Jobhunting in Switzerland from abroad
March 30, 2015 1:08 AM Subscribe
How can I make my dream come true, or should I give up?
I want to follow my soul-mate back to Switzerland and find a job in the IT field.
Difficulty: I'm an American living in Asia.
My partner is returning to their home country Switzerland in July for unavoidable reasons. With them over the past year, I've been happy for maybe the first time in my entire life. I know 100% for sure that if I were able to follow them we would both be able to achieve our dreams. I'm ready to make any sacrifice to chase this happiness. I'm single and don't own property so I'm in an ideal situation to make a move overseas.
But... I'm an American citizen with intermediate French (and native level Japanese, which obviously doesn't look like it'll be very helpful). And marriage for a visa is not an option for us.
I'm a hard-worker, extremely good at what I do (IT - infrastructure and cloud support/administration), and I'm confident I would quickly prove myself. However, because I need a work visa, I'm applying from abroad- which seems like it would be a huge handicap. From searching around, I've found many positions in my field, in the Geneva area, and that require advanced English skills. I've applied to around a dozen jobs over the past week and have received a couple rejection letters.
I know it might still be early in the game, but I'm asking for your advice as I'd like to calm my nerves or prepare my heart: is it possible to find a job in Switzerland from abroad? Is there anything I can do to improve my chances?
Any advice or personal anecdotes are welcome.
My partner is returning to their home country Switzerland in July for unavoidable reasons. With them over the past year, I've been happy for maybe the first time in my entire life. I know 100% for sure that if I were able to follow them we would both be able to achieve our dreams. I'm ready to make any sacrifice to chase this happiness. I'm single and don't own property so I'm in an ideal situation to make a move overseas.
But... I'm an American citizen with intermediate French (and native level Japanese, which obviously doesn't look like it'll be very helpful). And marriage for a visa is not an option for us.
I'm a hard-worker, extremely good at what I do (IT - infrastructure and cloud support/administration), and I'm confident I would quickly prove myself. However, because I need a work visa, I'm applying from abroad- which seems like it would be a huge handicap. From searching around, I've found many positions in my field, in the Geneva area, and that require advanced English skills. I've applied to around a dozen jobs over the past week and have received a couple rejection letters.
I know it might still be early in the game, but I'm asking for your advice as I'd like to calm my nerves or prepare my heart: is it possible to find a job in Switzerland from abroad? Is there anything I can do to improve my chances?
Any advice or personal anecdotes are welcome.
Response by poster: Thanks for your answer, but unfortunately I don't.
posted by koakuma at 1:29 AM on March 30, 2015
posted by koakuma at 1:29 AM on March 30, 2015
Best answer: It's been a long time but here goes. I lived in Switzerland for quite a while. At first on an employer-sponsored B-permi, but then later on a C-permi. Ostensibly in the IT field for a then Big-6 management consultancy. Assuming the process hasn't changed that much, each Canton will have a target number of work permits for any one year. Larger companies will often have something of an allocation where the bureaucracy for approvals is streamlined.
In addition, good HR departments will have relationships with the appropriate Cantonal authorities.
In my case, the initial plan was to be based in Basel Stadt, but my future employer had used up it's local allocation and the process would have become complex. The HR director knew the right person in the Canton of Zurich and was able to shift my applications across. I spent a lot of time commuting on the train from Zurich to Basel for the first year. It all worked out just fine.
I guess my advice is to not limit your search to just your Partner's home Canton. You might find some more accommodating possibilities if you look else where. In particular, north of the Röstigraben. That's where most of the major corporations (insurance, banking and pharma) are located.
posted by michswiss at 1:44 AM on March 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
In addition, good HR departments will have relationships with the appropriate Cantonal authorities.
In my case, the initial plan was to be based in Basel Stadt, but my future employer had used up it's local allocation and the process would have become complex. The HR director knew the right person in the Canton of Zurich and was able to shift my applications across. I spent a lot of time commuting on the train from Zurich to Basel for the first year. It all worked out just fine.
I guess my advice is to not limit your search to just your Partner's home Canton. You might find some more accommodating possibilities if you look else where. In particular, north of the Röstigraben. That's where most of the major corporations (insurance, banking and pharma) are located.
posted by michswiss at 1:44 AM on March 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
Best answer: You might also look for positions in France--Geneva is very conveniently located near the French Border. Securing work permits/visas for Switzeralnd is notoriously difficult--It is not easy any place in the EU but you might have a "slightly" better chance in France. Also, have you contacted US firms that have operations in Switzerland or France--this can be an easier way of securing work--as already employed. Good Luck
posted by rmhsinc at 3:50 AM on March 30, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by rmhsinc at 3:50 AM on March 30, 2015 [1 favorite]
Best answer: FWIW, I came to Switzerland for my partner (in Geneva) as well, and was employed because of my Japanese abilities. I am German, however, so I have better job permit chances and speak one of the local languages. (My French is barely intermediate, but I don't need it in Berne.)
Can you apply to companies on the Japanese 商工会 list? Japan Club might bring some ideas as well. I don't have other skills besides language, but with IT, it should be easier, shouldn't it? I remember applying to JTI Sunstar and looking at Honda, All Nippon Airways and others.
posted by LoonyLovegood at 5:27 AM on March 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
Can you apply to companies on the Japanese 商工会 list? Japan Club might bring some ideas as well. I don't have other skills besides language, but with IT, it should be easier, shouldn't it? I remember applying to JTI Sunstar and looking at Honda, All Nippon Airways and others.
posted by LoonyLovegood at 5:27 AM on March 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
Best answer: Permits for non EU passport holders are currently very, very difficult to get. As in my employer, large multinational prof services firm, is currently trying to bring in 3 people from the US and we don't know if they will get a permit. And we don't know if those US expats currently in Switzerland who want to renew their permits will be able to. This is not to say that it can't work but that it is very difficult for non EY passport holders. Even HR departments with established ties to the cantonal authorities are struggling.
posted by koahiatamadl at 6:34 AM on March 30, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by koahiatamadl at 6:34 AM on March 30, 2015 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thank you so much to everyone for your advice! It seems that my best bet would be to look at Japanese companies in Switzerland and also the neighboring countries. It may be practically impossible but I'll give it a shot.
posted by koakuma at 4:56 AM on March 31, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by koakuma at 4:56 AM on March 31, 2015 [1 favorite]
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