Job Search FBLive_01.06.2019

Job Coaching- 

Saturday 01 June 2019

Indians in Germany (Deutschland) Facebook group

Speaker:- Lyssa Artemis (Profession: Job Coach)

Host: RamGopal

1. Language Issues: How can one overcome the language barrier?

• Language ofcourse plays an important role but its not everything. This is where you can use your networking skills and try to develop professional network and get some referrals.

2. Visa issue: Does Visa status influence the job search? 

•  If you are living in Germany with student or employment Visa its an easy process to get work visa or if you have Job search visa (JSV), it is also possible to convert it. If you already have a job offer or a contract take the help of your HR to get more information. According to our speaker some middle or small sized companies expect the candidate to get this information.
• If you are already working in Germany and in the first two years your visa is bound to the company and its possible to change the company easily. 
• If the salary satisfies the reqirement of Bluecard the company might be 

3. Students: what is the right approach for Students to get in to Arbeitsmarkt

•  Devote some quality time in understanding the market and try to know your value as a graduate from a German University. 
• Start the job search early and don't wait till finishing the studies.
• Create a strong application which includes  Cover letter, CV/ Lebenskauf, Degree Certificates in one single pdf if you are sending it by email.

4. CV/ Lebenslauf

• Does the format of CV matters? Europass etc. 
•  Yes it is good to use a CV in chronological order and one can find tons of such formats available online. 
• One such format is Europass
• Does it need to be an Europass format? 
•  Not necessarily,  
• Its widely used across Europe but HR’S will receive thousands of CV’s with same format. 
• If I were you I would use it as an example and try to prepare one by myself by covering all points in it. 
• Its definitely a good starting point
• According to our speaker, not many companies care about this format especially in small industries.
• As a foreigner it's hard for us to create a error free Lebenslauf. 
•  Its important that applications are error free, so use the language which you are confortable with. 
• Do you recommend us to send the application in German or in English?
•  If you can speak a decent level of German, may be take help of you friends to get a standard German Lebenslauf.
• Make sure to communicate your German level upfront to avoid any surprises. 
• Ideal CV length?
• Not more than 2 pages. I personally call the company upfront to see how the HR would like to have it.
• This way one could also make a personal impression on HR and they might spend more time on you application
• I was told by s HR in the past to send a longer version and in another instance a shorter one.
•  Is photo necessary in the CV??
•  According to our speaker she would recomend her clients to have a picture. 
• You dont have to but keep in mind that HR read your application so why to take a chance..
•  She recommended to use professional photographer and make a good impact.
• Please donot use selfies or pics from your last holiday you like.

5. Coverletter

• Length: Not more than one page.
•  Should the cover letter have a photo?
• no need for a pic on the cover letter.

6. Recommendation letters (LOR) / Emphelungsschreiben

• Its always good to have some recommendation letters but however in Germany they use Arbeitszeugnis
• Arbeitszeugnis is some what a German version of Recommendation letter.
• The employers have to give a positive report one but they can use some terms which could give a hint to the HR.
• Use the LOR if you are leaving the company on good terms and provide a translation if its not in German (suggested by speaker)

7. Application (Bewerbung)

•  What all certificates are needs to be enclosed with CV along with application?
• Coverletter
• CV
• Certificates (Zeugnis)
• Supporting documents for that particular role
• In single PDF if not otherwise stated.
• Save the document as Bewerbung__FirstnameLastname
•  

8. Recognition / Anerkennung

• Recognition of Indian Degrees
• Most of the degrees from Indian Universities are recognised
• However the list of recognised Universities can be found on ANIRBAN website.
• If the University is not on the list, one can apply for certificate verification.
• This verification process might take around 2 months.

9. Arbeitsagentur: 

• It can found in the following blog 

10. Driving License: 

•  Its important to have driving license, for some roles they specifically mention that having a license would be an advantage. More information about getting a license could be found here.

11. Visa issues: 

• It will addressed soon in a separate session / blog.
12.  More points will be added soon
•  

Question & Answers:

1.  If one writes in German, is one obliged to take the interview in German as well? Because even with B2 level one may not make the best impression as in English for example.
• Its not, you could mention that you are fluent in reading and writing. But be prepared that they might ask something in German to see if you understand :)
2. Usually how many rounds of interviews happen in German company…
• Always depends on the size of the company. If it is a smaller one (up to 500 ppl) you will usually just have one round. Send them your application, get an invitation for a job interview and wait for the answer. Bigger companies might add an assesment center or other stages.
3. Does Arbeitagenenteur also helps people with limited German knowledge?
• Yes they do help but its recommended to take some German-speaking person with you.
4. What is the prospective for a Weiterbildung. I am unable to get a job here.have applied to many jobs but to no avail.
• Get in contact with Arbeitsagentur, they will probably guide you regarding that.
5. For how many months does a company block someone if he/she gets rejected during the interview?
• There is no such blocking period and 
• If the candidate asks for feedback, the HR might be reluctant to give any feedback fearing legal issues 
6. Is it mandatory to use Europass CV?
• According to the speakerwhat about Europass format? is that a mandate or optional?
• Its widely used across Europe but HR’S will receive thousands of CV’s with same format. 
• If I were you I would use it as an example and try to prepare one by myself by covering all points in it. 
• Its definitely a good starting point
• According to our speaker, not many companies care about this format especially in small industries.
7. When you have more than 6 working experience and lot to write how do we reduce a pages.. Should we mention all experience or just last three job?
• Just mention keywords and important information save the rest for the telephonic or personal interview.

Note: The document is written by the host by summarising the discussion during the live 
fb session to help the group members.
Disclaimer: I take no personal responsibillity of the accuracy of the information or any other 
mistakes /errors in it. This  blog was written with an intention to help other people, if you find 
some mistakes let me know I will try to update them.