Looking for work in Spain

Looking for work in another country requires more than just the obvious CV translation. You will be confronted with issues that probably didn't even cross your mind when you decided to go for an international career, but don't underestimate the big impact they can have on the outcome of your adventure! Think, for example, about the different rules and habits regarding immigration, job application procedures, the selection procedures and the management culture.

Expertise in Labour Mobility has prepared this practical fact sheet to give you a head start in job-hunting in Spain:

Work permits in Spain

• European Economic Area (EEA) citizens are free to live and work anywhere within the EEA, although some countries might be subject to national regulations
• You need to apply for a residence permit. The permit is issued within the first six months of your arrival, is valid for five years and can be expanded upon proof of employment or sufficient financial resources.
• Contact the Spanish embassy in your current country of residence for more information. 

Where to look for jobs

• In small or medium-sized companies: informal methods of recruitment (word of mouth, networking) or speculative applications.
• Personal contacts or networking are considered the most important routes to a job in Spain.
• Both national and regional newspapers are valuable sources of information on vacancies.
• The Spanish job centres have a good overview of all available jobs.
• In Spain, the Internet is increasing in importance as a job-search medium.

 The application procedure in Spain

• Although Spanish will help you work without problems across the country, in Catalunya you are expected to understand at least the basics of Catalan.
• In international companies, a multicultural background is highly valued but, as only one fifth of the Spanish population speaks a foreign language, there are opportunities for foreigners with excellent language skills.

Online Applications

• Online applications are becoming more common, but do not expect all Spanish employers to use them and/or to favour them. When employers publish their vacancies online and provide you with the opportunity to complete the job application form online, do not deviate from this request.
• Online application letters (which are more concise) are preferably written as an e-mail, while the CV should be attached. Refrain from using unofficial language!

Writing a CV in Spain

• There are no strict rules for a CV in Spain.
• The key focus of your CV should be to persuade the employer to invite you for an interview. Therefore, your CV is a marketing tool that should be adapted to the market in which you intend to use it.
• Give your passport or ID number under your personal details in a Spanish CV.
• List all your former employers, including tasks and responsibilities performed.
• Accompany your CV with a typed application letter, translated certified qualifications and copies of diplomas.
• Testimonials of former employers are hardly ever requested in Spain.

• The typed letter is short and in a direct, but formal, style.
• Mention the reference number of the vacancy (if applicable) in the letterhead of your application letter.
• Mention your relevant work experience.
• Application forms are widely used in Spain.

Do:

• Be prepared for a long application process in Spain.
• Get a temporary job in Spain; this will help with your networking.

Don't:

• Underestimate the power of networking in finding a job in Spain.
• Be surprised by psychological and psychometric test during the Spanish application process.

The Interview

• Normally, a short introduction interview is held, followed by psychometric and psychological tests.
• This initial selection phase is followed by a series of interviews (even six or more).
• It can be either a one-on-one or a group interview.
• The assessment of human qualities is considered much more important than professional qualifications. Therefore, this process carries a lot of weight.

• Be prepared for questions about your motivation!
• Be positive and friendly.
• Look interested - ask questions and show you're a good listener.
• Sell yourself and provide examples to prove your achievements.

Don't:

• Raise the question of salaries until you are offered the job.
• Criticise your former employer.
• Over emphasise your achievements - stick to the facts!

 Management culture in Spain 

• Although Spain is shifting from a hierarchical to a more participatory structure, the allocation of roles and tasks is highly appreciated.
• The Spanish business management is relatively individualistic and team orientation is less important.
• Although friendly to one another, Spaniards are rather competitive.
• Detailed job descriptions are rarely used in Spain and assessment of staff is rather uncommon.
• Success is seen more as a result of luck than personal achievement (promoted people are considered friends of their superiors).
• Meetings in Spain are merely to give instructions to subordinates, not to make decisions (most of the time no business is done during the first meeting).
• Most communication in Spanish organisations is through spoken and personal contacts (do pay attention to non-verbal communication!).
• Lunch and dinner are important when doing business in Spain, although business is not discussed until coffee is served. First you enjoy the food and the company and talk about anything but business! You should never decline the offer of food from a Spaniard!