The job database

Fast and accurate: "My new workplace as an SAP specialist is just five minutes from my front door", Deniz Cicek reports. "I found the job via Duerenhoff Job Matching. It took just two weeks for the employer to accept the job." Deniz Cicek, 28, studied mechanical engineering at Hanover University of Applied Sciences and Arts as a bachelor.

After several internships, the permanent position at logistics specialist Docking Solution and Service, which he started on November 2020, is the start of his professional life. Docking Solution und Service serves specialist dealers and service companies with components from loading technology such as loading bridges, loading locks and control systems, and offers training in the use of the technology.

Optimal SAP matching

Basically, the newcomer's scope of activities includes the support of numerous SAP modules and other IT systems. For example, the projects Cicek was initially involved with revolved around SAP logistics modules and the SAP PI (Process Integration) component, which manages data exchange between SAP and third-party systems. "My colleagues have welcomed me with open arms," says Cicek happily. "I can work there independently and take on responsibility right away. I think that's great for a newcomer!"

Cicek came across the aforementioned job matching via search engines. "In this portal, I only had to answer a few questions to deposit my profile there," the computer scientist reports. "Shortly thereafter, a recruiter contacted me and asked about my personal preferences. Already the first suggestion she made was the job I took."

Initially, Cicek had no concrete ideas about his future job. The most important thing for him was to find a dynamic start. He hoped to be able to work independently right away. As a competitive athlete, an employer in the region suited him. These wishes were promptly fulfilled. "I like the fact that the employer is almost on my doorstep very much", reports the SAP specialist. "Even the travel is kept within manageable limits."

For the job-matching consultant, responding to an applicant's personal wishes is one of her secrets to success: "I always start my consulting with the question of personal preferences. Only then do the skills and strengths come into play. In this way, I can give an applicant precise advice in the confusing jungle of job offers from all over Germany."

Job matching differs from classic job databases in that it focuses exclusively on SAP specialists. Whereas in a typical database candidates specify their skills, location, and a radius to it and then click through the offers themselves, here the intermediaries actively advise.

Thus, the chances of success are good even if a candidate's qualifications and the requirements of a job profile do not match one hundred percent. "We not only see the job posting, but are in constant contact with 3500 companies", the consultant knows.

"We not only know the HR managers there, but also the SAP department. That's why we can also assess how well an applicant fits into a company in terms of his or her work mentality. We know very well what works in the companies, and sometimes also what doesn't work there.." This know-how of the consultants avoids misplacements. The placement process is significantly shortened, and the candidate and the future employer are a good match from the start.

Migration and professionals

The migration to S/4 Hana is sweeping the market for SAP specialists dry. Since SAP specialists are extremely sought-after at the moment, you would think that they wouldn't need a job placement at all. Every employer will be happy to take them.

Duerenhoff's managing director Martin Lange thinks this is too short-sighted: "At the moment, SAP specialists are actually getting jobs everywhere right away. But the question is whether they will be happy everywhere." It was in success that most mistakes happened in many places. "When changing jobs, many candidates want to make a career move with a long-term perspective. With a personnel consultancy, they make sure that this step is right the first time."

According to Lange, companies' need for SAP professionals is specializing right now, and recruiters anticipate that "The migration to SAP S/4 Hana is only just beginning, and in the next few years it will sweep the job market for SAP professionals dry."