Switzerland is known as a leader in innovation, offering a high standard of living as well as good pay. According to research conducted by the OECD, the average Swiss income after tax and deductions is USD 37 466 per year, which is above the OECD average of USD 33 604 annually, leaving people with lots of money to spend.
Therefore, many people all over Europe decide to look for employment in this desirable area, but being in the know of how to get a job is important. Before you read more about the reasons for Switzerland being such a magnet on Swisslinx and some essential job hunting tips and ideas to ensure that you will land that dream job in Switzerland, be sure to check all legal requirements for working in Switzerland!
This is especially important once Brexit is happening and Britain is no longer part of the EU.
Once you’re clear about how to get a working visa, get started with your job search following these tips:
- Tap into your current social networks.
While you might not necessarily know someone from Switzerland, there is a chance that at least one person in your social circles or extended social circles knows someone from the country. Put the word out that you are looking for employment opportunities in Switzerland before you get on your flight to the country. Don’t be afraid to use your former employer’s networks to help you find contacts.
- Make use of online networking platforms such as Facebook or LinkedIn.
Choose networks that serve your industry. For example, Facebook is great for those looking for positions in the advertising field.
- Look for job posts on englishforum.ch or make a “for hire” post on the forum.
The forum is a valuable source of information for those looking for genuine employment opportunities in Switzerland.
- Research international firms that have offices in Switzerland.
International companies are more likely to have positions for English speakers. Go to their websites. Some examples of international firms include Google, Credit Suisse, IBM, Alstom, ABB, Siemens, DOW, Zurich, and UBS.
- Check out persoenlich.ch for jobs in advertising, PR, journalism, and media.
The site is German, but there are often posts for positions for English speakers that are posted in English.
- Contact international schools.
If you are looking for a teaching position, try contacting an international school in Switzerland, like Zurich International School.
- Make wise use of the web.
Other valuable and prominent general job hunting sites include stellenmarkt.ch, topjobs.ch. For IT workers, SwissDevJobs.ch is a dedicated board where each job is published with a salary range and full tech stack.
- When you arrive in Switzerland, join clubs for international English speakers.
Meeting people and securing contacts will open you up to finding more employment options in the country.
Do you have any of your own ideas or website recommendations? If so, be sure to comment below or if you’d like us to add you here, get in touch with us.
