Ask the Expert: I want to escape from German organisations

A. If you want to make the move into a more competitive environment, you need to stop whining about the German system, get off your assets, as it were, and start networking!

Professionals with knowledge, experience and contacts in the German market are highly sought after by the international banks and fund managers. But at the moment you are sounding like a bit of a whiner who is spending all his time moaning about how the system is against him. That kind of person is not attractive to a performance-oriented recruiter.

All the stuff about your achievements not being public or not being that good is a red herring. You need a networking action plan and a dose of positive thinking about yourself and your performance that is neither defensive nor complaining.

There are plenty of good books you can read to help get you on your way both in terms of networking - which does not come naturally to everyone - and in terms of promoting yourself and your experience positively.

The classic work on the subject is Dick Bolles' What Color is your Parachute? Although the ultra go-getting American message and style of this book can put many Europeans off, it is still an excellent starting point. Or try UK career coach Graham Green's Career Change Handbook. Both are available on Amazon.

Good luck!

A reader advises...

Contact a well regarded search consultant who focuses on your industry sector and is not tied to a handful of clients by preferred supplier agreements, someone known for behaving ethically and who is liable to be trusted and respected by employers in the industry. You might, for instance, ask a former colleague who has recently moved jobs.

If you can convince the consultant that you're good, by impressing them with your track-record and motivation and perhaps providing a few informal and confidential references, they will be able to present you to potential employers of your choosing on an anonymous basis with a description not dissimilar to the one you've given here. If a company agrees to see you on this no-names basis they can then, with your permission, reveal your identity and arrange an exploratory interview. This way you would find out what opportunities exist without exposing yourself unnecessarily.

David Higgo, Search Consultant, MRI Worldwide London

Next week's question: I am a junior trader at a hedge fund. Several months ago I was bugged with a transmitting device by my boss. I informed the CEO, but as I could not prove it was my boss that did it, no further action was taken. I was able to change trading desks a few months ago, but this has meant me learning to trade another product on my own, without support, and its difficult to keep my head above water. I am trying to find a new job at present and find it difficult to perform in my current climate... if the company were to "let me go" would I have a case against them?

What would you advise? Send your answer to: expertadmin@efinancialcareers.com

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