Working in Austria
In the past, expats interested in working in Austria could anticipate a long, tedious job-hunt, often dead-ending in disappointment. Non-European Union (EU) citizens had little access to Austria's highly developed economy - it's one of the richest in the world and has minimal unemployment - due to stringent work permit criteria that looked to protect the local labour market.
As of mid-2011, however, Austria has approved legislation that will loosen immigration requirements for expats outside of the EU. The measures are a method for government to supplement the nation's ageing workforce, and to fill gaps in certain sectors; specifically in research, engineering and specialised management.
Lower-level posts in the internationally-acclaimed tourism industry are also materialising. Western Austria's winter sports region draws snow bunnies and ski bums of all ages and nationalities, and it follows that restaurant workers, chefs and housekeeping staff are in demand, especially during the peak season between November and March.
Otherwise, though Vienna claims some leading corporations in the finance and consulting sectors, jobs in these areas are scarce for expats, and are usually reserved for locals or are filled by members of the large German expat population that has migrated to the nation. There are a few select firms that recruit internationally.
EU citizens can legally work in Austria without having to obtain a work permit.
Austria is often thought of as old-fashioned, and it follows that the job market stays within the traditional dotted lines laid out.
Online job sites and classifieds do exist, but employers and job-seekers alike prefer to rely on print publication and the very comprehensive services of the
Arbeitsmarktservice (The Austrian Employment Service - AES). The latter is a fantastic resource that expats can use to familiarise themselves with Austria's labour laws, work contracts, and work culture.
Job sections in the newspapers usually come out on the weekends, and the eJob Room supported by the AES updates a list of vacant positions on a regular basis. Local companies may also publish posts on their web sites.
Expats applying to work in Austria should draft both their letter of application (a cover letter) and their CV in German unless otherwise specified by the position in question. This is the official language and lingua franca of the nation, though English is the dominant corporate language.
Expats will also find that Austrians spend a good deal of time analysing "statuspheres"; meaning, the way you look and the history of your education and experience can be deciding factors in job acquisition.
As of mid-2011, however, Austria has approved legislation that will loosen immigration requirements for expats outside of the EU. The measures are a method for government to supplement the nation's ageing workforce, and to fill gaps in certain sectors; specifically in research, engineering and specialised management.
Lower-level posts in the internationally-acclaimed tourism industry are also materialising. Western Austria's winter sports region draws snow bunnies and ski bums of all ages and nationalities, and it follows that restaurant workers, chefs and housekeeping staff are in demand, especially during the peak season between November and March.
Otherwise, though Vienna claims some leading corporations in the finance and consulting sectors, jobs in these areas are scarce for expats, and are usually reserved for locals or are filled by members of the large German expat population that has migrated to the nation. There are a few select firms that recruit internationally.
EU citizens can legally work in Austria without having to obtain a work permit.
Finding a job in Austria
Austria is often thought of as old-fashioned, and it follows that the job market stays within the traditional dotted lines laid out.
Online job sites and classifieds do exist, but employers and job-seekers alike prefer to rely on print publication and the very comprehensive services of the
Arbeitsmarktservice (The Austrian Employment Service - AES). The latter is a fantastic resource that expats can use to familiarise themselves with Austria's labour laws, work contracts, and work culture.Job sections in the newspapers usually come out on the weekends, and the eJob Room supported by the AES updates a list of vacant positions on a regular basis. Local companies may also publish posts on their web sites.
Expats applying to work in Austria should draft both their letter of application (a cover letter) and their CV in German unless otherwise specified by the position in question. This is the official language and lingua franca of the nation, though English is the dominant corporate language.
Expats will also find that Austrians spend a good deal of time analysing "statuspheres"; meaning, the way you look and the history of your education and experience can be deciding factors in job acquisition.
Work Etiquette in Austria
- Austrians place a lot of emphasis on first impressions, dress elegantly and conservatively and conduct yourself accordingly.
- Hierarchy is important in the Austrian workplace; so much so, that overachieving can even be viewed as an attempt to challenge authority. Always be respectful of those in positions above you.
- Titles and surnames are important in Austria. When addressing business contacts, always use titles such as Herr (Mr), Frau (Mrs) or Fräulein (Miss). Professional and academic titles should also be added when necessary (e.g. Herr Professor Kaufmann).
- Austrians are more loyal to their co-workers than their company, and are fond of making strong friendships with their colleagues. That said, communication in the office environment is formal, terse and to the point.
- Punctuality is paramount; it is extremely rude to be late to a meeting or to be other than thoroughly prepared.
- Faxes and emails, and any other form of correspondence should be done in a formal manner.
- Working days in Austria last 8 hours, though starting times and ending times may vary depending on the employer.
