Germany is recognised as one of the best business locations in the world. However, many German companies are now facing the problem of a lack of skilled labour. The famous shortage of skilled labour has been known in Germany for many years. What was long regarded as a problem in Germany can now be compensated for with skilled labour from abroad.
Many bureaucratic hurdles have been simplified in recent years in favour of hiring foreign skilled workers. This opens many doors for German companies. On the other hand, however, they are faced with the problem that they are often unable to recruit skilled personnel from abroad themselves because they do not have a network there. This is where recruitment agencies come into play. We show you why companies can benefit from recruiting international specialists.
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Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Why are foreign skilled workers in demand in Germany?
There are various problems in Germany that have led to a shortage of skilled labour. One major reason for this is demographic change. In addition, Germany now has an ageing population. In many sectors, this is leading to a shortage of skilled labour, where demand continues to rise. The medical, skilled trades and technology sectors in particular are desperately looking for suitable specialists.
In Eastern Europe in particular, there are now very well-trained specialists. The employees have received good training in the required areas and have already gained experience on the labour market.
In the healthcare sector, doctors and medical nurses are particularly sought after. Nursing care is no longer only provided in institutions, but often also at home. This is why we are looking for carers who can provide care on site.
The trade and industry sector has a long history of skills shortages. Above all, bricklayers, electricians, mechanics and welders are in demand. In Poland in particular, there are suitable skilled workers who have been helping out on construction sites for many years.
With the advancement of technology and IT, there is now a major shortage of engineers and developers. There is also an urgent need for employees in the field of data scientists in Germany.
The education and science sectors are also affected by the shortage of skilled labour. There is often a shortage of researchers and academics. But teachers are now also in great demand.
The service of a recruitment agency is very comprehensive for a German client. The customer is more or less offered an all-round carefree package. The work begins with a needs analysis. The recruitment agency sits down with the German company and defines the requirements for the specialised personnel. Here, the recruitment agency clarifies which specific qualifications the employees need.
Once the client's requirements have been clarified, the recruitment agency begins the recruitment process. In doing so, it activates the network it has abroad. However, they often also use online platforms such as LinkedIn or Xing to find suitable specialised personnel.
Once suitable candidates have been screened, the next step is to check their qualifications. This involves checking whether their certificates and qualifications, as well as their professional experience, comply with national standards.
The recruitment agency then submits the application portfolios of suitable candidates to the company. The client then has the opportunity to find a suitable candidate. Once this decision has been made, the candidate can be hired.
Once all contracts have been signed, the recruitment agency supports the employee in applying for a residence and work visa. It also takes care of all other necessary documents that the employee needs to work in Germany.
Last but not least, the recruitment agency also helps the employee to integrate into the company. This means that appropriate training is provided for the job and language courses may also be offered if the employee's German language skills are not sufficient for the work required.
What challenges are there in the recruitment of foreign specialists?
First of all, it is important that foreign qualifications and certificates are recognised in Germany. It may be that the training systems in the various countries cause difficulties. The procedure for recognising qualifications and certificates in Germany can often be time-consuming.
The language barrier is definitely a major obstacle. It is therefore important to find employees who have sufficient knowledge of German. A good recruitment agency has a large network of employees who are sufficiently proficient in German to understand complex contexts and tasks.
It is important that the recruitment agency prepares intercultural training. Work morals and ethics are often very different in different countries. The employees must receive training so that there are no conflicts with the new employer if there are different approaches. It is also important to integrate the employees into the existing workforce. It is important that they are able to socialise.
The recruitment of foreign specialists is associated with additional costs. Employees have to travel and relocate. The recruitment agency helps companies to find accommodation. Whether this is their own flat or group accommodation depends on the industry in question. This additional cost is usually borne by the recruitment agency.
How the recruitment of foreign specialists works
The recruitment of foreign specialists begins with a needs analysis. The company must state which positions it wants to fill and which qualifications are required. It must also clarify which industry-specific requirements exist.
- Needs analysis
The recruitment of foreign specialists begins with a needs analysis. The company must state which positions it wishes to fill and which qualifications are required. The company must also clarify which industry-specific requirements exist.
- Selection of the recruitment agency
It is important that the client ensures that the recruitment agency has a broad network abroad in order to be able to recruit staff.
- Recruitment and selection of the employee
The next step is the recruitment and selection of the employee. The German company has the advantage that the recruitment agency takes on many of the administrative tasks. Whether it is job fairs, online jobs, job exchanges or the company's own network is up to the recruitment agency. Once they have found suitable candidates, the client must make the final selection. Part of this step is the verification of qualifications. In Germany, there is the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB), which deals with the recognition of foreign qualifications. A German company can carry out the check there
- Obtaining a work visa and residence permit
Recruitment agency takes care of obtaining the work visa and residence permit. It is important to plan the administrative procedures well. As a rule, an employee needs an existing employment contract, certificates of language proficiency and a health certificate. Proof of qualifications is also important.
- Integration and on-boarding
Preparations are then made for the employee's integration and onboarding at the company. The recruitment agency organises language courses in advance, should these be necessary. It also supports the employee in finding accommodation. The company has the task of providing a mentor or contact person for the employee. The employee is then on-boarded. This includes a clear induction plan. Appropriate training must be provided in the company. Regular feedback should then take place with the employee to ensure that no problems arise. In order to integrate an employee into the company in the long term, it is necessary for intercultural workshops to take place. These are important for both the new employee and the existing permanent staff. The recruitment agency is also on hand to support the new employee with family matters.
It is important that the recruitment agency undertakes proactive planning. It is important to have a clear strategy and to develop a structured process for the employee and the company. Both sides should be aware that there are cultural differences. It is important that the recruitment agency's support does not end once the employee has been hired. They should continue to receive ongoing support so that the collaboration can work in the long term.
Zeitarbeit International - your experienced recruitment agency for foreign skilled labour
Temporary work Internationall is your experienced recruitment agency for foreign skilled labour! Are you looking for skilled workers from Eastern Europe, the EU or Asia? We mediate staff from Poland, Baltic States, Croatia, Slovakia, Czech, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Turkey & Ukraine. Due to our large network abroad, we always find the staff we need promptly and without complications.
We place Eastern European specialists from various sectors: Locksmithcarpenter, Electrician, Welders, Engineersmechanical engineer, Production helperwarehouse workers or construction workers as Temporary workers or Subcontractor. As a rule, our workers from Eastern Europe and Asia already have knowledge of German and many years of professional experience, which they also use successfully in Germany. Are you interested in working with us? Contact us today!
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