For American professionals seeking opportunities in European countries, transitioning into the European job market can be an exciting but challenging journey. European hiring practices, expectations, and workplace norms often differ significantly from those in the U.S. Here are five strategies to help you find success:
1. Convert Your Resume to a CV Tailored to European Standards
A European resume, called a CV, differs from both an American resume and American “CV’s”, which are only used in government hiring and for research and teaching positions in academia.
- Compared to a European CV, American resumes tend to be more concise and focused on the specific role being applied for. American resumes are also written to sell the candidate more than a European CV.
- When crafting your CV, stick to relevant facts and achievements.
- A professional headshot, an absolute no-no for an American resume, is common for CV’s in most European countries.
- Date of birth, and nationality are other examples of commonly included information you would never find on an American resume.
- A length of 1-2 pages, depending on your experience level, is common. Be sure to highlight your international experience, language skills, and any EU work eligibility if applicable and relevant.
2. Research the Market and Identify In-Demand Skills
Each European country has unique economic strengths. For example, Germany is known for engineering and manufacturing, while Ireland has a well regarded tech sector. Research local job markets to understand the direction of current trends and where your skills fit best.
- Developing language skills for the country where you plan to work is essential, even if the working language of a company or role you’re targeting is English.
- The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is used by Europeans to indicate the various levels of proficiency of users of a language. It’s important to familiarize yourself with this standard and your own level of proficiency.
- The CEFR is divided into six levels: A1/2, B1/2, and C1/2. B1 is generally considered the lowest level for professional use.
3. Adapt to Local Hiring Practices
In many European countries, the hiring process may be longer than Americans are accustomed to and include multiple rounds of interviews and possibly a skills assessment. Prepare for a more formal interview process compared to the U.S., with a focus on your long-term commitment to the role. Demonstrating an understanding of the local business culture is highly valued.
4. Leverage Networking and LinkedIn Connections
As in the U.S., networking plays a big role in European job markets where up to 70% of positions are filled through referrals. However, networking is an area where major cultural differences exist between the U.S. and European professional networks.
- Making actionable professional connections in European countries will normally require investing more time and energy to build trust.
- Major differences in cultural norms and communication style exist between countries so it will be very important to understand what is culturally appropriate for both your networking contacts and within the context of the target country.
Start building connections in your target industry through LinkedIn and alumni groups. Find shared connections and join local professional groups. Networking via industry specific Slack groups is less common in Europe compared to the U.S. but is still an avenue worth exploring. Attending international conferences or joining expat forums can also be useful for building connections.
5. Understand Work Permits and Visa Requirements
Each European country has different work visa requirements. For the EU, if you’re not an EU citizen, familiarize yourself with visa options like the EU Blue Card (for highly skilled non-EU workers) or country-specific visas. The EU Blue Card scheme had over 89,000 participants in 2023 alone. Be prepared to show an employer that you’re legally eligible to work in the region or are open to relocation.
In general, it is easier for Americans to obtain working permits and visas within the EU and other European countries than it is for Europeans to enter the U.S. labor market. The costs are also considerably lower. It is important to be well informed about your options and be ready to educate prospective employers about how to sponsor you. Many small-to-medium size employers have primarily employed Europeans with working rights so offering them a little education can help your case.
Are you ready to make the leap into the European job market?
Taking the first step toward an international career can be daunting. At Global Approach Advising, we’ve helped many professionals like you make successful transitions into the European workforce.
Contact GAA for a complimentary consultation and get personalized strategies for every step of your career move—from visa guidance to cultural training and networking tips. Let’s turn your European career goals into reality!