Which kind of companies will hire foreigners? And which type should you target for your next career move?

In a usual week I talk to 50 human resources specialists and managing directors. In my experience there are three kind of companies that will hire foreigners: “Can”, “Must” and “Want” companies.

“Can” Companies own the brands that we all know. Multinational corporations with huge financial firepower. Very often they use English as their business language. They want the best people around the world – and they are willing to pay top money to get them. Even better: They also offer security and a real career. These “Top 40” companies are the ones where 80 percent of all candidates apply. Try to get in: But don’t focus on them exclusively.

“Must” Companies don’t really love you. They will open up for foreigners because they can’t find anyone on the local market. They grumpily agree to give English speaking slaves candidates a try – because no one else applies. (And sometimes they don’t want you even then). They pay bad and can’t offer you much of a career.

That is no accident: Their small profit margins are a direct result of their choices: They operate in a dying industry, have unattractive working conditions, are based in the countrysite and (the smallest problem) are very small. Often their bad finances are the direct result of their refusal to change with the times. Which let them to resist hiring foreignes as long as they could. You can find work here – but do you really want?

“Want” Companies – These are the companies that Immigrant Spirit is working for. They don’t need you. They want you. These company made a strategic decision (a term that a lot of HR departments would need to look up in the dictionary) on how they will satisfy their employment needs in the next five to ten years. Often they are startups who choose English as their business language from “Day One”. As a result they don’t even know the German word “Fachkräftemangel”.

A second type of these “Want” Companies might surprise you: These are the “hidden champions” of the German Mittelstand. You might never have heard of them – but their products are in your iPhone, your car and your washmachine. These companies are often family owned. Their managing directors cares deeply about their business – and their employees. And they want you to help them grow internationally.

I find that people who work in these companies are usually liberal: They are eager to learn, they trust in people and they are willing to give you a change to prove yourself. Here you find a decent pay, a great career – and a team that really cares.

An opportunity for you: Most candidates apply for the “Top 40” – and forget the nearly three million small and medium sized companies in Germany. Look beyond the obvious – and you find great employers.

Have you made the same experience?

You are well educated, you have professional experience and most important: You have drive and ambition. You want to make a contribution and build a good career.

But German employers don't value your talent. You apply for job after job. You spent hours editing your CV and cover letter to fit perfectly. And then: You don't even get an answer.

There is a way forward! Chris Pyak and the rest of us at Immigrant Spirit GmbH: We want you to succeed.

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