Faruse blog

Can I find a job in France for English speakers?

 

Yes, if you have the right skills!

 

Unfortunately, there is a common myth that France is difficult for English speakers to get jobs in. This is not true at all. In fact, contrary to other European countries (Germany and Spain come to mind), France's culture makes it easier than ever for foreigners to find work here! The problem is that many people who want to move here don't do their homework before coming or employing a reputable job agency.

 

Yes, you can find a job for English speakers in France. Although the language barrier is always an issue, thousands of industries welcome English speakers to work in their companies. You just have to know where to look and what type of experience you need on your resume! Here are some suggestions:

 

Work for a company that offers customer service or business services – Both fields call for English speakers because they need someone who understands foreign and local customers/clients. This means...you! Plus, you will have the added benefit of being able to get your hands wet (fingers crossed) with French customs, laws, and administrative procedures. Retail stores - As many already know, it's best to start from scratch when it comes to the French retail industry. 

 

It's even better if you can start from the very bottom and work your way up. If this sounds like a career path that suits you, then take some time to study the typical job openings in any given shop! You may have to spend a couple of years doing odd jobs as warehouse workers or cashiers before getting promoted. To help motivate you along the way, remember that it will be well worth it when you're finally encouraged to speak fluent French!

 

Work for an international company –

 

If these last two suggestions didn't tickle your fancy or aren't applicable due to language barriers, consider looking for work at an international company famous in France. Given that expats live everywhere, you can bet that they will need English speakers to join their staff and help them with customer service, administrative tasks, etc. Some international companies are already known to employ English speakers in France.

 

The good news is that there are plenty of employers who want to hire English speakers. You have to know where you can find them and how to contact them.

 

How do I search for jobs without speaking French?

 

The problem of finding a job on your own is unarguably not an easy task for expats living in Paris. Not speaking French fluently, being limited by budget and time, and competing with unemployed locals and highly qualified foreigners can turn searching for jobs into a highly frustrating process! But don't lose hope: there are ways around it! 

 

There are a few ways, depending on your situation:

- Search on Faruse, which has more than 1000+ job listings for English speakers

- Newspapers such as "Le Monde" or "Libération" often advertise English teaching positions in France

- There's also usually at least one international company that hires expats - Google is always my first stop when looking for work abroad (ha!)! Just make sure the listing says they're open to hiring people with no experience because some require knowledge.

 

Another option available is to find a co-founder from your country of origin or someone with an international background to build a working relationship with–then they will be able to help you navigate through the French job market on your behalf!

Today's employers will not pay for an expensive job posting to appear on the popular job boards. Nor will they become a member with recruitment agencies or subscribe to daily mailing lists, which ends up in their email box. Instead, they resort to the internet via search engines and social media platforms like LinkedIn!

This is why today's employers are looking for candidates who can be found online before finding them in person (they call this "reverse recruiting").

What jobs are in high demand in France?

 

In France, the job market is booming. There are many opportunities for English speakers in France as well- from jobs requiring some level of French fluency to those with no language requirements. The most common types of jobs available in France include:

 

The most popular jobs in France are listed below, many of which include annual income estimates from Indeed.com:

1) Salesperson (Sales Assistant, Retail Store Manager, Customer Service / Call Center / Telemarketing Representative) — €25,000-€100,201/year and a median salary of €38K/year with approximately 460 job openings. This title is the third most common search on Monster.fr currently as well.

 

2) Operations Supervisor (Process Engineer, Machining Operator) — €40K-€82K/year; more than 3 million people held this position in 2014 with an average salary of €54K per year or an hourly wage of €22 to €45 per hour based on experience.

 

3) Administrative Assistant (Secretary, Receptionist) — €25K-€40K/year; almost 5 million people held this job in 2014 with a median salary of €37K per year.

 

4) IT Support Specialist (Architect, Web Developer / Programmer, Computer Engineer) — €29K-€61-106K/year; 1 to 2 hundred thousand people held this position in 2014 with an average salary of €44K a year or approximately €21 to €36 per hour based on experience and education level.

 

5) Sales associate (Sales Associate, Stock Clerk, Retail Cashier) — €20K-€55-95-100/year; the average yearly income estimate is €36K, but the median salary is only €21K.

 

6) Computer & Information Systems Manager (Project Manager, Project Leader, System/Network Administrator) — €59-109K/year; almost 3 million people held this job in 2014 with an average income of €80K per year experience and education level.

 

7) Physician / Doctor (Nurse Practitioner, Dentist, Optometrist) — a mean annual income estimate of €103k; however, 42% of doctors hold a degree from the École nationale de la santé publique et de l'éducation physique (ENSPE). Many also have other qualifications such as a Masters degree or Doctorate.

 

8) Electrician (Electrical Engineer, Construction / Building Maintenance / Utility Supervisor, Maintenance Manager/Director) — €26-62K/year; however, almost 1 million people held this position in 2014, and the average salary was around €38K per year based on experience.

 

9) Accountant (Accounting Clerk, Financial Analyst, Cost Accounting Assistant) — a mean annual income estimate of €53k; however, 20% of accountants had another qualification such as an ISPFC or CPA. Many also have Bachelor's Degrees and Masters Degrees.

 

10) Nurse (General Practitioner, Dental Hygienist, Physician Assistant ) — an estimated mean annual income of €59k; however, 28% of nurses had another qualification such as an RN, and many have Bachelor's Degrees.

However you choose to do your search, it's a good idea to have an open mind about what type of position would be best suited for your skillset and interests! And if you need help with any aspect of the process, our team of Career Advisors is here to help!

 

Can a job seeker get a job in France without speaking French?

 

Most jobs require French language skills, but due to the strong economy and many multinational companies, the demand is for English speakers is soaring.

-Some companies will hire you to do remote work from abroad (telecommuting). You may be required to travel to specific locations as needed.

 

How to make your CV stand out in the French job market as an English jobseeker?

 

In today's tough job market, you may need more than just a solid resume to make an impression with your CV. But how should you go about making your application pack a punch? How can you appeal to French employers and help yourself stand out from the crowd? These are some of the questions we answer in this post, as we offer suggestions on how to create a compelling French CV that speaks directly to a French audience.

 

Remember: 'CV' stands for Curriculum Vitae, not curriculum vita ('life'). Keep things professional; avoid chatty information like marital status or hobbies, which have no bearing on your qualities as an employee. Aim for brevity: even though France is known for being quite formal when it comes to business, you should still make sure your CV is concise. French employers like to get straight to the point when it comes to CVs. If you're lucky enough to catch their interest (which will be no small feat, given the tough job market), they don't want unnecessary information about you taking up valuable space on their desk.

