Located in the Gironde region of southwestern France, Bordeaux is one of the country's largest cities. This port city is popular with locals and visitors, offering a warm climate, a thriving economy, and 18th-century architecture that has earned its old town UNESCO World Heritage status.
Bordeaux is a youthful student city renowned for its wine, elegant architecture, and relaxed atmosphere. Bordeaux is world-famous for its vineyards and quality wine production. The surrounding region has some of the most prestigious wine appellations, such as Saint-Émilion, Médoc, Pessac-Léognan, and Sauternes. Working in Bordeaux is excellent fun, but what about the job market? The job market in Bordeaux varies according to economic and sectoral factors, similar to those in other major French cities.
Bordeaux economy and job market
Bordeaux, with a population of nearly 260,000, is located in southwestern France. Its mild climate and proximity to the sea, mountains, and Spain are drawing more and more new residents. Ranked as the eighth-best city for quality of life, Bordeaux is also known for its economic dynamism. The town is celebrated for its environmental consciousness, rich culture, and high-quality healthcare.
According to INSEE (the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies), the unemployment rate in Gironde, the department that includes Bordeaux, was 6.4% in the third quarter of 2023, compared to 7.5% for the whole country.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of sectors that are recruiting in Bordeaux to be analyzed according to your skills:
- hotel and catering;
- health;
- construction or industry;
- energy;
- administration;
- technology;
- viticulture (although jobs in this sector are generally seasonal);
- aeronautics and aerospace.
The most influential companies in Bordeaux
Bordeaux's home region, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, alone boasts several hundred thousand businesses, including almost 180,000 craft businesses. Bordeaux is also home to many renowned French companies that recruit regularly. These companies seek talent ready to work in Bordeaux, sometimes even abroad, on fixed-term contracts (CDD), open-ended contracts (CDI), or internships.
Below, you'll find a selection of some of the most essential companies in Bordeaux:
- CDiscount is one of France's top online high-tech, leisure, and household goods retailers. Leading in sales in Bordeaux, it employed 2,000 people in 2023. The company regularly hires for various positions, so be sure to check their job listings. Their headquarters are located on Quai de Bacalan in the Chartrons district;
- CHU: Like many hospitals in France, Bordeaux's University Hospital Center (CHU) needs to be more staffed. In 2020, the CHU de Bordeaux announced plans to recruit 1,200 people for various positions. If you're a qualified healthcare professional seeking a nursing role in a university hospital, this could be an excellent opportunity for you;
- Groupe Bordeaux Nord Aquitaine: Still in the medical field, but in the private sector this time, Groupe Bordeaux Nord Aquitaine is a well-known polyclinic in the region that is also short-staffed. The group comprises eleven departments: outpatient, cardiovascular, imaging, maternity, nephrology, oncology, orthopedics, pneumology, clinical research, and emergency. All of which attracts a wide range of medical specialists. The group is based in the Chartrons district;
- Touton: Touton, based in Bordeaux's Amelin district, is a major player in the agro-industry and, more specifically, in the supply of cocoa, coffee, vanilla, and other natural ingredients of responsible origin. This multinational company also strengthens its commitment to raw material-producing countries through cocoa processing operations.
If you're looking for a job in Bordeaux in a particular sector and would like to find out about working conditions and opinions from current and former employees, take a look at sites like Glassdoor. In addition to listing job vacancies, Glassdoor also lists both positive and negative opinions from current and former employees. This will enable you to discover the companies that appeal to you before applying or interviewing there.
How do I find a job in Bordeaux?
