Question: I plan to return to Switzerland shortly. I don’t have a job at the moment and I haven’t started looking yet. What do I need to know regarding my job search in Switzerland?
Answer: As a Swiss Abroad, you don’t need a work permit to seek employment in Switzerland. You can start the job search directly, even before you return to the country.The first thing is to apply. So you need to access the right job adverts. The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) is the Swiss labour market authority and it hosts a good platform for job seekers, www.arbeit.swiss, including a jobs portal and practical tips for applying.
When looking for a job, it’s important to use as many channels as possible. Use your personal network or ask other contacts in Switzerland, and look at online job portals and newspaper adverts. You can also send speculative applications to companies and organisations that interest you. A further option would be to enlist the services of a professional HR consultant.From outside Switzerland, the easiest way to see what jobs are available is via online job portals by creating a job search subscription, or via an employment or temping agency (subject to a fee). We have compiled a useful overview on our website.Remember when applying that Swiss employers expect a full dossier.
That includes your CV with a photo, a covering letter explaining your motivation for applying, plus copies of your employment references and qualifications, including any additional education and training.You may need to clarify whether your professional qualifications gained outside Switzerland are recognised in the country (e.g. school-leaving certificates as well as additional education and training). Our partner organisation educationsuisse can help you with that.In any case, you should contact the regional employment centre (RAV) in your area on your return. The agency responsible for you depends on your new place of residence. The RAV will also provide you with professional and personal advice relating to your job search.
Tip for job applicants: take part in our webinar on “Work and the labour market in Switzerland” on 10 December 2024 held in cooperation with the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the Soliswiss cooperative. You can find further information on this and other webinars at www.revue.link/webinars. The next webinar is on 15 October 2024. It is on the topic of “The challenge of returning to Switzerland at retirement age”. (SL)
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