 

French recruiters are used to receiving a considerable number of applications for each vacant position – not only from candidates in France but also from those based abroad who may or may not already have a network in place within the country. If you wish your application to stand out in this crowd and catch an employer's eye, the most important thing is that your resume must meet their expectations head-on. You'll need to know your ideal position inside-out, from the job description itself down to the requirements of each section. Unless you have previous experience in France, don't assume that a French CV is similar enough to an English one for you to wing it – follow our guidelines and seek professional help if you need it.

 

In this post, we give a general overview to offer tips on making your CV stand out, but before sharing some examples, it's important to note that there are no hard and fast rules for writing a resume or CV in France. For instance, although traditionally CVs are always written in French rather than English, most recruiters will accept CVs submitted in English nowadays.

 

A well-written and professionally formatted CV is essential for getting a decent job here. Even if you are not that confident with French, it's critical to use a spellchecker on your text before sending it off to recruiters. The more mistakes there are in your CV, the less likely it will be chosen by HR managers, who don't have much time to go through lots of applications daily. It means they won't even bother looking at your resume further! You only get one chance to make an excellent first impression – do everything possible to make it count!

 

What are the most desired technical job skills in France?

 

The first issue of the French Tech survey, conducted by French daily Les Echos in partnership with Hired and LinkedIn*, reveals that the most sought-after technical skills are those relating to machine learning and data analysis. These include Python or R for statistical programming, SQL databases and Apache Spark (a cluster computing framework).

 

According to this global survey, most IT leaders (54%) also look for basic coding skills, including HTML5, CSS3 and Javascript. However, these are no longer considered essential for young professionals seeking a career in a start-up: according to recruiters, 53% say they don't need any code when it comes to creating web applications. For them, things like graphic design or communication skills are more critical.

 

Even for companies looking for people with technical training, the basic coding skills required are less and less specific to particular languages like C ++ or Java. The survey shows that 70% of companies only need "generic" knowledge of computer science. And this proportion seems to be rising: 81% of recruiters believe this trend will continue.

 

Candidates who present themselves better – and have proof to support it - also have a better chance at landing the job (58%). This is why having working experience with machine learning tools like Hadoop and Spark has become essential for 64% of IT leaders over the last year.

What are essential soft skills for getting a job in France?

Technical skills are also necessary, but they aren't enough to land a job. Other essential skill sets include "Language skills" at 85%, "Communication and presentation skills" at 80% and "Management and teamwork abilities".

 

Other necessary non-technical capabilities are the ability to manage conflicts (66%), understanding of digital technologies (65%) and self-management skills (44%).

A third of recruiters in France state that they are looking for these five qualities:

• Critical thinking ability
• Analytical abilities
• Curiosity about the world around them
• Sense of responsibility and passion

 

How much should my salary expectations be?

 

-Salary ranges vary depending on your level of experience and the type of job you are applying for. Still, it is a good idea to ask someone who speaks French about what they make where they live and compare this with how much their day rate would be if working remotely or living here full time. A fair range seems to be between €1200€3000 per month.

 

How can I get hired in France?

 

A job hunt can be an exhausting process, but with these tips, you'll have a better chance of landing that perfect position.

 

-First and foremost, learn French! It will take time and effort to get fluent in the language, but it is an important step no matter your other strengths. Practice conversing with native speakers through social media or Skype; ask for help from friends who speak the language fluently; read children's books, so your vocabulary expands without getting too tricky or old-fashioned

 

-Look into "alternative" jobs - ones not necessarily advertised online - whether this means looking at company websites directly (in English), asking around among contacts in France, or checking out listings on LinkedIn. A lot of times, you have better chances of finding work this way

 

-Update your resume to include any relevant skills, especially if you are a non-EU citizen. In France, the system for getting hired is highly personalized and selective: so show that you are qualified and capable with whatever background or experience you may have!

 

-Don't give up too quickly - it can take quite some time before employers respond after contacting them about job prospects. Don't get discouraged, as there will be lots of rejections along the way; keep trying until someone says yes!

Finally, don't forget to live life while waiting around for an answer from potential employers. You'll feel much better once you're settled in one place rather than feeling stuck.

 

Is it easy to get a job in France?

 

It is difficult to get a job in France no matter where you come from. The process will take time, and there are many steps to getting your ideal job. It's not impossible, but it won't happen overnight, so be patient! But don't worry, the French people love English speakers, so if you speak some French at an interview, they'll know that you can adapt well within the organization.

 

What are some of the things you should think about before moving to France?

 

- Think hard about your career prospects. Is there a job you qualify for, and is it available in France, or do you need to relocate? (This will depend on where in France you want to live.) How much is English spoken at work? If French people say mostly French to one another, then how well can they communicate with foreigners in their language? What kind of pay scale does the company offer foreign workers relative to native speakers doing the same job?

 

- Do not move without learning more than just basic greetings like "bonjour" and "au revoir." Language barriers can make getting the rent paid, ordering food from restaurants, buying groceries, and finding your way around a new city very difficult.

- Look up the average salary in France for people with your qualifications to get an idea of what you should be earning.

 

- Know that there are many different types of visas available to foreigners living or working in France - which one is best for you? To find out more about this topic, speak to someone at the French consulate nearest you in another country if possible, as well as looking into it online (use Google Translate).

 

- Get all the paperwork needed before moving - otherwise, you may end up scrambling! This includes bank accounts, mobile phone contracts, public transportation passes...everything. You will want these things set up so that they can be easily activated when you arrive.

- Consider joining a French social club in your area, such as the "Club Francais." It's an easy way to find other expatriates who might be able to answer questions about life abroad and offer you advice on how best to integrate into society.

 

- Learn at least some basic phrases in French before moving - it will make things so much easier! The more of these you know, the better equipped you'll be to handle day-to-day conversations and situations while living here. You can also download apps like iTalki or Duolingo, which allow you to learn by chatting with native speakers online or playing games.

Finally, keep in mind that there are many different types of visas for foreigners in France. Make sure you know what visa type is best suited to your situation before moving so that you can get all of the paperwork necessary beforehand.

If you're considering a job move, then I hope these tips will be helpful! The process can seem daunting at first, but with some preparation and research on how life might go as an English speaker living or working in Paris, it should become much more straightforward.

 

What are the things to keep in mind before starting my job search in France?

 

The first thing you should do before job hunting is research. Look for what careers or jobs are most in-demand, and then make a list of potential employers. Check the company's website to see if they require any specific qualifications, such as an undergraduate degree in accounting. If not, then it might be worth getting one! Searching online will also allow you to find out how much an average person makes at that job.

 

Before applying anywhere, know your skillset and highlight them on your resume by putting keywords with important information about yourself: languages spoken fluently, computer programs used every day for work purposes, etc... The more relevant experience you can put down on paper means a higher chance of being contacted for interviews.

France has a strong culture of work-life balance. It is essential to be patient during the job hunt and take your time in finding a position that best suits you, instead of just taking the first offer you're given.

