Toulouse is fondly called "la ville rose" (the pink city) due to its distinctive red-brick architecture. It serves as the capital of the Haute-Garonne department and the Occitanie region. Alongside its UNESCO World Heritage sites that reflect its rich history, Toulouse is also a vibrant, modern city with a strong focus on aerospace, highlighted by the presence of Airbus headquarters.
Toulouse's economy and promising sectors
Toulouse has a thriving economy and ranks as the fourth-largest city in France with 498,003 inhabitants [2020 figures from the February 2024 report by the Institut National de la Statistique et des études économiques (INSEE)]. It's a top destination for careers in France's aerospace industry, technology sector (including electronics and biotechnology), and engineering. Airbus operates multiple assembly lines in Toulouse, underscoring its significance in these fields.
If you're not dreaming of a career as an astronaut or space shuttle builder, here are some other sectors recruiting in Toulouse:
- business services;
- personal services;
- transport;
- commerce;
- hotel and catering.
Eurocentre
Eurocentre, situated north of Toulouse, is a significant multimodal economic hub housing a diverse mix of large and small companies. It is a significant employment center, making it an attractive area to explore when searching for jobs in Toulouse.
Alongside Eurocentre, Toulouse hosts numerous very small enterprises (VSEs) that present promising employment opportunities.
Start-ups in Toulouse
Toulouse's startup ecosystem offers compelling career opportunities. Initiatives like IoT Valley were specifically established to foster and advance this burgeoning trend, promoting job growth and the establishment of innovative new businesses. Later in this article, we delve further into startup entrepreneurship in France.
The most influential companies in Toulouse
Airbus: Airbus is one of the major companies headquartered in Toulouse. The pink city has three major sites, one of which is dedicated to aerospace, an excellent opportunity for experts in this field. Job offers for this company are varied: we're looking for engineers, quality control experts, and logistics specialists. In addition, numerous internship opportunities are available.
Thalès Alenia Space: Also in the aerospace industry, Thales Alenia Space, a well-known joint venture, is also headquartered in Toulouse. In 2020, this reputable company announced its involvement in NASA's lunar lander tender, potentially a historic opportunity. Once more, there are numerous job and internship opportunities for qualified engineers and recent graduates.
Engie: Engie, an energy company located in Toulouse, is dedicated to providing carbon-neutral energy solutions. It actively recruits young talent through internships, apprenticeships, and job opportunities for recent graduates. Engie is recognized for its progressive values and commitment to employee well-being.
Numerous other companies are hiring in Toulouse. Begin your job search without hesitation to discover the opportunity that best suits you!
How do I find a job in Toulouse?
It is wise to start your job search online (on specialized websites and professional social networks like LinkedIn and Facebook) before moving to France. This will allow you to gain insights into available positions and the skills in demand and help you customize your CV and cover letter for the roles that interest you.
Good to know:
Many companies in France require an excellent level of French. We therefore advise you to find out before applying. However, foreign languages are highly valued in many professions, including English. So make the most of your language skills!
When you arrive in France, you can register with France Travail (formerly Pôle Emploi), which will provide you with personalized resources. This national employment agency is open to everyone, including expatriates. If you're having trouble finding a job, registering with France Travail will enable you to benefit from help, advice, and, possibly, training. If you simply wish to consult France Travail's job offers, they can be accessed directly online without registration.
To register with France Travail, expatriates from a member country of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA) simply need to present valid identification (identity card or passport). Others will need to present a residence permit, such as :
- a long-stay visa issued for 4 to 12 months, with one of the following indications: "Employee", "Private and family life", "Job search or business creation";
- a temporary or multi-annual residence permit (from 1 to 10 years) bearing one of the following indications: "Vie privée et familiale", "Salarié", "Recherche d'emploi ou création d'entreprise", "Travailleur temporaire";
- a multi-annual residence permit (Carte de séjour pluriannuelle) bearing the words "Passeport talent";
- a residence permit (issued for 10 years), with one of the following indications: "Resident", "Permanent resident", "Long-term resident - EU";
- a "Foreign students or trainees" residence permit, marked "Job-seeker or business start-up";
- a provisional work permit if your employment contract is terminated early by your employer.
You can also register with temporary employment agencies, which offer one-off jobs that can turn into permanent positions. There are many temporary employment agencies in Toulouse, including Adecco, Interim 31, Temporis, and Synergie.
While it may seem traditional, we recommend checking local newspapers regularly, especially the classified ads. You might stumble upon an unexpected job opportunity!
Searching for jobs on websites like Indeed and Glassdoor is also a great way to find something, even before you leave for Toulouse. On these sites, which are now a must when looking for a job in France, you can consult new advertisements, as well as reviews and comments on companies from former (and sometimes even current) employees. You'll be able to quickly get an idea of salaries, the atmosphere at work, the climate within the company, or even the smooth running of human resources. Finally, you can find job offers in your host city on social networks like Facebook, in groups, or on dedicated pages.
Ensure your CV and cover letter are updated and tailored to meet French standards. Boost your job prospects by proactively sending unsolicited applications to companies in Toulouse that align with your interests. This approach is well-regarded in France. Remember to follow up if you don't hear back after sending your application.
