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You are here: Home Moving to Getting Started Job hunting in Switzerland
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01/11/2011Job hunting in Switzerland

Job hunting in Switzerland This handy guide from Expertise in Labour Mobility includes information on writing a CV, applying for jobs, interview dos and don'ts and work culture basics.

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.
Working in Switzerland

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.
Working in Switzerland

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


Book cover
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



1 reaction to this article

jacobsellars posted: 2009-09-09 11:13:27

Plenty of jobs in medical billing, get your degree in medical billing and get a job in medical billing find info at http://bit.ly/ESUNX

1 reaction to this article

jacobsellars posted: 2009-09-09 11:13:27

Plenty of jobs in medical billing, get your degree in medical billing and get a job in medical billing find info at http://bit.ly/ESUNX

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