Finding a job in France as a newly arrived expat

If you’re determined to exit the UK on a permanent basis before Brexit finally kicks in at the end of this year, keeping ahead of the ever-changing news about the pandemic is essential.

No-one’s certain how the pandemic will have changed Europe, although it’s certain the bloc’s economy as a whole will still be struggling at the end of this year. France is a favourite due to its closeness to Britain, with many would-be expats choosing it for holidays even before considering leaving the UK. If you’re still determined to find a home and even a job in this varied country, checking everything out could relieve the boredom of the extended lockdown now in place in the UK.

Another essential task for would-be expat job-seekers heading for France is also great for passing the time until the British lockdown is just a memory. Finding a job as a newly-arrived expat isn’t easy, as it demands a competent level of conversational French before all else. Learning a new language online is straightforward nowadays, and can stave off depression as it’s the first necessity in your hoped-for new life. Also, familiarity with local customs and at least a basic knowledge of how company hierarchy works can be had online.

The jobs economy in France is known for its reliance on personal introductions, especially for expats, with networking essential as a means of getting to know who’s who. For younger UK expats, teaching English is a good starter, especially for those who’re still struggling with basic French. Digital nomadism is anther way to pay the rent whilst you adjust to a new culture. For more upscale positions, it has to be said that higher level jobs in French companies are mostly filled by transfers from international head offices to their French equivalents. If you’re working in a multinational with French contacts right now, asking your manager if a transfer is possible could be the answer.

As for the basics such as healthcare, the French version is efficient and of a surprisingly high standard although, until Brexit is finally settled, state-provided care may or may not be an expat option. If you’re looking to emigrate en famille, France provides a high standard of education, although the language barrier might be an issue as only the prohibitively expensive international school network offers tuition in English. Oddly enough, children seem to adjust to new countries and new languages far better than do their parents, so taking it slowly and supporting your childrens’ efforts can work wonders in flexible young brains.