Working in Paris
Getting a job can be difficult for expats wishing to work in Paris. It’s vital to learn the language to fill even the most basic of entry level positions.
That being said, there are a number of jobs expats can do until they have a better grasp of the French language. English language teachers and au pairs can make enough money live on until their French level becomes sufficient to enter the mainstream working environment.
Most people find employment through networking and alumni organisations, and as always, the Internet provides a bounty of classified listings.
A CV is the usual way to apply for a job in France, followed by an interview. The French expect to be pestered, so it can be useful for an expat to follow up an application with a number of calls asking when an interview will be arranged.
Paris is the most visited destination in the world, and as a result, skills in the tourism industry are well respected and in high demand. For those with experience in the hospitality and the service industries there will be plenty of job opportunities.
Paris is also the corporate centre of France and hosts the headquarters of many of the country's and the world’s top firms. Expats wishing to move to Paris should search for international organisations from their home country who may be interested in employing foreign nationals.
Bilingualism, especially English-French is highly valued, in the Parisian workplace.
The average working day in France is from 930am to 5.30pm, but can vary according to industry field. Those in the tourism industry will have different hours and may even be subject to shift work.
Contract workers can expect a fair amount of leave, and two extra cheques a year, one in December and the other in June. Expats can expect about 25 percent of income to be deducted for taxes. Returns need to be filed later in the year.
That being said, there are a number of jobs expats can do until they have a better grasp of the French language. English language teachers and au pairs can make enough money live on until their French level becomes sufficient to enter the mainstream working environment.
Most people find employment through networking and alumni organisations, and as always, the Internet provides a bounty of classified listings.
A CV is the usual way to apply for a job in France, followed by an interview. The French expect to be pestered, so it can be useful for an expat to follow up an application with a number of calls asking when an interview will be arranged.
Paris is the most visited destination in the world, and as a result, skills in the tourism industry are well respected and in high demand. For those with experience in the hospitality and the service industries there will be plenty of job opportunities.
Paris is also the corporate centre of France and hosts the headquarters of many of the country's and the world’s top firms. Expats wishing to move to Paris should search for international organisations from their home country who may be interested in employing foreign nationals.
Bilingualism, especially English-French is highly valued, in the Parisian workplace.
The average working day in France is from 930am to 5.30pm, but can vary according to industry field. Those in the tourism industry will have different hours and may even be subject to shift work.
Contract workers can expect a fair amount of leave, and two extra cheques a year, one in December and the other in June. Expats can expect about 25 percent of income to be deducted for taxes. Returns need to be filed later in the year.
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