A career restart requires learning new skills and skillfully presenting previous experiences and competencies. You should showcase your existing knowledge in a way that aligns with your desired role. If you're ready to take this step, this guide will help you leverage your strengths and position yourself successfully in the job market.

Learn what potential employers are looking for and tailor your previous skills to match. Even without direct prior experience, you can become a compelling candidate through targeted preparation. First, you should thoroughly analyze the desired position.

One of the biggest challenges when entering a new field is competing with experienced candidates. The key to success lies in a comprehensive understanding of the desired role and its requirements. You should have a clear grasp of both the company's expectations and the general demands of the position. This knowledge allows you to realistically assess your suitability and address any knowledge gaps strategically.

A first step is to study job descriptions carefully:

• Search for at least ten job postings for the desired role using platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, or Glassdoor. Ensure that the selected ads have similar titles and closely match your preferences.
• Collect all the requirements mentioned in one document to get an overview of the expectations of different companies.
• Organize the requirements according to frequency, as more frequent criteria are more important. This will help you to recognize crucial skills and necessary knowledge.

Differences in requirements often arise due to varying interpretations of the role. A "Project Manager" may focus on client management in one company, while process optimization is more critical in another. A thorough analysis helps filter suitable positions and avoid misunderstandings.

People from your desired professional field provide valuable insights. Use your professional network, such as LinkedIn, to make connections. Ask specifically about the requirements and challenges of the role you aim for. A brief and polite inquiry can open many doors.

“Good afternoon [name],

My name is [your name], and I am currently undergoing a career change to [new field/position]. Your profile has piqued my interest and I would appreciate the opportunity to ask you a few questions about your professional experience. Thank you in advance for your time!”

Plan to speak to at least five people from your target industry to gain a deeper insight into the position. These interviews will also strengthen your ability to present yourself convincingly and confidently in job interviews.

The next step is to create a complete profile of your skills and experience. This includes:

• Technical Skills: Domain-specific knowledge such as programming, data analysis, or project management.
• Social Skills: Traits such as communication skills, teamwork, or leadership abilities.
• Personal Strengths: Character traits such as reliability or adaptability.
• Education and Training: Academic degrees, certificates, or courses that support your qualifications.

Don't forget to include experience from voluntary work or hobbies that could underline your suitability.

Create an overview of the requirements for your target role and combine it with a profile of your competencies. Highlight your key skills and demonstrate how they align with the position’s requirements. If you lack experience, emphasize your willingness to learn, adaptability, and exude confidence.

A career restart requires courage and flexibility but also opens up many new opportunities. Present your previous experiences skillfully and emphasize your strengths to capture the attention of employers. With the right preparation, you can actively and successfully shape your professional future.

Volkswagen is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, yet the company continues to face numerous economic challenges. Declining revenues and technological hurdles are creating issues for the group and increasing the pressure from ever-intensifying competition. Therefore, Volkswagen must undertake extensive adjustments to adapt to the increasingly changing market conditions to remain competitive. This article examines the current situation, highlights the key problem areas, and provides an outlook on future developments.

Volkswagen is currently grappling with a significant decline in sales, particularly noticeable in Europe. Since the 2019 pandemic, around two million fewer vehicles have been sold annually, which has severe consequences. For the group, this translates to an average loss of about 500,000 units per year, which is alarming. At the same time, competitive pressure is intensifying due to Tesla and Chinese manufacturers like BYD. These new players are aggressively entering the European market, putting Volkswagen under significant strain. They offer affordable and technologically advanced alternatives that seriously threaten the company's position.

The transition to electromobility is progressing more slowly than planned for Volkswagen. In August 2024, new registrations of electric vehicles in Germany dropped by more than two-thirds—a worrying trend. High development costs, delays in expanding charging infrastructure, and ongoing supply chain issues complicate the transition. While Volkswagen has ambitious plans to fully electrify its model portfolio by 2030, implementing this strategy remains a significant challenge in an uneven global market.

