How to Find a Job in France? Navigate in the Job Market in France as an English-Speaking Expat

Finding a job in France can be challenging, especially if you're still mastering the French language. For English-speaking expats, understanding job listings and preparing documents in French are crucial steps.

This article will give you the keys to successfully find a job, covering:

• where to find job listing;

• what are the implicit aspects of the job market before reading your job offer

• how to read it.
  

📍Remember to verify that you have the right to work with your visa (note that Europeans don't need a visa).

Best Job Search Websites for English-Speaking Expats in France:

To start your job search in France, it's important to know which sites offer listings suitable for your profile. Here are some useful sites:

- Indeed.fr: A general job site with many listings. Use filters to find jobs specifically for English speakers.

- LinkedIn: An excellent professional network for finding job listings and connecting with recruiters.

- Glassdoor.fr: Useful for finding job listings and reading employee reviews about companies.

- The Local France: A news site in English that also offers job listings for English speakers.

- France Travail (ex Pole-emploi.fr): The official site of the national employment agency in France, with many resources and job listings.

All agency (les Agences d'Intérim): Adecco, Manpower, Randstad, Synergie, Startpeople...

Additionally, networking is crucial. Use your professional connections and attend industry events to uncover hidden job opportunities.

Is the language specified in all job offers when you're looking for a job in France?

First of all, you absolutely must be aware that if no language is specified in the offer, it simply means that the job must be in French. In fact, French is the only official language in France, so it seems obvious to any company that the “natural” language is everyday French. That said, if you have a fairly good level of French (I'd say at least B1, if not B2), it's up to you to judge whether you think you can handle the job in question.

To give you an example: if you want to be a maths teacher, you'd better speak French well enough to be able to explain your reasoning. But if you want to be a yoga teacher, you'll need to master the vocabulary of the body without going into complex and subtle explanations.

An expat can't always find a job that matches his diploma.

In France, certain jobs are regulated and require a specific qualification recognized by France. The same applies to your foreign diploma, which you may need to have recognized (homologated) or because the diploma is not the one that corresponds to a specific job.

For example, to be a “formateur” you need a qualification...

To be a sports teacher, you need a DEJEPS.

To show you just how essential this rule is, when I taught scuba diving, I was able to do so all over the world, except in France, since my certification (PADI) was not recognized in France.

To find out if your profession is regulated, consult the list here

To Find a Job in France: Understand and Decode French Job Listings

To understand a job listing, here are the key elements to decode:

- La Durée du Contrat : Duration of Contract. In France, there are two types of contract. The CDD for "Contrat à Durée Déterminée" (fixe-term Job) and the CDI for Contrat à Durée Inderminée (permanent job). Each can be "à plein temps" ou "Temps Plein", full-time (based on a 35-hour working week) or "à temps partiel", part-time. In the latter case, the number of hours per week must be specified in the offer.

- Le Poste : The Position: Make sure you understand the job title and the responsibilities associated with it.

- Le Lieu de Travail (La Localisation) : Location: Check if the job location is convenient in terms of distance and accessibility.

- Le Salaire : Salary: Salary can be listed monthly or annually, gross or net. It's important to understand these distinctions:

• Gross Salary (salaire brut): The total amount before any deductions (taxes, social security...).

• Net Salary (salaire net): The amount you actually receive after all deductions.

- Les Qualifications Requises : Required Qualifications: Check the required skills and experience. If the language is not specified, it generally means you need to speak French fluently.

Understanding French Employment Statuses: "Employé", "Agent de Maîtrise", and "Cadre":

In France, job listings often mention different employment statuses that affect the nature of the work, responsibilities, working hours, and leave.

Here's a simple explanation:

- Employé: Often entry-level or support roles with standard working hours (based on 35 hours per week) and benefits.

- Agent de Maîtrise: Intermediate level, often supervisory with slightly more responsibilities and benefits (usually more than 35 hours per week but with additional day off).

- Cadre: Executive or managerial roles with high responsibility, often more working hours and vacation days.

Les Agents de maitrises et Cadres (supervisors and managers) are not generally treated on an hours basis, but rather on the basis of the number of working days.

Understanding these statuses is crucial as they might impact your salary negotiation, career progression and pension.

Master Your Job Search in France:

Searching for a job in France as an English-speaking expat can be challenging, but with the right keys, you can succeed. Remember, every detail counts, from understanding job listings to navigating employment statuses. If you need personalized support, book a call with us. Together, we can guide you towards an effective and successful job application.

In my next article, I'll talk about responding to an offer. In particular, we'll look at the general rules of the CV and Cover Letter.

In the meantime, if you'd like me to help you prepare your job search, you can book your “free Chat”.

I Book My Spot

Useful French Expressions:

Les Offres d'emploi: Job listing

Le Salaire brut/net: Gross/net salary

Le Poste: Position

Les Qualifications requises: Required qualifications

Le Lieu de travail: Job location

La Mission : mission

Les Tâches : tasks