Switzerland's stable economy and high standard of living make it an appealing destination for foreign workers. To find a job here, begin by familiarizing yourself with the Swiss labor market and its requirements to tailor your job search strategy accordingly. It's also important to understand the specific conditions you need to meet as a foreigner to work in the country. Using effective job search tools is crucial as well. This article provides an overview to help you get started.
Economic background and the Swiss job market
According to the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), Switzerland's unemployment rate is currently very low at 2.5%, one of the lowest rates in the past 20 years.
The latest update from the European Employment Services (EURES) platform shows that employment in Switzerland is distributed as follows: 77.4% of employees work in the service sector, 20.2% in industry and crafts, and about 2.3% in the primary sector.
Employment growth has been particularly strong in the secondary sector (industry and construction) and the tertiary sector (services).
According to EURES, the largest increase in job growth was in "accommodation and food services." In terms of job numbers, "health and social services" saw the biggest growth, while the "construction" sector also experienced a significant rise.
Switzerland also boasts a vibrant job market in finance and banking, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, and information and communication technology.
Generally, to work in Switzerland, especially if you are from a non-EU country, you need to be highly qualified or specialized.
Who can work in Switzerland?
Depending on your country of origin, you will need a work permit to work in Switzerland.
European Union (EU), the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) citizen
For foreigners looking to work in Switzerland, there are two possible scenarios:
Short-term work
If you work for a Swiss employer or provide services for up to 90 days per calendar year, you don't need a work permit for those three months.
Working for more than 3 months
Before you start working, you need to apply for a residence permit from your local commune in Switzerland. This permit will also allow you to work in the country for more than three months.
Non-EU/EFTA citizen
In Switzerland, only qualified foreigners—such as specialists, managers, or university graduates with several years of professional experience—can work.
Your prospective employer must demonstrate to the authorities that they couldn't find the required talent in the Swiss or EU/EFTA labor markets.
Switzerland has more flexible policies for EU/EFTA nationals, with two-thirds of foreign workers in the country coming from EU member states.
So, how do you go about finding a job in Switzerland?
Job hunting tools in Switzerland
European job search organizations
Citizens of the EU and the European Economic Area can easily find information about working in Switzerland through their national employment agencies. In France, for example, France Travail (formerly Pôle Emploi) offers research services, information, and advice for finding a job abroad through its international mobility section.
Additionally, the EURES portal provides job listings and a wealth of information about the job market across various European countries (EU and European Economic Area).
Target other online job search platforms as well as institutional websites and online recruitment platforms. The key is to target and select them effectively, so you don't get lost in your search. We particularly recommend:
JobScout24: an online recruitment platform widely used in Switzerland to publish job offers and search for positions.
Jobup: another Swiss job search platform used in both the German and French-speaking parts of Switzerland. It enables companies to post vacancies and candidates to search for job opportunities in various sectors.
Job-room: one of the largest job search platforms in Switzerland. It works in collaboration with the Regional Placement Office (ORP) and provides a wide range of job offers.
Recruitment agencies
Make sure to contact several recruitment agencies, as they can greatly enhance your online job search efforts. If you can, visit the country and set up some in-person interviews to boost your visibility.
Temping and employment agencies
Temporary work is common in Switzerland and can be a great way to land short-term contracts that might sometimes lead to permanent positions. It's also a fantastic way to get to know the Swiss job market. There are many temporary employment agencies throughout the country, some specializing in specific sectors like services or industry, and others offering general staffing solutions.
Other job search tools
In Switzerland, each canton has employment agencies that offer job-search help, workshops, and CV writing advice.
Don't forget to check the newspapers as well. Many free and traditional daily papers have job listings.
Good to know:
If you're an EU/EFTA national, you can look for a job while living in Switzerland for up to 6 months.
For third-country nationals, job searching from within Switzerland can be more difficult because you'll need an entry visa. It's usually better to look for jobs from your home country instead.
Professional networking
When looking for a job, don't underestimate the power of networking. If you don't have connections in Switzerland yet, you can easily connect with professionals through platforms like LinkedIn. These networks can help you expand your professional circle and support your job search.
Besides LinkedIn, consider using XING, a professional social network popular in German-speaking countries like Germany, Austria, and German-speaking Switzerland. XING offers similar features to LinkedIn, including creating professional profiles, networking, job searching, and promoting companies.
Some useful principles for online networking:
Don't underestimate the importance of your online profile—it shapes how others see you. Ensure your profile is complete, showcases your professional experience, and includes recommendations.
Connect with people in your industry and engage with them. Networking isn't just about gathering contacts; it's also about actively interacting. Comment on their posts and build genuine relationships.
Think about sharing your expertise online through webinars or publications. It's a great way to help others, broaden your network, and catch the attention of potential employers.
CV and job interview etiquette in Switzerland
In Switzerland, you can extend your resume to up to four pages if the information is relevant.
Swiss recruiters also appreciate detailed descriptions of your diplomas, so be sure to explain the skills you gained from them.
Finally, tailor your CV for each company you apply to. Employers really appreciate this effort, regardless of the company.
Got a job interview?
In Switzerland, it's important to maintain a formal demeanor during job interviews. Dress professionally and appropriately, and make sure to be polite.
When meeting someone for the first time, a firm handshake, eye contact, and a formal introduction are recommended.
Punctuality is highly valued in Switzerland, so arriving late for your interview would be seen as very unprofessional.
Also, respecting hierarchy is important in Swiss corporate culture. Be sure to show respect to those in positions of authority.
Working conditions in Switzerland
Salary
Switzerland doesn't have a minimum wage. Salaries are set through collective bargaining agreements or negotiated directly with your employer.
According to the latest report from the Swiss Federal Statistical Office, the median gross monthly salary is CHF 6,788. For highly qualified positions, this can increase to about CHF 12,750 per month.
The working week
Your employment contract should specify the number of working hours per week. In Switzerland, the average is 41.07 hours, according to the European platform EURES.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has become more common, improving work-life balance.
Time off
Swiss employees are entitled to at least four weeks of paid vacation per year, with additional days possibly granted depending on the collective agreement.
There are nine public holidays each year, although some cantons may have more.
Useful links:
Directory of bilateral chambers of commerce
Office cantonal de l'emploi - Canton de Genève
Office régional de placement - Canton de Vaud
Office régional de placement du canton du Jura
Office régional de placement de Neuchâtel
Job websites:
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.