Looking for a job abroad can be stressful, but there are several interesting ways to find work in Bordeaux:
- networking: widespread in Bordeaux, networking allows you to put your friends and contacts to good use in a city where people know each other and where there's no shortage of work;
- France Travail: this national employment agency is open to everyone living in France, including expatriates. By registering, you can benefit from help, advice, and training to find a job in Bordeaux. To register with France Travail, if you're from a member country of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), you don't need any specific residence permit other than your identity card or passport. However, non-EU and EEA nationals will need to hold one of these specific residence permits:
- a temporary or multi-annual residence permit (from 1 to 10 years) bearing one of the following indications: "private and family life", "employee", "seeking employment or setting up a business", "temporary worker",
- a multi-annual residence permit bearing the words “passport talent" ("talent passport"),
- a residence permit (issued for 10 years), with one of the following indications: "resident", "permanent resident", "long-term resident – EU",
- a "foreign student or trainee" residence permit, with the words "seeking employment or setting up a business",
- a long-stay visa issued for 4 to 12 months, with one of the following indications: "employee", "private and family life", "seeking employment or setting up a business",
- a provisional work permit if your employment contract is terminated early by your employer,
- an Algerian residence certificate, with one of the following indications: "private and family life", "employee", "scientist", "artistic and cultural professions", and "temporary workers";
- temporary employment agencies: to work in Bordeaux, register with one of the city's many temporary employment agencies. Bear in mind that a temporary job can later become permanent. Starting as a temp can, therefore, be a very attractive option for foreigners wishing to work in Bordeaux. You can consult the local temp agency Bordeaux Intérim.
The Maison de l'Emploi et de l'Entreprise can also help you find a job in Bordeaux.
Finding a student job in Bordeaux
In France, foreign students can work up to 20 hours a week (964 hours a year) to supplement their finances. The good news is that many companies are eager to hire motivated, dynamic young people.
To find a student job in Bordeaux, begin by checking with your school. They often receive job offers specifically for students. You can also ask your classmates, as many of them may already be working and can provide advice on where and how to search.
France Travail, the French employment agency, is another valuable resource for finding student jobs and receiving helpful advice for your job search.
We also recommend websites dedicated to students, such as Student Job or l'Étudiant.
Networking in Bordeaux
Professional networking will prove useful in your job search in Bordeaux. Contact Bordeaux Business Network or Bordeaux Expats to connect with other people with whom you share the same ambitions. If you're English-speaking, remember to look out for job offers in English, especially on the English Jobs International Community page.
LinkedIn is the top social network for finding jobs in France, including in Bordeaux. You can search by company and city to discover all current job openings in your new location. Don't hesitate to connect with employees of companies you're interested in to introduce yourself and expand your network.
Don't forget that many networking evenings are organized in Bordeaux. Anyone can attend. These themed evenings or breakfasts are where you can meet people who work in the same professional sector, chat with pros, and, why not, land a job interview. To find out about events in Bordeaux, visit Eventbrite or Meetup to discover the dates and locations of networking events in the city.
Word-of-mouth is also effective for networking. Feel free to ask your new acquaintances if they know of any companies hiring foreigners or individuals who could connect you with opportunities.
You'll also find more information in the useful links at the end of this article.
Setting up a business in Bordeaux
Did you know that Bordeaux is among the most appealing cities in which to start a business? This vibrant metropolis provides a diverse range of opportunities for new entrepreneurs. Approximately 3,000 new companies are established here annually. Often likened to Silicon Valley, the Aquitaine region is recognized as an attractive destination, boasting prestigious universities, especially in the high-tech sector.
If you're an entrepreneur coming to Bordeaux to start your own business, rest assured it's entirely possible, even as a foreigner, provided you have the appropriate residence permits and a good understanding of the job market and economy. The process may appear complex, and the procedures lengthy and meticulous; however, perseverance pays off, and with determination, you can open your offices, stores, or whatever venture you have in mind sooner than you might expect.
First of all, make sure you have the right visa and all the necessary documents to work in Bordeaux. Next, you'll need to choose the legal status of your company from among those available in France:
- société par actions simplifiée (SAS);
- société en commandite par actions (SCA);
- société en nom collectif (SNC);
- société anonyme (SA);
- société à responsabilité limitée (SARL);
- société par actions simplifiée unipersonnelle (SASU);
- entreprise unipersonnelle à responsabilité limitée (EURL);
- sole proprietorship (EI).
