Lyon, France's third-largest city, sits at the crossroads between northern and southern Europe. Bordered by a river on one side and mountains on the other, Lyon has long been a magnet for foreigners. Renowned for its outstanding gastronomy, Lyon also boasts a rich historical heritage. Once a prominent silk-weaving hub, it now hosts the headquarters of Interpol and is a hub for numerous thriving start-ups.
Lyon is a major economic and commercial hub. Internationally, the city is experiencing rapid growth thanks to several dynamic sectors, notably services and trade. Lyon has a population of over 500,000, and in 2023, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) ranked it the 37th best city in the world in which to live. The 2024 study by environmental service Meersens also ranks Lyon as France's fifth healthiest city, behind Nantes, Angers, Toulouse, and Rennes.
Regarding the unemployment rate, despite the national trend, it remains relatively low in Lyon. Recent statistics indicate a significant rise in new hires compared to other major cities in the last few years. Specifically, in the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region, which includes Lyon, the number of unemployed individuals without activity (category A) decreased by 1.0% in the first quarter of 2023 and by 6.2% over the year. This contrasts with a national decrease of 1.3% over the quarter and 5.8% over the year for metropolitan France as a whole.
Sectors recruiting in Lyon
During your job search in Lyon, and if your profile fits, you may be interested in the following sectors:
- hotel – restaurant, especially waiters and clerks;
- health and social services (including cleaners and home help);
- commerce;
- manufacturing;
- engineering;
- pharmaceutical production;
- technology.
Due to its youthful labor market, Lyon has a high demand for young professionals. However, experienced candidates are equally sought after, as large companies consistently require highly qualified and competent individuals. Some prominent companies in Lyon include O2, Boccard, Micropole (located in neighboring Villeurbanne), Orange, and Sanofi.
The most important companies in Lyon
As a major metropolis, Lyon hosts numerous companies, including multinational corporations that frequently recruit expert profiles. These companies also provide internship and apprenticeship opportunities for students. Here are some of the key companies based in Lyon:
- O2: O2, a leading subsidiary of the Oui Care group, holds the top spot in France for personal services. The company offers a comprehensive range of services, such as cleaning, ironing, childcare, senior care, gardening, DIY, concierge services, household products, renovation work, tutoring, and more, all aimed at improving the quality of life for its customers. O2 places a strong emphasis on employee well-being and adheres to a corporate policy focused on respect, excellence, a positive attitude, and teamwork;
- Boccard: Boccard operates across 35 countries and has a workforce of over 3,500 employees. As a prominent industrial contractor, Boccard plays a crucial role in designing, constructing, and maintaining industrial equipment and installations worldwide. The company frequently seeks highly qualified professionals in engineering, construction, maintenance, and manufacturing. Boccard is known for its employee-centric corporate policies, emphasizing core values such as passion, a familial atmosphere, continuous training, and career mobility;
- Micropole: Headquartered in Villeurbanne, France, the Micropole Group specializes in optimizing corporate data assets. Renowned for its innovative approach and trend-setting capabilities, Micropole appeals particularly to technology enthusiasts. The company's recruitment strategy focuses on enhancing employee experience and maximizing individual potential. Micropole upholds core values of ambition, responsibility, commitment, and respect;
- Sanofi: Sanofi, France's premier healthcare company, focuses on preventing, treating, and curing diseases throughout all stages of life. Their teams are committed to improving health outcomes and innovating new patient solutions through advanced scientific research and cutting-edge technologies. Sanofi is an attractive option for those pursuing careers in healthcare and scientific research, particularly with their substantial involvement in COVID-19 research initiatives.
How do I find a job in Lyon?
To start your job search in Lyon, consider sending unsolicited applications to prominent companies located in and around the city. Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter according to French standards and customize them for each application.
Don't panic: the French CV is very flexible in form and layout. You'll find numerous CV templates on the Internet. The French Public Service website specifies that the French CV does not include compulsory legal information. Employers do, however, expect to find basic information about you (surname, first name, address, etc.). The government also provides help with writing your CV.
