642 Applications of a non-EU Developer

Case Study: Job Market Analysis for Non-EU Applicants

This is a breakdown of the job hunt for a non-German speaker (Alfe) in the current market. Alfe secured a position without a B1 German certificate, without moving to a major hub and without a pre-existing network.

Application Data

Alfe tracked the following metrics over the course of the search:

• Total Applications: 642
• Phone Interviews: 10
• Video Conferences: 7
• In-Person Interviews: 4
• => Hired: 1

Initial Search Strategy

The search strategy began with approximately 20 applications per week via LinkedIn and direct company portals. Alfe later on shifted his strategy, moving from volume to targeting specific roles.

Points of Failure

During the interview phase, Alfe was mostly rejected for the following issues (according to him):

• Visa Regulations: Lack of knowledge regarding specific laws for his current visa status.
• Long-term Vision: Inadequate answers regarding long-term career goals.
• Technical Testing: Failed math modeling assessments.
• Experience Mapping: Insufficient examples of previous experience that directly correlated to the applied role.

Problematic Interviews

Alfe reported that some companies did not treat him well during the application process.

A company invited Alfe for an in-person interview with a promise to cover travel expenses. Despite verbal feedback stating he performed well and would be notified in two weeks, the company ceased communication and did not reimburse the travel costs.

Another time a hiring manager conducted an interview that felt like an interrogation, making Alfe feel like a student in detention, being asked if they lied about things.

What Ended Up Working

Alfe attributes the eventual offer to three adjustments in his application materials:

• CV Adaptation: Changed the CV multiple times to adapt specifically to what the companies were asking for.
• Technical Terminology: Began using technical terms specific to the German market rather than general English terms.
• Cover Letters: Noted that cover letters were a significant factor in convincing Human Resources to move the application forward.

What He Would Do Differently

Take more care of your mental health, especially if the process takes a year or more.

Do not try to learn German simultaneously while stabilizing your life and career. The standards can feel impossible; ignore them if they are not feasible.

Prioritize resilience and patience.

Do not overthink the process or obsess over “productivity.”

Continue learning and doing other activities to manage mental health.

Conclusion

The job market is tough right now and it can take a lot of time, even for experienced candidates to finally get hired.

I think it’s extremely important to keep learning and iterating.

Interviewing and applying are skills like any other. It is important to practice these skills so that one you actually get an interview, you actually nail it.

It is also important to realize that some companies are not going to respect you or your time. Don’t let them get to you and just keep on trying. You wouldn’t want to work there anyway.

If you need help with getting a job, feel free to check our CV optimization and interview training services.