Finding work as an IT professional in NRW

Hi,

I have been living in Bochum for a few months now, and for the past month I have been searching HARD for an English speaking 2nd/3rd line support Windows Systems Administrator role in Düsseldorf, Essen, Dortmund and Bochum. I have contacted all of the usual websites & agencies, and I've tried to keep in contact with the agencies to build a relationship. However, I'm left with the feeling that no-one is interested in finding work for me.

The initial conversations with the agencies were a little bit like: "You don't speak German? Oh, ok we'll get back to you if we find something", and subsequent conversations have been generally : "No, sorry, there's nothing suitable for you at the moment - but we'll get back to you if there is".

Ok, so I don't speak German, and I know that puts me at a disadvantage, however I did take a 10 week German course when I first arrived (but I'm just bad at languages) , but I'm now in the position where I can't afford the time or money to take another course, unless I have a job.

My professional background: over 5 years Windows Systems Administrator support roles, I now specialise in back-end services inc. AD, DNS, Exchange (I have other skills, but these are the core ones).

So, to my question; does anyone have any 'tricks up their sleeve' that might help me, any stories you can share that are similar - and the out-come? Or is their just no work out there - I've not seen too much!

PS: I'm in the position where, if I don't find work soon, I have to either; get 'job-seekers allowance' if I'm eligible?!? or go back to the UK

thanks

Bochum's not exactly boom town. What about Köln, have you tried there? Otherwise id say get out of Ruhrpott and head somewhere more hopeful. Frankfurt, München, Stuttgart...

Agencies here (certainly in Munich at least) are not really the same as back in the UK - you never really get the impression that they are trying hard to find you a job. Worth trying the bigger agencies, Elan and stuff, but most of the agencies I've seen here are more akin to Manpower than anything else. Speaking krout is hardly important for a non-client facing tech role, but sadly, the people you gotta talk with to get a job are gonna wanna speak their own lingo.
Just keep checking the normal job websites I'd say. jobserve.co.uk advertises a fair few jobs in Germany, in English.

I have 20 yrs of experience in IT support...but no german. If we had lived in Munich or Heildelberg, I'd have a job. But after 6 months, I gave up looking and since I don't speak german, gave up completely. We're leaving in a few months anyway, so that's my story. Try the US bases. good luck

Thanks Rick. I like Bochum not being a boom town, that's why I left London. The Ruhrpott is the area I like to live in, for better or worse ;-) Hopefully I'll find work in Düsseldorf.

Thanks Don and Moctoj2

Well, It looks like I had a 'trick up my own sleeve' - TT!!

15 minutes after posting, a lovely lady from a job agency that specialises in IT recruitment PM'ed me. I sent her through my CV, and 10 minutes late I was on the phone discussing a job offer that she would like to put me forward for!

The problem I'm was having, is that the people I have spoken to in the past just seen me as another CV, without spending time trying and fine me a job. BTW, I had previously sent and spoken to someone else at the job agency from where the lady called from!!

So, I would still like to hear other people stories, but for me at least things are starting to have a glimmer of hope.

My advice to others: ask your friends and colleges for the names of people that they have previously had dealings with in recruitment agencies.

Glad to hear that you got something positve so soon.

It's quite reassuring as I am soon going to be looking for IT work (unix admin) in Cologne and although I do speak some German, I am still not convinced it is going to be easy. Do you happen to know if the agency also deals with unix too? If so, any chance you could pm me some contact details? Thanks.

Cheers.

congratulations & good luck.