Top Tips for Working in France | ExpatWoman.com
 

Top Tips for Working in France

One of the most important things to consider when you’re thinking of working in France is how you will fare when looking for job.

Posted on

12 March 2017

Last updated on 19 January 2020
Top Tips for Working in France
One of the most important things to consider when you’re thinking of fulfilling a lifelong dream in looking to relocate to another country is how you will fare when looking for employment. Whatever your motives are in making the move to France it is vital that, unless you are retiring or are super wealthy, finding work becomes a top priority. We hope that our straightforward top tips for finding work and working in France will help make your transition process that little bit easier…
 
Top Tips for Working in France

Learn the Language

This may seem like an obvious thing to mention, but it may surprise you how many people come to France without having a solid understanding of the language and expect to be able to find work. Not being able to speak French will close a lot of doors for those looking to make a living in France, so learning French should be the first thing on your list of things to do before you move over. From finding a language tutor to arranging to meet French people socially, do whatever it is that makes the learning process fun and easiest.

Sort Out a French CV

Being aware of how the hiring process works in France can go a long way in getting you work as quickly as possible. CV’s in France tend to be more concise, so for a senior role you need two pages and for junior roles, only one. Keep in mind that many French companies also expect to see a photo on their CV- something which many Brits have never considered of doing.

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Know Where to Look

It is worthwhile using Google to find jobs in France by searching to find the best recruitment agencies that specialise in the process. LinkedIn and Facebook are also great ways to get in contact with people and companies.

‘Vous’ Not ‘Tu’

French bosses expect to be shown respect so whether you have a formal interview lined up or are meeting simply for coffee, be sure to use the ‘vous’ form of a verb rather than ‘tu’. Vous is perfect for formal occasions, as opposed to ‘tu’ which is informal and will make you come across as being rude.

Do Some Homework

Many expats have suggested that doing your homework before you get a job in France is vital, as the French employment and tax system can be complicated. Some particular areas to cover are the differences between CDIs (permanent contracts) and CDDs (temporary contracts), and then cadres (management) and non-cadres (non-management) positions.

Organise Your Paperwork

While in the UK it may not seem like a very important thing to need when searching for a job, in France getting your paperwork in order will certainly reduce stress levels. Be sure to keep photocopies of absolutely every piece of paperwork imaginable- your passport, old payslips, your carte vitale, working papers, household bills etc. All will go a long way in ironing out any creases that may arise when applying for work.

Stay Positive and Patient!

Finding work in any country (even here in the UK!) can be tricky, so staying patient and positive will come to be the greatest assets you could wish for when it comes to applying and landing your dream job! Good luck!
If you’re considering the possibility of finding work and relocating to France, then why not let our Santa Fe team of specialists help you make the transition as easy as possible? Get in contact with us for further information about finding work abroad.
 
Santa Fe Relocation
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Santa Fe Relocation
Santa Fe Relocation is a global mobility company specializing in managing and delivering high-quality relocation services. Our core competence is providing services that assist you and your family in relocating and settling in a new country.

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