What You Need to Know about Jobs In France

Finding Jobs in France as an expat is no easy task but starting a job search with the right tools and a good understanding of working in France gives you a head start.

Most employees in France work in the services sector, which dominates France’s economy. Just over a quarter of those working in France work industry and around five percent work in agriculture. Work in rural areas is scarce.

Without an excellent command of the French language, job options are limited to seasonal agricultural work, jobs in tourism, work as an au pair or teaching English as a foreign language.

Even if you speak the local language, you may still face employment restrictions.

Educational achievements and diplomas are important in France and for some regulated professions your foreign diploma may not qualify you to continue your career in France. You should check in your home country or with the relevant French professional association before making any move for a career.

Networking is a popular way of finding jobs in France. Some openings do not get to the stage of being advertised for this reason.

Alternative methods to learn about vacancies remain through national and local newspapers, the internet and job agencies.

Cover letters are important in France and used to detail why you want the position and why an employer should consider you for the vacant post. Your application should be in French unless otherwise stated.

Education should be first on your CV but it should also include your personal details and your professional experience.

EU/EEA expats do not need a work permit to secure jobs in France, unless you are from one of the countries that has recently joined the EU. In this case, a transition measure is in force which means that you still need to apply for a work permit.

Non-EU/EEA expats need both a work permit and a residence permit.

In order for an employer to hire a non-EU/EEA worker they must show that attempts to secure a national or EU/EEA worker have been unsuccessful, including posting the job with France’s employment agency

Students may undertake an internship without a France working visa.

Note than income tax is not automatically deducted from French salaries. Instead you need to complete an annual tax declaration.

French employers pay a thirteenth and fourteenth month’s salary each year – in the summer period and around Christmas.

In France, employment contracts come in three forms: temporary, fixed term or permanent. Your employment rights will be laid out in your contract or in one of the many collective agreements in force.

In general the French working week ranges from 35 to 39 hours, depending on the sector and company.

Two and a half days leave is accumulated for each month worked which amounts to five weeks vacation per year. In August many companies close down (some officially, others keep a skeleton workforce) as most of France goes on holiday.