Learning how to find a job in Switzerland is both easy and difficult. On one hand, the Swiss job market readily welcomes foreigners, especially in senior management level positions.
However, competition for positions is stiff. In such a small country with a reputation for a high quality of life, expats from around the globe flock to call home, leaving few job vacancies.
This coupled with the fact that requires companies to adequately defend their reasoning for hiring a foreigner over a Swiss native, and you have a job hunt that will feel like a job in itself.
If you are lucky enough to land yourself a job in , you can rest easy in the fact that the average Swiss salary is one of the highest in Europe, but so is the amount of work you are expected to put in. work culture is determined and steadfast. Working days are Monday to Friday and it is common for employees to clock in 45–48 hours per week.
Although finding a job in is tough and the hours may seem long, do not let this dissuade you. A significant portion of workforce is made up for foreign employees, and has many laws in place to protect worker rights. Use this guide to learn about what it is like to work in , including information on social security, maternity benefits, and working as a self-employed person.
How to Get a Job in Switzerland as a Foreigner
If you are wondering how to get a job in as a foreigner, you are not alone. Over one-fifth of full-time employment market is made of foreign workers. In addition to its high salaries, Switzerland is also known for excellent worker rights, such as mandated limits for how much employees can work and overtime that is paid at 125% the normal wage.
How to Apply for a Job in Switzerland
Because competition for work is so stiff in Switzerland, it is important to make yourself standout as an applicant. The typical requirements for working in Switzerland are a university degree and several years of work experience. To apply for a job, you will need to submit the following items:
CV: This can be up to three pages long. As a university degree is required for obtaining a work permit, your CV should list all of your educational qualifications as well as your work experience. You should include references, a professional headshot, and a personal statement at the beginning of the CV.
Cover letter: Standard one-page cover letter explaining why you are the best candidate for the job. Work experience is important in Switzerland, so it would be a benefit to highlight that.
રાજ્યના યુવાનો માટે આનંદના સમાચાર રાજ્યમાં 3077 તલાટીની ભરતી કરાશે
Educational degrees: In addition to a university degree being required for a Swiss work permit, you may also be asked to present the original degrees to your Swiss employer. It is best to arrive in the country with your degrees as well as notarized copies.
The majority of foreigners working in Switzerland hold management and senior level positions. This means that the eligibility for working in Switzerland as a foreigner is high. Some expats may wish to work with a recruiter or job agency to help them in their search.
Language Requirements for Swiss Jobs
Switzerland is a country with four national languages: German, Italian, French, and Romansh. Depending on the location and job, employment vacancies can be posted in any one of those four languages. Your CV and cover letter should be submitted in the language in which the job you are applying for is advertised. Even when filling out the application, unless you are asked to use English, it is a good idea to fill out the form in the language in which the application is written.
If you need help translating your documents, or want to prep your language skills for your move, contact InterNations
Tips to Land a Job in Switzerland as a Foreigner
One of the best ways to get a job in Switzerland as a foreigner is to look online. Many companies advertise job vacancies through online platforms as well as their own company websites. It is also not uncommon in Switzerland to send letters of interest even if there are no current openings.
Interview Tips
Switzerland is all about being qualified and prepared; expectations that extend even to the interview process. Before you go in for your interview, be sure to research the company you are applying for. Having some basic knowledge of their mission and work culture will show them the type of prepared, hard-working employee you will be. Your dress for the interview should also be very professional and leaning towards muted colors.
Networking Tips
Networking is a useful method to landing a job in Switzerland. You will find plenty of networking events in all of the major cities and even social groups, such as InterNations, that are focused on making professional connections.
When networking in Switzerland, be sure not to be too pushy. Switzerland is a more reserved culture and it can put people off if you are too aggressive when trying to establish a professional connection. And just as with the interview process: when attending a networking event, dress professionally and lean towards muted colors and business casual.
Job Opportunities in Switzerland for Foreigners
Because Switzerland is such a popular relocation destination for expats, only highly skilled workers have the best chances for finding employment. The majority of foreigners working in Switzerland are in upper management and senior level positions.
These are the industries where foreigners can find the greatest job opportunities:
engineering;
IT;
hospitality industry;
financial services;
pharmaceuticals.
Self-Employment
Self-employment in Switzerland is not as easy as it is in some countries, but it is also not impossible. Nearly 12% of Switzerland’s workforce is self-employed. One of the greatest hurtles of self-employment in Switzerland is getting both a work permit and permission to be self-employed from the federal government and cantonal authorities. Once you have these, you are allowed to freely operate as your own business in Switzerland.
How to be Self-Employed in Switzerland
To be self-employed in Switzerland, you must prove that you have already been successfully self-employed for some time before starting your business here. This means you are required to present past invoices demonstrating your ability to run your business, receive clients, and generate an income. You will also need to register your company, which can be done online through EasyGov. EasyGov also helps self-employed workers set-up insurance, taxes, etc.
What are the Top Jobs for Freelancers in Switzerland?
Finding the exact sector where top self-employed jobs in Switzerland are is difficult because the variety of opportunities is huge. However, Switzerland is currently facing a shortage of local engineers and skilled workers in technology, consulting, banking, insurance and IT. Self-employed foreigners wanting to move to Switzerland may find the most luck in these areas of work.
Requirements to be Self-Employed in Switzerland
As a self-employed worker, you can work from a co-working space or you can rent your own personal office. Proving where you will operate your business from is not always a requirement of being self-employed in Switzerland, but you should be prepared just in case your cantonal authorities ask for an official business address.
Switzerland is an expensive, competitive country, and being self-employed there may feel like a risk. However, if you present a business plan that is solid enough to be approved for a work permit, then that means the Swiss authorities believe you have adequate means to make a decent living in their country.
Note that knowledge of the local language is crucial to establish contacts, business connections, and contributing to the Swiss business culture. English is spoken widely throughout the country, but you will still find colleagues and peers who prefer to converse in Italian, German, or French. If you are interested in enrolling in language courses to better your work opportunities, contact InterNations
