What is the best way to get a job in France?

[Michael66]

WE are going to be moving to France next summer 2009, and the only headache that I am having alot of trouble with is - how or what is the best way to find a job in France?

Any help from anyone would be gratefully appreciated

[frenchtrin]

I'm not exactly sure how it works for expats, as i am a French citizen myself, but the first place to look would be the ANPE, France's public employment agency. The site is anpe.fr.

An important note: although it's slowly improving, the unemployment rate is quite high in France, and finding a job is not easy. Because firing is an ordeal for employers, they are also hesitant to hire.

I don't know what your fluency is, but a near perfect knowledge of French is gonna be necessary in most jobs, esp. those that aren't particularly targeted to foreigners. As an expat, you might have better luck finding a company in your home country that has offices in France.

I don't mean to discourage you of course, but France is not a country that brings in expats by the busloads like Dubai or that actively seeks out brainiacs all over the world like the U.S. Although, of course, the higher and more specialized your education, the more chances you've got. And then there's always the oddball; one of my U.S. professor's daughter found a job making goat cheese in a remote village.

[giantpanda]

Originally Posted by Michael66

WE are going to be moving to France next summer 2009, and the only headache that I am having alot of trouble with is - how or what is the best way to find a job in France?

Any help from anyone would be gratefully appreciated

Hi!

Basically I would say, only come when you have work - and that does not mean a CDD ( ontrat à durée déterminée ) but a CDI ( Contrat à durée indéterminée ) whereby you have to sustain the 3 months trial period.

Beware of jobs which basically are subventionned,
because they are a minimum salary - and in spite of promise generally you are not taken over after one year, because then no subvention any more.

Before coming to France, you should first check your Health Insurance situation - see other posts.
At least you need an E106 so that you have a 2 year coverage if you do not get work.

Now of course where to look depends very much on your qualifications.

As written, ANPE should be your 1st registration.
But do not expect too much.

Otherwise if you are higher up the scale, you could also register here:

Apec.fr - Portail - Recrutement et offres d'emploi cadres

Yours,

giantpanda

[Bevdeforges]

Finding a job in France is difficult at the best of times. Alot will depend on what type of work you do and what your qualifications are (and how well they "translate" into something recognizable in the French system).

As frenchtrin said, your level of French needs to be pretty good unless you're looking for an executive job with an international company.

It will also be important just where in France you're going. You say "we" will be moving - if you partner already has a job, or if you've bought a house in a specific area, you're kind of stuck with what's available nearby.

If you're into office-type work, you may want to try some of the interim (temp) agencies - it's a good opportunity to get a toe in the door with a temporary assignment, which could potentially lead to something longer term. But you need to have the background they are looking for.

Give us a shout as more questions come up.
Cheers,
Bev

[P Montaigne]

every step is a headache and this statement is coming to you from a French national returning to France for the first time. It you don't know how the system works, it will drive you nuts. This is from personal experience. Cannot open an bank account because don't have permanent accommodation, can't get accommodation because don't have permanent job, can't find a job because don't have a mobile phone (you need one as you don't have permanent accommodation) etc... Labour laws are so complex here, it makes hiring and firing near impossible for companies are reluctant to take you on. Hélas that is the reality I wish I had known about earlier in the piece.
But don't be discouraged. Many do survive and stay. It is a great experience. Bonne chance.