Germany’s Industrial Job Market Is Shrinking
What International Professionals Should Do Now
Over 100,000 jobs have disappeared from German industry in the past year.
Automotive, machinery, metals, and textiles are all cutting back.
And it’s not over yet.
If you're an international candidate working in Germany, or planning to enter the market soon, this is a moment to reassess, refocus, and act strategically.
In this post, I’ll explain what’s going on and share practical strategies you can implement right now to stay employable and future-ready, even in a declining market.
The Situation: A Slowdown With No Quick Fix
The headlines are clear:
The German industry employed 5.46 million people at the end of Q1 2025 — down 1.8% from last year, and 3.8% lower than in 2019.
Automotive jobs dropped by nearly 6% in one year.
Major employers like VW, Ford, and Mercedes-Benz are downsizing.
Job ads are falling: from 3.2 million in 2023 to only 1.2 million in the first half of 2025.
Demand for skilled workers in manufacturing is declining fast.
And while the numbers vary slightly across sectors, the trend is clear: traditional industrial employers are hiring less and restructuring more.
This matters — especially for foreign professionals who often depend on large, international employers for visa sponsorship and career entry points.
Source: WirtschaftsWoche, Florian Weyand, 09.07.2025
https://www.wiwo.de/unternehmen/industrie/studie-deutsche-industrie-muss-sich-auf-viele-schlechte-nachrichten-einstellen/100134893.html
What This Means For You
If you’re looking for your first job in Germany, or worried about your current role, now is the time to shift your approach.
Waiting and hoping for a return to the hiring levels of 2021 or 2018 is not a strategy.
Here’s what to do instead.
1. Rethink Your Target Industry
Focus on sectors that are growing or stable.
Based on current data, these include:
Renewable energy
Defense and aerospace
Health and care services
IT, automation, and robotics
Logistics and supply chain
Some of these may not have been your original goal, but the skillsets are often transferable.
If you worked in automotive production planning, you may be a strong fit for defense or green tech operations.
2. Translate Your Experience
Hiring managers need to see how your experience applies to their sector.
If you’re coming from automotive or machinery, highlight your process optimization skills, your work on digitalization, your project leadership.
These are relevant in many industries.
Avoid using only job titles or internal terminology.
Focus on problems solved, results achieved, and technologies used.
3. Consider Contract or Project-Based Work
Many companies are reducing permanent headcount but still need help for projects.
This includes:
Temporary positions (Zeitarbeit)
Consulting contracts
Freelance work
These options can help you gain German work experience, improve your language skills, and expand your network.
Especially if you're early in your job search.
4. Invest in Targeted Upskilling
This is not the time to enroll in a two-year general program with unclear ROI.
Instead, aim for short, strategic learning:
German language for professionals (ideally up to C1)
SAP certifications (logistics, HR, finance)
Project management (PMP, PRINCE2, Agile)
Industry-specific skills: automation, green energy, supply chain software
Many online platforms offer high-quality courses with recognized certificates.
5. Strengthen Your Network in Germany
The “hidden job market” is real.
And even more important in a slow economy.
Here’s how to start:
Reach out to alumni from your university or previous employers.
Join professional meetups, even virtual ones.
Message people directly on LinkedIn with thoughtful questions.
Ask for informational interviews, not jobs.
People refer people they know.
Don’t wait until a job is posted.
I have a previous post on networking:
How to Build Your Career with Vitamin B — Without LinkedIn
6. Apply Beyond Germany
Germany is not the only option.
And not all German companies are in crisis.
Consider:
Remote roles with German or international companies
Jobs in Austria or Switzerland (especially for IT and engineering)
Multinational employers with operations outside of manufacturing
Many international professionals land their first DACH role outside of Germany, then transfer or relocate later.
7. Build Your Career Capital
This includes your:
Resume (keep it short, clear, ATS-friendly)
LinkedIn profile (with a strong headline and impact-focused descriptions)
Recommendations and testimonials
Online presence (articles, comments, presentations)
Your visibility and credibility matter.
Especially in a market where fewer jobs are advertised, and more are filled through referrals.
Final Thoughts
Yes, the industrial slowdown in Germany is serious.
And yes, it affects foreign professionals.
But there are still opportunities for those who move early, position strategically, and stay focused on value.
A slower job market doesn’t mean you can’t grow your career.
But it does mean you need to be more intentional, more creative, and more prepared than ever before.
You don’t need to panic.
You need a plan.
Talk soon,
Susanna
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Danke schön dafür!