You can also register with recruitment agencies or simply call them to find out if the company you're considering applying to matches your profile. Temporary employment agencies based in Lyon include Rhône Alpes Job, Network Interim Lyon, Adecco, and Randstad.
You can also search for job openings online using specialized websites and professional social networks like LinkedIn, which is ideal for job hunting and connecting with professionals. Following companies of interest can also provide insights into their updates and projects, aiding in your preparation for job applications and interviews.
France Travail, France's national employment service, provides various resources to assist in finding a job in Lyon. They offer support with writing CVs and cover letters, preparing for job interviews, networking opportunities, and access to training courses. Additionally, France Travail manages compensation for employees who have been displaced from their jobs.
To register, individuals from EU or EEA member countries only need to present proof of identity. However, foreign nationals from outside the EU or EEA must possess a residence permit or a long-stay visa to complete their registration.
France Travail accepts a variety of residence permits:
- temporary or multi-annual residence permits (1 to 10 years) for "private and family life", "salaried employee", "seeking employment or setting up a business", or "temporary worker";
- multiannual residence permit with "talent passport" endorsement;
- carte de résident (issued for 10 years), marked "résident", "résident permanent" or "résident longue durée – UE";
- residence permit for "foreign students or trainees", marked "seeking employment or setting up a business";
- long-stay visa issued for 4 to 12 months, with the words "employee", "private and family life", or "seeking employment or setting up a business";
- temporary work permit, in the case of an employment contract terminated early by the employer;
- Algerian residence certificate, marked "vie privée et familiale", "salarié", "scientifique", "professions artistiques et culturelles" or "travailleurs temporaires".
Good to know:
Whether or not you are registered with France Travail, you can still access job offers.
For more detailed information, please consult their official website, and more specifically, their page: "I'm a foreign worker: can I register with France Travail?''
Finally, remember to visit Lyon's official job portal and the Maison pour l'Emploi de Lyon regularly to stay current with the latest job offers.
Also, remember that the local job market relies heavily on word-of-mouth, especially within small and medium-sized enterprises. Networking, which we'll discuss shortly, is crucial here, as is using social media platforms effectively. Make sure to explore local Facebook groups as well as LinkedIn for potential job opportunities.
Finding a student job in Lyon
Lyon is a vibrant and youthful city that draws many students due to its diverse universities, grandes écoles, and abundant opportunities for student employment. Whether you're looking for work related to your field of study or seeking to develop new skills, there are numerous companies in Lyon eager to hire enthusiastic students.
If you're looking for a student job in Lyon, your university is a great place to start. Universities often receive job offers specifically for students and post them on their website, in student areas, or on campus notice boards. Talking to your fellow students and roommates can also be very helpful; they may have valuable insights and can spread the word about job openings. Many of them have already found student jobs and can give you advice on navigating the job market and finding opportunities in Lyon.
France Travail can also be a great help in finding a student job. Last but not least, take a look at websites dedicated to students, such as Student Job or l'Étudiant, and the one dedicated to Erasmus students, Erasmusu.
Good to know:
We remind you that foreign students holding a long-stay student visa are authorized to work around 20 hours a week (964 hours a year) for the duration of their studies in France.
Networking in Lyon
Professional networking is a useful and widespread practice in France, so get networking for your job search, too. You can get in touch with organizations such as the Cercle des Gens Bien et Bienveillants (CDGBB) or Apero Business, which organize interesting networking events in Lyon, sometimes in unusual locations. Don't forget to look out for job offers for foreigners, regularly posted on various Facebook groups and pages, such as English Jobs International Community, for example.
Additionally, you can participate in networking events such as evening gatherings, aperitifs, or even breakfast meetings organized in Lyon. These events are open to everyone, with most being free or very affordable. They provide opportunities for professionals from various fields to connect and discuss work, strategies, and the future of employment. Who knows, you might even secure a job interview with your ideal company! Eventbrite and Meetup are excellent platforms for finding and registering for these events, which are hosted weekly across Lyon by various organizations and companies. Simply sign up and prepare to attend.
