20 SECTORS IN FRANCE TO FIND JOBS FOR ENGLISH SPEAKERS
France attracts large numbers of English-speaking expatriates every year, and for a good reason. It's got a lavish lifestyle, beautiful countryside, exciting cities, and is renowned for its food and wine culture. However, many people don't realise that the country also offers opportunities to work in various sectors. From teaching to marketing, engineering to translation, you'll find a job in France if English is your native language.
Thousands of English speakers relocate to France each year, with every sector crying out for more workers. If you have learned French already through study or living abroad, there is no reason you can't find a job in one of these sectors:
1 | Management and Commerce
France is in love with management, and companies are constantly looking for fresh talent to lead their teams. Not only is it possible to get a job as an English-speaking manager or secretary here, but there's also a strong demand for translators across all sectors – from entertainment to banking. If you're looking for something more creative, then taking your 'business ideas' over to Paris could see you starting up your own business in no time!
France has become one of the world's leading centres for international business. Everything from British Airways to Coca-Cola and Apple has large offices in Paris, as do several top banks such as HSBC and Nomura. There are also opportunities for those who speak other languages besides English here - mainly German, which is also expressed in France.
2 | Human Resources
France also has a huge need for skilled labour, so many HR professionals are in high demand.
France's thriving professional sector means plenty of opportunities for those with a background in human resource management. If you've got experience dealing with recruitment or employee relations, getting a job as an English-speaking HR manager in a French company should be relatively easy. For something more creative, why not start up your own business? Again, this is another field where knowing other languages will help considerably if you're looking to locate one of the top positions.
Large French companies employ lots of English-speaking HR staff, and this demand is rising every year. Many Anglophones work in the Middle and Back Offices of banks. The pay isn't as high as it is in other sectors. Still, you will find many more opportunities to progress your career if you are interested in the field – particularly if you're looking for a job in France's capital city.
3 | Fashion and Luxury
France's fashion industry is booming, with several top brands – including Chanel and Louis Vuitton – now based here. As such, competition to land, a job as an English-speaking designer or model in Paris can be fierce. But if you're good at what you do, then it should be possible for you to relocate and get a foothold in the world of high fashion. Just make sure that your portfolio is up to scratch!
Paris has become a massive hub for international designers – many of whom come from abroad to live and work here. Despite the demand for French and English professionals, jobs are still available for those who can only talk in English alone. If you have experience working in retail or marketing, it should be relatively easy for you to locate something with one of the big fashion brands here.
If you've always wanted to work in fashion, then France's capital is the place for you. Whether it's as a designer or retailer, the industry here thrives on creativity and innovation, which means that native English speakers are highly valued – particularly if you have experience working with a brand or retail chain elsewhere. You're likely to need some basic understanding of French as well for this job, though (although not essential), so make sure to brush up on your language skills before applying!
Several well-known international brands were created in France, including the top-ranked (by revenue) luxury goods company LVMH (Luxury-Goods Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton), perfume and cosmetics giant Chanel, high-street fashion chain H&M and Guerlain. Fashion is big business in France, and many of the world's leading designers are French.
4 | Marketing & Advertising
Marketing, advertising and public relations roles are still available for English-speaking professionals in France. Jobs like these tend to be based with large French companies, which require someone who can speak both French and English. The pay is as high as it would be in other sectors, though, so you'll probably need at least some experience working in this field if you're looking for a more senior role.
One of the most common misconceptions about the French is that they don't like to be sold to. While some of this is true, many people in France are interested in buying new products and services. Marketing, therefore, is a bustling sector in France - there are many opportunities for native English speakers thanks to the importance brands have in the country.
France is not only a fashion powerhouse, but it's also one of the leading advertising centres in Europe thanks to agencies such as Publicis and Havas. The country has many large advertisers, too - including L'Oréal and Chanel and many big brands.
