- Spend the first two weeks on your CV, LinkedIn and target list, not on applying.
- Then apply to a smaller number of well matched jobs every week, and network with 3 to 4 people per company.
- Track every application and follow up after one week.
- Review your numbers every two weeks and fix what is not working.
Most people start their job search by applying to everything. After a few weeks of silence, they lose motivation. A plan changes that. This is the structure I use with my clients, condensed into 90 days.
Weeks 1 and 2: the foundation
- Choose 1 or 2 target roles and 1 or 2 countries. Read jobs in Europe for Indians if you are unsure.
- Rewrite your CV in the European format: CV guide.
- Update LinkedIn: LinkedIn checklist.
- Build a list of 50 target companies.
Weeks 3 to 8: apply and network
- Apply to well matched roles every week, each with a tailored CV.
- For each company, contact 3 to 4 people: see how to network and 8 networking formats.
- Follow up after one week, politely.
- Use local portals, not only LinkedIn: local job portals.
Weeks 9 to 12: interviews and refinement
- Prepare for every interview with the role in front of you: German job interviews.
- Look at your numbers: applications, replies, interviews. Low replies mean CV or targeting; no offers after interviews mean interview preparation.
- Keep going. Hiring in Europe often takes months.
Numbers to track every week
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Tailored applications | Quality beats volume |
| People contacted | Referrals move faster than applications |
| Replies and calls | Shows if your CV and message work |
| Interviews | Shows if your preparation works |
Want me and my team to run this with you? That is exactly my 3-month program.
Common questions
How many jobs should I apply to each week?
Fewer, better matched applications with a tailored CV work better than mass applying. Combine each application with networking.
How long does it take to get a job in Germany?
Often 3 to 6 months or more, depending on your field, German level and market.
What if nobody replies?
Check your CV and targeting first, then your messages. Read why job applications get rejected.
WORKBOOK to @swapnil_in_germany on Instagram.
I moved to Germany for my master's, collected more than 1,000 rejections, and then got multiple job offers within six months. I work in digital marketing in Germany and help international professionals get hired in Europe. Read my story.