From 0 job interviews to a full-time position in 6 months. How Steffen did it in Berlin. The Germany Job Seeker Visa: a golden ticket to a tech career, Steffen reveals the reality of his daily routine, job search strategies, networking tips, and personal experiences.
Introduction
I am an IT professional who recently moved to Berlin on a Job Seeker Visa. This visa allows me to stay in Germany for up to six months while I look for a job in my field. I chose Berlin because it is a tech hub with many job opportunities for expats. This article will describe a typical day for someone like me as I search for jobs in Germany, manage daily tasks, and enjoy the excitement and challenges of a new city.
Berlin offers a variety of job opportunities for people from other countries, especially in the technology sector. However, as a foreigner trying to find work in Berlin, I realize I must be very proactive. Just sending the same resume to different jobs won’t be enough; I need to customize my applications and build connections to improve my chances. With this in mind, I start each day with a clear plan that includes a combination of searching for jobs, networking and making an effort to adapt to life in Germany.
Let me share a snapshot of my typical day as I look for a job in Berlin.
Morning Routine & Job Applications
My day starts around 7:00 AM in my cozy sublet apartment on the outskirts of Berlin. I wake up to the soft light peeking through the curtains, make a cup of strong German coffee, and mentally prepare myself for a productive day. A consistent morning routine helps me stay motivated, so I do a quick set of stretches and review my to-do list. By 8:00 AM, I’m at my desk (which is actually a small kitchen table), ready to tackle job applications.
The first step in business is checking emails and LinkedIn messages for any updates. I scan for responses from companies I have applied to and look for new job alerts. Today, there’s a fresh email — a polite rejection from a company I interviewed with last week. It stings a bit, but I’ve learned not to dwell on rejections. I log it in my job application tracker and remind myself that it’s all part of the process. With that mindset, I move on to searching for new opportunities.
I spent the next few hours exploring popular job websites in Germany, such as LinkedIn, StepStone, and XING. While I’m already familiar with LinkedIn, I also created a profile on XING because networking on professional platforms is important here. I looked through job listings for software developers in Berlin and saved a few that caught my eye. For each interesting job, I made sure to customize my resume and write a specific cover letter.
From my past experiences, I know that tailoring my application for each job can really improve my chances of landing an interview. Although it takes some time, I believe it’s more effective to put effort into fewer high-quality applications than to send out many generic ones. By late morning, I had successfully submitted three carefully prepared applications. I took a short break to refill my coffee and gave myself a little congratulatory moment for a productive start to the day.
Midday – Networking in Berlin & Industry Events
By noon, I decided to take a break from looking at job boards and focus on connecting with people in Germany. I was heading to a tech meetup at Betahaus, a well-known co-working space that often hosts events for startups. I learned about this particular gathering through Meetup.com, where they organised a “Lunch and Learn” session to discuss the latest trends in web development. It felt refreshing to leave my apartment and explore the city a bit. With a stack of business cards and an eagerness to network, I arrived at the venue, hoping to learn something new and meet interesting people.
As I walked into the co-working space, I was welcomed by the lively atmosphere filled with conversations and the smell of coffee. Many other tech enthusiasts and job seekers chatted in small groups, creating a relaxed and friendly environment. People were dressed casually in jeans and T-shirts, with laptops open and a projector set up for the upcoming presentation. I found a table with other attendees and introduced myself. I was relieved that the event was in English, as many tech events in Berlin attract an international crowd.
During the meetup, I started talking to a recruiter from a local startup. We discussed the job market in Berlin, and he shared valuable insights about which skills are currently in demand. He pointed out that cloud computing and cybersecurity are especially popular now. I made a mental note to emphasize my experience in these areas for future job applications. He also reassured me of something I had suspected: for newcomers like me, networking in Germany is crucial for discovering job opportunities that may not be listed online. We exchanged LinkedIn profiles, which felt like a small win in my efforts to network that day.
Attending job-related events in a new country can be quite challenging. Initially, I felt a bit nervous, worried about whether I was introducing myself well or asking the right questions. There were also moments when the locals would speak German among themselves, which sometimes made me feel left out. However, they were always kind enough to switch to English when I joined the conversation, which I really appreciated. I’ve come to learn that people in Germany really value being honest and straightforward, even when networking. It’s less about making small talk and more about showing true interest in others.
During a recent meetup, I talked about my experience moving to Berlin and the types of jobs I’m looking for. In return, others shared their own journeys and offered helpful advice. By the end of the event, I not only learned about the latest trends in the tech world but also felt a sense of belonging. I realized that I wasn’t the only one searching for opportunities; many others were in the same boat. Feeling inspired by this connection, I grabbed a quick sandwich for lunch and headed home to keep pushing forward in my job search.
Afternoon – Interview Prep & Upskilling
Back at my apartment in the early afternoon, I switched to interview prep mode. I have a phone interview with a fintech company in two days, and I want to be ready. I review the job description again, noting the key skills they’re looking for. Then, I practice answers to common interview questions.