As part of the process, you'll also need to find your commercial premises to launch your business (unless you're self-employed and can work from home on your own). Bordeaux has no shortage of offices and commercial premises for rent or sale, in addition to numerous coworking possibilities in the city. Indeed, these shared workspaces have expanded rapidly throughout France in recent years, and Bordeaux is no exception. Coworking spaces in Bordeaux include the following:
- Coworking Bordeaux Centre, 9, rue de Condé;
- Working Place, 147, rue de la Croix-de-Seguey;
- WIGI Bordeaux – Coworking Café, 26, rue Condillac;
- Starway Coworking Bordeaux, 1, cours Aristide-Briand;
- Chartron Business Center, 9, rue André-Darbon.
This list needs to be more comprehensive and feature a selection of coworking spaces in Bordeaux. If you're searching for an office in a particular neighborhood or street, feel free to conduct your research using tools like Google Maps.
Our advice:
If you're not fluent in French, feel free to take language courses before your expatriation. Speaking French will increase your chances of being recruited, even if you intend to work in an international company (where English is widely spoken, for example). The new immigration law promulgated on January 26, 2024, precisely emphasizes the need to master the French language. Fluency in other languages is, of course, an asset.
Preparing for a job interview in Bordeaux
The advice given below applies regardless of the French city in which you wish to work.
Find out about the company
In Bordeaux, as anywhere else, effective preparation begins with thoroughly researching the company you're applying to. Does it have a website? Have you familiarized yourself with its organizational structure? Have you identified the key person in charge of recruitment? What are the company's core values? Understanding the company will enable you to tailor your sales pitch, CV, and cover letter accordingly. Remember, each interaction is unique. While applying to multiple companies in the same industry, avoid using generic templates. Instead, demonstrate your knowledge of the company and your ability to align with its culture.
Break down the job offer
Take the time to analyze the job offer thoroughly: does it truly align with your career goals? Avoid sending out your CV indiscriminately; instead, focus on sectors that genuinely interest you. Don't hesitate to apply for positions that require skills slightly above your current level. Highlight your strengths in your CV and cover letter to demonstrate your suitability and eagerness for the role. This approach applies equally to unsolicited applications: showcase why you are the ideal candidate for the job.
Make the most of yourself
Emphasize your international profile. While English proficiency is often highlighted, don't forget to showcase your proficiency in other languages. Whether you speak Korean, Swahili, Arabic, Spanish, Creole, Hindi, or regional dialects, include them on your CV. Proficiency in multiple languages demonstrates both technical (hard) skills and interpersonal (soft) skills. Similarly, discuss your professional experience in your home country or abroad. Highlight successful projects and the lessons learned from them.
Anticipate
To manage job interview stress effectively, try reframing it: feeling nervous is normal, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Preparation is essential to overcoming anxiety. Put yourself in the recruiter's position: what qualities make you a strong candidate? Anticipate challenging questions by researching common interview queries online. Clearly articulate your strengths, achievements, and career goals beforehand to respond to the interviewer confidently.
Have the correct dress code
Being well-prepared also includes dressing appropriately. Like many other countries, conservative and tidy attire is essential in France. Avoid bright colors and overly flashy outfits. Additionally, tailor your clothing choice to your target industry and position. Some roles permit a slightly more relaxed dress code than others.
Don't be afraid to talk about salary
You may need to discuss salary as early as the job interview. Demonstrate familiarity with the typical salary ranges for your desired position. In Bordeaux, the average net hourly wage was 17.6 euros in 2020, according to INSEE's 2022 report. However, salary levels vary based on industry, job category, position type, hierarchical level, and other factors.
Use the right gestures
Don't forget the right gestures and the right attitude. Should you shake hands or not? Yes, according to recruiters, the handshake is the first gesture of greeting at the job interview. It also sets the tone for the interview and gives valuable information about you (stress, strength, softness, etc.). Others, on the other hand, believe that a frank smile and an audible "hello" are enough.
In all cases, keep a positive, welcoming attitude. Finding a job in France can be an exhausting adventure. To keep motivated, join professional networks, expatriate groups, etc. Take time out to discover Bordeaux. Discover new activities, socialize, and make friends. It's also an informal way to network.
Useful links:
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