5 | Sales & Telemarketing
Thanks to the large international companies based in France, there are still some English-speaking jobs available for those with experience in sales and telemarketing. Some of these roles require you to speak French, too, so you'll need plenty of understanding if you want a senior position with one of the better brands here. You should find that most jobs advertised will be based in Paris – either as a sales representative or telemarketer - so it's always worth checking online job boards here before applying for work elsewhere.
France also has a significant retail sector which means that there are many jobs available for English-speaking employees, especially in larger cities like Paris. Department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Printemps offer employment opportunities for those who can speak French and English - qualifications and previous experience aren't necessarily needed to find work here.
6 | Engineering
France has long been an engineering centre thanks to companies like Renault, Alstom and Snecma (Société Nationale d'Étude et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation). These are some of the largest employers in the country, and there are many jobs for English speakers in various branches of the industry.
The engineering hub around Paris has produced many large manufacturers, including Thales, Alcatel-Lucent and Legrand. There are opportunities here for English speakers with sales, marketing (primarily digital), HR and IT. Many international engineering companies have bases here, too - such as Bombardier Aerospace and Caterpillar Transport France.
France is home to some of the world's leading manufacturers, from car maker Peugeot to jet engine manufacturer Safran and equipment supplier Caterpillar. Many are large employers, so there are plenty of jobs for native English speakers here.
France's economy is one of the strongest in the world, and it's constantly looking for talented people to join its workforce - especially those with experience in engineering fields such as mechanical, electrical or civil. Jobs are available across a range of sectors, including metallurgy, aviation, nuclear energy and telecommunications. Many businesses here need English speakers because they deal with clients worldwide regularly. If you're an engineer who speaks English, you can find jobs throughout France - particularly in Paris (6,500), Toulouse (1,700) and Lille (1,200). Some of the major companies based here include EDF (Paris), Thales (Paris), Alstom (Lyon) and Bouygues Telecom (Nantes). To find out more about these firms, visit their websites.
If you're an engineer who speaks English, another way to find jobs in France is through recruitment agencies such as Randstad, Adecco or Manpower. You should also contact companies directly by visiting their offices and asking for a CV pack. Jobs are available throughout France - but focus on medium-sized cities if you want to be near the sea!
7 | Information Technology
France has a long-standing reputation as an information technology centre thanks to the strength of its companies, including Orange and Thomson. These are some of the largest employers in the country, so there are always jobs available here for English speakers with skills in IT - especially those who can provide training on new systems. Most jobs will be based around Paris, but there are opportunities available in medium-sized cities too.
France is also home to major computer manufacturers like Bull (Télécoms), Hewlett Packard (Déménagement) and Dassault Systèmes (Industrie). There are jobs for English speakers here if you have experience in software engineering or testing. Many international businesses have bases here, too - such as HTC, Schneider Electric and Renault. There are jobs for English speakers in IT throughout France - but focus on Paris (11,500), Nice (2,700) and Toulouse (3,000).
Top international IT firms have bases here, such as HP Enterprise Services (Télécoms), IBM France, and Capgemini. These companies all need sales and engineering staff who speak English - so if you're an experienced professional with experience in the tech sector, there will always be jobs for you here.
France is a world leader in the development of software and technology. The country has some big players in this sector, including Atos (at number 44 in the Forbes Technology Park Europe list), France Telecom/Wanadoo (54) and IBM (64). There are many job opportunities here for those with skills in IT projects and maintaining computers.
France has long been a hub for information technology thanks to companies like Dassault Systems, SFR and Criteo. Many people who speak other languages such as German can pick up IT jobs here because there is often demand for people who can talk about various leading languages.
8 | Finance & Banking
France is one of the leading economic centres in Europe, meaning there are lots of opportunities in both finance and banking for English speakers. The country has some big banks such as BNP Paribas, Société Générale and Crédit Agricole, as well as the stock exchange in Paris.
France is home to several of the world's leading banks (as mentioned earlier). If you have experience working within this sector – especially with one of the 'big four' – then finding an English-speaking job in Paris should be relatively easy. Again though, you will need to brush up on your French if you want something more senior, and some companies may even prefer a native French speaker for their most senior roles.
