Professional networking in Germany is important for career development irrespective of any industry. Over 60% of job positions in Germany are filled through professional networks or personal contacts. This is according to a study by the Federal Employment Agency.
Are you a professional trying to get into the German job market or a local professional aiming to expand your network? Then understand the nuances of networking in Germany and improve your career prospects.
In this comprehensive guide, I have stated various platforms and events that have personally helped me gain more professional visibility.
Table of Contents
Top Networking Platforms
LinkedIn:
With over 15,720,000 LinkedIn users in Germany as of May 2023, it’s a platform you can’t afford to ignore. It’s a tool that is on top of a professional’s mind.
To make the most of LinkedIn for professional networking in Germany:
- Ensure your profile is complete and up-to-date. Highlight your skills and experiences relevant to the German market.
- Incorporate German industry-specific keywords to improve your visibility in searches.
- Share relevant content, and comment on posts. Also, take part in industry discussions to increase your visibility.
- Reach out to professionals in your field. Focus on quality connections rather than quantity.
Xing: The German LinkedIn
LinkedIn has global domination. But Xing holds a special place in the German professional networking scene. It has a community of over 16 million users. Xing is often the preferred platform for many traditional German companies.
Key features of Xing for professional networking in Germany:
- Xing offers an events calendar to find and attend industry events.
- The platform has a robust job board, with many positions exclusive to Xing.
- It also has industry-specific groups to connect with like-minded professionals.
I can help you with one personal tip: Create your Xing profile in both German and English. Your profile will be visible for local and international companies operating in Germany.
Local Meetups and Job Fairs
Meetup
Meetup has become a go-to platform for professional networking in Germany. It offers a more casual, interest-based approach to networking. It allows professionals to connect over shared interests and skills.
Some Meetup events do have a participation fee but most of the Meetup groups and events tend to be free. It has a 7-day free trial for getting to know the service and later they charge $9.99/month or $84.99/year.
Attending these Meetups can help you build a strong local network and help you get out of your comfort zone.
Eventbrite
Eventbrite is a professional networking platform in Germany. It offers a range of events from formal business conferences to casual events. Unlike Meetup’s focus on interest-based groups, Eventbrite specializes in one-time or recurring events. These events are often organized by companies, professional associations, or industry leaders.
Publishing your event on Eventbrite is free. Your attendees need to pay ticketing fees. It includes a service fee + payment processing fee where applicable unless you choose to cover them. If your event is free, no ticketing fees apply.
Eventbrite offers a variety of events in Germany. It ranges from business conferences to cultural gatherings. You can explore categories like Music, Nightlife, Business, and Food & Drink. This platform caters to professional interests and expands their network with local communities.
Tech Jobs Fair
Tech Jobs Fair are significant for professional networking for the German tech industry. These events are held annually in major German cities. They bring together thousands of tech professionals and companies.
Key benefits of attending the Tech Jobs Fair:
- Face-to-face interactions with recruiters from top tech companies
- Opportunities to showcase your skills through live coding challenges
- Networking sessions with industry leaders and fellow professionals
- Workshops and presentations on cutting-edge technologies
Local Events and Networking Groups
LinkedIn Local Events
LinkedIn Local Events have become popular for professional networking in Germany. These offer online connectivity and in-person interactions. Professionals can meet face-to-face with connections they’ve made online. Many LinkedIn Local Events are free, though some may charge a nominal fee.
Follow the step-by-step instructions below on how to find LinkedIn Local Events:
- Log into your LinkedIn account
- Click on the “Events” icon in the top menu bar
- In the search bar, type “LinkedIn Local” followed by your city and industry of interest
- Use the filters on the left side to narrow down by date, event type, and industry
- Join events that align with your professional goals
Facebook Groups
Facebook groups serve as vibrant hubs for expat networking in Germany. It offers both general and industry-specific communities. These groups often host events and share job opportunities. Most Facebook groups are free to join.
To find relevant groups, use the following search operators in Facebook’s search bar:
- Log into your Facebook account
- Click on the search bar at the top of the page
- Type in your search terms using operators. ex. Industry followed by City and Networking
- Click on the “Groups” tab in the search results
- Browse through the results and click on groups that interest you
- Join the Group for the ones you want to be a part of.
Conclusion
Exploring the German job market is much easier when you make the most of the available networking platforms in Germany. These platforms offer connections, opportunities information on industry trends. Whether it’s through Xing, LinkedIn, or attending local events, a strong professional network can improve your career prospects. Take the initiative to engage, connect, and grow—your next career move might be a conversation away.
