21.10.2024
Finding Jobs in Switzerland for English Speakers: 8 Tips
If you’re looking for a job in Switzerland and you don’t speak any of the national languages, you’re at a disadvantage, but you can still succeed. To find jobs in Switzerland for foreigners, you have to be creative, committed, and patient.
1. Make Sure You Have the Right Permit
Landing your dream job, only to find out you’re not eligible due to your work permit, is incredibly frustrating. Before you start looking for jobs in Switzerland for foreigners, make sure you have the right to work. You can get a permit if:
- You or one of your parents have a Swiss passport
- You come from an EU or EFTA country
- You are married to a Swiss person
- You are a highly experienced specialist in your field.
When applying for jobs, be clear about the type of permit you have and whether you need the company to sponsor you. Even if you’re a great candidate for the job, you won’t get sponsorship as a non-EU/EFTA citizen unless the company is unable to find an equivalent Swiss, EU, or EFTA worker.
If you already have an EU or EFTA passport, Swiss citizenship, or the right to work, mention this on your CV. Companies are much more likely to consider your application if they know you are eligible to work in Switzerland.
2. Research the Local Work Culture and Adapt Your CV
During your job search, spend some time researching Swiss work culture. Learn about:
- The Swiss labour laws: They are stricter than in many other countries. Working too much and contacting your colleagues out of hours is frowned upon in many organisations.
- The values: They include punctuality, directness, and efficiency.
- The forms of communication: Swiss communication is often more formal than in other countries. You may be expected to address business contacts by their last names in emails and other forms of written communication.
Swiss CVs
Before you submit your CV to a Swiss company, make sure you’ve adapted it to fit the local standards. Typically, CVs require more personal info in Switzerland than in some other countries. You may need to include your contact details, date of birth, nationality, marital status, and even a photo. Submitting an appropriate CV shows that you’ve done your research before applying and that you’re willing to adapt to the local norms.
3. Network with Other Expats
Traditional methods of obtaining a job can work well in Switzerland. However, many people find a job through their network. If you don’t have an existing network in Switzerland, attend various events. Try to strike a balance between gatherings related to your industry and general networking events. Some places to start if you’re moving to the Greater Zurich Area might be:
- Coffee with a Purpose (also available in Basel)
- The Professional Women’s Group Zurich (also available in some other cities)
4. Explore All Avenues
There are various ways to find a job in Switzerland, and new expats who may not have a large social network yet should explore them all. Start by looking at job boards such as Jobs.ch or JobScout24. LinkedIn is another good place to find out about new Swiss jobs, especially if you follow relevant pages and companies in your industry. However, these measures may not be enough. You may also need to reach out to interesting firms directly and send spontaneous applications.
Should You Use Recruiters?
One of the best ways of finding a Swiss job as an expat is to work with a recruitment agency. Recruiters have strong ties to local companies, and they often hear about jobs before they are posted publicly. Additionally, your application may be considered more carefully if you use a trusted recruiter. The best agencies also provide insights into the company and help you prepare for interviews.
Learn more: Podcast episode about staffing in Switzerland
5. Consider Several Cities
Switzerland is a small and well-connected country. Don’t worry too much about where in Switzerland your new job is. Many locals live in one city and commute to another. Even if you’d like to settle in Zurich, you could easily work in Zug, St. Gallen, Lucerne, or even Basel and Bern because these cities all take less than an hour to get to by train. The broader the options you’re willing to consider, the more likely you’ll find a suitable position.
6. Learn the Basics of the Local Language
Although there are jobs in Switzerland for foreigners that don’t require any language skills, they are rare. Most employers prefer candidates who speak the local language or have specific foreign language skills.
If you don’t yet speak German, French, or Italian, take some language classes. Even reaching an elementary level shows that you’re serious about living in Switzerland and that you’re making an effort to integrate.
7. Thoroughly Prepare for Interviews
The more you know about the company offering the job, the better your chances of success. Some things to research, ideally with the help of a recruiter, include:
- Dress code: While many companies in Switzerland prefer formal wear, some have a more casual dress code. Choosing the right level of formality will help you feel confident during your interview.
- Technology or tools used: If you’re applying for a technical role and you already know about the technology or tools the company prefers, you’ll make a better impression.
- Salary expectations: Find out the salary for similar roles in Switzerland, as it may differ from your home country.
- Questions: The most common interview questions might also be different. This will depend on your industry, so it’s best to speak to a recruiter or someone you know who already works at a Swiss company.
8. Be Patient and Persistent
Depending on your skills and past work experience, finding jobs in Switzerland for foreigners can be challenging. If you’re serious about living in Switzerland, be persistent. Send as many targeted job applications as you can. If there aren’t many jobs in your industry, research relevant companies and send spontaneous applications. Although the businesses might not have open positions right now, they may appreciate your initiative and keep you in mind for future openings.
Find Jobs in Switzerland for Foreigners Today
Are you ready to start your job search in Switzerland? Send Rigby AG your application today. We’ll keep your CV on file and notify you whenever a suitable new opportunity comes up. You can also check out our Opportunities page to discover current requirements.