Job hunting tips from foreign workers in Switzerland: Their guide to securing employment in the Swiss job market
Job Hunting in Switzerland: Top Tips and Strategies
Switzerland, known for its precision and meticulousness, offers a wealth of opportunities for job seekers, particularly in sectors like IT, software development, skilled trades, and finance. Here are some top tips to help you navigate the Swiss job market:
Identify Key Skillsets
Sectors with strong demand include IT and software development, skilled trades, and finance roles. While English is often sufficient in tech, mastery of one of the national languages (German, French, or Italian) provides a significant advantage, especially for local companies and essential skilled trades [1][2].
Networking
Building connections can help discover opportunities in niche markets. Utilize placement agencies, online platforms, and professional networks. Agencies like Manpower.ch and Adecco are popular in Switzerland. For EU/EFTA nationals, EURES is a helpful network for cross-country job mobility [4].
Language Skills
Fluency in one of the national languages boosts your attractiveness as a candidate, especially for local companies and essential skilled trades [1][2]. For family reunification and some visas, language proficiency is often required [2].
Personalizing Application Materials
Create a Swiss-style CV emphasizing your Swiss or European experience if possible. Write a tailored motivation letter for each job application, highlighting your fit with the company and role. Follow up on applications after one to two weeks [1][3].
Visa and Work Permit Considerations
Non-EU/EFTA nationals face strict quotas and must usually prove no suitable local candidate is available. Highly skilled specialists with degrees and experience stand better chances. EU/EFTA nationals have more flexibility with job hunting up to 3–6 months without a permit and easier permit procedures [2].
Tailoring Your Approach
Michael, a headhunted professional in Lausanne, emphasizes that identifying key skillsets or the desired experience is crucial when job-hunting in Switzerland. Lindsey from Zurich, a global sales director, recommends optimizing both CV and LinkedIn profile when job-hunting [5]. Swiss employers are meticulous and require a specific reason to hire and potentially relocate a candidate. Lindsey also suggests following up job applications with phone calls instead of emails or messages [6].
Patience and Persistence
Henry found his financial services job on LinkedIn and emphasized the importance of patience when job-hunting in Switzerland. Being positive and honest in your answers is crucial, but stating reasons like "I like to ski" is not sufficient [7].
Networking and Personal Connections
Networking can be beneficial when searching for a job in Switzerland, as several readers who secured jobs through personal connections suggest. It is advised to verify the credentials of headhunters, ensuring they represent a reputable jobs agency [8].
The Long Haul
If not headhunted or relocated within the same company, getting a job in Switzerland can take a long time. Tommy found landing a job in Switzerland easier than finding an apartment [9].
Disclaimer
It is not specified whether the advertisements for "FatChilli" and "Can companies in Switzerland favor Swiss workers over EU citizens?" are relevant to the job-hunting topic.
[1] Swiss Job Market Insider: https://www.swissjobmarketinsider.ch/ [2] Swiss Government: https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home/topics/employment/index.html [3] Swiss Expat: https://www.swiss-expat.ch/ [4] EURES: https://eures.europa.eu/jobs/portal/ [5] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/ [6] Indeed: https://www.indeed.co.uk/ [7] Glassdoor: https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/ [8] Manpower: https://www.manpower.ch/ [9] Adecco: https://www.adecco.ch/
- To maximize your chances in the job market of Switzerland, consider investing in online education related to IT, software development, finance, and skilled trades for lifelong learning and career development.
- As language skills are valued in the Swiss job market, consider enrolling in skills-training programs for learning one or more of the national languages (German, French, or Italian) to boost your job-search prospects.
- To optimize your job application process, modify your CV and LinkedIn profile to cater to Swiss or European experiences and tailor your motivation letters specifically to each job and company. Networking and establishing personal connections can also aid in your job search, but remember to verify the credentials of headhunters to ensure they represent a reputable jobs agency.
