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:: Hot Topics |
Working
in Germany:
The Value of Job References
By Sandy
M. Weiner, M.Ed. Germany Career Advisor
In Germany, good references are as important as a solid résumé.
Read these tips to make sure your references are working for you. References
in Germany are a legal requirement, and in many ways, are similar to American
references. However, in Germany, it is important to obtain references within
two weeks of leaving a job—otherwise, future employers will immediately
think that you had a problem at your last workplace. If you're thinking
about leaving your job, it's important to ask your employer to write
a reference and agree upon its contents as early as possible. Ideally, after
you have given your notice, but before you leave the company.
Prospective employers will usually review your résumé and your references,
and question you about any gaps in your employment history. They will be
particularly interested in how long you were employed at each of your past
jobs. Be warned—less than two years or more than ten years at one job
can raise red flags.
Now, for the nitty gritty. What normally goes into a reference?
The typical German job reference is broken down into the following categories:
The Job Description
Long, elaborate job descriptions usually signal a good reference; short,
skimpy job descriptions imply poor work quality or value. (See the section
on Hidden Languages below for a sampling of "Arbeitszeugnis-lingo" to
watch out for.)
The Judgment
An evaluation of your motivation, competence, personal characteristics,
ability to handle stress, intelligence, experience, and problem solving
abilities.
Manner or Presence in Relation to Your Job
A summary of your trustworthiness, loyalty, and creativity
Results
Describe the quantity and quality of your work.
Any Special Successes
Details about any special accomplishments you have achieved.
Leadership Skills
Describe delegation and motivational skills, and the ability to produce
group results.
Reason for Leaving
Restructuring or a contract position—this requires an explanation that
the position could not be extended or that a transfer to another area was
not available.
Hidden Language
Jobseekers in Germany should be aware of "Arbeitszeugnis-lingo," or the
hidden language behind work references. The following are some examples
of how this jargon is used in references, and what the language signifies.
If a reference states:
"She left of her own accord or own volition," this indicates that there
may have been a problem and that you will need to give some explanation
to the prospective employer. "We both agreed," means that you had the option
to leave or be fired. "We were sorry to lose him," can mean anything from:
"We wish he had stayed" to "We wish he had left sooner," depending on what
comes after this statement. For example, if it is followed by: "We wish
him all the best," this would signify a poor rating. If it's followed
by, "We wish him in the future all the best," that would be even worse.
However, if a former manager wrote, "We are extremely sorry he is leaving,
thank him for his work, and wish him all the best for his professional and
private life and much success"—then the prospective employer would
know that this is one great employee and his former company was truly sorry
to see him leave!
In Germany, when it states, "references required," the employer is requesting
references that cover/document your entire work history from High School
to the present. References are used for the initial screening process prior
to interviewing.
Get the Right Reference
In Germany, there are different references for different purposes. Below
are different types of references jobseekers will encounter in Germany:
Arbitiszeugnis-Work References
Zwischenzeugnis:references given if you are still employed but are
actively seeking a new job. These are appropriate if you're thinking
about leaving your current job and have made your employer aware that you're
seeking other opportunities.
Ausbildung:a certificate of training, education, apprenticeship
Praktickum:a certificate of practicum training; for example, two
semesters of job-related or on-the-job training as part of a university
program.
About Sandy Weiner
Sandy Weiner, CMF, M.Ed., is an American career counselor and Organization
Development Consultant living near Berlin, Germany.
Learn more about the career advisor services that Sandy has to offer.>>
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