 

If all else fails, start networking with people who have connections at companies or organizations where you would like to work! Friends of friends are often more willing than strangers because they feel connected to someone before even meeting them.

 

Be sure to apply for jobs online; send out resumes into the "real world" as well by going on interviews in person when possible! This way, if there's an opening anywhere nearby, it will get noticed right away without getting caught up in spam filters.

Once you find a company you like, try to see one of the employees on LinkedIn and send them an introduction.

 

- Researching potential employers before applying can help you focus on what careers or jobs are most in-demand

 

- Highlight keywords from your resume so that more relevant experience will be put down

 

How do employers evaluate an English speaker's background in France?

 

It can be challenging for job seekers as they might not have the same education and work experience as their French counterparts. One way to get your foot in the door is to speak on behalf of your strengths, such as managing different teams or juggling multiple projects simultaneously. Suppose you are applying for positions outside of a specific field. In that case, it will also help if you list any practical skills (such as being proficient at Salesforce, programming language, Hubspot, etc.) in addition to academic qualifications.

 

How can English speakers work with French employers?

There are specific differences between working in America versus Europe when it comes to business culture: how things operate behind closed doors, what hierarchy looks like in different industries (the finance industry is an example of a European initiative that might be different from the one in America), how meetings are run, and so on.

 

- Being aware of these differences can help you to adapt more easily when starting your search for jobs in France or dealing with French employers after being hired.

 

- It's essential to develop relationships with people who have connections within companies and stay on top of job listings online! Consider joining LinkedIn if it isn't something you already do. This will give you access to groups specifically tailored towards English speakers looking for work throughout Europe - including France.

 

How long does the average job hunt take in France?

 

Depending upon what kind of position seekers are applying for, they may not need more than two weeks to find a job. However, this is the average time frame, and some factors can change how long it could take to find work.

 

- For example, if they're looking for something in their field, then they might be up against more competition (especially when going after higher-level positions), so it may take them longer than two weeks to get an offer letter from an employer who's interested in hiring them.

On the other hand, some people are lucky enough to have connections or make themselves known through networking opportunities, making getting a job much quicker!

 

Bottom line: everyone's experience will be different, but with patience and diligence on your side, you should be able to land yourself a great position soon enough!

 

Are there any disadvantages for me as an English speaker looking for jobs in France?

 

Yes. One disadvantage is that French job postings are not always translated into English for international applicants. Be prepared to interpret the job posting content and have a command of French to apply.

 

- If you can read some essential words or sentences, it would be wise to use Google Translate on your smartphone as needed when looking at potential jobs online. You may also want to download an offline translation app like Word Lens if you plan on travelling abroad with limited data access!

 

- It's vital that English speakers stay up-to-date on current events happening in France by reading newspapers such as "Libération" or "Le Monde." This will increase your awareness about what employers might be looking for from their candidates.

 

- It's essential to have a good command of spoken French, as many French companies conduct interviews in the language and are looking for bilingual employees to join their teams. However, this can be seen as an advantage if you've already mastered the language!

How can job seeker improve their resume so that employers will give them a chance?

 

- Make sure it is easy to read.

 

- Be honest and realistic about your accomplishments, but don't exaggerate or lie.

 

- Use clear language that conveys a sense of urgency and show how you can solve problems for the company's needs.

 

- Keep in mind what kind of position you are applying for, and make sure all the required qualifications are there on your resume before submitting it to a potential employer.

 

The first step should be improving my resume so employers will give me a chance at an interview! If I want them to consider me as qualified enough, then I need to use words they understand clearly with great examples from work experience on my resume too."

 

How to work in France as an American?

 

First and foremost, plan. The French employment market is very different from the US job hunting process- there are many more steps involved, and it can be a complex system to navigate without help. You should start by finding out about how the job hunt works in France (and what sort of jobs might appeal to you) before going so far as visiting or applying for any positions. Use Google Translate at first if your French skills aren't that great!

 

The next step is registering with Agence Pôle Emploi, which will provide information on available work opportunities within your field of interest. It's important to note that this organization doesn't automatically give you access to all open jobs; some require prior authorization via online reservation or by visiting the jobcentre in person.

 

Once you're registered, go to the Agence Pôle Emploi website and register for their free email alerts so that they can help keep you up to date on new jobs within your desired field. You'll want to check back often because these positions are filling up quickly!

 

When it comes time for a face-to-face interview, be sure that you show them how terrific of an asset your language skills would be if hired (show them copies of any certificates or diplomas related to teaching English). Be confident but polite; even with native French speakers, intense eye contact is essential when conversing about work.

 

Before you can legally work in France, you have to register with the French authorities. That means going to your city hall and filling out this form: Déclaration d'inscription auprès des Urssaf (Inscription à la sécurité sociale). You'll need copies of your passport, residence permit or national identity card (carte d'identité), as well as evidence that you have health insurance coverage. If possible, try to gather all these documents before coming to France, so they're ready when it's time for registration.

 

Make sure you are aware of French work culture. For example, dress codes and working hours can be very different from what an American may expect.

 

Contact your local embassy or consulate to see if they have any information about the job-hunting process in France or specific jobs for English speakers in France. They might also point out some potential pitfalls in living abroad, such as difficulty getting a bank account set up with US banks that offer services internationally.

 

What's the market like for Paris jobs?

 

As you may or may not know, the Paris jobs market – like all others in the world – is exciting. Some people complain that there aren't enough jobs, and anyone will tell you that there are too many candidates for too few positions.

 

Let's look at this a bit more closely to see what's happening. It's a complex question, so we'll have to break it down into smaller parts. We will first look at the number of jobs available; then we'll see what type they are and finally who is looking for these jobs.

 

The job market in Paris is constantly on the move; companies are created, and others go out of business all the time. New jobs are continually being advertised by recruiters as well as directly by companies themselves. The reality is that there are more positions offered than qualified candidates available, but this has not been true for some time now, which means that it's becoming increasingly difficult to find work in Paris.

 

As soon as you arrive in Paris (or even before), it would help if you acted like a headhunter: you need to be on the lookout at all times, on job search engines, in cafés and the metro. You should scan job offers posted on social media; you will also find many jobs listed there. Another good way to hear about new openings is through your professional network – ask around! Finally, don't ignore recruitment agencies, who may offer something completely different than what you're looking for, but could lead to an important meeting.

 

The position you are looking for may not even exist here, or it may be a particular field where there are few candidates. You'll often be surprised to find job offers on social media, saying, "we're looking for someone with your qualifications". This is not the most cost-effective way of advertising, but this can work out nicely if your profile is rare enough.

 

What type of jobs are available in Paris?

 

When talking about job types, it's essential to know what sort of contract you want; there are several main options, and everyone has their ideal situation.

