How to start working in Europe?

Understanding the European job market

Europe is home to a diverse and dynamic job market, with each country offering unique opportunities across a range of industries. Before you start your job search, it is important to research and understand the specific requirements and strengths of different markets. For example, Germany is known for its robust engineering sector, while France is renowned for its luxury goods and tourism. By identifying the country that matches your career goals, you can target your job search more effectively.

Using online job portals and networks

Online job portals are an invaluable resource for finding job opportunities across Europe. There are many websites, sometimes only used in a specific country, that offer a wide range of job listings and company profiles. Visit these sites and set up job alerts to ensure you never miss an opportunity. International websites such as LinkedIn and Glassdoor are also useful tools for finding new opportunities.

Networking is also an important part of an international job search. You can attend virtual networking events, training programmes or join social media groups to meet more professionals without leaving your country. The larger your network, the more likely you are to be presented with an opportunity.

Leveraging multinational companies

How to work in Europe? One of the best approaches may be to apply to multinational companies with a strong presence across the continent. These companies often have established processes for hiring international talent and for internal transfers between offices in different countries. Such companies may even offer relocation assistance. In addition, working for a multinational company can provide valuable experience in a global environment, making it easier to find your next opportunity in Europe as your career progresses.

Take the time to understand work contracts and labour laws in your target country

Once you have chosen a country to work in, it is important to take the time to familiarise yourself with the local labour laws, particularly with regard to employment contracts. While you will usually have the choice between fixed-term and permanent contracts, as well as freelance arrangements, take the time to research the pros and cons of each.

It is also important to understand your rights and what you are entitled to. For example, depending on where you work, you may be entitled to healthcare benefits. If you haven’t decided where you want to work yet, studying labour law can help you make a choice based on what’s important to you.

Build your professional relationships and skills in a European context

Integrating in a new workplace, in a different cultural environment can be challenging. Building strong relationships is key to your success in the European workforce. Work culture differs from country to country. In Germany, professionalism and formality are highly valued, whereas in other countries, such as Sweden, a more casual and informal approach may be the norm. Getting involved in social activities, attending team events and showing an interest in your colleagues’ culture and language will help you become a valued team member.

Once you have chosen your target country, take the time to learn what is expected in the workplace. This will help you integrate more quickly.

When you start working in Europe, your world will change completely and your quality of life will not only depend on your professional success. Adapting to the local lifestyle may seem challenging, but it is actually one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.

The first step is to embrace cultural differences. Europe is a diverse continent with each country offering its own unique traditions and norms. Adapting to the cultural nuances is the key to fitting in and will also have a direct impact on your professional performance. Take the time to familiarise yourself with the local customs, etiquette and social practices of the place in Europe where you decide to live. It will help avoid misunderstandings and show respect for your new community.

While it is possible to find an English-speaking job in most big cities, learning the local language is an important step in adapting to your new life in Europe. Dozens of languages are spoken across the continent, from Slavic in the east, Germanic in the centre and Romance in the west, not to mention other language families (Hungarian, Finnish, Greek, to name but a few). This will enable you to communicate better with your colleagues and will certainly make your daily life easier. Choosing a country whose language you find easy to learn or feel more attracted to can also be a good way of choosing where to go.

One of the most important parts will be deciding where to work in Europe. There are many places that welcome international workers, especially in France.

Lyon is one of the most promising cities in Europe for international workers. Located in the centre of France, it is one of the most dynamic cities in the country. It is renowned in many promising sectors such as cleantech, sustainable tourism, food, life sciences and health, the digital industry, social innovation, etc. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting your career, the city offers countless opportunities to grow and thrive in your chosen field.

Working in Lyon puts you at the heart of European and global exchanges, making international workers particularly valuable to companies that interact with different countries.

Beyond its economic strength, Lyon is also famous for its quality of life, its animated cultural scene and its history. You will have the opportunity to discover lively and typical districts such as the old Lyon, with its well-preserved Renaissance buildings, or the modern architecture of the new Confluence district. Since it is located in the heart of a beautiful region, you’ll never be far from cultural events, festivals and outdoor activities

All these reasons make Lyon a great city to live and to work in!

As you can see, if you want to work in Europe, it’s always possible to find a job and adapt to local life. Are you interested in Lyon? If you need help preparing to work there, don’t hesitate to contact us and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!