Since this isn’t my first interview in Germany, I anticipate a mix of technical and behavioral questions. I rehearse how to introduce myself and talk about my past projects — focusing on the results I achieved and the technologies I used. I also prepare for questions about working in teams and dealing with challenges since German companies often value collaboration and problem-solving. On the technical side, I write out solutions to a couple of coding problems (just to refresh my coding muscles) and revisit some algorithms that I haven’t used in a while. It feels like studying for an exam, but it boosts my confidence.
After a solid hour of interview practice, I take a short break and then decide to invest time in upskilling. One advantage of being on a job seeker visa is that I have the flexibility to improve my skills during this period of unemployment. I’ve enrolled in an online course on cloud computing – an area I know is in high demand. I spent an hour on a Coursera module learning about AWS architecture. It’s satisfying to imagine that this new knowledge might soon be useful at a job here. I also remind myself that effective job seekers use their free time wisely, and taking courses is a great way to stay productive.
Before the afternoon slips away, I dedicate some time to learning German. Even though many Berlin tech companies operate in English, I’m very aware that knowing German improves my chances of finding a job. In fact, when I got this visa, one of the points in the guidelines was that no German language proof is required for the visa itself, but you’re encouraged to learn it for the job hunt.
I fire up a language app on my phone and spend about 30 minutes practicing basic phrases and job-related vocabulary. It’s actually fun – I can now introduce myself in German and mention that I’m looking for work (“Ich suche eine Stelle als IT-Spezialist”). I know it will take time to become conversational, but every bit of progress counts. With the interview prep done and a bit of new knowledge gained, I feel like the afternoon was well spent. I reward myself with a cup of tea and a short walk around the block to clear my head.
Evening – Cultural & Social Experiences
As evening falls, I shift my attention from looking for a job to enjoying the culture around me. I’ve discovered that it’s important to keep a good balance—job hunting all day can be exhausting! Tonight, I’m off to a language exchange meetup at a cozy café in Kreuzberg. These gatherings have become a regular part of my week; they’re a fun way to practice my German and meet new people. I grab a drink and join a table where a mix of expats and locals are chatting.
The idea is simple: I help someone practice their English for a while, and in exchange, they help me with my German. The café buzzes with laughter and lively conversations as we all stumble through each other’s languages.
I ended up chatting with a German software developer around my age. We switch between German and English, and I muster the courage to speak in German for a few minutes. I make plenty of mistakes, but she is patient and encouraging. Our conversation turned to work-life, and I got to learn about her experiences at work. She tells me her company really values punctuality and reliability. People arrive on time, often a few minutes early, and they take deadlines seriously. In return, the company offers fair pay and reasonable hours—she rarely has to work late, and if she ever does, she either gets extra pay or time off.
In Germany, it’s clear that when you work, you work hard, but personal time is respected, too. Hearing this gives me hope; it’s the kind of balance I’m looking for in a job.
We also discussed how people communicate at work. She mentioned that conversations are straightforward and honest, which I found interesting. I shared my own experiences from back home, and we laughed about our cultural differences. It felt good to connect with a local professional and get a glimpse of what my future workplace might be like.
After the meetup, I enjoy a leisurely walk through the city before heading home. The air is crisp, and Berlin’s streets are buzzing with activity even at night. As I pass by the Brandenburg Gate, beautifully lit against the dark sky, I feel both amazed and determined. Being in the heart of Berlin, surrounded by its rich history and vibrant energy, reminds me why I took the big step to move here.
Of course, not every evening is so perfect. There are nights when I stay in, cook a simple dinner, and call my family back home to reassure them (and myself) that I’m doing okay. Doubts sometimes creep in, especially the worry of “What if I don’t find a job before my visa expires?” But, as the saying goes, “Every beginning is hard.” I’ve learned to acknowledge my uncertainties and then let them go.
On tougher nights, I read success stories of other expats who found jobs in Germany or review the new skills I’ve picked up so far. These small things help me stay positive. I remind myself that I’ve already accomplished the big task of moving to a new country, and every day brings me closer to my goals.
Conclusion
As my day comes to a close, I take a moment to think about what I’ve achieved over the last 24 hours. I applied for several jobs, attended a networking event, prepared for an interview, worked on improving my skills, and even practiced a new language. While not every day brings immediate results, I know that every small step I take is a step forward. Being in Berlin on a Job Seeker Visa has been a journey of personal growth.
I’ve learned that staying motivated involves having a routine and maintaining a positive outlook. It’s important to celebrate the small victories, whether it’s hearing back from a recruiter, making a new connection at an event, or simply learning a few more German phrases.
To anyone else searching for a job in a new country, my advice is to keep pushing forward and stay hopeful. The job market in Berlin can be tough, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by uncertainty. However, being persistent and taking proactive steps really do make a difference. Make the most of each day—customize your job applications, keep learning, and continue networking, even if it feels uncomfortable at times. Remember to enjoy the journey as well. Explore the city, learn about the culture, and make new friends; these experiences are priceless, whether or not they directly lead to a job.
As I wrap up my day, I make a to-do list for tomorrow and write down some encouraging words for myself. I’m hopeful that with hard work and determination, I’ll soon find my dream job in Berlin. Until then, living in this vibrant city is helping me grow into a more resilient and well-rounded professional.
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