In conclusion, word-of-mouth remains a powerful method for finding a job in Lyon. Despite the city's numerous opportunities, networking with the right people can significantly enhance your job search. Engage in discussions about job prospects with new acquaintances; they may have valuable leads on both small and large companies seeking international talent.
Setting up a business in Lyon
If you're thinking about starting your own business in France, especially in Lyon, there's good news: it's entirely possible, even if you're a foreigner! With the appropriate residence permits and a good understanding of the French job market and economy, you can get started without much trouble. Many entrepreneurs have recently chosen Lyon to open their businesses, so why not you? Lyon is a vibrant city with plenty to offer young entrepreneurs.
To set up your business, you'll need to find premises or offices to accommodate your employees and customers. Lyon has no shortage of generous rental and sales opportunities. Coworking spaces have become increasingly popular in Lyon over the last few years, and the following are just some of the places you can turn to:
- La Cordée Hôtel de Ville – Opéra, 4 quai Jean Moulin, 69001 Lyon;
- La Cordée Liberté Guillotière, 61, cours de la Liberté;
- La Cordée Jean Macé, 19, rue Pierre-Chevrier;
- 18 Coworking, 18, rue Servient;
- Now Coworking Lyon, 35, rue de Marseille;
- Nomade Lyon Bellecour, 2, place Antonin-Poncet.
Work–life balance in Lyon
Are Lyon's employees satisfied? In July 2020, LDLC, a Lyon-based company specializing in IT products, made headlines by transitioning to a 32-hour workweek spread over 4 days without reducing pay. While many employees are delighted, others remain cautious. Observers are fascinated by LDLC's decision, especially during a pandemic, to maintain full pay for 35 hours while only requiring 32 hours of work. Amid global efforts to minimize economic losses, some, including employees, initially feared LDLC might struggle. However, the company is thriving. LDLC Group President Laurent de la Clergerie asserts that working fewer hours is pivotal to employee happiness.
Work less, but work better. In the French labor market, where there's talk of returning to a 39-hour workweek (and some trades still don't apply the 35-hour week), this idea isn't widely accepted. In Lyon, the average wage reached 18.5 euros net per hour in 2021 (according to an INSEE report published in February 2024). However, this average masks significant disparities that are widening due to the ongoing inflationary crisis.
However, the message is resonating. In Lyon, as well as across France, the health crisis has brought about substantial changes. Ironically, lockdowns have encouraged more employees to work remotely, explore coworking spaces, and strive for improved work–life balance. Perhaps you're among them.
Preparing for job interviews in Lyon
How do you secure your dream job? Begin by evaluating yourself: assess your proficiency in French and consider how relevant your qualifications are to your desired job. While France strives for more meritocratic practices, opportunities can sometimes be restricted for those lacking formal diplomas despite having experience. Elitism remains influential, so it's crucial to possess as many of the necessary skills as possible for your target position. However, if the job slightly exceeds your qualifications, don't hesitate to apply. Craft a CV that convincingly showcases your suitability for the role, and use the interview as an opportunity to make your case.
Even if you're targeting international companies, don't underestimate the importance of French. While English is undoubtedly valuable, it doesn't negate the essential requirement for French proficiency. The government has underscored this as a priority through its new immigration law.
Take your time. Easier said than done, especially if administrative formalities prevent you from fully devoting yourself to your job search, but good preparation takes time.
Thoroughly research the company. Aim to gather the contact details of the person you plan to meet. Create a clear table to organize your information and prevent any confusion.
Practice and assess your skills. If you're a student, your university likely provides job interview preparation courses. If you're registered with France Travail, you can access similar programs. Professional associations, coaches, and networks are also valuable resources. Additionally, recruitment agencies can assist you in preparing for your job interview.
Engage, interact, connect. Don't go through your job search alone. Build a circle of friends. Explore Lyon and discover activities you can enjoy together in the city. It's a casual way to expand your network and also a great way to unwind and recharge. Job hunting can be challenging, so embrace your new life in Lyon to meet people and familiarize yourself with your surroundings.
Useful links:
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