Hi all

Help, advice, support all welcome, in exchange for my life story........

My Situation
Having lived in Baden for 3 months studying German 4 hours per day, I am now seriously looking for work. I learnt fast, but no doubt my german is not yet good enough for the level of interaction required by many organisations, but I need to find a position nevertheless, and can build my German from there.

I am really open as to the work I now take on- (I spent last 3 yrs setting up and running a wide range of events in the motor industry, and have previously worked as a recruiter for 4 years - sales/marketing/technical professionals in the software/services industry)

I have uploaded my CV to various company websites and a recruiter or 2 but not much joy so far. It seems to me that everyone needs to put skills in a box and a piece of paper to say i am qualified to do something I would be capable of doing with my eyes shut normaly.

Having had an interview with Google as head technical recruiter for Zurich I am bouyed a little, (unfortunatly having been out of recruitment for 4 years was too much for them to ignore).

I certainly respect the chap who said he has worked as dishwasher for a year but i just couldn`t do this myself (partly the need to earn more and the thought of `dishwasher hands`) , but I would be more than willing to consider the following (where i have experience) if anyone has a lead or a need!

Events/expo`s - anything considered to get me `in`
Marketing/PR support services (I used to run all the crazy PR stunts)
Recruiter or resourcer (in-house or agency)
Professional driver of anything (i was lucky enough to drive a hugh range of lovely cars, HGV, 4x4 etc)
Merchandiser-in store promotions
customer support positions

or anything else-?


And if that wasn`t enough, I am soon to be a dad for the first time and feel that this may not be the cheapest experience of my life

Without lots of certificates to prove it, i am hard working, practically intelligent, and get on well with all.

Best regards & thanks for reading!

Good luck!!! Hope you find something soon

Hey there

Send me your updated CV, I work in recruitment

cathalgeraghty@michaelpage.ch

Mention english forum

hopefully i can help

Thanks v.much Cathal- CV on its way.

Great start - willing to hear from anyone else on the subject though!

Rich

Hi Largefromage,

Do we have a some sort of a twin separated at birth job search situation here?

Having lived in Zurich for a few weeks more than 3 months studying German 4 hours per day, I am also seriously looking for work. I picked up the basics of German, however it is still not "fliessend" as potential employers would like it to be. I am sure I would be able to develop it further once interacted in a professional environment.

With all respect to the potwashers / dishwashers, I wouldn't be up for rolling up my sleeves and mucking in.

Have spent most of my time sending CVs to the hotels around the area only to receive a thank you for your interest... Registered with a recruitment agency in town specialising in this sector... Managed to get one interview with a company where German was not essential, but it seems that my vast experience (US, Europe and UK) and willingness to interact and learn the language are not playing a part to get me somewhere here.

If you know about a good recruitment agency out there, I would be grateful if you could let me know their contact details. I have given up on my swiss consultant as I often need to remind him of who I am!

Don't mean to hijack your thread, but felt compelled to write something!

I really hope you find a happy ending to your job search story!!!!! Viel Glueck!!!

All the best

I just don't get it. Is it beneath you? Or are you above it?

Obviously not hungry then... join the queue for the six figure salary, luxury car and chubby pension plan. Meanwhile, would you like fries with that?

Uncle Max

Not wishing to do any old work, does not mean that there isn't a willingness to take a step down... just have not been given the chance. Btw, hotel industry professionals hardly earn six figure salaries. You just get to see the world instead...

And yes! I like ketchup with my fries please!

Hi KillBill / Twin

If you are looking to work in the hotel industry, with lots of experience i would have thought you should find something. At least you have been to interview. Sounds positive. At least you are making demonstrable effort to learn the language.
I couldnt recommend a recruiter for you, however would be happy to run a couple of ideas by you if you want to drop me a line directly.

And no, you`re not hijacking the thread, just contributing to it.

As for the great washing-up/fast food debate. I know someone who once got rejected by mcdonalds.(oweee) I met her when she was earning herself near enough six figures. I guess it doesnt always pay to aim low.(ps no she wasn`t in `that` profession before any commedians make suggestions- ha ha)