 

The first thing you should know is that almost all jobs in Paris are temporary contracts. Fixed, long-term work is hard to come by without experience and French qualifications (which are often required.) This leads us to the three main types of contract:

 

#1 – Contracts with a local company or agency: these temporary posts can last for months on end or just a couple of weeks depending on what they're hiring for; some examples include sales positions, software development and travel jobs. These are great if you want stability as well as a chance to learn more about your chosen industry. They also tend to be an easier way into permanent employment later down the line due to the relationships staff build with clients during their time there.

 

#2 – Freelance positions: these are a bit of a mix between the first two. They're much like working for an agency in that a company hire you, but your contract is only for one project or task, and it entails many different clients. There's more freedom here because you'll work on what interests you most, and this can often lead to permanent employment once the project is finished (possibly with the same company.)

 

#3 – Internships: At this stage, these will usually be unpaid, so they tend to be reserved for students; however, you'd still count as a full-time employee, which means insurance, social security payments etc. If the intern is a foreign national, they'll need to have a student visa for their stay. They can last anywhere from 3 to 6 months, get some hands-on work experience and meet new people in the process.

 

Who is hiring English speakers in Paris?

 

There are many different types of employers available in Paris, but there are also significant differences depending on your field of expertise: administrative skills are always in demand, as well as IT and engineering jobs; you'll find fewer job opportunities if you're looking to be a financial advisor or salesperson. 

 

Most companies want candidates with experience (speaking English is an asset). As soon as the economy improves a bit more, there will most likely be better job prospects in these areas. But don't despair – if any of these sectors don't suit you, look at other sectors like retail, construction, health or administration… there's always a job available somewhere, you have to look!

 

We'd love to help you look for a job!

 

Our team can help you find jobs of all kinds in Paris and France. We have access to many databases containing hundreds of offers every day. One of our experienced consultants will meet with you and discuss your particular needs, education level and the field(s) you hope to enter. They'll also provide professional advice adapted to your situation. To schedule an appointment, don't hesitate to get in touch with us via email. 

 

What's it like to work in France?

 

Coming from overseas, or relocating within Europe for a new role with your existing company. You might have been working as a freelancer and want to settle down, or you could be starting your career and going for your first job. There is no magic formula here – we believe that if you have the suitable skillset, the market will find its way to you. 

 

It's, therefore, more important to listen closely to your own needs rather than trying too hard to follow some 'right way' of getting there. In general, it is possible to find exciting opportunities for all roles in France – as long as you are open to helping the company find a way to make it work.

 

Is France an attractive destination for expat job seekers?

 

In terms of general life satisfaction, France is ranked 14th in the world (out of 155 countries) according to the 2014 World Happiness Report and 15th in the world (out of 189 countries) based on the 2017 Better Life Index by OECD. These figures attest to a strong quality of life in France: people are generally satisfied with their lives, have relatively low-stress levels and live longer than most Europeans or Americans (80 years for men; 85 years for women).

 

France is ranked 2nd in Europe for its work-life balance, which should not be surprising as French people also have the highest public holidays (35 personal days per year!) compared to any other country. Generally speaking, if you are going or coming from Eastern Europe and looking for opportunities, France could prove a better option than some Western European countries because it's relatively less expensive and more welcoming.

 

Which are the most robust industries in France for employment?

 

The most important industry sectors in France are Automobile (with Renault and Peugeot), Aerospace, Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, Machinery, Business services, tourism, transport. Retail, Banking, and Logistics. The French government aims to strengthen the country's position as a European leader in five key industries: energy, aeronautics, defence, agriculture and agri-food; nuclear.

 

In addition, other promising industrial sectors are advanced materials, security equipment, environmental technologies. In 2008, France added six new activities to its "List of strategic importance for national defence", including civilian and military industries.

 

The strengths of the French industry are:

• Its high-quality workforce.
• An efficient industrial sector with numerous small businesses, which is a pillar of France's economy.
• World-renowned research centres.

 

In addition, several French industries benefit from significant government subsidies to maintain their competitiveness in global markets. The most remarkable example is nuclear power, even though this sector has become less competitive than it was before.

 

How many start-ups are there in France?

 

Between 2015 and 2016, the number of newly established companies increased by 5.4%. By comparison, in Germany, for instance, they only increased by 0.8%. The success of the French start-up ecosystem is logical. France is slightly ahead in internet accessibility; it has no language barrier for non-French speakers like German or English. Even if the country discourages its entrepreneurs from moving abroad, they can still launch their company within the EU.

 

France has significant cities and medium-sized cities that offer living conditions comparable to other European capitals (education, culture). In addition, there are constantly new initiatives that make Paris attractive for innovative projects: La Ville Entrepreneurial, where any entrepreneur can go for free consultations with experts on legal issues and so on; Le Hub, which is an incubator specializing in digital technologies; Le Garage which is a sort of accelerator offering up to €50,000 to innovative projects.

 

The number of start-ups per million inhabitants is not a good indicator because it doesn't consider the population size of each country. In France, there are 234 new businesses created every year per million inhabitants, which places it 10th in Europe after the United Kingdom (453), Ireland (405), Luxembourg (390), Finland (365), Estonia (313), Sweden (291) and Denmark (270).

 

What is the business culture in France?

A surprising number of French employers prefer to manage and evaluate their staff by giving them big projects rather than having constant feedback regarding small tasks. This is reflected in the general culture, which allows people to be out of the office and concentrate on themselves rather than being constantly "plugged in," which refers to workers who always think about their employers'. France has strong resentment towards people who work more than the allotted hours.

 

Within the French workplace, hierarchy is stringent and hard to break into. All businessmen must be dressed formally when heading to an important meeting or anytime they go out of the building. Although the times have changed since women were once seen as inferior at work, there is still a belief that they should not be considered for promotions because marriage is taken less seriously in France than in other countries. Women also need to prove themselves if they want equal pay with men, and therefore it takes longer for them to get the same senior positions.

 

Employees in France are not expected to express much emotion, and those who do may be considered disruptive or immature. On the other hand, openness is appreciated when prepared for a presentation; all aspects of your idea should be thoroughly discussed beforehand to be modified if needed.

 

The French believe that they don't work as hard as their peers abroad; therefore, presentations by an employer must include sufficient evidence regarding why a project or company should invest in them. French business people tend to focus on quality rather than quantity, meaning they research each project before making important decisions. This is also reflected in how employees learn about new policies and practices at work since everything is planned out and presented accordingly.

 

One of the first things every office worker knows about their colleagues or boss is when they take vacation days. Usually, employers ask for a two-week interval between vacations to allow efficient workflow. Vacation time is highly respected in France because it is seen as decompressing after stressful work weeks rather than being done steadily.

 

What is a French work ethic?

