While Brazil is still struggling somewhat and is recovering economically, Brasília's white-collar economy presents one of the best opportunities to land a well-paid job in Brazil. Many Brazilian and international companies have offices here. While you'll still typically need a work visa to work here legally, if you have the right skills, you'll have a chance at winning a job in this modern city. You can begin by reviewing Expat.com's general guidelines for working in Brazil.
The economy of Brasília
As Brazil's center of government, Brasília's economy is based principally on services, with construction contributing a minority share. There's little industry here, although there's some food processing and furniture production. As this is a white-collar economy, the average salary is higher than elsewhere in Brazil.
Brazil has gradually emerged from a recession. But the economy isn't booming as it was a few years back, thanks to a huge setback from the pandemic. However, the government has a vested interest in Brasília's success, as the capital was created as a showcase. The government has made investments in selected sectors, including information technology and software, cinematography, and gemology. Also, the presence of the federal government, with all its employees and support staff, and the presence of representatives of many other countries as well, creates a stabilizing effect on the local economy.
Sectors with potential
The public sector (including politicians, diplomat, the federal police, military personnel, their support staff, and others) is collectively the largest employer here. If you can secure a foreign service position in your home country, it's possible that you could apply for an overseas posting in Brasília and sidestep some of the usual bureaucracy required to obtain a Brazilian work visa. But securing such a posting will, of course, mean contending with your own country's application process and bureaucracy.
Communications, including telecom companies such as Telebrás and Embratel, as well as all the major Brazilian television networks and other news agencies, are headquartered or represented in Brasília. However, it'd probably be difficult for an expat to secure a position at one of these companies.
Many banks and financial institutions (foreign as well as Brazilian) have branches in Brasília. Management-level employees of foreign companies might be able to secure postings here.
As in many cities across Brazil, the information technology and software sector is expanding. This may represent the best way in for expats looking to land work in Brasília or elsewhere in Brazil. Well-known IT companies with operations in Brasília include Dell, IBM, Microsoft, Symantec, and Cisco.
As Brasília is the federal capital, there are many expats and their families residing there. Accordingly, several international schools are located in Brasília, which present many opportunities for certified teachers and educational directors. International schools in Brasília include the British School of Brasília, American School of Brasília, SIS Swiss International School, Brasília International School, and Affinity Arts International School.
Writing a Brazilian resume
If you've already written a resume before, then it shouldn't be too hard to write one for Brazil. In most cases, you'd write it in Portuguese, but considering that most companies you'd apply to in Brasília would be multinational companies, you can probably get away with writing it in English. But to be on the safe side, you should write your resume in Portuguese if possible since it'll show that you know the language while other expats don't. This can be what motivates a company to hire you instead of someone else.
Your resume should be a maximum of two pages, so make your words count. Start with your most experience job experience and list the rest in reverse chronological order. Do the same for your educational experience, but leave out your elementary education, as that's not necessary nor is it relevant.
Make sure you create cover letters for every job application too. This should be a maximum of one page and you need to really sell yourself to the potential employer. Make clear why you want the job, as well as why you'd be a good fit, and how you'll help the company advance.
Finding work in Brasília
There are several options for you to find work in Brasília, both online and offline. Try these channels to increase your chances of finding employment so you can move to Brazil.
One of the easiest ways to find a job in Brasília is to try LinkedIn. This social media platform is made especially for employers and potential employees to connect. It also allows you to add friends like you do on other platforms (like Facebook) so you can network easier.
Here, you can upload your resume, which will make it much easier and quicker to apply to jobs, as you won't have to type it up each time. And speaking of applying to jobs, LinkedIn lets you search for them by filtering to specific locations (like Brasília). If you see a listing you like, then you can apply directly by attaching your resume and cover letter. You should then watch your inbox, as the HR representative will contact you there if they're interested in moving forward.
Considering that most expats work for multinational companies in Brasília, LinkedIn will be an invaluable resource. You'll be able to connect with friends and their networks, which can get you a potential path to a great employer.
It's also not uncommon for multinational companies in Brasília to recruit employees from abroad through LinkedIn. This is especially true if you've got a unique skillset that's in demand in your industry. However, do keep in mind that there are scammers out there, so keep a sharp eye out and trust your gut if things sound too good to be true.
In-person networking
While LinkedIn provides a digital way to network, in-person networking still works well nowadays. Ask around and see if anyone's from Brazil or knows native Brazilians. This is a good time to start making social calls and scheduling meetups to get more information and leads on jobs in Brasília.
