Victor: German Business developer at Izipizi

Can you introduce yourself and tell me about your professional background?

My name is Victor Lotz, I am 26 years old, I am Franco-German; my mother is French and my father is German. I was born in Paris and my parents moved to Munich when I was 1 year old. I grew up there, where I studied geography, which I didn't really succeed. To learn the values of work, I volunteered in fish farming, in a trout farm (laughs). During this year, I have been able to discover what my strengths and areas for improvement were, and I have also been able to think about what I wanted to do with my life. So I went for a Franco-German diploma in international management; I studied 2 years in Nuremberg (Germany), then 2 years in Nancy (France). I also studied 6 months in Bologna (Italy) and 6 months in Shanghai (China). After all these trips, I decided to look for some work in France, and I am now a sales representative at IZIPIZI, where I really enjoy myself.

How were you recruited by this company?

I was recruited by Léa (recruitment consultant at Misterbilingue), who proposed my CV to IZIPIZI. I was very well supported in the recruitment process; the Misterbilingue website is great, the positions offered are really qualitative.

How did you get to know MisterBilingue?

Misterbilingue is the first website that appeared on Google when I typed "French-German job"!

Why did you come to France?

I wanted to come to Paris to join my girlfriend and to start my professional life where I was born!

Did you notice any differences between your country of origin and France in your job search?

Nowadays, I have the impression that everything is very similar in the recruitment process (phone calls, physical or video interview...). Even the CVs seem quite similar to me: as an example, the CVs of a german and a french sales representative are the same. We're in a global environment where everything tends to be the same.

What difficulties did you encounter in your job search?

I didn't encounter any difficulties in my job search. I had a lot of job interviews, but I feel that I found work easily.

Any advice on how to integrate well into a new French company?

Open-mindedness is very important! You have to know how to listen, talk to people, introduce yourself, get to know them, be curious, smile... Self-confidence is also very important when you discover a new company and/or a new job!

What are the differences between the French way of working and that of German one?

I would say that it all depends on the industry. However, I have the impression that Germans start work earlier and finish earlier than in France, but in terms of recruitment everything is very similar. Maybe the Germans are colder than the French, too (laughs)... I would say that in Germany you have to be proven to break the ice.

A good plan to find a little bit of Germany in Paris? (bar, caterer, bookshop...)

Towards République (metro station in Paris), there is a German bar called Wunderbär: they make currywurst, serve good Munich beer... A real pleasure!

Are you planning to stay in France?

Yes, for the next 4 or 5 years I plan to stay at IZIPIZI; as I am often on the move to Germany, I like this job very much. Even with the covid-19 crisis, I have my clients by phone or by video, it's very pleasant.