HOW TO FIND A JOB IN SWITZERLAND!🇨🇭 No German/French, Non-EU

Welcome to this guide on finding a job in Switzerland. Many individuals are drawn to Switzerland for its exceptionally high salaries, with a median income often considered among the highest globally, alongside a desirable work-life balance. The country also maintains stable unemployment levels, even through economic challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. This video is tailored for those looking for long-term, sustainable professional careers in Switzerland, including highly qualified individuals who may not speak German or French, and those seeking a professional restart after relocating for a partner's job.

The speaker moved to Switzerland in 2019 when her husband accepted a full-time position. This presented an opportunity to relocate abroad and experience a new country, though it meant leaving her job in Singapore, where she worked in workforce development and education. Despite initial concerns and naysayers predicting difficulties finding a job without knowing the local language, she was surprised to find employment within three months. Her second job search took longer, involving nine months of unemployment, before she eventually secured roles in e-learning and later with a football association.

A fundamental requirement for working in Switzerland is a valid work permit. Various permit types exist, such as the B, C, G, and L permits, each with specific regulations. Obtaining a permit is generally more straightforward for EU/EFTA citizens. For non-EU/EFTA citizens, the process is considerably more complex. Employers must navigate legal hurdles, including proving that no EU/EFTA candidates are available for the role, and the applicant must possess highly specialized skills. Furthermore, there's a limited quota for B permits for non-EU/EFTA citizens annually, making the competition intense.

In the speaker's case, her husband, a Singaporean citizen (non-EU/EFTA), faced a lengthy administrative process for his B permit. She, however, obtained her permit through family reunification as a spouse, which is automatically granted under that status. This differs from situations in other countries where a spouse's work permit does not guarantee the partner's right to work.

For individuals aiming to live and work in Switzerland, adopting a flexible mindset is crucial, especially for securing your initial position. It is advisable to set aside expectations regarding salary, remote work possibilities, or fitting precisely within your professional niche for your first job. The primary goal should be to gain entry into the Swiss labor market. Once you have established yourself and gained local experience, strategizing for your dream job becomes significantly easier, bolstered by enhanced credentials on your resume.

Regarding starting salaries, the speaker's first job in Switzerland offered approximately CHF 4,500 per month. It's important to note that Switzerland does not have a statutory minimum wage, but a modest, decent salary typically starts around CHF 4,000. Factors such as high taxes and living expenses in Switzerland mean that initial compensation might not seem substantial, but securing any employment is often more critical than the initial amount, especially when starting anew.

Location plays a significant role when searching for jobs in Switzerland. Most companies actively hiring expatriates are situated in major international hubs like Geneva and Zurich. While niche industries exist in other regions—such as pharmaceuticals in Lucerne or watchmaking near Neuchâtel—these often prefer local candidates. Positioning yourself in cities like Geneva, Zurich, or Zug offers the maximum advantage due to their higher concentration of international companies and diverse job opportunities.

A common and often easier strategy for securing employment in Switzerland is through internal transfers within multinational corporations. If you are already working for a Swiss company in your home country, applying for a transfer to a Swiss branch can bypass many initial hiring hurdles, including work permit acquisition, as the company typically manages this process. This also provides a valuable opportunity to build local networks, familiarize yourself with the environment, and explore other potential companies in Switzerland.

Several dedicated websites and platforms can be instrumental in your job search in Switzerland. These resources often list a wide array of openings across various sectors. Additionally, online communities and social media groups focused on job opportunities, particularly for English speakers, can be very helpful for discovering unadvertised positions.

It's common to encounter job descriptions in French, especially on the French-speaking side of Switzerland. Do not be deterred by this. Often, these postings are made by junior recruiters comfortable in French, but the role itself may heavily utilize English. Pay close attention to keywords within the description that suggest English is a primary working language, such as 'long to travel,' 'online necessary,' or 'only imperative,' which imply significant English communication requirements.

Applying to multinational corporations (MNCs) that have their headquarters in Switzerland is a strategic approach. Companies like Philip Morris, Nestlé, Johnson & Johnson, and Novartis, among many others, operate globally. Their headquarters often manage international or regional scopes, meaning their workforce is frequently multinational. In these environments, English is likely to be the predominant working language, reducing the necessity to speak French or German for your role, as experienced by the speaker in her current position with a regional Football Association.