Another stumbling block for Volkswagen is massive software problems that impair the group's competitiveness. To address these challenges, VW plans investments amounting to five billion euros. Part of these funds could go toward strategic partnerships, such as a stake in the U.S. electric car manufacturer Rivian. However, this strategy is viewed critically internally, as it involves high financial risks. Voices from within the company warn of a potential "billion-euro grave."

Volkswagen is also facing significant geopolitical challenges. While the Chinese market, once a key pillar for the group, is losing importance, trade barriers and the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act complicate expansion into the United States. These geopolitical tensions not only strain supply chains but also lead to rising production costs.

In light of financial pressures, Volkswagen is planning savings of five billion euros. Measures under discussion include a return to a four-day workweek, salary reductions, and the closure of three plants. Such steps could affect tens of thousands of jobs and have already led to significant conflicts with the works council. These internal tensions complicate the implementation of the necessary transformation and could jeopardize the company's stability.

Volkswagen's problems are symptomatic of a broader crisis in the German automotive industry. Experts warn of a gradual de-industrialization and call for political measures to make Germany a more attractive location for automobile production. As the flagship of the German economy, Volkswagen bears a particular responsibility for the industry's future viability.

Volkswagen has ambitious plans to tackle current challenges and strengthen its market position:

1. Product Diversification: The group plans to further expand its portfolio of electric vehicles while simultaneously offering efficient combustion engines for markets not yet ready for full electrification.

2. Regional Expansion: VW is focusing on strengthening its market presence in strategic regions like North America and China to seize global growth opportunities.

3. Technological Innovation: With investments in software solutions, autonomous driving, and battery technology, Volkswagen aims to secure its long-term competitiveness.

4. Sustainability: VW aims to become a global leader in sustainable mobility solutions, investing in CO2-neutral production processes and the expansion of charging infrastructure.

Volkswagen faces significant economic and structural challenges. Sales crises, technological deficits, and geopolitical risks are testing the group. Nevertheless, VW has the necessary resources and strategic focus to adapt to the evolving automotive industry.

The key to success lies in a clear, long-term strategy that prioritizes flexibility, innovation, and sustainability. If Volkswagen achieves these goals, the group will remain a leading player in the global automotive industry.

Sources:

• https://finanzkun.de/artikel/volkswagen-in-schwierigkeiten/
• https://www.kettner-edelmetalle.de/news/volkswagen-herausforderungen-jenseits-der-absatzkrise-06-09-2024
• https://geschaeftsbericht2020.volkswagenag.com/konzernlagebericht/nachhaltige-wertsteigerung/nachhaltigkeit.html
• https://www.tagesschau.de/wirtschaft/unternehmen/vw-krise-100.html
• https://geschaeftsbericht2022.volkswagenag.com/konzernlagebericht/risiko-und-chancenbericht/risiken-und-chancen/risiken-und-chancen-aus-gesamtwirtschaft-branche-maerkten-und-vertrieb.html
• https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/industrie/vw-jahreszahlen-gewinn-auf-vorjahresniveau-das-sind-die-herausforderungen-fuer-2024-02/100019529.html
• https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/de/strategie-3912https://www.volkswagen-group.com/de/strategie-15955

Artificial intelligence is transforming recruiting by making processes more efficient, precise, and fair. Companies are increasingly seeking new ways to attract talent while saving both costs and time. AI is thus becoming an essential technology in modern personnel management. This article outlines the key areas of application, advantages, challenges, and future trends of AI in recruiting.

The integration of AI into the recruitment process encompasses many tasks that were traditionally time-consuming and error-prone. The most important fields of application include:

Viewing and evaluating applications is one of the most time-consuming steps in the recruitment process. AI algorithms quickly analyze large volumes of applications and identify the best candidates. They match applicant profiles with job requirements, saving companies up to 75% of screening time.

AI-powered chatbots handle repetitive tasks such as answering questions and scheduling interview appointments. They enhance the candidate experience by providing quick responses and efficiently automating communication.

Predictive analytics enable AI to forecast a candidate's success in a specific role. Additionally, it identifies potential top performers and reduces hiring errors by up to 35%. This allows companies to make informed and data-driven decisions.

AI-supported video interviews analyze speech, facial expressions and gestures to evaluate candidates more objectively. They enable a standardized assessment of soft skills that remains free of human bias.

