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European Working Permit

Hi everyone,

When i check Bain's site for the application to the offices in Germany one of the requirements is EU Working Permit. To my understanding as a foreigner (non EU) I can only obtain that after having a contract at a firm (so after getting the offer).

Can someone tell me what I'm missing?

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Top answer
Deleted user
on Aug 10, 2023

Hi Hassan,

In general, language like this tends to imply that only candidates with valid EU Working Permits are invited to apply. However, with immigration matters it is always best to be certain by asking HR about this. They are the only ones who will know for sure.

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Ian
Coach
on Aug 10, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi Hassan,

First, check with the people you have networked with. I assume you have a referral and/or have spoken with multiple people in the Bain Germany office, right? (If you're doing this right, you have).

Double check with your referrer + network to see exactly how it works for your application and see if there's a way around this with your referral.

But, if the website has a required field for working permit and you cannot progress without it, then you kind of have your answer here.

on Aug 10, 2023
#1 rated McKinsey Coach

Hi Hassan, 

Actually some people have that work permit if they either study or work already in the EU (and even if they demonstrate European family ties I believe). 

My recommendation would be to either connect with the recruiter and ask OR connect with a sort of consultant / legal counsel who would know the legislation in detail. 

The point is that if you get and offer, they will certainly facilitate you getting the work permit. 

But what you need to check first is if the work permit is a requirement BEFORE even applying. 

Also, FYI, for German offices you almost always need to speak German, so have that in mind when applying. 

Also, if you're not from Germany but applying to German offices, like everywhere else you need to have a good motivation as to why you want to go for that location. 

Sharing with you a guide on how to build an application strategy that helps you manage for these sort of risks as well:

Best,
Cristian

Hagen
Coach
edited on Aug 11, 2023
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience

Hi Hassan,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

  • First of all, you are correct in your understanding that typically, a non-EU citizen can obtain a European working permit after having a contract with a firm. Most consulting companies will provide assistance in obtaining the necessary permits once an offer is extended.
  • Moreover, it's often the case that companies mention the EU working permit as a requirement in their job descriptions to ensure applicants are aware of the legal necessity. But this does not necessarily mean that they won't assist in obtaining the permit once they decide to hire you.
  • Lastly, I would highly advise you to contact Bain Germany's recruiting team directly and clarify the situation with them to know about the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the specific requirements and process for obtaining the necessary working permit.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming Bain Sova test and Bain interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

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