 

The French work ethic is rooted in the belief that every employee and employer should be completely self-sufficient. The majority of employees are expected to handle their tasks without any help from their boss or colleagues. In addition, if an employee cannot complete a job on time, they have no one to blame but themselves, as most employers will not give them an extension even if they have a good reason. 

 

There is also a strong sense of competition at work since everyone wants to earn more recognition than others by accomplishing essential projects. Although this model has some advantages, such as encouraging hard work and holding individuals accountable for their actions, it creates many obstacles which could easily be avoided with teamwork and communication between co-workers or subordinates and superiors.

 

What kind of projects are typically done in a French workplace?

The focus is on making the most of every project's outcomes by following a set plan. This means that employees should gather enough information about the problem they are trying to solve and create scenarios based on solutions, so there is no need for creativity. The planning stage is critical and should be taken seriously, which means an employee who cannot finish what was initially requested will not be considered for other opportunities in the future. 

 

In addition, it is also understood that once given a project; it must be completed without any help from outside sources; it is considered selfish to ask co-workers or superiors for assistance since you were already deemed capable of achieving something independently.

 

How does job performance affect an employee's salary in a French workplace?

Since individual achievements cause most salary raises, an employer must take the time to calculate whether an employee is qualified for more pay. Two reasons may be given for higher wages: standing out among your peers and improving overall company performance. This means that employees who work well together will not receive the same rewards as those who present great results on their projects. 

 

Whether or not you earn more money has nothing to do with what position you hold in the company because all employees have an equal chance of being promoted to senior leadership positions based solely on their past accomplishments. Some say this practice can backfire because it could motivate employees to leave since they know there isn't much room for advancement.

 

What type of work environment is expected in a French workplace?

Each employee has to accept their role in the workplace and be willing to contribute. This means that they must learn how to balance personal life with work since they have strong values around working hard even if it interferes with family time or other obligations outside of work. 

 

Employees are also encouraged to contribute ideas in meetings, not because they can suggest better ways of doing something but rather out of respect for co-workers and superiors who will decide based on group consensus. In addition, most employees consider each meeting as an opportunity to discuss problems to get help solving them from their boss or colleagues instead of trying to figure things out on their own. In most cases, an employee will not request assistance if they cannot complete a project independently but rather suffer in silence until it is too late.

 

What qualities do most employees display in a French workplace?

Good communication and active listening skills are vital since both of these characteristics can create harmony amongst co-workers. Employees learn to speak clearly so that everyone else can understand what is being said and know precisely which task has been assigned. In addition, when given a project, employees must be able to persuade others by using specific examples so people know exactly how the problem should be solved. It is also crucial for them to remain courteous at all times because an argument could lead some co-workers to feel offended or left out of the discussion.

 

How would a French business manager describe the workplace environment?

Although they believe in establishing rules and policies that all employees must follow, most of them understand that it is possible to make changes if necessary. For example, when an employee makes several mistakes on a project, there could be discussions about whether or not they should remain working for the company based on their past accomplishments. 

 

In most cases, management understands the importance of keeping hardworking and dedicated workers to doing their best even if a mistake was made because everyone knows making continuous improvements will lead to success in the end. This means that employers give employees every opportunity to improve instead of finding replacements to avoid paying severance packages for someone who may have made a mistake that could be easily corrected in the future.

 

According to Deloitte & Touche's Global Human Capital Trends 2016 report:

Based on these findings, it becomes clear that French companies focus less on promotions and more on rewarding employees who can make improvements in their work while maintaining excellent relationships with all of their peers. 

 

France has often been criticized for not going far enough in terms of meritocracy, but this is precisely what helps keep businesses competitive over a long time. The most critical factor overlooked by many employers today is developing an environment where people feel valued and appreciated regardless of their position within the company or how much money they are making.

 

This study also found exciting similarities between US and Australian employees, mainly because they mention that despite their excellent work, there is a possibility that employees could be overlooked or passed over for promotions. Still, employers should not dismiss someone solely based on bad behaviour. This means some problems in the workplace need to be addressed, and it will only take time before companies can catch up with the current strategies being used by successful firms today.

 

The study also revealed a different set of values among French workers, which helps explain why miscommunication can happen so often between them and their American counterparts at times. The findings reveal that employees tend to do what needs to be done without regard for doing more than expected or taking on additional tasks unless they were already performing anyway. Even though this may seem like odd decision making at times, French workers need to give others the benefit of the doubt and assume that everyone will perform their best with or without additional support. This also means they are willing to do whatever it takes to keep the business competitive by setting individual goals for each employee before they get hired.

 

How many hours a day do the French work?

 

French workers tend to work longer hours than their American counterparts as there will be less time for breaks or lunch because they need to get all of their assigned tasks done during the day. In addition, French companies are more focused on training and continuing education for all employees to perform better at their jobs while taking on additional responsibilities if necessary. This is not meant to imply that every employee needs a degree in business management, but it does help them keep up with any changes which might occur within the company throughout the years.

They also have an advantage over their American counterparts because many businesses do not ask for education or certifications from employees before they are hired. This means there is less chance that someone will be overlooked during the recruitment process even if they did not go to college to succeed in the end.

What are the three different categories of the French style of work that can be broken down into?

Employers often look for candidates who have taken classes or attended graduate school instead of just relying on their work experience alone, which puts them at an advantage over others who might think it is possible to land a job without any additional training or specialization away from work.

The best part about this strategy is that it allows someone else to grow within the company when one employee gets promoted. It also helps ensure that there is always a backup plan for executives who move up or down if necessary.

 

There are no accusations of favouritism in rewarding employees with additional training and education because this is how everyone becomes better at their jobs even without being promoted. Companies often have multiple divisions of labour, which means some workers will never be able to make it into the next tier of management unless they choose to take on additional responsibilities. 

 

This might seem unfair at times, but it does put more power into each individual's hands instead of relying on one manager to give out all tasks according to personal preferences alone. This management style has affected many large corporations throughout France, but they operate more like a family business in many cases.

 

The amount of vacation time taken by employees also differs from one country to the next because unions have helped negotiate essential changes in recent years. French workers do not tend to use all of their allotted vacation time each year, but they will take longer breaks whenever they can if needed. 

 

They spend an average of 33 days on various breaks and holidays every year, which is much better than taking no vacations at all. As long as each employee does what is expected during the day, there are fewer problems with claiming lost time when it comes down to company morale and productivity overall.

 

French employees need a mix of stability and encouragement at work to perform optimally for their employers without feeling restricted or misled about what their duties would entail in the first place. They also need to have access to all of the necessary training they might need each day because it can't just be given freely when needed. Training for employees should be ongoing and not saved up for special occasions such as performance reviews, so anyone who asks questions has a chance to learn more about how things work within their company environment.

How do French workers decide what needs to be done before any similar policy could even be suggested?

