That was me 4 years ago – after landing my first major job in Germany. And in no time I was travelling around Europe..... until the next opportunity came.... and then next, and the next....

I look fresh there, it was about a year after my postgraduate studies (M.Sc. Infection Biology, University of Lübeck). When I received the invite to the interview, I was super excited; positive, enthusiastic, confident……… and all optimistic feelings you can think about. I have had interviews before then, but they were all virtual, this was going to be the first physical interview.

You must have heard/read that you can work in Germany without the German language; that's true, so read on.

The job post was in English; Company’s website: in English; no option to even change it to German or other languages. My job application was sent in English; First feedback to the application sent in English; Invitation to interview was sent by the company in English! Wow! What more could I ask for? Although I could speak some German then, but having a job interview in English was way much better for me.

I could not ask for more – on top of the above, the offer was in Munich – one of the highest paying cities in Germany. Even if you will probably spend most of it on house rent and perhaps groceries, Munich is a beautiful city to leave in, so it’d all be good anyway.

I was so sure of getting the job and was already making accommodation plans. I prepared in the best ways possible – at least, I thought and rehearsed my speeches and possible answers to potential questions a million times. Since the interview would be in English (logically it should), I was confident in myself – actually, I was overconfident.

Anyways, just in case I had to talk to someone at the reception, I pocketed precisely enough German to get me across to the interview room (I thought to myself… lol ?). Well, things started changing slowly when I arrived a bit too early – 20 minutes before the time and was informed (by one of the interviewers, in German), to go and hang around for a while and come back just shortly before the interview time: Welcome to Germany – the land of precision! Being late is not accepted, coming too early praised is neither accepted.

I came back right in time as was asked to. To show good manners, I exchanged greetings with the interviewers (two of them) in German, hoping that’d be it (my pocketed German was already running out!!??). The first interviewer proceeded to introduce himself, and then the second, and then I did – all in German. And I thought to myself, ‘when will the real interview begin?’

The real interview continued as the first person started describing the company. I had to interrupt, to ask if the language of the interview is German: ‘Oh yes, it is. Didn’t you know that?’ He asked. I was like, ‘no! I did not expect it at all………’ I explained how every step so far in the application process was in English until now. The first tension in the meeting ensued – I was caught off guard and I started sweating in my nice suit! Lol, ? I laugh about it today, but not then.

To cut a long story short, we had some arguments on which language to interview in. Of course, they understood my points but wouldn’t accept it since it is a German company and most of the colleagues in the laboratory are native German speakers – there was hardly a chance that I would work in English. I should have thought about that earlier. In the end, we had a compromise – the interview was conducted in Denglisch! Heard that before?

That experience taught me that, you could never be over-prepared for anything. When you are taken by surprise and feel disappointed, let it be a lesson that’d propel you to the next level. I learned my lessons that day and sent all subsequent applications in German ONLY – thanks to the good friends that supported me then. If the communication turned out to be in English, that’s several pluses for me!

Amongst other things to learn, I sure did learn the following:

Be open to changes and if one way does not work, try another
You could never be too prepared – look deeper than the logical procedures
Prepare for the worst. If things go all Gucci, then you can call it luck!
Join an active study abroad community, ask questions and make meaningful contributions.
Keep expanding your network of professional friends, especially those abroad; you need them for their experience.

What experience have you had attending job interviews abroad?

Or do you have questions on how to prepare for a job interview abroad?

Share your thoughts/questions.

My first to comment this year.

If u believe delay is not denial abeg bless me with like bottom.

.

Nice. I am hoping to study for my M.Sc in Germany soon. Good pointers from you. Thanks

Which course would you like to study?

Germany offers a lot of opportunities for international students. So, you are definitely making the right decision.

InfernoNig:
Nice. I am hoping to study for my M.Sc in Germany soon. Good pointers from you. Thanks

monkmike:
Which course would you like to study?

Germany offers a lot of opportunities for international students. So, you are definitely making the right decision.

M.Sc Aerospace Engineering.

