Mental Strength and Job Seeking: Tips from HR Expert Rimli Das Gupta
Searching for a job in Berlin can be challenging. Despite the numerous sectors and vacancies, the path to securing your dream job takes patience, clear strategies and motivation. A magnet for talents from all over the world, Berlin is brimming with fantastic opportunities, but competition is also fierce. Meaningful tips and personal experience are valuable factors to optimize the search. And these are things we discussed with Rimli Das Gupta, who used our interview to share her practical advice.
Rimli Das Gupta is a seasoned HR expert and People Lead at Mondelēz International. Born and raised in Austria, she now lives in Germany and has previously worked in Denmark and Portugal. She discovered her passion for HR during an UN internship and then built on her knowledge at Beiersdorf. For Rimli, the clinchers at work are honesty and personal skills – more even than perfection – a conviction that has grown over the course of her varied career.
Away from work, Rimli enjoys volunteering, for example with the SWANS Initiative, which counsels women with a migration background, and with Haydee! e. V., a charitable organization that offers free tutoring. She sees volunteering as the ideal platform to build networks and hone skills – also a good tip for people who have been without work for a longer period.
In our interview, Rimli shares valuable tips on job hunting and explains why Berlin is a special city to work and live in. Read the article now!
What is the best way to start looking for a job? Do you have any tips for adding efficiency to the process?
Let me begin by dispelling the following socially established stigma:
Unemployment is often viewed negatively, but it can also be a bold step.
Some people quit their jobs because of an unhealthy working environment or because they realize that they are stagnating. Then we have cases in which private obligations such as caring for a relative can also be reasons. In other instances, losing your job has nothing to do with your performance and is solely due to cost cutting at the company. There are ultimately an infinite number of reasons why someone might be looking for a job and I would like to encourage everyone not to underestimate this step.
As a rule, it is often wise to remain in your current job while looking for a fresh challenge. It makes the transition easier and helps you to dodge certain questions about why the previous job came to an end. And very importantly: it maintains a certain routine. But if this is not possible, I recommend the following four steps:
1. Treat looking for a job as a major project: gather information, write applications, go for interviews – these things are all part of this intricate process. Looking for a job is quite daunting and should not be treated lightly.
2. Create routines: start the day with a clear structure. Get up in the morning, have a coffee, go outside and then dedicate yourself to looking for work. But even if looking for a job is your job, it should not completely consume your everyday life. Just like at work, create routines to work on the project for a certain period, but also take time for yourself after work and at weekends. Looking for work can be quite stressful, as it involves a lot of uncertainty about the future. So make sure that you give yourself the occasional treat while hunting for a job – and it should also be part of a healthy routine.
3. Document your job search: Keep track of applications and appointments. Even on Monday, I start preparing an overview for the week ahead – to create clarity and reduce stress. The easiest way is a handwritten list or Excel. The document should contain the name of your contact, the date you applied, the job title and other information. You will then immediately know which job it is if someone gets back to you. What’s more, these lists help you to see how far you have progressed in your search for employment.
4. Go out and talk to people about your search for a job: Communicate openly that you are looking for work. Often you will hear about vacancies that were not publicly advertised, get a tip or two about your application or valuable feedback.
Returning to work after a longer period of unemployment is difficult for many of us. What can you do to remain motivated and increase your chances?
It is completely normal if you find looking for a job quite exhausting – especially in a society in which professional identity means so much. Searching for a job and the associated uncertainty can really be frightening. So it is perfectly clear that you will also have bad days. And you are allowed to have them! Let me take this opportunity to express my admiration for you. The fact that you are even reading this article is a strong sign of your resilience and perseverance. It shows that you will not be disheartened. Above all, though, remember to be patient with yourself. You are doing your best – and some days may be less busy than others!
Speak openly with people who understand your situation – whether it is chatting with friends or in therapy..
More and more people are understanding how difficult it is to find a job. So try to reach out to these people. Our parents often don't understand us in this situation because they come from a different generation. But don’t let this get you down. Use other channels and meet with friends to better understand what is happening.
And do not forget to maintain routines and take time for yourself. Breaks and time off – perhaps a free weekend or trip away – are essential for mental health. They will keep you stable and increase your chances in job interviews, for example. Also schedule these breaks as a reward. Doing so will help you to stay motivated.
Looking for a job over a longer period can put a strain on your mental health. What tips do you have for maintaining balance?
Get help – for example in self-help groups or courses, many of which are free. The Employment Office also provides support. Self-help groups are good places to share ideas and find what are known as ‘accountability buddies’ – people who motivate and support you. You can otherwise talk to a friend. Schedule a time with them to discuss briefly what you want to achieve.
The opportunities of the digital world are yet another channel: artificial intelligence can help you to write job applications or prepare job hunting strategies. There are lots of free tools and templates that will make the process easier for you. But it is important to emphasize at this point that AI is merely a shoulder to lean on. Many systems are not completely mature and still make mistakes. So you should not rely 100 percent on AI. There are also increasing numbers of YouTube videos, podcasts or documentaries that address topics about looking for a job. These formats can make the process seem less lonely. It is important that you feel understood. Experiment with different formats!
Volunteering is another tip. Donating your time is a valuable option if you want to meet new people, learn fresh skills and experience appreciation – and all of these things will strengthen your mental health.
Any type of volunteering can be enriching – working with children shows creativity, while lugging boxes for a charity event demonstrates a sense of responsibility and even helping with a website can highlight your technical skills.
How important do you believe it is to draw on your professional network when searching for a job?
A strong network is a huge advantage, especially for people returning to work, for example after parental leave or prolonged illness. They are a good way to make contacts and discover job opportunities. And even if you don't yet have a network yet, you can still build one gradually – by attending events, job fairs or on social media. But please do not put yourself under pressure. You can make progress even without a professional network.
Start small: pick an event close to your home in the coming month and make a note of it as a definite date. And even if you don't know how it’s meant to work when the day comes – do it anyway! The unknown becomes less frightening if we face up to it. And you will get used to the process, so every event will be easier!
You are very successful as an HR expert. Which factors have boosted your professional development over the course of your career?
For me, lifelong learning is the key. I was willing to take the paths less trodden, and that's how I moved from business administration to finance and finally to my position in HR. Every job has taught me new things. This helped me to enjoy what I do and develop my skills.
My advice: keep an open mind, try out different things and be prepared to keep learning.
Reliability and commitment are equally important. Finishing your tasks reliably and on time will build trust – and trust is the basis for success.
Your path always took you back to Berlin eventually. What is so special about the Berlin job market?
Berlin’s genuinely cosmopolitan flair is something I always find striking. The city remains authentic and offers excellent opportunities in numerous sectors and at all job levels. Whether I’m a waiter or a manager – Berlin always has a warm welcome for people with an international background.
Another noteworthy factor is the large number of jobs that do not require you to speak German – something that would not apply to this extent in any other German city. But I still advise everyone to learn German. Doing so opens up significantly more opportunities in both your professional and personal life.
In your opinion, what makes Berlin particularly attractive as a city to work and live in?
The diversity in Berlin is truly unique. Quite aside from the cultural diversity, I am particularly impressed by the wide range of career opportunities. In Berlin, you can work in politics, found your own start-up or work in the catering industry – and you can do it all at the same time. This makes the city particularly interesting for couples and families, as it invites both partners to realize their professional dreams without favoring one side or the other.
Berlin also has plenty to offer away from work: you can learn rare Indian dance styles or enjoy a Georgian meal – the sheer range of options is unique in Germany.
