Career Support Group Meetup #7: Maximise your Chance to get hired in Germany
Sometimes, job search frustration isn’t about effort. It’s about strategy. In our final Career Support Group Coaching session, co-led with the brilliant Aleksandra Czekalska, we explored one essential question:
👉 How do I actually increase my chances of getting hired in Germany — in this market, in my situation, right now?
This session wasn’t about doing more. It was about doing the right things — with clarity, confidence, and a little more kindness toward ourselves.
Here’s what we covered — and how you can take it forward this week.
🌟 German Job Market Snapshot (2025)
We started by getting honest about what’s happening:
Fewer roles. Longer hiring times. The average time-to-hire is now ~55 days. It’s not you — it’s the system. Be patient, but persistent.
Remote and hybrid roles are growing. Show flexibility.
Skill-based screening is rising. Many CVs are filtered by tools before a human sees them.
Hot sectors: Tech, AI, healthcare, skilled trades, cloud infrastructure.
🧠 The mindset shift? Don’t just react to job ads. Get clear, then get proactive.
✅ What Works in Germany – Strategy Table
Here’s the framework we taught — 5 steps that consistently move people forward:
Step Focus Tools & Practices Step 1 Define Your Direction SMART+P Goals, Career purpose, Job title clarity Step 2 Search Smarter Google Alerts, LinkedIn filters, Feedly, Stepstone Step 3 Tailor Documents ResumeWorded, Jobscan, clear formatting Step 4 Apply Strategically Apply via company websites, follow up in 7–10 days Step 5 Network Consistently LinkedIn comments, Slack groups, alumni networks
✨ What participants said:
“I finally see that applying everywhere isn’t helping. This gives me a roadmap.”
📄 Application Essentials – What You Need
Your documents are still your foundation — but format and strategy matter more than ever.
Essentials Checklist:
✅ ATS-friendly CV (no columns/tables, reverse-chronological)
✅ PDF format, clean fonts (Arial, Calibri)
✅ Optional photo (more relevant in traditional industries)
✅ Cover letter (when requested — or when it adds value)
✅ 1-pager “Why I’m a Great Fit” (great for speculative outreach)
✅ Diplomas, certificates, references
💡 CV Writing Tip: Use the formula: I did X, which led to Y, by doing Z → It shows impact, not just tasks.
🔎 Find Hidden Opportunities
We call this the invisible layer of the job market — and it’s often where the magic happens.
Company Websites
Initiativbewerbung (Speculative Application)
LinkedIn Commenting
Growth Signals
Industry Communities
Be Early
📬 Example Message (Speculative):
“Hi [Name], I noticed your team is growing after [news]. I’d love to contribute my [skillset] to [mission/goal]. Happy to send more details!”
🧠 Tools to Save Time & Optimize
Don’t just hustle — optimize. These tools help you spend less time guessing, and more time progressing.
Search Automation:
Google Alerts, LinkedIn filters
Feedly or Zapier to track job feeds
CV & Keyword Tools:
Kickresume (clean formats)
Tracking & Planning:
Notion, Trello, Teal HQ for job tracking
Streak (Gmail plugin) to manage follow-ups
💬 Messaging & Networking Guide
We practiced real conversations — the kind that build trust and open doors.
💡 Messaging isn’t about “pitching.” It’s about being curious, kind, and clear.
Try These Prompts:
“Hi [Name], I’m exploring roles in [field] — I’d love to learn more about your experience.”
“I appreciated your post about [topic]. In my last project, I experienced something similar…”
“Hi [Name], I recently applied to [Company] — happy to share more if helpful!”
Weekly Visibility Habit:
Leave 2–3 meaningful LinkedIn comments
Reconnect with 1 contact
DM 5 people with intention
Post 1 short reflection or insight
🎯 Mindset shift:
“People hire people. Not perfect profiles.”
🗺️ Explore & Expand
We closed with a simple challenge:
“Pick one thing from today’s session and try it this week.”
Here’s how:
Choose 3 companies you love
Connect with 1–2 employees on LinkedIn
Join a new industry group
Attend one event or webinar
Reflect after: What did I learn? What surprised me?
📌 Remember: Progress isn’t about doing everything. It’s about doing one thing well — and letting that build your momentum.
💡 Your Next Step
Which tactic are you trying this week? Choose one — and commit to it.
Need a quick check-in or coaching session? Reach out:
You’re not alone in this. Let’s build a job search that’s smart, human, and aligned with who you really are.
With clarity, courage, and connection, Niv Now (he/him) & Aleksandra Czekalska
