Congratulations on having your business finally begin to make its mark in Germany. All your hard work and determination is finally paying off. Adjusting to way business works in Western Europe, most notably Germany, can take time, but with the right expertise, you will be growing in more success in no time. If you’re seeing growth in Germany and are seeking to hire on some German talent, there are great places to begin your search and important things you need to know before beginning the hiring process.
Great Talent is in Short Supply
There are many legal, financial, and cultural differences between German employees and the ones from your home country. There is a high demand in Germany for skilled talent due to the aging population and low unemployment rate. Many candidates are aware that, if they don’t take your job, they can find another very easily. They will want to know every detail about your business, the job, and what they will earn – even before they decide. You need to have something to offer the talent you want that will make them feel happy, valued and part of a business’ mission.
Skip the Small Talk
Globally known as being quite frank, the German population isn’t as much of a fan of small talk as other countries and cultures may be. They will get to the point very quickly, so when interviewing prospective clients, be as direct as possible, otherwise, they may think you’re wasting their time.
It may seem attractive for your business in America to promote a great work/life balance and other perks and surprises, however, Germans are a bit different. They don’t like surprises and they try to keep their work and life as separate as possible. They love predictability and want to know they will be doing much of the same things as the same scheduled times each day.
Keep the Law in Mind
Labor laws differ depending on which European country you’re setting up a business. It’s important to research or hire someone knowledgable in the subject, before beginning the hiring process. There are many laws regarding payroll, taxes, and social security that you should keep in mind.
Look in the Right Places
Social media is a rapidly growing communication outlet and is becoming one of the best spots to recruit talent. Linkedin is less prominent in Germany, so try looking into XING and other more popular platforms to find the right people. Job agencies also remain popular in Germany and shouldn’t be left out of your search for talent.
The best German talent for your business is out there and waiting! German employees will work hard, stay efficient, and fall in love with your brand quickly. If you want to know the best cities to find this talent, read our blog here, or reach out to us to find out why it can be important to hire an agent before looking for German employees.
If you are looking for a recruitment expert in Germany, Hero Consulting is the best partner for you. Contact us today!
