What’s the worst thing you can do in a tight job market?

It’s to look like everyone else and do what everyone else is doing.

So here are three game-changing ways to stand out, land (more) interviews, and get picked over equally qualified candidates — even if you don’t speak German.

Strategy 1: Get a Referral (the Right Way)

Don’t just hit Connect and ask for a favor.

Write a thoughtful message and ask to get on a call.

Risk “wasting” your time to build a genuine connection.

• Get curious about their work.
• Understand what their team is looking for.
• Share what you’re about.

Ask if someone like you could be a fit.

The referral will follow naturally.

Strategy 2: Show, Don’t Tell

Think you’ve got the skills? Prove it.

Create an “Employer Magnet Project” that applies your expertise to a specific problem the companies hiring right now are facing.

Sounds like a lot of work? Exactly.

That’s why most people won’t do it, and why you will stand out.

In a sea of generic applications, show you’re already thinking about how to excel in the job, not just land it.

Strategy 3: Specialize

Don’t just copy-paste buzzwords from the job description.

Develop your “Personal Niche Positioning”.

• What part of your role do you excel at the most?
• What type of business or team do you thrive in?
• What industries do you have experience in?
• What specific outcome are you good at helping companies achieve?

Be the engineering manager who specializes in technical project management and is the best at aligning engineering efforts with business objectives.

Think about it: You’ll choose the closest, available Hausarzt, but for your heart? You’ll travel to Turmstraße for the right cardiologist.

(Yes, that’s the location of my cardiologist’s clinic and I highly recommend him if you need one 😂)

Be the specialist companies go out of their way to hire.

Here’s a secret: If a tactic seems scary or like too much work, that’s your signal. That’s how you’ll stand out.

• Build real human connections.
• Prove your value before they even ask.
• Have the courage to narrow your focus and own your niche.

That’s how you break through the noise and secure your dream job in Germany.