On September 11, the Safavi Impact Institute, together with the recruiting agency epunkt, hosted a special training for Ukrainian women seeking new career opportunities in Austria. The workshop was led by Andrea Bertl, Managing Director of epunkt, who shared her extensive experience in recruiting with the participants.

Around forty highly qualified women, many with academic backgrounds, took part. While they are already actively submitting applications and attending interviews, they often encounter specific challenges in Austria: extensive qualifications are quickly labeled as “overqualified,” gaps in a CV can raise concerns, and employer expectations differ from what they were used to in Ukraine. Bertl demonstrated how these issues can be addressed professionally and how candidates can clearly show the value they bring to a company.

One of the liveliest parts of the workshop was the discussion on self-presentation in interviews. Many participants described how difficult it is to define their role clearly. Bertl gave practical advice on turning a simple “I can do this” into a convincing “Here’s how your company benefits from me.” She also highlighted the importance of subtle signals – body language, the structure of answers, and how to handle follow-up questions – which often influence recruiters even more than technical expertise.

Another key focus was the role of soft skills and cultural fit. Austrian employers are looking not only for experts but also for personalities who fit well into the team. Bertl also explained which platforms and networks offer the best chances in the job search – with LinkedIn playing a central role.

The involvement of epunkt made the workshop a particularly valuable experience. Since its founding in 2000, the company has grown into one of Austria’s leading recruiting specialists, now employing over 200 experts and recognized for its innovative approaches. This wealth of expertise was reflected in the many practical examples and tips that immediately helped the participants.