Sure, always happy to help.
Here is the group on Setlinn, where I can share some courses in tuition-free universities for you
https://setlinn.com/groups/da-lounge/
My username is wohks

InfernoNig:


M.Sc Aerospace Engineering.

Learn native language.

True talk. You’re always at an advantage when you can speak multiple languages. Also, since the official language here is German, more opportunities are available in German.

juman:
Learn native language.

Good read!

monkmike:
That was me 4 years ago – after landing my first major job in Germany. And in no time I was travelling around Europe..... until the next opportunity came.... and then next, and the next....

I look fresh there, it was about a year after my postgraduate studies (M.Sc. Infection Biology, University of Lübeck). When I received the invite to the interview, I was super excited; positive, enthusiastic, confident……… and all optimistic feelings you can think about. I have had interviews before then, but they were all virtual, this was going to be the first physical interview.

You must have heard/read that you can work in Germany without the German language; that's true, so read on.

The job post was in English; Company’s website: in English; no option to even change it to German or other languages. My job application was sent in English; First feedback to the application sent in English; Invitation to interview was sent by the company in English! Wow! What more could I ask for? Although I could speak some German then, but having a job interview in English was way much better for me.

I could not ask for more – on top of the above, the offer was in Munich – one of the highest paying cities in Germany. Even if you will probably spend most of it on house rent and perhaps groceries, Munich is a beautiful city to leave in, so it’d all be good anyway.

I was so sure of getting the job and was already making accommodation plans. I prepared in the best ways possible – at least, I thought and rehearsed my speeches and possible answers to potential questions a million times. Since the interview would be in English (logically it should), I was confident in myself – actually, I was overconfident.

Anyways, just in case I had to talk to someone at the reception, I pocketed precisely enough German to get me across to the interview room (I thought to myself… lol ?). Well, things started changing slowly when I arrived a bit too early – 20 minutes before the time and was informed (by one of the interviewers, in German), to go and hang around for a while and come back just shortly before the interview time: Welcome to Germany – the land of precision! Being late is not accepted, coming too early praised is neither accepted.

I came back right in time as was asked to. To show good manners, I exchanged greetings with the interviewers (two of them) in German, hoping that’d be it (my pocketed German was already running out!!??). The first interviewer proceeded to introduce himself, and then the second, and then I did – all in German. And I thought to myself, ‘when will the real interview begin?’

The real interview continued as the first person started describing the company. I had to interrupt, to ask if the language of the interview is German: ‘Oh yes, it is. Didn’t you know that?’ He asked. I was like, ‘no! I did not expect it at all………’ I explained how every step so far in the application process was in English until now. The first tension in the meeting ensued – I was caught off guard and I started sweating in my nice suit! Lol, ? I laugh about it today, but not then.

To cut a long story short, we had some arguments on which language to interview in. Of course, they understood my points but wouldn’t accept it since it is a German company and most of the colleagues in the laboratory are native German speakers – there was hardly a chance that I would work in English. I should have thought about that earlier. In the end, we had a compromise – the interview was conducted in Denglisch! Heard that before?

That experience taught me that, you could never be over-prepared for anything. When you are taken by surprise and feel disappointed, let it be a lesson that’d propel you to the next level. I learned my lessons that day and sent all subsequent applications in German ONLY – thanks to the good friends that supported me then. If the communication turned out to be in English, that’s several pluses for me!

Amongst other things to learn, I sure did learn the following:

Be open to changes and if one way does not work, try another
You could never be too prepared – look deeper than the logical procedures
Prepare for the worst. If things go all Gucci, then you can call it luck!
Join an active study abroad community, ask questions and make meaningful contributions.
Keep expanding your network of professional friends, especially those abroad; you need them for their experience.

What experience have you had attending job interviews abroad?

Or do you have questions on how to prepare for a job interview abroad?

Share your thoughts/questions.

Nice 1 bro ... Really an insight

Thanks. Glad it was insightful.
I have a YouTube channel where I share my experience and those of other foreigners in Europe. Maybe you will find some valuable information there too.

https://youtube.com/c/DestineyArkaden

chingle5:


Nice 1 bro ... Really an insight

Nice one.
I can imagine the sweat trickling down your back when they insisted on German.