Paris is home to the world's leading banks (many of which are listed as part of the 'big four'), so there is plenty of opportunity for experienced professionals here – whether it's within commercial banking or investment banking. Most foreign-based companies working in this sector will have offices in Paris, meaning that there is plenty of scope for employment if you can speak English and French.
9 | Supply Chain & Transportation
Transportation is one of the most popular sectors for English speakers living in France. This is because many companies that work with international clients will often need professionals who can speak both French and English - especially when it comes to logistics, manufacturing, sales and marketing. The most popular positions here are within IT, HR and production roles.
One of the biggest employers in this sector is Air Liquide (Industrie), a global gas supply company operating since 1902. The firm now employs over 63,000 people worldwide and spends €5bn on R&D every year to remain at the cutting edge of its field. Many key jobs within Air Liquide are occupied by expats from North America or the UK; however, there are also roles available for French speakers who understand English.
There is an excellent industry in IT and transportation here, which has been growing steadily for many years. Agence Nationale de la Sécurité Routière (Transports), Groupe ADP and Keolis are all based here – each of them plays an important role in developing transport links throughout France. Transport jobs in Paris aren't as widely advertised as they may be elsewhere, but there are plenty of opportunities for people with the right skills.
France has a strong manufacturing industry, and it's also home to many global brands. The network of smaller businesses that supply these companies means there are many jobs in France for people who understand logistics - especially those with an understanding of the French language.
France is one of Europe's leading hubs for transport and logistics. It has big international airports, ports and railways, but it also handles many internal modes of transportation due to its dense network of roads. There are many jobs in this area for people who speak English.
10 | Administration
France is a large country, which means there are plenty of career opportunities for native English speakers in administration. From working in the Department of Foreign and European Affairs to getting a job as an administrator with one of the big banks or insurance companies, many administrative roles in France require knowledge of French and English.
There are many jobs available for people who speak other languages besides English, mainly German, Spanish, and Italian. There's also demand for those who can translate from Russian. Many expats work in international schools teaching students from all over the world, so you'll often be working with teachers with different language skills than yours.
France is a major administrative centre, with many multinational companies having offices here thanks to the country's low taxes and costs. One of the main industries in France for native English speakers are call centres - there are more than 1,000 here.
11 | Consultation
The consultancy industry has a low unemployment rate which means that there are plenty of job opportunities for people speaking English in Paris and other large cities. Some of the most well-known companies operating here include McKinsey, Ernst & Young, PWC, Deloitte and Capgemini. Many of these companies focus on financial management or IT consulting roles, making them popular with expats from North America or the UK.
If you're working as a consultant, there is likely to be an element of translation involved in your role, so it would be helpful to know different languages such as French. There's also a lot of travel involved; if this doesn't appeal to you, perhaps another sector might be more suitable.
France is an important location for the business services industry, so there are plenty of jobs in this area. The skills needed to secure a job as a consultant will be helpful when applying for business analyst roles in France because they often require similar experience and qualifications.
Working in management consultancy is a popular choice for English-speaking expats. There are jobs available in a range of areas such as marketing, finance and strategy development. The main cities to look for work in are Paris (29,000 English speakers), Lyon (3,200) and Bordeaux (2,800). You could also consider smaller cities like Toulouse and Strasbourg if these places take your fancy. Check the websites of companies like Deloitte or KPMG, which offer opportunities across France. Or why not register with recruiters like Antal International?
12 | Healthcare
France has excellent healthcare, both for the public and private sectors. Many major pharmaceutical companies have significant operations in France, as do many of the world's top medical clinics. There are all kinds of opportunities in this field because demand for new medicines is growing, meaning more jobs for native English speakers.
France is one of the foremost healthcare hubs in Europe, and many large international companies such as GlaxoSmithKline have bases here. Major hospitals are also based here, including Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou and Hôtel-Dieu de Paris. There are opportunities for those with sales, marketing, customer service, and IT skills in the healthcare sector - especially if you speak a language other than English (like Spanish or another románico language). France offers free healthcare to its citizens, which means it's particularly keen on recruiting those who specialise in these areas.
