Working in Brazil
Brazil has a robust and highly diversified economy; this is evident by the range of job opportunities available for expats. Brazil offers opportunities ranging from work in the booming oil and resources industries to the manufacturing, commerce, finance and trade sectors.
Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are the main cities for expats working in Brazil. Sao Paulo is the home of Brazil’s stock exchange and Rio is home to a number of thriving oil companies.
Expats wishing to live and work in Brazil can use a number of resources in their job search. Local publications Conjuntura Economica, Exame and Listas OESP are all great when researching the economic climate of various industries in Brazil; they also contain jobs listings in a variety of sectors.
Jobs in IT seem to be experiencing major growth in Brazil - software engineers, programmers and database managers with degrees in a relevant field are highly sought after. Jobs in engineering fields are competitive and a number of year's experience is needed even for entry-level positions. The finance sector also has a high demand for suitably qualified workers, but experience is a necessity.
Most expats will know that doing business in any country requires learning the correct etiquette. Conducting business in Brazil is no exception. Business hours are from 8.30am to 5.30pm; however, executive staff tend to work from 09:00am or 10:00am in the morning until after 5.30pm.
Machismo is something that all expatriate women will have to get used to whether in a social or work environment. Expat women should expect fewer women in executive positions within companies. While women are treated with respect, they do have to work harder to maintain the respect of their colleagues and business associates.
Like Brazil's climate, business practices vary throughout the country. Rio tends to be quite relaxed while Sao Paulo is very formal. At multinational companies you can expect similar business practices and etiquette to that in America and Europe. Local businesses tend to favour face-to-face meetings over phone calls and written communication. Personal relationships, even within a business environment, are very important. Many Brazilians only conduct business through personal connections and people with whom they have already established a personal relationship. Business meetings tend to be conducted in the office, and being invited to a colleague's home is rare and a great honour; expats should reciprocate accordingly.
A firm handshake and a fair amount of small talk are the starting blocks for a successful meeting. Never try to rush things along either in a meeting or after the meeting is finished. Punctuality is sometimes flexible, except when meeting at a restaurant, where tardiness is considered impolite. Business suits are expected and written documents and business cards should be printed in both English and Portuguese.
Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are the main cities for expats working in Brazil. Sao Paulo is the home of Brazil’s stock exchange and Rio is home to a number of thriving oil companies.
Expats wishing to live and work in Brazil can use a number of resources in their job search. Local publications Conjuntura Economica, Exame and Listas OESP are all great when researching the economic climate of various industries in Brazil; they also contain jobs listings in a variety of sectors.Jobs in IT seem to be experiencing major growth in Brazil - software engineers, programmers and database managers with degrees in a relevant field are highly sought after. Jobs in engineering fields are competitive and a number of year's experience is needed even for entry-level positions. The finance sector also has a high demand for suitably qualified workers, but experience is a necessity.
Business culture in Brazil
Most expats will know that doing business in any country requires learning the correct etiquette. Conducting business in Brazil is no exception. Business hours are from 8.30am to 5.30pm; however, executive staff tend to work from 09:00am or 10:00am in the morning until after 5.30pm.
Machismo is something that all expatriate women will have to get used to whether in a social or work environment. Expat women should expect fewer women in executive positions within companies. While women are treated with respect, they do have to work harder to maintain the respect of their colleagues and business associates.
Like Brazil's climate, business practices vary throughout the country. Rio tends to be quite relaxed while Sao Paulo is very formal. At multinational companies you can expect similar business practices and etiquette to that in America and Europe. Local businesses tend to favour face-to-face meetings over phone calls and written communication. Personal relationships, even within a business environment, are very important. Many Brazilians only conduct business through personal connections and people with whom they have already established a personal relationship. Business meetings tend to be conducted in the office, and being invited to a colleague's home is rare and a great honour; expats should reciprocate accordingly.
A firm handshake and a fair amount of small talk are the starting blocks for a successful meeting. Never try to rush things along either in a meeting or after the meeting is finished. Punctuality is sometimes flexible, except when meeting at a restaurant, where tardiness is considered impolite. Business suits are expected and written documents and business cards should be printed in both English and Portuguese.
