Tips for Finding a Job in Germany AS AN AMERICAN
Tips for Finding a Job in Germany AS AN AMERICAN
Many Americans out there may want to move to Germany or other European countries, but not know how they’d do it. There are many factors that may deter some, such as “how will I speak the language?” or “how will I get my affairs in order stateside before leaving?” for example. I feel like the most obvious and most asked question, however, is “how will I be able to get a job?” The purpose of this article is to share some tips that I’ve been using to find employment in Germany. Some of this information may also be able to be applied to other countries or even finding jobs in America!
Tip 1: Look for in demand jobs
I’m sure this is a no-brainer, but look for high value jobs, primarily in IT, software development, programming or basically anything that involves working on a computer. I have experience in photography and videography, jobs that aren't necessarily at the absolut TOP of the list of being in demand, but they’re transferable skills that can be applied to virtually any company. I use photography and videography as an example because many who are reading might think “I don't have any idea how to do IT work, or how to code, or anything like that…” I get it, but there’s still in demand jobs that you don't need to be a computer wizz for. Maybe you’re skilled at writing, try your hand at copywriting. Maybe you have some graphic design experience? Obviously, the higher the technicality, like software development for example, the higher the demand, but anything to make you more marketable is a plus.
There are also plenty of blue collar opportunities in Germany that are in high demand. For the sake of sticking with my own personal experience, however, this article will focus on more white collar work.
Tip 2: Work on your in demand skills
If you know you want to move to Germany or another county, start polishing the rust off of some of these desirable skills. Don't have any of these skills or experiences? No problem, start now. The best time to plant a tree is 10 years ago. The second best time to plant a tree is today. Develop new in demand skills for free by watching YouTube tutorials. You can learn basically anything on YouTube for practically free. Need something with some more structure to it? Search one of the many online learning websites for a paid course. This sometimes works better for me since spending a couple bucks on a course makes me feel like I need to hold myself more accountable so I don't waste the money. That being said, I would start out for free on YouTube to see if you like learning about this new skill. You can always upgrade your learning material from there.
Tip 3: Apply to the right companies
Believe it or not, there are actually a lot of English speaking job opportunities in Germany, and I’m sure in many other parts of the world. English is the, sort of, unofficial second language of a lot of countries. Not everyone speaks English, however, so don’t expect a free pass on having to learn the native language. That being said, the third tip is to apply to the right companies.
Try to focus primarily on global brands. Companies with offices all over Europe, or all over the world. These companies, generally, need people who speak English since so many people tend to learn it as a second or third language even in different parts of the world. This means that someone working in London can communicate with the Berlin office, and they can communicate with the New York office, and so on. Again, this doesn’t give you a free pass to not have to learn the native language, at least eventually. Most job postings I’ve seen want at least a little of both even if English is the primary form of communication. That being said, there are a lot of 100 percent English speaking jobs too, so don't get discouraged if you’re like me and have no native language skills at first.
BONUS TIP: Make friends
My first job interview in Germany came from a friend of a friend who happened to be a manager at the local grocery store. I had a leg up because my girlfriend grew up in this town and still has a lot of friends and family here. These friends and family have companies that they work for, they know other companies in the area, they know people who work for and know other companies in the area. All of whom could have a lead for a company to look into, or a person to contact, or some other type of useful information that could help you land a job. Sometimes it’s true what they say, it’s not what you know but WHO you know. Besides, isn’t having friends more fun anyways?