I am looking for a job, but not sure where to start

Whether it is your first time looking for a job or you are looking for change in employment, the first step requires some prior thinking on your part . Figure out what it is you expect from the new job and what is motivating you to make the change.

Here are some questions that can help:

• What do I know well?
• What can I do well?
• What interests me?
• What motivates me?
• What are my advantages?
• What area would I like to improve in?
• What are my priorities?
• What kind of company do I see myself working for?

Start with an overview of the job market. You can find information about open positions at various employment web portals, in print ads and other sources. Create a shortlist of the positions that interest you and whose criteria you meet. You will likely respond to direct ads, but also to offers posted by recruitment agencies.

Consider also seemingly trivial things, like:

• The type of work environment ("open-space", individual office space, or work from home).
• The attire (formal or informal).
• Corporate culture (a formal work environment or a smaller company with family atmosphere?).
• Mobility (are you willing to move for work or commute?).
• Time flexibility.

This short thinking over the answers will not only make the interview process easier for you, but will help you find the employment with long-term satisfaction. Knowing what you want will also help project confidence – something that is valued by employers.

How should I structure my CV?

 A CV should contain the following information:

• Personal information (Name, Surname, Date of Birth, Place of Permanent Residence).
• The highest level of education attained, any supplemental education.
• Work experience (listed chronologically – from the most recent to the oldest).
• Foreign language skills (Level).
• Level of computer skills.
• Certificates, trainings in which you have participated.

Don`t forget:

• A CV serves for your self- presentation and creates a first impression.
• If responding to several job offers, be sure to adjust each CV to fit a given position.
• Highlight those work experiences that align the best with the job you are responding to.
• Take into account the type of company you are applying to - pay attention to the content as well as the form.
• American companies prefer a more detailed information about your employment responsibilities/ achievements.
• German companies prefer good structuring and organization of the information.
• In each case, provide basic information on your job responsibilities and duties.
• Don’t be afraid to also provide information on reaching your set goals/achievements you have attained in your previous positions.

Do I need to write a Motivation Letter?

If the instructions in the ad call for a letter of motivation, you should write one - as it shows you are serious about the position. At the same time, it gives you the opportunity to truly express your motivation, experiences or skill set. In short, tell the employer why you are the right candidate for the job.

Why doesn’t SYNERGIE job ad list the name of the company?

Given that we take discreetness were seriously, this situation is not disclosed. However, in most cases, this information can be provided when we meet in person. Then, you can decide whether the job still interests you and if you want to continue in the recruitment process.

What happens after you receive my CV?

• Within 48 hours you will receive a confirmation that we have received your CV.
• If you meet the requirements of the position you are responding to, we will contact you at the latest 14 days from when we receive your CV. We will set up a date for an interview.
• The interview takes approximately 30-90 minutes. Here you will receive detailed information about the position and the employer we are representing. In case you want to continue in the process, we will agree on further steps.
• If your profile fits the job description and the employer shows interest in meeting with you, we can schedule a meeting directly at the employer’s premises.
• We will inform you about the results of the recruitment process – in case of a positive or negative resolution.
• If you wish, we will provide feedback on the interview process.
• In case SYNERGIE does not currently have any open positions that match your requirements or qualification, we will include your CV in our database.
• Next, we will send you a form confirming your agreement on processing your personal data, which we ask you to return back to us. Your agreement is necessary for us to use the information for the purposes of future cooperation. Otherwise, SYNERGIE cannot store your personal information and keep you in our candidate database.

What can I expect following an interview with SYNERGIE?

In the interview, we will focus on the following:

• Information on your CV, e.g. education, work experience and reasons for leaving previous jobs.
• Model situations you have experienced or  may encounter in the position you are interested in.
• Your ideal future job and a specific job listing you are responding to.
• Assessment of your language skills, alternatively computer skills.

The interview generally takes 30 – 90 minutes, depending on the scope of your experience and the requirements of the position

What should I expect when I go to the interview?

Upon arrival you will be asked to fill out a short questionnaire. This will allow our consultants  to get familiar with certain specifics in your career path and match your job criteria to our employment offers. To fill out the questionnaire takes about 10 minutes. We strive to make the entire experience comfortable and stress free. We will provide water or coffee for refreshment.

After filling out the questionnaire, a structured interview with one of our consultants will follow – similar to an interview you would have with an employer. Each interview differs as each interviewee has a different set of qualifications, experience, language skills, as well as expectations of an ideal job.

It is our aim at SYNERGIE to help you succeed and help find the right job for you. This is why it helps to be relaxed during the process and answer questions as best as you can. You will have a chance to think over your answers – in case you need any clarification, do not hesitate to ask. This is an opportunity to get to know the type of questions you might be asked by the potential employer later in the recruitment process.

How should I prepare for job interview?

We recommend that you study the information about the job position you are responding to – the best idea is to print it out. Next, think about the reasons why you responded to the ad. Think about your strong points that align with the job requirements.

Try to be punctual – if you are running late, call and let the respective consultant know. Given that all interviews are scheduled ahead of time, by arriving late you may shorten the time for your session due to a booking of another candidate with a session following yours. The dress code should correspond to the standard for the type of position you are responding to, even if you are only going to a personnel agency.

Bring a printed copy of your CV – it can serve as a guide when discussing your previous employments. Do not hesitate to answer all questions candidly. If you do not have any experience with some of the model situations, say so to the consultant. Have questions ready about the job listing(s) that interested you. In short, don’t worry, be yourself and leave the stress at home.

What if the job I responded to is not right for me?

In case this happens, don’t hesitate to let us know, including the reasons – by telling us, you will help us better identify more potential offers that may suit you better.