13 | Public Relations
France has a well developed and respected PR industry; plenty of jobs on offer for English-speaking expats here. It's great for many reasons, but in particular, because there is no language requirement to become a public relations consultant in France apart from speaking a good level of English. Many companies are looking for staff who have experience across different sectors such as journalism, marketing and advertising. Some are even open to hiring those with no experience if they show potential and know-how to work hard!
There aren't any specialist recruiters working in this sector - instead, you'll need to look at general job websites or apply directly via company websites like France Softline. You can also try networking events; remember that some will be aimed at French professionals, so you'll need to brush up on your French!
France doesn't have a language-focussed public relations industry, but there are still plenty of jobs for native English speakers. Many global companies (including Coca Cola and L'Oréal) base their French branches in France. If you don't mind working with international clients, your skills will demand across the country. English speakers from non-EU countries hold 19% of all foreign job vacancies here.
14 | Art and Media
Several multinational companies have their headquarters based in France, including Canal+ and TF1. Many French television channels need staff on their news teams - they often recruit English speakers without language skills. It is pretty common to communicate effectively in the workplace by using technical terms of art (sometimes known as 'journalese'). Museums and galleries are also keen to employ people with knowledge about modern art.
When you're looking for jobs in contemporary art, you could start by checking out the websites of magazines like Flash Art International. But if that doesn't work, try working for a company like Galerie Photo Normande, specialising in photography. If none of these options appeals to your tastes, then why not look for work in other areas of the media? English speakers are highly valued in France, and there are many jobs for those who know how to use their voice.
As the creative hub of Europe, France offers plenty of opportunities for those interested in working in art and media. There are jobs in this sector in various areas such as TV, music, film, etc., many will require a degree and some experience. Some roles may even involve you moving around the country to work on different projects; it's not unusual for a French company to send its employees from Paris to Lyon, Cannes or Toulouse every few months! If you don't mind this, then it might be worth considering. Otherwise, check out websites like nouvelles-emplois.com for listings throughout France.
15 | Business Development
France has a thriving business community, and the fact that English is widely spoken means that it's easy to find work in this sector. Many businesses are looking for staff to introduce new products, manufacture or simply liaise with clients from overseas. In particular, there seem to be lots of work in international sectors like Finance (44% of all foreign jobs), Food & Beverage (17%) and Manufacturing/Industry (13%). You should try searching websites such as Conseil-etudiants.fr, which has vacancies listed by the city for job listings. Note: employers may require some French language skills for these positions!
There are many opportunities for people with experience working in sales and business development who speak English to find jobs in France. Sales roles at car manufacturers like Peugeot, Renault and Citroën are typical. Jobs are also available for those who can help French companies promote themselves worldwide - especially those that export a lot, such as L'Oréal, BNP Paribas Bank or AXA Insurance. If you're interested in finding work like this, focus on medium-sized cities like Tours (3,300 English speakers), Strasbourg (1,500) and Nantes (2,200). Check out websites like faruse.com or StepStone if you want to register your CV online with companies looking to fill these roles. You could also consider signing up with recruitment agencies like Manpower, Randstad or Adecco.
16 | Education
There are many opportunities in education for native English speakers in France. In addition to the international schools dotted around the country, there's also solid private colleges and language learning centres. Many of these institutions are looking for teachers with good levels of French, which you should have if you're teaching English here!
France has a top-quality education system from the primary school level onwards. Many private language schools are also based here, meaning there are many opportunities across all levels for native English speakers.
17 | Hospitality
One of France's major industries is tourism, so it's no surprise that there are many English-speaking jobs in this sector. From waiters to tour guides, job vacancies can be found across the country. Of course, as Paris attracts most tourists every year, there are also opportunities for hotel receptionists and chefs who speak English. These positions come with accommodation included, which works out far cheaper than living somewhere like London or New York! If you're looking to work abroad in France but don't have any experience in the industry, then land a summer job with one of the big tour companies. This will allow you to build up your skills before finding a more permanent position once the tourist season is over.