Even if you are seeking English-speaking roles, investing time in learning the local language—whether French, German, or Italian—is highly beneficial. It significantly aids in networking, facilitates daily conversations with colleagues, and fosters better integration into the workplace and Swiss society. While not always a strict requirement for initial employment, language proficiency enhances your professional experience and opportunities over time.

The speaker found this particularly true for her second job at a Swiss-based company in Geneva. Although her role involved international clients, many colleagues and daily interactions were in French. Being able to understand and participate, even minimally, helped her integrate and feel more connected, prompting significant improvement in her French skills.

If the bureaucratic nature of large international companies doesn't appeal to you, startups offer an excellent alternative. They often present a more dynamic and less formal work environment. The speaker's first job in Switzerland was with a small startup in education and e-learning, which was instrumental in her entry into the Swiss market despite not speaking fluent French at the time.

For startups, it's usually just a meet-up with the founders, not a multi-stage interview process. It's more casual, like a coffee session followed by a presentation of your past work, and then you get the job.

Startups often have less rigorous HR processes, making the recruitment more informal and accessible. This can be particularly advantageous for candidates who might not meet every single formal requirement but possess the necessary niche skills and passion for the role. They value adaptability and direct contribution, often requiring specific skills like program or content development, rather than strict adherence to local language proficiency for all roles.

Beyond the traditional job application route, pursuing further education or internships can be a highly effective strategy for entering the Swiss job market. Internships provide invaluable hands-on experience and networking opportunities, often leading to full-time employment. Many companies view internships as a way to assess potential hires thoroughly, reducing the risk associated with hiring someone unfamiliar to them.

Vince's experience exemplifies this: during his Master's program, an exchange and internship at EPFL in Lausanne allowed him to intern with a Swiss company. His strong performance during the internship led to a job offer, demonstrating how practical experience gained through educational programs can significantly boost hiring prospects and employer confidence. Similarly, another friend found that obtaining a Swiss Master's degree helped validate her professional qualifications in the local context, ultimately leading to a job.

Networking is arguably the most critical aspect of finding a job in Switzerland, as an estimated 80% of the job market is considered 'hidden'. This means many positions are filled through internal connections or pre-existing networks before they are ever publicly advertised. Public job postings sometimes exist primarily for legal compliance rather than active recruitment.

The more you connect with people in the labor market, the more connections you gain. It becomes much easier for people to remember your skills and competencies and offer you opportunities.

The speaker shared her personal journey of being unemployed for nine months during the pandemic. After sending numerous applications with no success, she decided to send a spontaneous portfolio and resume to a company she admired. This proactive approach led to an informal coffee meeting with the founder, and months later, she was contacted for a project. This highlights how informal meetups, coffee chats, and persistent networking can be more effective than formal application processes for uncovering hidden job opportunities and getting noticed.

Utilizing your free time, especially during periods of unemployment, to develop personal projects or pursue entrepreneurial ventures can be incredibly rewarding. This period can be reframed from a setback into an opportunity for self-discovery and skill development. The speaker started her YouTube channel during her nine months of unemployment, documenting her experiences in Switzerland, which ultimately led to content creation about Swiss travel and demonstrated initiative.

This approach encourages exploring creativity and potential alternative career paths, such as freelancing or starting your own business. Instead of viewing unemployment solely as a lack of a full-time job, consider it a chance to experiment and build a portfolio that showcases your skills and passions, potentially opening up new avenues beyond traditional employment.

The job search journey in Switzerland, like elsewhere, requires patience and persistence. The speaker's career trajectory illustrates this: finding her first job took three months, the second took nine months, but her third role was secured within just one month, with an offer received even before her last day at the previous company. This progression demonstrates that as you gain experience and establish a foothold in the market, subsequent job searches become progressively easier.

It is essential to remember that challenges in the job market are not always a reflection of your capabilities. Various external factors, such as labor market conditions or available quotas, can influence the process. By maintaining faith in yourself and staying persistent, you will eventually find your place and success in the Swiss professional landscape. The speaker offers further support via email or Instagram for those navigating similar situations.