What do employers value most in international skilled workers?

Recruiting international skilled workers is a key element in addressing the skilled labour shortage in Germany. Nevertheless, many companies still harbour reservations about international recruitment. However, employers who have already gained experience in this area report that their experiences have been positive.

We spoke to Sabine Schmid, founder and managing director of EgyptPro GmbH, and Fabian Scholz, CEO and founder of WTE Charkos GmbH, about their experiences with international skilled workers and what makes them particularly valuable to employers.

Many employers particularly value the ambition and high level of motivation demonstrated by international skilled workers. Professionals from third countries, such as Egypt, India, Vietnam or Mexico, invest huge effort in coming  to work in Germany. The process is often lengthy and costly, and requires not only patience and persistence, but also courage and resilience.

Preparations begin well before arrival – at least a year in advance. Depending on professional and legal requirements, these international specialists first complete a German language course lasting several months and take a language test. The German course for B1 takes nine months, and for B2, one year. The skilled workers are required to pass the language test before they are permitted to enter Germany.

Once in Germany, international workers in regulated professions face the recognition process. Here, once again, patience is required. In most cases, skilled workers can already start working whilst preparing for the knowledge test. The first few months are particularly demanding: a new language, a new living and working environment, and preparing for the knowledge test. In order to successfully overcome all these challenges, a great deal of determination, motivation and ambition are essential.

The example of two refrigeration engineers from Egypt illustrates just how great this determination can be. Sabine Schmid from EgyptPro GmbH explains:

“Although they were not strictly required to go through the recognition process for their professional qualifications, they voluntarily decided to do so after their arrival. When asked why they were putting themselves through this extra effort, both gave similar answers: they simply wanted to start out in Germany on the best possible foundation.”

This example shows just how much initiative and willingness to develop further international skilled workers can bring with them. It is precisely these qualities that are also valued by employers. Sabine Schmid adds:

“In my experience, employers value most of all the good preparation, the ambition and the willingness to develop both professionally and personally, as well as the positive attitude of Egyptian skilled workers.”

Despite the great number of challenges, international skilled workers do not lose their positive outlook on life. On the contrary: many are glad to be in Germany and to be able to make the most of the opportunity for a new professional and personal environment.

Fabian Scholz from WTE Charkos reports:

“What our partner clinics tell us most of all isn’t found in any reference: it is the boundless enthusiasm that our Indian healthcare professionals bring with them. Nursing management teams regularly report that they have incredibly cheerful, warm-hearted and highly motivated people joining the wards, whose positive attitude noticeably lifts the mood throughout the team and amongst patients in no time at all.”

This high level of motivation can also manifest itself in a strong sense of loyalty to their new employer. These professionals invest a great deal of time and effort to seize this opportunity, which is usually a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and are highly motivated to make the most of it.

However, employers must also play their part in ensuring that this actually results in a long-term employment relationship, Appreciation, support with integration and opportunities for professional development are key factors in ensuring that international professionals remain with the company in the long term.

Sabine Schmid sums it up as follows:

“Most skilled workers are people who prepare thoroughly, take pride in what they already bring with them, and are at the same time willing to invest time, energy and money in their own development. What they need in return are employers who believe in them, support when things get a bit tricky at the start, and a team that truly welcomes them. Then they can show what they’re capable of.”

Another advantage of international skilled workers is the diversity they bring to companies and teams. Thanks to their experiences in a different country and a different cultural environment, they sometimes view work processes, communication and interactions with customers and patients from an unfamiliar perspective.

These different perspectives can be valuable to companies. They provide impetus for innovative ideas, help to challenge existing routines and can lead to novel approaches to problem-solving.

However, for diversity to truly add value, openness is required on both sides. International professionals should be given the opportunity to contribute their perspectives – and teams should be prepared to see these differences as an opportunity and to learn from one another.