There are countless jobs out there, but which one is the right fit for you? Since everyone has their own desires and expectations for a job, answering this question isn’t always easy. However, there are some considerations that can help you find your career path!

What kind of work can you imagine doing?

It can be helpful to think about what you’ve done professionally in your home country. Ask yourself if you still have an interest in pursuing that career. Reflect on what you’re capable of and where your own interests lie.

Don’t forget about daily activities that may have become routine. Do you enjoy doing repairs or have a knack for working with technical devices? Are you helpful and like supporting others, or do you enjoy cooking? Perhaps you speak multiple languages or have a valid driver’s license and enjoy being on the road? Maybe you’ve done volunteer work or are still doing it, and those skills can be transferred to a professional setting.

It’s also useful to know what you don’t want to do, but focus primarily on your strengths and preferences. Consider writing down your ideas. Having your thoughts in front of you can often help organize them more effectively.

Do you meet the requirements?

In many cases, job requirements in Germany may differ or even be higher than those in your home country. Check if your existing certificates and qualifications are sufficient for your desired job. If you’re unsure, seek assistance with having your credentials recognized.

You might need additional qualifications or even training. For example, if you want to work in logistics but don’t yet have a forklift license, you may need to obtain one. Personal requirements are also important. Consider your availability, for instance. Can you work in shifts, and how flexible are you? Sometimes work schedules can change at short notice. Can you adjust without disrupting your personal life?

In some cases, having a driver’s license and a vehicle may be essential for getting to your workplace. Is public transportation accessible? Research potential employers, as some companies provide buses or transportation services for employees.

Think carefully about whether the tasks that interest you are something you can realistically manage in a daily work setting. Working full-time for a moving company, for instance, is different from occasionally helping friends with a move. Assess whether you’re physically fit for the job, considering factors like strength, vision, or potential allergies that could be limiting.

Try it out!

If you’re unsure, just try it out! Internships are a great way to test your abilities and gain a better understanding of workplace processes and the company itself. Internships give you practical insights, and in return, you can show your commitmen - a win-win for both sides!

What’s important to you?

There are many jobs that are easy to learn and where you can quickly get up to speed. So, think not only about your interests but also about what else matters to you in a job.

For example, do you prefer regular working hours because you need your weekends for childcare? Is it okay if you spend a few nights a week away from home? Of course, salary and vacation days are also important considerations. Additionally, consider whether you prefer working in a large or small team and how much responsibility you’d like to take on in your role.

Seek Support

It’s not always easy to reflect on your own interests and assess yourself. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from people who know you well. What’s their opinion of you, and what would they recommend?

For example, fill out a self-assessment questionnaire about your professional abilities, and then have close friends or family answer the same questions about you. This way, you can see how well you know yourself and whether you might need to reflect more deeply in the future. People often judge themselves harshly, so conversations with others can boost your confidence and encourage you.

You can also seek professional coaching, such as at the DEKRA Academy.

Other Things to Consider

Keep your eyes open and pay attention to your surroundings. We’re constantly encountering people who are working. Take a moment to consider: Would the job of the person who just delivered my package be something I’d enjoy? Could you see yourself working in a digital field, like e-commerce?

Most importantly: Believe in yourself! Nobody is perfect, and we all grow with our responsibilities. The same applies to your job. Whatever you don’t already know, you’ll learn on the job.

So, do you now have a clearer idea of which job might be right for you?

In our blog posts, we do not use gender-inclusive language to make them easier to read for non-native German speaking readers. Of course, all genders are included, as diversity and inclusion are important to us.