Can you tell us about your background and how you came to Munich?

Madhurima: I’m originally from India, where I spent over 10 years working in sales, marketing, and customer service. When I moved to Munich, I was eager to continue my career, but I quickly realized that navigating the German job market as an international professional came with specific challenges, especially the language barrier and understanding local expectations.

What were your biggest challenges during your job search?

Madhurima: The biggest hurdles were building a strong (job strategy and refining my CV to meet German standards. I also felt overwhelmed by the uncertainty of what steps to take next. The language barrier made things more difficult, and I needed a clear strategy to stay on track during my six-month search.

What specific support did you receive from the Job Buddy Program?

Madhurima: In the Job Buddy Program, I was paired with Sebastian, whose support was invaluable in enhancing my interview skills and boosting my confidence. Talking with him helped me set clear weekly goals for my job applications – simply discussing my plans brought clarity and kept me motivated throughout the process. I especially appreciated that he was often available for mock interviews in English, which made a big difference for me.

Sebastian: Drawing on my experience in Performance Marketing at an online e-commerce platform, I brought an analytical approach to the Job Buddy Program as well. This meant focusing on assessing situations and creating business cases. Together, we practiced using the STAR method for interviews and explored ways to better showcase and quantify achievements.

Madhurima: One key insight was restructuring my CV to highlight measurable results, not just responsibilities. With Sebastian’s help, I focused on adding concrete data and outcomes to clearly demonstrate my impact.

How did you prepare for the interview process?

Madhurima: The interview process is rigorous, consisting of five rounds, each about an hour long. I started in November 2024 and focused on preparing my elevator pitch, practicing direct and polite communication, and learning to structure my answers using STAR. Sebastian helped me stay motivated and refine my approach at every stage.

What cultural differences did you notice in the German workplace?

Madhurima: There’s a much better work-life balance here compared to India. Communication is more direct and polite, and I learned that it’s acceptable – and sometimes necessary – to say

“no” to customers, which is quite different from my previous experiences. There’s also less micromanagement, and I appreciate the trust placed in employees.

What advice would you give to other international professionals seeking jobs in Munich?

Madhurima: Don’t hesitate to seek support from organizations like amiga – Career Center for Internationals. Their expertise in local hiring practices, application documents standards, and interview preparation is invaluable. Having a Job Buddy made a huge difference for me, both professionally and personally. Stay persistent, keep refining your strategy, and be open to learning from every step of the process.

Sebastian, as Madhurima’s Job Buddy, what was your perspective on this journey?

Sebastian: Supporting Madhurima was inspiring. Her dedication and openness to feedback were impressive. We worked together on business cases and interview strategies, and I learned a lot from her international experience. Seeing her showcase her value and land such a competitive role was truly rewarding