 

Each member of an organization has a role to play. Still, only teamwork makes this possible, which means everyone needs encouragement instead of criticism if there will be problems with how tasks are divided among staff members. Many French companies will only require a certain number of hours from their employees each week instead of asking for an eight hour day every day, which gives them some flexibility to do other things that might be just as important.

 

French workers don't need to go above and beyond their regular duties to find ways to improve their skills on the job because it should come naturally. It is more important to encourage everyone towards being effective with the time they have to take advantage of any training opportunities that have been made available.

 

How does management style differ in France when compared to other countries?

 

Many French companies are successful with more to do with the people working there and how they are treated than any individual manager or employee who might leave after a short time.

 

When staff members are happy with how they are being treated at work, they will make it a point to stay there as long as possible and put forth their best efforts when it is needed the most. French workers trust their leaders because they see that they can influence others within an organization without compromising what matters most regarding how decisions get made at work.

 

The business world is filled with many different management styles, but French companies have found ways to retain employees instead of losing them through attrition over time. There is no reason why this won't continue for some time into the future if enough changes aren't implemented sooner than later based on better communication between employers and employees up and down the line to the top in terms of who ultimately has more influence on companies that are headed in one direction or another.

What are some positive outcomes that French companies have seen because their employees get along well?

 

It is too easy for non-French business owners to suggest things that need to be fixed when they don't understand how things work from one company to the next. For any changes to occur, there needs to be communication regarding what is expected and why to reflect what is being done at other overseas offices before anything else gets changed by outside sources. Even so, there will always be challenges unless management teams determine how best to address them before they become more significant problems at hand. Communication may not be everything, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to try before giving up on different management techniques altogether just because things didn't work out as well as expected.

 

French companies are doing a great job overall by putting the role of workers first so they can do everything possible towards making them feel more important than anything else. It is hard to believe how some companies allow their staff members to feel like outsiders—in most cases, changing that all comes down to better communication between leaders and those representing middle management teams within each office building throughout France.

 

What are the top international companies in France?

French companies are known throughout the world for positively impacting people working to become better managers and employees. Some of the top organizations that have made France into one of their prominent places for doing business include:

 

Shell, Total (pétroliers), Accor (hôtellerie), Areva (Energies) et Carrefour (agroalimentaire). Other important companies in France include : Air Liquide, BNP Paribas, Capgemini, LVMH, Dassault Systèmes and Société Générale.

 

As more companies are heading towards France to do business, some of the top international brands and services that have opened their French offices so far include:

Accenture, Microsoft, Facebook, Google, PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), Oracle Corporation and HSBC.

 

France continues to offer lots of opportunities for those who want to expand abroad to build relationships with different organizations such as business schools and other places that could benefit from having each other's expertise. There is no reason why this trend won't continue into the near future because there is always a need for outside sources to help others become better at what they do base on where they come from when it comes down to being an effective leader today.

What are the unemployed benefits for job seekers in France?

The unemployment rate in France is low compared to other countries. The government offers various benefits for those who are unemployed and looking for jobs.

Depending on your situation, you may be able to claim any of the following:

- Revenu de Solidarité Active (RSA): this benefit is reserved for people looking for a job. It's paid by ANPE (National Employment Agency), either every month or every two months, depending on your family income level and how many hours you practise « activités » (even if they don't generate a salary).

 

- Allocation Chômage: this benefit is reserved for people who are registered as unemployed with Pôle emploi. They're paid by Pôle Emploi, either every month or every two months, depending on your family income level.

 

If you're a student under 26 years old and looking for work, you may be eligible to claim the allocation d'étudiant (AE).

 

Both kinds of benefits are taxable. The first thing you should do when receiving any type of unemployment benefit is contacted the CAF (Family Benefits Agency) to notify them that you've started getting paid. Depending on your situation and how much money you'll receive each month from ANPE or Pôle emploi, they'll fix a tax contribution based on what's more advantageous for you: taking monthly contributions through their fixed-rate calculator called « bilan fiscal » or accepting contributions on a percentage of your income called « commentaire de situation déclaratif ». For the RP (« Revenu de Solidarité Populaire »), you have to contact CAF every six months to ask for an update on how much they'll give you each month.

 

Suppose you're receiving unemployment benefits and wish to start working again. In that case, there's no need to stop getting benefits: it's possible to keep claiming them during the first three months of work without losing any money! You can also still claim benefits if your employer is based outside France as long as this company sends reports about their employees every 4/5 months so that Pôle emploi or ANPE can check you're still eligible to get the benefits. Suppose your employer is part of a company alliance (« entreprise solidaire »). In that case, you may also be entitled to some extra benefits, like getting 50% off bus tickets from public transport companies and using « Le Car » for free!

 

Suppose you're in negotiations with ANPE or Pôle emploi about how much money you'll get from unemployment benefit every month. In that case, it's possible to receive an advance on this money before signing any official contract. You can then use this advance as a means of getting by while waiting for your very first unemployment benefit payment. It could be worth claiming online before starting any negotiation at the local job centre (CAF) if you have no other source of income.

 

There is also the « allocation de soutien aux personnes rencontrant des difficultés persistantes à la recherche d'un emploi » (ASPER), which means « support allowance for people encountering difficulties in looking for a job ». These benefits are paid by the CAF or on your behalf if you have no other source of income and can be used to pay your rent, mortgage, bills, buy food and so on. Suppose your financial situation has seriously deteriorated since applying for unemployment benefits or losing your job. In that case, it's possible to get back some money that was already advanced so that you can use this advance as a contribution towards paying off debts! 

 

This operation doesn't wipe out these bills but puts you in a position of strength in negotiating with your creditors. It also means that you won't be required to pay this sum again if your payments are reduced or stop when you find work.

How can unemployed English speaking job seekers handle legal matters in France?

 

Being unemployed is not a crime, and you have the right to be treated politely and with dignity. You can complain about any problem faced, whether it's a communication slip-up or something more severe like discrimination or unfair treatment.

 

If possible, find out who the manager (« responsable hiérarchique ») of your local job centre in France is to discuss your specific problems, or visit their website. If you don't feel satisfied by what they say or do, write them an email asking for their answer in writing and keep copies of everything on file. If you are still unsatisfied after that and need support from an external person/body, several organizations can help:

 

- «l'Association nationale des assistantes sociales » (Anas): they have a website in French. They can give you legal advice, but their daily work is mainly based on providing free support to unemployed people.

 

- « Le réseau d'assistance aux personnes en difficulté » (RAPDEV) has a website in French where you can find helpful information about your rights and get in touch with one of the RAPDEV members or an association near you if need be.

 

- If you're part of a trade union or collective/cooperative that fights to defend workers' rights (« droits sociaux et du travail »), then your local branch should offer some kind of legal support and protection to their members. Alternatively, you might find it useful to speak with an organization that defends the rights of workers in general, such as « le Comité d'action et de défense des retraites » (Codret) or « le Mouvement associatif pour un Québec sans pauvreté » (MAPQAP).

