Looking for work in another country requires more than just the obvious CV translation. Thorough preparation will give you a head start in the country of your choice.

Here is some information on Swiss work permits, job application procedures, selection process and management culture.

Work permits

• Work permits must be renewed every year.
• The permits are divided into four groups, depending on country of origin and length of stay.
• There are a fixed number of work permits for foreigners, allocated according to region and company.

 The application procedure

• The boss is usually present in the interview.
• Be prepared to answer questions about the company and your motivation for this particular job.
• Psychological and psychometrical tests are sometimes used.

Writing a CV

• View your CV as a marketing tool and adapt it to the applicable market. These days due to high level degrees becoming commonplace, more focus falls upon what you have done outside of studies.
• The structure of your CV can either be chronological, reversed chronological or functional.
• Swiss recruiters attach great importance to work experience.
• Write the CV in the main language used in the organisation, if possible.

The application letter

• The Swiss application letter is handwritten, well-structured and short; maximum one page.
• Write in a formal style.
• Refer to the advertisement you are responding to.
• Highlight your transferable soft skills and how you can use them to help the company.

Interviewing DOs:

• Maintain a clean and neat appearance.
• Combine handshakes with eye contact during introductions.
• Ask for clarification if you don't understand the question.
• Provide examples to illustrate your achievements.
• Ask questions to express interest.
• Emphasise how past experiences could relate to the role you seek.

Interviewing DON'Ts:

• Be surprised if the interview lasts up to an hour.
• Sit until invited.
• Criticise former employers.
• Be dramatic or exaggerate - stay calm and stick to the facts.

Management culture in Switzerland

• The culture of companies can vary somewhat, depending on whether they are in the German, French or Italian area of Switzerland.
• Swiss companies have a vertical hierarchy and decisions are made at the top.
• Meetings are sharp, orderly, task-oriented and impersonal.
• Discussions are very precise, cautious and can be a little gloomy to some.
• The Swiss are considered hard but fair bargainers.
• Office hours are Monday to Friday, from 8:00 to 17:30.
• Business and private life are strictly separated in Switzerland.

Job searching online

http://jobs.expatica.com/ch 
www.glocals.com/classifieds/jobs-and-careers/ 
www.jobup.ch - Covers a range of industries including healthcare, IT, banking, hospitality, watch-making. 
www.topjobs.ch - For executives and professionals.   
www.monster.ch/lngPages.aspx (In French and German only)

Recruitment agencies

Adecco
www.adecco.ch
Throughout Switzerland

Aims International
www.aims.ch
Bern, Fribourg, Gland, St. Gallen, Zurich

Computer Brainware Advisors
www.cba.ch
Basel, Bern, Lucerne, Zurich

Oprandi & Partner
www.oprandi.ch
Throughout Switzerland

Page Personnel
www.pagepersonnel.ch
Basel, Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich

Pleinert & Partner
www.pleinertpartner.com
Zurich

Swisselect
www.swisselect.ch
Basel, Bern, Lausanne, Zurich

Excerpted from Looking for work in Switzerland by Expertise in Labour Mobility. To order a copy, visit www.labourmobility.com.

Updated by Wytske Siegersma / Expatica