This article was written using information from Expertise in Labour Mobility. For more information about living and working in Europe and to order your invaluable ‘Looking for work in…’ guide, visit www.labourmobility.com

France

More French companies are expanding globally, prizing cross-cultural and linguistic skills as well as specific field expertise all on an international scale. Graduates that have these are in high demand.

In France, business is characterised by a strong hierarchy, with positions and power clearly defined. Indeed, enter a meeting room and the seating within the room is organised according to rank. Secretaries in France work hard to protect their bosses from disturbances – you will hardly ever get to speak directly to people in top positions.

Management in France

If you’re considering a career in management in a French company, here are some facts and figures.

Out of a working population of 26.4 million people, some 3 million managerial staff work in 533,000 companies in the private sector. Nearly 50% of this work is concentrated in the Paris region. While 82% of managerial workers have roles of responsibility within the hierarchy of a company, 18% are termed ‘specialised consultants’ and do not actually manage a team.

Young graduates generally hold their first positions in information technology, research studies, marketing and sales functions related to production and mainly in company service sectors (APEC, the French recruitment agency, says that IT accounts for 33% of openings and industry for 18%).

Work permits

If you’re a citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA), you’re free to move and work wherever you want to within those countries (although there are restrictions for those from the ‘new’ countries. See Working in Europe on page 8 for more details. However, you will need to apply for a residence permit. This is valid for five years and should be issued to you within six months of your arrival in France. Contact the French embassy in your home country for more information.

Applying for work

• Speculative applications are welcomed in France.

• Psychological tests are frequently used.

• Expect between two and four interviews during an application process for a French company.

• Be sure to provide examples to illustrate your achievements.

• Prepare for questions about your hobbies, if you’ve mentioned them in your CV.

• Remember to behave conservatively and dress very formally in France. Elegance is the key word with regard to the dress code.

Perfecting your CV

A CV is extremely important – a successful CV will sell you to employers, and encourage them to invite you for interview. It’s essential that you target your CV to the specific job market you’re interested in.

• You should write your CV in a functional format (with activities grouped thematically).

• Put your age, rather than your date of birth, on the CV.

• Provide your language skills in detail.

• Include a ‘projet professionel’ in the personal details of your CV. This is where you explain, in less than five lines, what skills you will bring to a job and how you see your career progressing in three to five years’ time. This demonstrates that you have a clear idea of your future plans.

In France it is important to understand the significance of hierarchy. In French organisations positions and their corresponding powers are clearly defined. Most communication lies underneath the surface and it is a complex network of personal ties and alliances that helps people to accomplish matters.

French communication expert Yvon Laret also stresses the importance of personal networks: ‘For the French knowing and comprehending each other’s background is essential. Doing business without knowing the person opposite you is out of the question.’

Covering letters

• Graphology (handwriting analysis) is a widely used selection method in France, so your application letter should be handwritten.

• Keep your letters short – no more than about 10 to 15 lines.

• In the top, right-hand corner, mention the reference number of the vacancy, if there is one.

• In France, a photograph is often attached to the application letter.

• Unless otherwise specified in the job advert, your letter needs to be in French.

• The letter of application must be signed, preferably at the bottom right-hand side.

Job-hunting tips

• It all starts with your ability to speak French…

• When targeting sectors, base your decision on the relevant qualifications you have.

• Make a clear plan and ensure you include thinking time.

• Do some desk research: find all the information available, so you are thoroughly prepared.

• Establish the first contacts in France and start building your network.

• Execute your plan and dare to say ‘NO!’

What they want

Martine Pages, a careers adviser at the University of Bordeaux, has this advice for graduates wanting to work in France: ‘French employers are looking for people who are able to adapt quickly, that have true teamwork capabilities, are mobile and speak at least two languages, are capable of listening, capable of taking opportunities when they present themselves, are loyal, pragmatic, and have drive and ambition.

Use your initiative

Jobs are advertised on the sites from APEC and ANPE, but also in magazines and newspapers. However, within France it is important to use your network. Speculative applications are much favoured by employers and getting in contact with recruiters through job fairs held at the universities and grand écoles is a perfect way for building your network.