How to find Jobs In Spain ?

Spain’s economy is presently feeling the crunch and unemployment levels are currently high (over 21% as of May 2011), particularly amongst young people.

It’s not a picture that helps expats in Spain’s employment market but there are still opportunities if you know where to look.

To work in Spain expats from the EU and EEA do not require a work permit (but do need a residence permit).

Non-EU citizens however do need a work visa in Spain, applied for by the local employer who must be able to demonstrate they cannot fill the vacancy with a Spaniard or an EU citizen.

Note that Spain’s work visa process can be bureaucratic, long and expensive.

Having a good command of Spanish will certainly help you in the Spanish job market.

There are some multinational companies who hire expats without being fluent in Spanish, but at least a working knowledge of the local language will improve your chances of winning a sought after job in Spain.

For those hoping to secure a job teaching English in Spain, there are certainly opportunities as English was not widely taught to the general population under the dictatorship of General Franco.

Note that many places will request that you have a TEFL certificate.

Click here to learn more about teaching English abroad and Online TEFL Courses

The international, national and local press is a good source for finding job vacancies in Spain. Look at both daily and weekly publications, as well as specialist career and job publications.

The internet remains a popular tool for jobseekers, particularly for professionals so Spain job sites online is a good place to start.

Many of Spain’s recruitment agencies offer temporary or seasonal vacancies. Specialist recruitment agencies also provide head hunting and executive recruitment services in specific sectors of the job market like banking and IT.

Who you know in Spain can also greatly expand your job opportunities so be sure to grow and nurture your personal and business networks.

If you are already in Spain you can also obtain assistance to find a job using one of the many job centres (INEM) across the country that advertise predominantly local positions, but also some national vacancies.

Internships in Spain are also available in various regions.

Qualifications are important in Spain so before you arrive ensure that your professional and educational qualifications are translated into Spanish and confirm that they are recognised in the Spanish job market.

This can be a lengthy process so make sure you allow yourself plenty of preparation time before you start your job search.

Compared to other European countries the salaries in Spain are low, but note that the cost of living is also lower.

Salaries are generally paid out for 14 months meaning double the usual monthly pay once in the summer and once at Christmas. Those working under a contract in Spain enjoy a minimum of one month paid holiday per year.

Employment in Spain generally means working hours between 9a.m. and 1.30p.m. or 2p.m., restarting around 4.30 p.m. until 7.30 or 8p.m.

From the middle of June until mid September many companies set their working hours from 8a.m. until 2 or 3p.m. because of the summer heat.