I was interviewed – well, “questionairred” really, by Expat Interviews. Okay, questionairred is not a word. I told them I wasn’t a “real” expat since I don’t live abroad full time, but they weren’t deterred. Plus, what do I like better than talking about myself? A few things, but I can’t think of them right now.
Check out the site. It’s a good way to find out what it’s REALLY like to live abroad.
[tags]expatriate[/tags]
Lovely interview! But ageism is LEGAL?! Blech.
It’s not that ageism is legal, but it is legal to ask for a few things, that are usually listed on your CV: age, driver’s licence, and martial status are the most common. Germany does that too. I don’t know why it is so, but they claim that this data is very well protected (yeah, right, although I have to say I get almost no junk mail). I still use the Resume (CV) format from the US, meaning I never list such things, and I have never had anyone asking for them. Recruiters are mostly stupid everywhere, regardless of the country, I usually go straight to the company. But sexism (women in high tech are an exotic species) is still very much an issue, and you are very right about their obsession with titles. A little tip: if officials refuse to listen to you, or the utility company, etc, just recommend yourself casually as Doktor X or Magister Y, it will open doors for you
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On ageism… if it’s not legal, why is it okay to post age requirements for advertised positions? Because I see that in the papers all the time – a job is listed with an age range:
Manager, 18-26, M/F…
I like your interview. I got questionnaired a while back too and I certainly did tell them what it’s *really* like. I think my “interview” must be the crankiest one there.