Are you looking for a job in Tenerife? While there are certainly opportunities, especially for fluent Spanish speakers, the island's job market suffered a significant setback in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tenerife's economy is reliant on tourists, but for the most part, they stayed away. However, following mass vaccination programs in many countries, visitors are coming back in record numbers.
Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, volcanic landscape and rich cultural heritage. With a thriving tourism industry, the local job market is heavily focused on this sector. There are many employment opportunities in Tenerife, for example, in hotels, restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. Other popular sectors where you can find work include construction, retail, healthcare, PR and education. However, job availability can be affected by seasonal fluctuations in tourism numbers.
Economy of Tenerife
The main economic pillars of the island are agriculture, manufacturing and tourism. The agriculture sector grows crops such as bananas, tomatoes and potatoes, and for many years was the predominant industry. It has now been taken over by the service industry, which contributes to about 78% of the island´s gross domestic product (GDP), according to the Canary Islands Institute of Statistics.
During the first three months of 2023, 1,719,545 foreign and national tourists visited Tenerife, a record for the island. Tourists are well served with modern hotels and resorts and a wealth of attractions. There are museums, monuments, mountains, national parks, a cosmopolitan capital city and fascinating attractions such as the six rectangular Pyramids of Güímar. Popular leisure activities include coastal and inland hikes, water sports, cycling and golf.
The island also knows how to throw excellent parties, such as the spectacular Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, held each February and the Feast of St. Andrew in November.
Good to know:
The majority of Tenerife's visitors come from European countries such as Spain, the UK, Germany, France and Belgium. Therefore, if you're looking for work in the tourism sector, a good command of English, French and Spanish are valuable assets.
If you don't want to work for someone else, you can start your own business in Spain. Local authorities encourage enterprise and the creation of small and medium-sized companies to stimulate the economy further.
Some companies prefer to hire full-time staff on a self-employed basis (autonomo) instead of giving them a contract.
UK citizens and employment in Spain
Following the UK's departure from the European Union, British citizens don't have an automatic right to work in Spain. They are classified as third-country nationals, and the only way to secure a full-time job is to win a role on Spain's shortage occupation list. This is a regularly updated list of professionals in short supply in every Spanish region.
If you are self-employed, you can apply for a work permit which involves presenting comprehensive details of your business plan.
The new rules do not affect UK citizens who were legal residents in Tenerife or Spain before 2021 and remain legal residents.
The work culture in Tenerife
With many companies operating in the tourism, hospitality and service industries, the work culture is fast-paced and dynamic. Employees in Tenerife are generally very friendly and collaborative, valuing teamwork and a sense of community. Despite the many distractions that come with living on a beautiful island, professionals in Tenerife are committed to delivering high-quality work and achieving their career goals.
Tenerife's labor market
According to the Average Salary Survey, the average salary in Santa Cruz, the island's capital, is 31,220 euros per year. Like the rest of the Canaries and Spain, the island was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tenerife depends on tourism, but with lockdowns, grounded flights worldwide and a general fear of travel, visitor numbers were down, and several businesses closed.
However, the island is bouncing back. A sign of the strengthening economy can be seen in the employment rate, which during the first part of 2023 was growing at a rate of 0.3% per month, higher than the regional average.
How to find a job in Tenerife
Knowing where to start can be challenging if you plan to work in Tenerife. However, before you start looking for work, it is important to determine your skills, qualifications and job preferences. If you are fluent in Spanish, it will be much easier for you to find work. Speaking English fluently can also be a great advantage, as there are plenty of tourists in Tenerife.
Here are some tips on how to find a job in Tenerife:
Use online job portals: Search for job postings on popular job portals like Indeed, Infojobs, and LinkedIn. Many companies and recruitment agencies use these online platforms to advertise job vacancies.
Visit recruitment agencies: There are a variety of recruitment agencies across Tenerife that can help match you with potential employers. Prepare your resume and cover letter before approaching a recruitment agency.
Walk-ins: Some companies in Tenerife prefer candidates to visit their establishment or office directly and submit their applications. Prepare several copies of your CV, approach companies with positions that interest you and submit your CV.
Networking: Tenerife is a popular tourist destination which means there are plenty of business owners operating in the region who are open to networking opportunities. Attend networking events, talk to locals and subscribe to groups on social media platforms like Facebook and Meetup.
Consider seasonal work: Due to the great amount of tourism in Tenerife, many businesses operate on a seasonal basis. These businesses require seasonal employees like entertainers or promotional staff, which can be a great opportunity to gain access to the local job market.
How to prepare for a job interview in Tenerife
Preparing for a job interview can be nerve-wracking, but it's an essential step in securing your dream job. In Tenerife, where the job market is competitive, it's necessary to come prepared and have an edge over other applicants. Here´s a list of useful tips and strategies to help you stand out during your next job interview in Tenerife.
- Research the company you are applying to and the industry it operates in;
- Familiarise yourself with the job description and the skills required for the position;
- Prepare responses to common interview questions;
- Dress appropriately for the interview;
- Arrive on time and be prepared to wait;
- Bring extra copies of your resume and any other required documents;
- Practice good body language and maintain eye contact with the interviewer;
- Be confident, but not overconfident;
- Follow up with the interviewer and send a thank-you note after the interview;
- Stay positive, even if the interview doesn't go as planned.
If you´re looking for work in Tenerife, good luck!
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