Hotels in France are always looking for English-speaking staff, and this demand is growing each year. Although many Anglophones can land lucrative jobs in Paris or the south of France without speaking French, it's worth brushing up on your language skills if you want to rise through the ranks – especially as there isn't much opportunity to progress; without them here!
The tourism industry in France is a huge one. In 2018 around 84 million people visited the country, which is more than twice the UK's total tourist population. If you're fluent in French and English, there is no end to jobs that could be up for grabs. From hotel receptionist to sales manager, all you need to do is jump on a plane and head for Paris!
18 | Real Estate
If you're looking to live abroad in France, real estate is one of the best industries to break into. Positions are often more senior and better paid than comparable jobs in other sectors, making it an excellent option for those who want to improve their finances while living abroad. This is particularly true for anyone who already has an existing network of contacts back home - as they can use these connections to help them find work once they arrive! The job market is competitive, though, so if you have previous experience in this sector or are fluent in French and English, then there should be no shortage of roles out there that suit you. More lucrative positions include property management (especially luxury apartments), sales agents selling high-end properties or lawyers offering legal advice.
French property prices are incredibly high, making it difficult for many people to afford a house or apartment. To combat this issue, the government has tried to attract investors from other countries to increase available properties. So there's lots of demand for English-speaking real estate agents - especially as France doesn't have any equivalent qualification needed for working in property back home!
If you're interested in real estate, then it's worth heading out to cities like Nantes or Bordeaux, where over 6% of people speak English. There are jobs in the field for real-estate agents and mortgage advisors here. As with many other work areas, you'll only raise the career ladder if you can speak French well – so brush up on your language skills before applying!
19 | Retail
As one of Europe's leading retail markets, Paris is home to many major global brands. There are many jobs in the capital city for English speakers working on the shop floor or in other stock control or systems management positions. Even if you're working as a sales assistant, your language skills might help you move up the career ladder into a management or training role if you have the right qualifications.
If you've got the right experience, competition for jobs in large department stores and multinational retailers can be fierce. However, there are lots of opportunities for English speakers to work at supermarkets and smaller shops. Around 60% of French people regularly shop online, so it's also worth getting some experience here; Amazon, Zalando and La Redoute tend to prefer candidates that speak English as one of their native languages because many customers do too.
The pay is great for hours worked, especially if you're planning on living abroad in France without working full-time. Salaries can range between €1,000 and €3,000 per month, depending on your level of experience.
20 | Project Management
There are lots of jobs in France for English speakers with experience in project management. You'll find opportunities across all sectors and in different regions, particularly if you have previous work experience as a project manager or a relevant qualification.
Many companies in France are looking to recruit native English speakers as project managers. This sector is booming thanks to the high number of businesses that have set up operations here in recent years, and it's easy to see why!
France is a highly industrialised country with excellent transport links and its technology sector comparable to Silicon Valley. There are also millions of expats worldwide who speak French, so there's no shortage of markets for products originating in France. Being able to do business in both countries means your company stands a much better chance of success!
Conclusion:
France employs millions of people in the private sector. The country's demographic has been growing for years, and it is forecast to continue doing so. To meet demand from a potential workforce of nearly 60 million more people, businesses will need almost 1,700,000 employees!
That's it! Those are the 20 most common sectors for English speakers in France. Hope you found that valuable and exciting. We wanted to make this list because there is a perceived belief that if you're an English speaker looking to work abroad, then all your options are not limited to working at call centres or being a waiter/waitress or another 'touristy' type job. This couldn't be more true as there are plenty of better-paid opportunities out there - many don't require you to speak French either, which is excellent news for people who never learnt it at school but do want to live and work in France. Good luck with your applications, and let us know with any questions!
Thanks
Written by Rohan Singh. He co-founded Faruse and is a full-stack growth marketer based in Paris. You can contact him on LinkedIn.
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