---

Looking for where I can learn Arabic.
Don't want anyone to carry me handicap.

monkmike:
Sure, always happy to help.
Here is the group on Setlinn, where I can share some courses in tuition-free universities for you
https://setlinn.com/groups/da-lounge/
My username is wohks

Thanks bro. Appreciate this info

monkmike:
Thanks. Glad it was insightful.
I have a YouTube channel where I share my experience and those of other foreigners in Europe. Maybe you will find some valuable information there too.

https://youtube.com/c/DestineyArkaden

Okk bro make i subscribe

I was really sweating and had to take off my jacket.

CrownOfClay724:
Nice one.
I can imagine the sweat trickling down your back when they insisted on German.

---

Looking for where I can learn Arabic.
Don't want anyone to carry me handicap.

About Arabic, not sure where’s the best place to learn, but you can connect with people abroad on SETLINN. Maybe take a moment to check it out.

monkmike:
I was really sweating and had to take off my jacket.

About Arabic, not sure where’s the best place to learn, but you can connect with people abroad on SETLINN. Maybe take a moment to check it out.

Thanks.

Looks the real deal.
I'll take time to go through.

CrownOfClay724:
Nice one.
I can imagine the sweat trickling down your back when they insisted on German.

---

Looking for where I can learn Arabic.
Don't want anyone to carry me handicap.

Download Duolingo app, you can learn any language on Duolingo. I'm currently learning German cos I'm considering doing my Msc there

monkmike:
Which course would you like to study?

Germany offers a lot of opportunities for international students. So, you are definitely making the right decision.

Bro I'm currently planning on doing my Msc there too. Please any useful information from you would go a long way. Thank you!

GOD when be my own time?

I really love to study in Germany (Masters in Civil Engineering) but I heard the language is a barrier for people like me that doesn't learn language so fast
I remember during my service year in the east, spent close to a year and I hardly understand Igbo language. I can't even speak d most simplest word.
I wish I can learn German fast coz I'm really considering going there

HELLASJ:

Download Duolingo app, you can learn any language on Duolingo. I'm currently learning German cos I'm considering doing my Msc there

That’s great. I used Babbel to learn German some years ago. I offer a weekly online training session for Nigerian professionals in Berlin. We meet online every Saturday to practice speaking, listening and reading. You can join us if you want.

wunderkindkayod:
GOD when be my own time?

Relax! It will happen soon.
What’s your current qualification?
You can connect with me on www.setlinn.com
That’s where I guide people on how to study, work and live abroad.
There’s also my YouTube channel. Feel free to take my contact there and connect.
https://youtube.com/c/DestineyArkaden

dierich:
I really love to study in Germany (Masters in Civil Engineering) but I heard the language is a barrier for people like me that doesn't learn language so fast
I remember during my service year in the east, spent close to a year and I hardly understand Igbo language. I can't even speak d most simplest word.
I wish I can learn German fast coz I'm really considering going there

You have nothing to worry about. All you need is that strong desire, which you already possess now.
Also, it’s not true that you need the German language to study for your M.Sc (Civil Engineering) in Germany. There are English master’s degree courses in that field offered tuition-free.
If you’d like to, here is where I guide people and we help find the right course for them in Germany and other EU countries
https://setlinn.com/groups/da-lounge/
Feel free to create an account and ask your questions as a post on the Feed section.

HELLASJ:


Bro I'm currently planning on doing my Msc there too. Please any useful information from you would go a long way. Thank you!

Sure, no worries.
Let’s connect in my group on SETLINN and take it up from there
https://setlinn.com/groups/da-lounge/
Feel free to create an account and connect with me directly. My username is wohks.
Looking forward to seeing you on the other side.

Beautiful, OP...! Thanks for this.

monkmike:

You have nothing to worry about. All you need is that strong desire, which you already possess now.
Also, it’s not true that you need the German language to study for your M.Sc (Civil Engineering) in Germany. There are English master’s degree courses in that field offered tuition-free.
If you’d like to, here is where I guide people and we help find the right course for them in Germany and other EU countries
https://setlinn.com/groups/da-lounge/
Feel free to create an account and ask your questions as a post on the Feed section.

