Job opportunities in France

So you’re looking for a job in France? Well, you’re certainly not alone! With the 3rd largest economy in Europe, and 7th largest in the world, France is a hotspot for job seekers looking to move abroad: whether you are drawn to the gorgeous Alps, the sunny south or the bright lights of Paris, France can offer you so much regardless of your language level. It might seem a bit overwhelming at first; the prospect of trying to find a job in another country can seem daunting particularly when your language level is limited. However, do not fear. To help you in your search, we have put together a helpful guide with all the information you need about job opportunities in France right now and how to choose the best role for you. 

Where To Work? 

When looking for a job in France, the first non-negotiable that you need to decide must be the location. Yet, with so many magical places you could call home, this is one of the most exciting decisions you can make. France has so many cities with distinctive characters and cultures to discover, many of which we are lucky enough to operate in. Naturally, most job opportunities occur in the major French cities, as this is where companies tend to establish their offices. But if you are after something more remote, jobs which go beyond the walls of the office can be exciting opportunities which allow you to learn new skills and master a new language.

If you need some help deciding which city in France is best suited to you, visit our city guide to help you make your decision or plan all your future weekend trips for when you arrive!

Job Opportunities in France – Skills Shortages 

However, once you have decided where you will begin your adventure, the question isn’t what France can bring to you but what you can bring to France! Although unemployment levels are relatively low, there remains a large demand for workers with the right skills. This can be a great thing for those with necessary qualifications or training, bringing their knowledge where it is needed. Some of these shortages include:

• Engineering sector:
  •  Civil, chemical, electrical engineers
• Healthcare sector:
  •  Doctors, surgeons, nurses 
• Education sector:
  •  School teachers, professors 
• Telecommunication sector:
  Software developers, data and cyber security

If you are interested in working in one of these sectors, try looking on French job sites such as Indeed, Welcome to the Jungle or Monster. Don’t forget to have your French CV at the ready! (For guidance on writing a French CV, click here! (link to our CV guide)

Lacking in The French Department? 

However, you don’t need to be a doctor or an engineer to find your place in France. One thing that might be slowing your job search is a limited ability to speak French. It is true that most jobs in France will require working proficiency in the language. However, if not, there are other amazing options. In fact, there are many jobs which you can find which don’t need any French at all, allowing you time to get to grips with the language without it affecting your professional performance. 

For example, English teaching jobs are very popular in France, due to increased desire for both children and employees to speak and understand English in recent years. These roles will require a native or near native level proficiency in English and a visa of sorts, but will often not require knowledge of French (although in some cases employers might ask for some level of the language too). 

Babylangues offers free French classes

If you become a Babylangues Insctructor, you are entitled to free French classes!

There are several different types of English teaching jobs; namely those in schools, universities, language courses or private tuition. There is also an increasingly popular style of English language learning in France, that combines teaching English with babysitting, to capitalise on children’s enhanced ability to acquire a language at a young age. Here at Babylangues, we believe that a language is one of the most amazing gifts you can give to a child and this unique opportunity helps both you and the child a chance to learn from one another. This type of work is ideal if you are looking for a part-time job, perhaps alongside studies or while you explore your new city. This is something which Babylangues specialises in and it can be a pretty flexible job, which you can work around your schedule to make it work for you! Visit our website for more information and we would be delighted to have you be part of the Babylangues team. 

Job Opportunities in France – What Exactly Am I Signing Up For?

Now, you’ve chosen your new home and you’ve found a new job… congratulations! However, knowing what you are signing up for is crucial to ensure that the transition into your new role is as smooth as can be. Particularly if your French level isn’t where you want it to be, it can be easy to become tangled in the web of professional jargon. This is particularly true concerning contracts. Allow us to give you a brief overview of the different contracts available in France and break down what the two most common really mean.

What’s a CDD contract?

A CDD contract is one of the main types of work contract in France, and literally translates as Contrat à Durée Déterminée. In practice, this means you will start your new job with a fixed end date. These types of contracts exist for many reasons. Some of these reasons can include:

• If the employee is covering another employee’s maternity/ paternity leave
• For seasonal jobs 
• specific purpose freelance contracts (such as engineers who have been hired to perform a specific task)

What’s a CDI contract?

A CDI is the preferable contract for most employees in France, and generally viewed as the standard choice for employees and employers alike. It stands for Contrat à Durée Indeterminée, which essentially means that it has no definite end date. Your adventure ends when you want it to! A CDI contract is therefore a permanent contract, however it can be terminated by either the employee or employer (or both) at any time. They can be for either full-time or part-time work.

Babylangues offers CDI contracts!

Job Opportunities in France With Babylangues

Babylangues offers a CDI contract to all of our talented instructors, providing a safe and secure contract which can provide you with a sense of stability. Apply here to start the process.