Find a student job in Toulouse
Toulouse ranks as the fourth most appealing city in France for students, making it a hub of excellence for young people pursuing studies in the country. This ranking considers education quality, attractiveness, job opportunities, living conditions, and student life. Consequently, Toulouse attracts a significant number of foreign students, totaling around 130,000 students, including 15,000 from abroad, as reported by the Toulouse School of Management website. These students come for varying durations and may even consider settling in Toulouse after completing their studies.
Good news for students looking to boost their monthly income: France allows them to work up to 964 hours annually, equating to 20 hours per week. In Toulouse, numerous companies seek young individuals for various roles like catering, retail, or childcare, aligning well with their academic schedules. Finding a student job that complements your studies is also feasible.
Good to know:
To work in France during your studies, if you're a non-EU or EEA national, you'll need a long-stay student visa. For more information, visit the Campus France website.
Toulouse is a vibrant student city, so if you have skills in teaching foreign languages or speaking languages other than French, consider posting ads for private tutoring or spreading the word. This kind of tutoring is highly sought after by students and younger children alike. The same applies to any other academic subjects that can be taught through tutoring.
To look for and find a student job in Toulouse, you can go through the organization that organized your stay in France, if applicable, or turn to student websites such as Erasmus, Erasmusu, Student Job, and l'Étudiant, which are very useful platforms for students looking for work. And don't hesitate to ask your university, as they may have job offers reserved for students.
Networking in Toulouse
Networking is widely practiced in France as a less formal way to meet professionals and potentially find job opportunities compared to traditional interviews.
Social networks are an invaluable aid in your search. LinkedIn, for example, is an essential social network for professionals. In addition to consulting classic job offers, you can interact with professionals and companies on LinkedIn.
You can also take part in networking events. To find the event you're looking for, check out Eventbrite and Meetup. The Réseau Affaires Toulouse website will also be useful, as it lists all the business networking opportunities in the city.
Lastly, leverage the age-old method of word-of-mouth! It's a popular approach for job seekers, so don't hesitate to contact friends and new acquaintances who can help spread the word.
Starting your own business in Toulouse
Entrepreneurship in Toulouse has flourished for several years, with the city actively promoting initiatives to support young entrepreneurs. This includes business incubators, coworking spaces, training programs, and ongoing project support. If you're considering starting your own business in France, especially in Toulouse, you'll find ample resources and support to help you turn your ideas into reality.
Before establishing your business, ensure you have the appropriate visa and all necessary documents ready. As a foreign entrepreneur, it's important to note that you won't have the same regulatory benefits as French citizens.
Once you've drawn up your business plan, one of the most important steps is choosing your legal status. There are eight in France:
- société par actions simplifiée (SAS) (simplified joint-stock company); note that this is the legal form most commonly used by start-ups;
- société en commandite par actions (SCA);
- société en nom collectif (SNC);
- société anonyme (SA);
- limited liability company (SARL);
- société par actions simplifiée unipersonnelle (SASU);
- entreprise unipersonnelle à responsabilité limitée (EURL);
- sole proprietorship (EI).
Once you've completed this administrative step, a few more tasks must be tackled. One of the most crucial is selecting your business premises or office space. This location will be the hub for your customers, collaborators, and potential co-founders. Fortunately, Toulouse offers a wealth of vacant premises and new buildings, ideal for dynamic entrepreneurs. Additionally, Toulouse hosts an increasing number of coworking spaces. These spaces not only often come at a lower cost compared to traditional rentals but also offer the added benefits of community, collaboration, and communication.
Here are a few addresses in Toulouse:
- HarryCow Coworking, 18 rue Sainte-Ursule;
- Lab'Oikos Toulouse, 32 rue Pierre-Paul Riquet;
- Etincelle Coworking – Wilson, 2 rue d'Austerlitz;
- TAU Espace de Coworking, 18 place de la Daurade;
- La Cantine Toulouse, 39 All. Jules Guesde;
- La Kooloc Coworking, 7 rue Georges Vedel.
Numerous coworking spaces are scattered throughout the city. If you have a specific area or neighborhood in mind, feel free to contact the managers directly. They will gladly address any inquiries and arrange for you to visit their facilities if desired.
Interviewing in Toulouse
Preparing for a job interview in Toulouse, or any city in France, typically involves following some fundamental principles. Before the interview, research the company thoroughly, including its history, corporate culture, products or services, and values. Be ready to discuss your professional experience in detail. Practice answering common interview questions like "Tell me about yourself", "Why do you want to work here?", and "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" You can rehearse with a friend or mentor to build confidence. Additionally, prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer to demonstrate your interest in the company and the role.
Before your interview, select suitable professional attire, as this is highly valued in France! Punctuality is also key: if the interview is in person, ensure you know the location and plan to arrive on time.
Regarding the people of Toulouse, it's hard to make sweeping generalizations since individuals have diverse personalities everywhere. Nevertheless, Toulouse is often regarded as a laid-back and enjoyable city to reside in, which could be reflected in the demeanor of its residents. Nonetheless, maintaining professionalism and politeness is crucial during a job interview, regardless of the location.
When determining the salary to request while living in Toulouse, several factors come into play, such as the industry, your level of experience, and the overall cost of living. Toulouse is generally more affordable compared to larger cities like Paris, but salary ranges can vary significantly. To gauge an appropriate figure, consider consulting resources like job search platforms such as Glassdoor, salary surveys, or discussions with professionals in your industry. It's important to aim for a salary that meets your financial needs while considering the local cost of living.
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