Thanks for your response.
I've create an account and post my question there. I hope to see a response soon. Thanks

monkmike:
That was me 4 years ago – after landing my first major job in Germany. And in no time I was travelling around Europe..... until the next opportunity came.... and then next, and the next....

I look fresh there, it was about a year after my postgraduate studies (M.Sc. Infection Biology, University of Lübeck). When I received the invite to the interview, I was super excited; positive, enthusiastic, confident……… and all optimistic feelings you can think about. I have had interviews before then, but they were all virtual, this was going to be the first physical interview.

You must have heard/read that you can work in Germany without the German language; that's true, so read on.

The job post was in English; Company’s website: in English; no option to even change it to German or other languages. My job application was sent in English; First feedback to the application sent in English; Invitation to interview was sent by the company in English! Wow! What more could I ask for? Although I could speak some German then, but having a job interview in English was way much better for me.

I could not ask for more – on top of the above, the offer was in Munich – one of the highest paying cities in Germany. Even if you will probably spend most of it on house rent and perhaps groceries, Munich is a beautiful city to leave in, so it’d all be good anyway.

I was so sure of getting the job and was already making accommodation plans. I prepared in the best ways possible – at least, I thought and rehearsed my speeches and possible answers to potential questions a million times. Since the interview would be in English (logically it should), I was confident in myself – actually, I was overconfident.

Anyways, just in case I had to talk to someone at the reception, I pocketed precisely enough German to get me across to the interview room (I thought to myself… lol ?). Well, things started changing slowly when I arrived a bit too early – 20 minutes before the time and was informed (by one of the interviewers, in German), to go and hang around for a while and come back just shortly before the interview time: Welcome to Germany – the land of precision! Being late is not accepted, coming too early praised is neither accepted.

I came back right in time as was asked to. To show good manners, I exchanged greetings with the interviewers (two of them) in German, hoping that’d be it (my pocketed German was already running out!!??). The first interviewer proceeded to introduce himself, and then the second, and then I did – all in German. And I thought to myself, ‘when will the real interview begin?’

The real interview continued as the first person started describing the company. I had to interrupt, to ask if the language of the interview is German: ‘Oh yes, it is. Didn’t you know that?’ He asked. I was like, ‘no! I did not expect it at all………’ I explained how every step so far in the application process was in English until now. The first tension in the meeting ensued – I was caught off guard and I started sweating in my nice suit! Lol, ? I laugh about it today, but not then.

To cut a long story short, we had some arguments on which language to interview in. Of course, they understood my points but wouldn’t accept it since it is a German company and most of the colleagues in the laboratory are native German speakers – there was hardly a chance that I would work in English. I should have thought about that earlier. In the end, we had a compromise – the interview was conducted in Denglisch! Heard that before?

That experience taught me that, you could never be over-prepared for anything. When you are taken by surprise and feel disappointed, let it be a lesson that’d propel you to the next level. I learned my lessons that day and sent all subsequent applications in German ONLY – thanks to the good friends that supported me then. If the communication turned out to be in English, that’s several pluses for me!

Amongst other things to learn, I sure did learn the following:

Be open to changes and if one way does not work, try another
You could never be too prepared – look deeper than the logical procedures
Prepare for the worst. If things go all Gucci, then you can call it luck!
Join an active study abroad community, ask questions and make meaningful contributions.
Keep expanding your network of professional friends, especially those abroad; you need them for their experience.

What experience have you had attending job interviews abroad?

Or do you have questions on how to prepare for a job interview abroad?

Share your thoughts/questions.

Nice write up

monkmike:

Sure, no worries.
Let’s connect in my group on SETLINN and take it up from there
https://setlinn.com/groups/da-lounge/
Feel free to create an account and connect with me directly. My username is wohks.
Looking forward to seeing you on the other side.

any opportunities for a Nigerian Dr who don't know how to speak German to work there even in academic.

This best and most informative post have read this year. Good read

Ok

Great read.