The use of AI in recruiting offers numerous benefits and significantly enhances efficiency and fairness in processes. Time-intensive tasks like screening or scheduling can be automated with AI, reducing the workload for HR teams. At the same time, this automation boosts efficiency and allows a stronger focus on strategic tasks. 

AI promotes diversity by reducing unconscious biases and relying on objective criteria in candidate selection. An improved candidate experience arises from quick feedback and seamless processes, which present the employer in a positive light. 

Additionally, AI enables data-driven decisions through precise analyses and forecasts, making it easier for recruiters to make informed choices. Automating processes leads to faster and more cost-efficient recruiting, creating long-term competitive advantages.

Despite its many advantages, the use of AI in recruiting also comes with challenges and risks. Handling large volumes of personal data with AI systems requires strict data protection measures and compliance with legal regulations. Additionally, there is a risk of algorithmic biases if the AI has been trained on biased datasets. Such biases could reinforce existing discrimination, leading to negative consequences for applicants.

Another obstacle is the lack of transparency in many AI systems, as decision-making processes are often difficult to understand. This can undermine user trust and amplify reservations about the technology. Additionally, the introduction of AI technologies significantly changes recruiters' tasks, necessitating adjustments. Training and further education are essential for recruiters to meet the new demands effectively.

The use of AI in recruiting will continue to evolve in the coming years. Key trends include:

• Natural Language Processing (NLP):
  AI systems will better understand and interpret human language through NLP, facilitating communication between candidates and companies.
• Augmented Reality (AR):
  AR could be used for virtual candidate training or interactive interviews.
• Personalized Communication:
  AI enables tailored communication that specifically addresses the interests and needs of candidates.
• AI-Powered Onboarding:
  After hiring, AI can support the onboarding process by personalizing training and providing information.

The figures show how much AI is already changing recruiting and what impact it will have on the future:

• 96 % of HR managers believe that AI can improve recruiting (source: LinkedIn Global Recruiting Trends 2024).
• The global market for AI in HR is projected to reach USD 3.6 billion by 2027 (Source: MarketsandMarkets).
• 67 % of recruiters say that AI saves them time (source: Jobvite Recruiter Nation Survey 2023).
• Companies that use AI report a 35% increase in productivity in their HR teams (Deloitte Human Capital Trends 2024).

AI is transforming recruiting by significantly enhancing efficiency and fairness. Companies benefit from optimized processes, data-driven decisions, and an improved candidate experience.

At the same time, the use of AI requires balancing data protection, transparency, and ethical considerations. With well-thought-out strategies, companies can achieve their recruiting goals and position themselves as innovative employers.

Link building is an important part of any successful SEO strategy and significantly impacts rankings. It involves getting other websites to link to your own site, which are called "backlinks". Backlinks are considered endorsements that strongly influence a website's SEO performance. Every full-service agency or online marketing agency must master effective link building strategies to improve their clients' rankings.

Link building is a process where a website obtains high-quality backlinks from other sites. These backlinks act as "votes of confidence" and signal to search engines that the content is valuable. Google and other search engines view backlinks as an important ranking factor. High-quality links increase the likelihood of a page appearing higher in search results. The more such links a page has, the better it is ranked by search engines.

Backlinks are one of the most important factors for ranking in search engines. Websites that receive links from authoritative and thematically relevant sites demonstrate their trustworthiness to Google. This often leads to a higher ranking in search results and increases organic traffic. For a full-service agency that offers comprehensive marketing strategies, effective link building is a central part of every SEO campaign.

Not all backlinks are equally valuable. There are different types of links that have different effects on SEO performance:

• DoFollow links transfer “link juice”, which directly improves the ranking in search engines.  
• NoFollow links offer no direct SEO value, but can still generate traffic and diversify the link profile.  
• Natural links are created when websites voluntarily link to your content. Manually created links result from targeted contact and cooperation with webmasters or influencers.

There are two main approaches to link building:

• White hat link building uses ethical methods such as quality content, guest posts and outreach to obtain links. These techniques comply with Google guidelines and offer long-term success.  
• Black hat link building, on the other hand, uses unethical methods such as link buying or link farms. Such techniques can result in Google penalties and even lead to the removal of the website from the search index.