Government and Embassy websites
There are inter-governmental websites where they'll list job openings for foreigners like you. You can also go directly onto multinational firms' websites to check for listings.
Another option is your home country's embassy website, especially if you don't know where to start. They'll have a list of international firms you can try.
Brazilian newspapers
Good old-fashioned newspapers still have job listing sections. If you've got a connection in Brasília, have them take a look for you. Depending on where you live, you might be able to get Brazilian newspapers as well.
If you aren't able to do either things, then try Googling the newspaper names. Chances are, there are online versions that you can browse from the comfort of your own home.
Employment and recruitment agencies
This might not be an option for everyone, as it'll cost some money. But if you have a fair bit saved up and you have a little extra you can spare, it's highly recommended that you get in touch with an employment or recruitment agency.
The professional agents are already in Brasília, so they're right in the middle of all the action. While finding work at multinational companies in Brasília will be easier than finding a job in other places in Brazil (more on this later), you'll still need the right people to pull strings for you. These agencies will know of employment opportunities before other candidates, which can give you a huge leg up.
Tips for job hunting in Brazil
In general, Brazilian employers have to exhaust their native options before they can hire foreigners, and they must prove that they've done so. Because this is more trouble to go through than just hiring native Brazilians, it's already tough to find companies that'll you a chance.
In addition, they're required to keep at least two-thirds of their workforce as native Brazilians, so depending on which company you're applying to, there might be little room for expats. The exception to the above is if you've lived in Brazil for at least 10 years or are married to a Brazilian citizen or have a Brazilian-born child.
Foreign certificates and licenses also aren't recognized in Brazil, so you'd have to start all over in Brazil, meaning you'd have to take exams in Portuguese. This can be time-consuming, as well as difficult if you don't know the language.
The good news is, it'll be easier to get your foot in the door in Brazil if you start off with a job in a multinational company in your home country. Once you're transferred to the Brazilian branch, all your credentials will still count. Your best chances of doing so are in Brasília, seeing as many multinational firms are located here. Just don't expect the salary to be as high as in your home country.
Work culture in Brazil
If you're a fan of flat organizations, then we're sorry to say that you won't really find those in Brazil. Most workplaces are hierarchical, especially since they're white-collar. You'll be given a role in the company and you'll be expected to know and respect who's above and below you.
Needless to say, the workplace is very formal. So you need to dress the part, especially since physical appearances are emphasized in Brazilian culture.
Because you'll likely be working in a white-collar environment, most of your colleagues will be able to converse with you in English. This is even truer if your workplace is on the younger side, as younger workers will have more English education.
Despite being so corporate and formal, Brazilian workforces are notorious for being tardy. It's not uncommon to see people walk in 10 to 20 minutes late to meetings. They'll also be late to social gatherings and dates. It's part of the Brazilian culture and you'll just have to get used to it. Don't follow the crowd though, as punctuality is still appreciated and noted.
Another thing you'll be surprised to learn is that interpersonal relationships in the office are valued. You'll make some genuine friends if you put in the effort, which you should do. While it's likely you'll be working somewhere with lots of foreigners, there will still be Brazilians, so you should do as they do. When greeting one another, you'll go in for a hug. And for women, they'll exchange two kisses on the cheek with the other person.
Typically, the workplace and social settings get more formal as you go from north to south. Because Brasília is located in the mid-lower part of Brazil, you should expect workplace and social settings to be a little more formal. This is especially true since most of the industries expats work in are traditionally more formal, corporate, and professional (white-collar).
Living in Brasília
Brasília is a young and modern planned city, only inaugurated in 1960. As such, it doesn't possess the history and, some would say, the charm of Brazil's other major cities. But it does have its own appeal. It's well known for its modernistic architecture, which earned it the title of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Interestingly, the city is laid out in the shape of an airplane (some say a bird).
There are also some museums in Brasília, many of them about governmental agencies. There's no shortage of fine restaurants here. The city has many shopping malls. Brasília has large expat communities due to it being the federal capital.
The weather in Brasília is generally fine weather, and almost monotonously predictable, with only slight variations throughout the year.
The city center is the best area in which to live. Outlying areas (referred to as antibrasilias) are much less appealing.
While Brasília wouldn't be considered cheap by Brazilian standards, it's less expensive to live here than in either Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo. In particular, rent prices are considerably less expensive.
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