One conversation. Zero applications. Job interview secured.
If you’re trying to figure out how to get a job in Germany from abroad, you’ve probably spent hours scrolling through job boards, tweaking your CV, and hitting “apply” on countless postings. But what if I told you there’s a more effective approach that bypasses the online application black hole entirely?
One of my clients recently proved this strategy works. She wanted to work in Germany, and instead of competing with hundreds of applicants on job portals, she took a different route: strategic networking.
Here’s exactly what happened – and how you can replicate her success.
The Problem with Traditional Job Applications From Abroad
When you’re applying to jobs in Germany from another country, you’re fighting an uphill battle:
- ATS systems filter out international candidates
- Hiring managers hesitate about visa sponsorship
- Your application gets lost among local candidates
- You have no internal advocate
My client understood this. So instead of wasting time on applications that would likely go nowhere, we designed a networking-first strategy.
The Strategy: How to Get a Job in Germany From Abroad Through Informational Interviews
Here’s what she did:
Step 1: Identify Target Companies and Professionals
She researched companies in her industry that hired international talent and identified professionals currently working in roles similar to what she wanted.
Step 2: Reach Out for an Informational Interview (Not a Job)
She sent personalized messages that said something like:
“I’m exploring opportunities in [industry] in Germany and would love to learn about your experience working at [company]. Would you be open to a 20-minute conversation?”
Notice what she didn’t do: She didn’t ask for a job. She asked for information.
Pro tip: For Germany, don’t limit yourself to LinkedIn. Germany has its own professional networking platform called Xing.com, which is extremely popular among German professionals. Creating a profile there and building your network can significantly increase your response rate, as many Germans are more active and responsive on Xing than on other platforms.
Step 3: The Conversation That Changed Everything
Last week, she had her informational interview. It was supposed to be a casual conversation about the German market, industry insights, and what it’s really like to work there.
The conversation went so well that her contact said: “Send me your resume directly to the hiring manager, here is her email.”
Plot twist: That same person will be now conducting her formal interview.
Why This Approach Works
While most international job seekers are battling ATS systems and competing with local candidates, my client bypassed all of that through one authentic conversation.
Here’s why this strategy is so effective:
Relationships open doors that applications can’t. When you lead with genuine curiosity and interest in learning about an industry, people want to help you succeed.
You become a known quantity. Instead of being “random applicant #247,” you’re now “that interesting person I spoke with last week.”
Internal referrals carry weight. When someone inside the company vouches for you, your chances of getting an interview skyrocket.
Your Action Plan: How to Network Your Way Into a Job in Germany
Ready to try this yourself? Here’s your step-by-step plan:
- Make a list of 10-15 target companies in Germany that align with your skills and career goals
- Find 2-3 people at each company who work in your target role or department (use LinkedIn and Xing)
- Craft personalized outreach messages that request informational interviews, not jobs
- Follow up. Don’t just stop at the first message – they probably saw it, got busy, and forgot
- Prepare thoughtful questions about the German work culture, their career path, and industry insights
- Follow up after the conversation with a thank-you note and stay in touch
- Ask for introductions if the conversation goes well – but only after you’ve built genuine rapport
The Bottom Line
If you’re serious about getting a job in Germany from abroad, stop spending all your time on job boards. Start spending it on conversations.
One strategic networking conversation can accomplish what 100 applications never will.
Your next step: Identify one person working in Germany in your target industry and reach out this week. That single conversation could be the one that changes everything.
About me
I’m Megan, an International Career Coach who has lived and worked in over 10 countries. At the time of writing, I am on a digital nomad visa in Spain 🙂 I’m dedicated to helping ambitious professionals identify pathways and develop strategies that will allow them to live and work abroad in the regions and countries that truly excite them.
Whether you’re just starting to dream about international opportunities or you’re ready to make your move, I understand the challenges because I’ve lived them. From navigating visa requirements to mastering the art of international networking, I help people turn their overseas career dreams into concrete action plans.
If you’d like to learn more about my story, click here.
Also, feel free to book a 1:1 free Work Abroad Exploration call where we can discuss your specific goals and the best path forward for your international career journey.