 

There's no doubt that these steps will be stressful and complicated to carry out. Don't forget that it could take several months before getting unemployment benefits (« allocations chômage »), so try not to make any severe debts or damage your credit rating! Remember: you don't owe anything by law when you lose your job! You can choose how much you want to pay back.

What are the different employment contracts in France?

 

France's labour law is very protective of workers, and after the new reform on December 28, 2010, it makes seasonal work contracts less attractive than before.

The most widespread contracts are:

 

- open-ended (« à durée indéterminée ») - indefinite-term contract (also called « CDI » for « contrat à durée indéterminée »),

 

- fixed term contract (« à durée déterminée”) - fixed-term contract (« CDD » for « contrat à durée déterminée)»,

 

So what does this mean? 

 

An open-ended contract means that you are hired permanently and can only be fired for a legitimate reason. CDD contracts are usually limited and correspond to either one year or several years of the contract.

 

As far as significant changes go, the reform will prevent employers from making seasonal workers sign two-year-long CDDs at once (one after another). Instead, they need to be made available for work in their given sector on an open-ended basis within 6 months each year. Seasonal jobs with no end date may still be offered, but only if the employer proves that it's impossible to provide wages over the entire year without them, i.e., if there is always off-season somewhere — all depending on how much money this new law saves!

Other reforms have also been introduced into France's labour laws recently (like the reform of October 15, 2008), such as giving workers 16 days of holidays per year and a 35-hour workweek.

 

When a person is hired, both parties need to sign an employment contract stating the essential aspects (« éléments essentiels du contrat de travail ») that are mandatory by law, like:

 

- salary — including increments and bonuses if relevant — how it's going to be paid, social security contributions and deductions;

- duration of the contract;

- nature of the working relationship;

- where and when you will work.

What is the difference between CDD and CDI in France? 

- A fixed-term contract (« contrat à durée déterminée » or « CDD») can be signed without any reason, it's a simple employment agreement between an employer and employee which sets out when the contract starts, how long it lasts for, what salary is to be paid as well as social security contributions and deductions (E.g., 9 months contract = 6 months salary, 3 months vacation).

 

When signing a fixed-term employment contract, the employer must specify in writing the reasons for renewing it.

 

- In France, you can be fired from a CDD after only two weeks of work if there is no « clause de sauvegarde » included in your contract. It also depends on the sector: some groups consider that you are protected as soon as you have been employed for more than one month ( e.g., Education sector - « fonctionnaires »/government employees), but others consider that zero hour contracts are legal, i.e., they don't have any protection period so remember to ask your manager about this and make sure that your employment contract has a « clause de sauvegarde ».

 

If you work on fixed-term contracts of equal length in France, you can demand the same pay as those performing similar tasks in the same company (« mêmes fonctions et aptitudes »). For example, teachers with the same qualifications and doing either teacher training or substituting for another teacher; or labourers working side by side to lay pipes with the same skills. The principle is called "contrats de chantier égaux" ("equal job contracts), encompassing all workers together collectively in one enterprise, not just a couple of them. So if you're generally paid 800€ net per month, but the new guy is on 1200€ even though he's doing the same job as you, then it's illegal.

 

- The principle is that bosses cannot put workers into two categories. There should be no discrimination based on nationality or other criteria (i.e., employing a French person first). It includes all workers together collectively in one enterprise, not just a couple of them. So if you're generally paid 800 € net per month, but the new guy is on 1200€ even though he's doing the same job as you, then it's illegal.

 

- « contrat à durée déterminée » / « CDD » (fixed term contract) and « contrat à durée indéterminée » / « CDI » (open-ended contract). Each letter is pronounced separately: "tall'" for the CDI and "dee" for the CDD. It helps to remember that in English, both are called 'contract!

 

- « contrat à durée indéterminée » / « CDI » (open-ended contract) are meant to last for an indefinite period: this type of contract is usually signed for permanent work.

In France, you can be fired from a CDI only for legitimate reasons (« faute lourde ») and with an official warning or « mise en demeure » issued by your employer, who must also provide evidence of their accusations. This procedure protects employees' rights. It's called « licenciement pour motif personnel » (dismissal for cause). Generally, the employee must notify the employer two weeks in advance if he intends to resign his post or leave earlier than expected. A resignation is effective on the agreed date whether or not it has been accepted verbally by the employer; however, both parties cannot unilaterally end a contract without notice. You have to respect your employer's decisions as it is a sign of respect towards you. It also protects you from being fired on the spot and keeps your boss from littering your work history with unjustified references.

 

In the end, both parties must formalize their resignations by written agreement and provide a reason for leaving/resigning.

What is the minimum age to work in France?

The legal minimum age to work in France is 16 years old if you are not a student, i.e., you have already finished collège (middle school). You cannot work as a paid employee before this age. As stated by the electoral code "...tout salarié à moins de dix-huit ans doit justifier d'un emploi ou d'une formation scolaire en rapport avec l'activité professionnelle..."

You can start a full time job at 16 with parental consent and an authorization from INSEE (Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques) called « certificat d'aptitude professionnelle » which can be obtained online.

 

In other words, you must have a « CAP » (Certificat d'aptitude professionnelle / Certificate of vocational aptitude) or a BEP (Brevet de technicien supérieur, which is one step below the "bac"/"BTS"; equivalent to an American high-school diploma), and prove that you intend to study further to qualify for this age licence. It's also possible to start their own company and hire their children!

 

The law does not set a minimum age for voluntary or occasional work. However, minors under 15 years old cannot work more than 5 hours per day during the school year (= 35 hours per week) and 8 hours per day during the holidays (= 40 hours per week). The law stipulates that all minors under 15 years old must receive special authorization every year from INSEE (Institut National de la Statistique et des Etudes Economiques) to work. This requires them to show their attendance certificate from school; if they are working for pay, they need a letter from their employer.

What are the different types of visas to work in France?

Short-term residency permit: for professionals coming temporarily (for a maximum period of six months) to engage in teaching activity or research work in a public establishment.

The short-term residency permit is issued for employment (usually done by private enterprises) and aims at integrating highly skilled workers into France: '« The high-skilled professional (highly qualified worker) will be able to practice his profession as an employee or self-employed person ».

 

Highly qualified employees are those who, according to the law, are entitled to free access to employment without any need for recognition of diplomas or degrees: « 1° engineers holding diplomas recognized by the State; 2° architects holding an architectural diploma recognized by the State; 3° doctors and pharmacists having obtained their qualification with final grades allowing for employment; 4° other categories of professionals, if recognized as highly qualified by the Minister for Employment and Solidarity (sic)».

 

Long-term residency permit: for scientists participating in projects undertaken by research establishments in France.

