u/cryptodesmond

Hi everyone,

I’m currently in a hiring process in Germany and I’ve completed the first interview. Now I’m waiting to hear whether I’ll be invited to a second round, and I’m trying to understand how this stage typically works.

I have a couple of questions:

• What is the main purpose of a 2nd interview from the company’s perspective?
• How is it different from the first interview (especially for technical roles like Field Service Engineer)?
• Are there any clear signs after the first interview that indicate you’ll be invited to the next round?
• On the flip side, are there “red flags” or signals that usually mean you won’t move forward?

For example, does a delayed response usually mean they’re still considering you, or is it often a silent rejection?

I’d really appreciate insights from people who have been on either side of the hiring process (candidates or hiring managers).

Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,

I’d really appreciate your thoughts and experiences on this.

I’m a mechanical engineer with over 10 years of experience in maintenance and industrial systems, and I’m currently considering a Field Service Engineer (FSE) role in Germany. The position involves around 80% travel, including international assignments.

On paper, the job looks attractive — good salary, technical exposure, and career growth. However, I’m married and have a young child, so I’m trying to realistically evaluate the impact on family life.

Here are the main questions I’m struggling with:

• How manageable is an 80% travel job in Germany when you have a family?
• For those in similar roles, how often are you actually away from home (days per month)?
• Do companies in Germany generally support work-life balance in such positions?
• Is it sustainable long-term, or do most people transition out of FSE roles after a few years?

I’m particularly interested in hearing from people who have firsthand experience working as FSEs in Germany, especially those with families.

Any insights, honest opinions, or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!