How To Find a Job in a European Country
Have you finished your studies and wondering what to do next? Or you are actively looking for a job in Europe? We’ve got you covered.
This guide is meant to help you out with your search and wants to set out tips and tricks on how to find a job in a European country different from your country-of-origin.
Consider Volunteering with the European Solidarity Corps programme
Have you ever heard of the European Solidarity Corps programme? It is fully financed by the European Union, and even though the experience itself is considered “volunterism”, the participants get:
- food allowance
- free accommodation
- monthly pocket money for personal expenses
The programme allows to participate to volunteering projects from 2 up to 12 months, and it is a one-in-a-life experience too.
Why do we mention it?
Because participating to a volunteering programme, as the European Solidarity Corps, could turn out to be your first step toward your future career in another European country! Based on the experiences of thousands of volunteers that already took the chance, you won’t be surprised to find out that many of them eventually moved to the country of their volunteering project, and started a new life.
If you are not sure that such experience is your cup of tea, just give it a try with a short-term volunteering project and see how it goes. After that, you can apply for a long-term volunteering project in another country, and enjoy the experience at its fullest.
The Tools Provided by the European Commission
The European Commission has created various online tools to help you find a job for during or after your studies and to present your skills and qualifications throughout Europe.
- EURES Job Portal | The European cooperation network of employment services allows you to search for a specific job type filtered by country, language, level of required education and more. EURES provides this information on 27 European Union (EU) countries, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Once you’ve found a suitable opportunity, to successfully apply you will need to present your skills, qualification and experience in a clear and concise manner. For this, you can use Europass.
- EU Blue Card for non-EU residents | Don’t forget that as an non-EU citizen, you may need additional documentation, such as the EU Blue Card to work in an EU country after graduation. Don’t leave it to the last minute to arrange a visa and/or work permit!
- EUROPASS Portal | Europass helps learners, workers and jobseekers across Europe to effectively communicate their skills and qualifications. It’s a useful tool to build your CV and cover letters, to gather your certificates and diploma supplements together in one place. Create a personal profile and reflect on your skills, detail your experience, provide supporting evidence in a familiar format.
Erasmus For Young Entrepreneurs
If you are set on starting your own business or already have one, Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs gives you the chance to work with an experienced entrepreneur in another EU country.
As an EU citizen, you are entitled to set up your own business in any EU country or to set up a subsidiary branch of an existing EU-based business in another Member State of the EU. The requirements are different for each country, so it’s important to read up on the procedures you will need to go through.
Get Inspiration
Feel frustrated over which option to choose?
Listen and read the stories of young people all over Europe that moved abroad and started a new career, and get inspiration from them! You’ll be surprised on how useful it is to hear others’ stories and testimonies as a way to boost your willingness to take the chance and start now!
Other options you might want to consider are:
- Au Pair abroad – if you like working with children
- Mobility opportunities for artists
- Erasmus Youth Exchanges
Read also
European Mobility Week 2022: Join the Race for Sustainability!
