Getting a job in Germany after self employment

[anotherAmericaninGermany 50]

I have lived in Germany for over 25 years and have just closed my operating business (GmbH and a USA Corporation) that was in a niche IT/Photo market and operated world wide.

 

My job hunt has become extremely depressing and very frustrating. I think the Germans have serious misconceptions about people that have run their own companies and the age factor is probably also a factor.

 

I am curious if anyone out there has any tips or ideas that might help.

[RedMidge 6,638]

I think the age factor is a reality in many countries these days.

[Guest]

Have you tried contacting recruiters/headhunters working in your field of work via LinkedIn or Xing?

[LukeSkywalker 7,642]

I think it's also difficult to return in the role of an employee if you were your own boss for a very long time.  I believe that companies are skeptical and wary in this.

[anotherAmericaninGermany 50]

1 hour ago, RedMidge said:

I think the age factor is a reality in many countries these days.

 

I agree, but I still need to solve the issue

[anotherAmericaninGermany 50]

16 minutes ago, LukeSkywalker said:

I think it's also difficult to return in the role of an employee if you were your own boss for a very long time.  I believe that companies are skeptical and wary in this.

 

As long as things make sense, it is ok. It is also an asset because I find ways of improving things and can identify problems rather quickly.

 

[anotherAmericaninGermany 50]

56 minutes ago, aries6 said:

Have you tried contacting recruiters/headhunters working in your field of work via LinkedIn or Xing?

 

Haven't tried this. Sounds like a good idea although my field in particular is really getting smaller - think iPhones.

[Guest]

1 hour ago, anotherAmericaninGermany said:

 

Haven't tried this. Sounds like a good idea although my field in particular is really getting smaller - think iPhones.

Have you tried contacting your previous business contacts/clients directly if they have something for you?

I would really start with getting in touch with recruiters. It's in their financial interest to get you a job, as they get paid commission every time they place someone. This also avoids going directly to HR who might simply reject your CV without maybe even looking at it. The recruiter will ask you some questions and you can explain what your experience has been and if it fits with something the recruiter has, he/she will forward the application directly to the employer. I think it's always better to let people know (verbally) what your background is. Much more personal and informative than a 1-2 page CV.

[anotherAmericaninGermany 50]

20 minutes ago, aries6 said:

Have you tried contacting your previous business contacts/clients directly if they have something for you?

I would really start with getting in touch with recruiters. It's in their financial interest to get you a job, as they get paid commission every time they place someone. This also avoids going directly to HR who might simply reject your CV without maybe even looking at it. The recruiter will ask you some questions and you can explain what your experience has been and if it fits with something the recruiter has, he/she will forward the application directly to the employer. I think it's always better to let people know (verbally) what your background is. Much more personal and informative than a 1-2 page CV.

 

I have never really looked for a recruiter nor paid much attention to Xing or LinkedIn, are the recruiters on LinkedIn and Xing? It seems I have always found companies running adds for certain jobs, but not really working for the people after jobs.

 

[RenegadeFurther 2,394]

4 minutes ago, anotherAmericaninGermany said:

 

I have never really looked for a recruiter nor paid much attention to Xing or LinkedIn, are the recruiters on LinkedIn and Xing? It seems I have always found companies running adds for certain jobs, but not really working for the people after jobs.

 

What skills do you have ? Why did you close your business ?