me, it wasn't.
2) Not being given a chance - I know that I have a good job application in terms of my CV and cover letter and I'm careful to only apply for jobs that I know I could do. So when I saw the job of my dreams, in a comparable company to where I am now, I gave it my all and created what I considered a kick-ass job application. I felt the role was perfect for me and I hit all of the requirements. Yet despite my high hopes, I got rejected a couple of weeks after applying. I then watched online and saw the role remained open for sometime. This rejection hit different as they didn't even speak to me to see if there was a match. I admit, I was pretty broken hearted about this one and took the rejection hard. I know I shouldn't take it personally, but it really sucks to not even be given an opportunity.
3) Cover letters aren't dead yet - A few employers told me that they liked the fact I took time to write a thoughtful cover letter and that it made me stand apart from other candidates. They really can give you a leg up - so keep on submitting those cover letters!
4) Attempts to get my personal info ... or not? - I had at least five interviews where the interviewers introduced themselves and revealed a bunch of personal information about themselves like their marital status, age, and number of children they have. I was never sure if they were trying to trick me into sharing this information myself or they were just trying to be friendly and make me feel comfortable. Regardless, when I introduced myself, I stuck to my usual script and didn't reveal anything personal. And whatever you do, don't share this information as it could result in bias that doesn't land you the job.
5) I got some weird questions - One interviewer through me for a loop when he asked me "What would your colleagues say is the most annoying thing about you?" I was left stunned and let out a really long and uncomfortable "Ummmm...." as how does someone even answer that question? 🤔 Being asked this by a fellow coach was also weird, as they should already know that's not how you'd frame such a question. I eventually responded with a joke and honestly admitted that it wasn't a question I felt good about answering. He then re-worded it, which was "What areas do you think you need to develop more in?" and I answered as I normally would.
Get More Stories Like These and Even 1<>1 Time With Me
Did you like this week's format where I share more about my personal experiences, as well as advice? Next week, I plan to share some other reflections and tell you about what it's like to quit a job in Germany, as well as all the boxes to tick ot make sure everything is done correctly.
Sound good? Well, then I have one heck of an incredible offer for you. Upgrade your newsletter experience to get all sorts of good stuff.
A more personal weekly newsletter where I share my experiences, give out relatable and useful advice about finding work in Germany, as well as a releastic take on living here, including tips about how to make the best experience possible. In addition to this, I'll share curated job postings, stories from others who've settled in Berlin.
Premium membership to the Berlin Life community also includes exclusive invites to online/offline events to meet other job seekers and forge new connections, be it friendship or a more professional relationship. You'll also be invited to my community dropoff time, a monthly open door meeting where you can come to chat with me and ask me anything.
I know it's advice, opportinity, and information I would have wanted to have when I first moved here, so let me help make your job seeking experience and settling into Germany as smooth as possible.
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Useful Resources
Good stuff offered by the Berlin Life - aka how we can help you.
⦾ Check out our 50 curated, indepth Berlin Life guides, full of tips and tricks about living and working in Berlin. They're full of practical advice, as well as humour based on some of my personal experiences after living and working in Berlin for more than 10 years.
⦾ Get career coaching for help crafting the perfect German CV or cover letter and help to practice for interviews.
⦾ Join our new (!) Slack community to connect with other job seekers and get support on moving to Germany for work.
⦾ Add yourself to our Linkedin list to network with other Germany-based professionals.
⦾ Create a German CV (and cover letter) quickly & easily with resume.io.
Wishing you a lovely week ahead,
Founder - The Berlin Life