There are some proven tactics for a successful SEO strategy:

• Guest posts offer the chance to share high-quality content on relevant websites and receive valuable backlinks.  
• Broken link building works by finding broken links on websites and replacing them with your own content. This is how you gain new links.  
• Content marketing encourages the creation of shareable content such as infographics, guides or studies, which often leads to voluntary links.

In link building, quality is more important than quantity. A link from a relevant and trustworthy website is often more valuable than 100 low-quality links. Especially links from sites with high domain authority, such as educational or news sites, can significantly boost SEO performance. Additionally, the anchor text of the link should be clear and topic-related to achieve optimal results.

The biggest challenge in link building is acquiring high-quality links without violating Google's guidelines. Google's Penguin update penalizes websites that generate an unnatural number of low-quality or purchased links. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid link spamming and refrain from buying links. Instead, one should focus on sustainable and ethical link building methods.

For every marketing agency or online marketing agency , link building is an essential part of the SEO strategy. By strategically building high-quality backlinks, a website's visibility improves significantly. Agencies should focus on ethical and sustainable techniques, with an emphasis on the relevance and quality of the links. Only this approach can ensure long-term SEO success.

In blogging, there are two main types of articles: timeless ("evergreen") and temporary articles. Both pursue different goals and offer various advantages. These differences are important for bloggers and content creators to develop a successful strategy. In this article, we analyze the differences between timeless and temporary articles. We also show how they can be used for an effective content strategy.

Timeless blog articles, also known as evergreen content, remain relevant for a long time. Such content never loses its value, no matter how long it stays online. They often cover universal topics that are consistently searched for by readers. This includes guides, self-help tips, or fundamental topics. Examples are "How to Start a Blog" or "Basic Principles of Marketing."

An important aspect of timeless content is the use of appropriate language and clear structure. Timeless articles avoid time-specific references such as "this week" or "recently" to avoid appearing outdated. Instead, they present information clearly and in a way that is easy to understand. This ensures they remain useful for different audiences and time periods.

Timeless content offers many advantages. For one, it remains relevant for years and can continuously drive traffic to the website without requiring regular updates. This makes timeless content a long-term investment. Additionally, timeless content generally requires less maintenance. However, it can be beneficial to occasionally update the content to keep it current, especially in areas where technologies or best practices evolve.

SEO also plays a central role in the longevity of timeless content. With the right search engine optimization, timeless content can rank well in search results for years and continuously attract visitors to the site. Keywords and an engaging user experience are essential in this process.

Temporary blog articles focus on a specific time or particular event. This type of content is often highly topical and addresses subjects that are only relevant for a limited period. Examples include news, seasonal topics, or reports on current trends. These articles can generate a lot of traffic in the short term, as they benefit from temporary interest. However, once the topic is no longer current, they quickly lose relevance.

A typical example of temporary content is an article about the latest trends in 2023 or a report on a recently held event. Such content has a limited lifespan and needs to be regularly replaced with new articles to maintain traffic.

The biggest advantage of temporary articles lies in their relevance. They can quickly respond to current events or trends, thus achieving a wide reach. Temporary content is particularly effective for gaining attention on social media and in news feeds. Additionally, it works well to boost traffic and engagement on the website in the short term.

Temporary content can also be used as a tool to promote seasonal sales or special offers. For example, an article about the best Christmas gift ideas in December could be highly successful, but it would attract very few visitors by January.

A successful content strategy ideally combines both timeless and temporary content. Timeless content forms the foundation of the website, providing consistent traffic over the long term, while temporary content can create short-term spikes in engagement and traffic.

Timeless content attracts visitors over months or years and serves as a lasting resource. Temporary content maximizes interest in current topics and responds to trends in real time. A balanced mix of both content types is important for achieving short-term success while ensuring long-term growth.

A proven method is to regularly update and optimize timeless content to maintain its relevance and visibility in search engines. At the same time, temporary articles should be used to engage the audience with fresh, current topics and boost engagement on the site.

Timeless and temporary blog articles both have a valuable place in a well-thought-out content strategy. Timeless content forms the backbone of a website, driving sustained traffic, while temporary articles capitalize on current topics to gain short-term attention. A smart combination of both approaches allows for long-term stable results while taking advantage of temporary trends. The success of a content strategy ultimately depends on creating timeless content while remaining flexible and responsive to current events and trends.

To be successful in the digital competition, companies must continuously improve their online presence. A proven method for this is the targeted use of guest posts as part of a comprehensive SEO strategy. By strategically utilizing this technique, companies can increase their visibility and strengthen their domain authority. Additionally, qualified traffic can be directed to their website. A full-service agency can provide valuable support in this process by developing an appropriate guide.

Guest posts, also known as guest blogging, are articles that appear on another website. Through this practice, companies share their expertise while simultaneously promoting their brand. This approach is particularly valuable in the SEO context. It highlights the company's expertise and generates high-quality backlinks. These links play a crucial role in improving domain authority, which in turn boosts a company's ranking in search engine results.

Backlinks are among the most important ranking factors for search engines like Google. Guest posts provide an excellent opportunity to obtain valuable links from thematically relevant and authoritative websites. This not only enhances domain authority but also improves organic visibility in search results. Additionally, guest posts allow you to reach a broader audience and drive new traffic to your own website. This increases your reach and potentially boosts conversion rates as well.

The choice of the right platforms for guest posts is crucial to the success of the SEO strategy. Companies identify websites that are thematically relevant and possess high domain authority. An engaged readership is also an important factor. Guest posts on well-established websites have a greater impact on search engine optimization than publications on lesser-known platforms. Companies also consider the target audience of the respective website and their engagement to ensure that the content is effectively received.

The success of guest posts largely depends on the quality of the content. A well-researched, informative, and engagingly written post provides real value to readers. Search engines favor such content, preferring useful and relevant material, and reward it with better rankings. When writing a guest post, companies should always aim to offer genuine value while simultaneously highlighting their own expertise.

A key aspect of guest posts in SEO is targeted link-building. Companies carefully and naturally place embedded links to avoid giving the impression of spam. The anchor text, which is the clickable text leading to their own website, also plays a crucial role. It must be clear and precise to convey the relevance of the linked content and achieve optimal SEO impact. Additionally, companies avoid excessive use of links to prevent penalties from search engines.

Guest posts offer not only SEO benefits but also the opportunity to build valuable relationships with industry experts and influencers. These relationships are advantageous in the long term, as they can lead to further collaborations and stronger promotion of your own content. A good working relationship with host websites also increases the likelihood that your posts will appear regularly. This, in turn, provides sustainable support for your SEO strategy.

As with any SEO initiative, it is crucial to continuously measure and analyze the success of guest posts. Tools like Google Analytics provide valuable insights into the traffic generated by guest posts. The number of acquired backlinks and the impact on your website's ranking also become apparent. Based on this information, future guest posts can be optimized and the strategy adjusted accordingly to achieve maximum results.

Despite the numerous benefits, the use of guest posts in SEO also carries risks. Excessive use of guest posts for backlink generation may be seen by search engines as an attempt at manipulation, potentially leading to penalties. Additionally, there is a risk that poorly written or low-quality posts could damage the brand's reputation. Therefore, companies adopt a balanced and high-quality guest post strategy.

The SEO landscape is constantly evolving, so the strategy around guest posts must also be continuously adjusted. In the future, the focus will likely be even more on the quality and relevance of the posts. This is necessary to meet the increasingly stringent guidelines of search engines. Companies that wish to strengthen their SEO strategy through guest posts should therefore stay up to date. They must continuously review and adapt their approaches.

Guest posts are an extremely effective SEO strategy that, when applied correctly, offer significant potential for improving online visibility. A full-service agency can assist companies in selecting the right platform and creating high-quality content. Additionally, it helps with targeted link-building efforts.

By combining these elements, SEO performance can be sustainably enhanced, and online presence can be significantly strengthened. Such an online marketing agency can also help carefully implement the strategy and take potential risks into account, ensuring long-term success.