 

This type of visa allows researchers to stay in France for periods between 1 year and 3 years. The number of these permits is limited. They are allocated through a selective process that considers « among other factors, the importance and originality of the work proposed, its relevance from both technical and scientific points of view ».

 

The Talent Passport permit is an « autorisation de travail » (work authorization) issued by the French Minister of Labour. It is valid for 12 months and can be renewed for an additional period of 1 year.

 

The issued Talent Passport can be used to obtain working papers ("carte de séjour temporaire" / temporary residence card).

 

It is best for those who intend to stay in France for more than 12 months but less than 2 years. When you get this visa stamp, it does not guarantee the issuance of another one if you want to stay longer (i.e., two years).

 

Employed or salaried and temporary workers' permit , you will need your employer to sign an « attestation d'engagement» (a statement of commitment from the employer).

This permit is valid for 12 months and can be renewed. This visa can be used to obtain a "carte de séjour temporaire" / temporary residence card.

It is best for those who intend to stay in France for less than 2 years. If you want to stay longer, you should get the Talent Passport instead, as it is more flexible and does not require any additional paperwork from your employer if you decide to extend your stay.

 

EU Blue Card for highly skilled/educated workers from non-EU countries

This visa is issued for one year and can be renewed. It allows you to stay in France (and the EU) as long as your employer can prove that they have attempted and failed to hire local people or are not hiring outside the EU. To get an EU Blue card visa, you need to meet a certain threshold of yearly salary.

What is the French social security system?

 

All employees must contribute to the social security system. The contribution rate depends on the employee's salary, defined as all compensation, including non-cash benefits (e.g. private health insurance provided by an employer).

 

Depending on their income and family status, employees are legally required to pay a maximum of 16 percent in social security contributions. A so-called "general ceiling" sets the limit above which the employee is taxed at a higher rate equal to 50 percent of their previous rate. If combined with other taxes paid by employers, the contribution rates can reach up to 75 percent of total income for some workers, depending on industry and employment conditions in the country where they work. As average salaries are lower in poorer countries like Romania and Bulgaria, the general ceiling is lower than 16 percent. Therefore, employees working in other EU countries contribute up to 50 percent more than local employees.

 

Both employers and employees pay the contribution rates. However, when the employer is a public or semi-public legal entity, its employees' contributions may be reimbursed by the employer under certain conditions (for instance, where an employee is sent to work abroad). The employer also contributes to social security on behalf of its workers and must withhold money from workers' salaries for this purpose. In France, for instance, all companies with 11 or more staff members pay insurance contributions worth at least 4 percent of their salary bill: 1 percent for health insurance and 3 per cent for pensions. In addition, employers are expected to contribute to their staff's unemployment insurance, although the contribution level varies across member countries.

 

Employees pay income tax on their salaries, but these contributions are usually repaid by the government during tax season, based on the social security contributions paid. When a person has low or no taxable income (e.g., due to taking early retirement), the state will repay none or only part of their social security contributions.

How does the French social security system work in practice?

In general, the social security contribution will be withheld from an employee's salary and transferred to their country of residence. The amount withheld depends on which country the employee is working in and whether they have private insurance. 

 

In some countries like France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands, employers are obliged by law to pay for their employees' health insurance and national pension schemes (so-called "sickness funds") through their social security contributions. In other EU member states, employers aren't obliged by law to make such payments but often choose to do so because they think it is advantageous for attracting workers. Thus even if a worker paid into the health insurance of another country, they might still receive this benefit when sick. In practice, however, private health insurance is rarely taken out in another member state than the insured's own because of language and administrative difficulties. However, workers generally have to pay into their host countries' pension schemes.

 

Employees working abroad can be covered by the social security system of their home country if they contribute there (i.e., through taxes), but only while living at their home address. When an employee moves abroad for work reasons without their family, they have two main options: either take out private health insurance, which the social security system would then reimburse after a certain waiting period, or apply for an exemption from paying local health insurance scheme. The same applies to pensions: when not living at their home address, people cannot pay into the pension schemes of their countries of residence – unless they have taken out private insurance. 

 

If an employee has a family or other obligations in their home country, two social security systems might cover him at the same time. When being insured simultaneously in two member states, employees can receive benefits from each system but only for periods spent certified under both systems (i.e., periods where contributions were paid). Therefore, they will lose their rights to sickness benefits and invalidity if they switch from one system to another. Note that this tends to discourage workers from having private health insurance because it reduces the amount of time they can claim benefits.

 

What is business etiquette in France?

There are no special business etiquette rules in France, except the very few given below. (For example, when shaking hands, it is customary to look at the person with whom you shake hands and not at the floor; when talking on a phone during lunch, try to take into consideration that everyone around you may be having lunch.) Otherwise, being polite while speaking correctly and listening carefully are critical points of French etiquette and other European countries' etiquette, including Italy's. 

 

The last point which should not be forgotten is that making loose or rushed appointments is considered rude…In conclusion, we can say that there are no specific French business Etiquette rules but rather general unspoken codes of conduct that have to be considered when doing business in France.

Is there a dress code in France for the workplace? 

There is no dress code in the workplace. Business attire is more or less formal depending on the professional sector (fashion, consulting, etc.). The more formal the business, the more experienced and sober you should dress. However, this does not mean that a suit is required; it is sufficient to wear clean jeans to be well-dressed for a business meeting.

If the dress code is formal, men wear a jacket and tie or a shirt with a collar and women a blouse and skirt.

 

Few companies require their employees to wear uniforms (e.g., Orange).

To know what is suitable in the workplace, consider the following factors: product or service offered (e.g., high-level banking), company size and image, etc.

 

The general rule is: If you are not sure about the proper dress code, ask someone from Human Resources Department or your manager.

What is the average annual salary in France? 

 

The average monthly gross salary in France is between 2,000 - 3,000 euros. It depends on the professional sector (banking, consulting firms, etc.) and the company size.

For instance, people working for small companies (less than 50 employees) have a lower annual income than large ones (more than 500 employees).

As you can see, this is a general average gross salary that pales compared to what people earn. For instance, someone working for a big company will have more than 5,000 euros per month (gross).

 

The average wage per hour is between 13 and 14 euros. It again depends on the professional sector and the company size.

 

In companies that are facing financial crises and lay-offs, salaries can be frozen or even lowered. However, there is no general rule in this respect. The decision depends on the company's management and the type of contract signed with its employees (fixed-term contract, permanent employment).

 

You should know that it is pretty common to have limited salary raises year after year. Nevertheless, French professionals are not used to getting higher salaries every year. A 10-15% raise yearly is a standard in France and even considered generous.

What are the French unicorns in the start-up sector that job seekers should know?

French start-ups have an excellent reputation in terms of innovation and disruptive business models.

 

Below, we give you some stats about the French start-up sector:

 

In 2009, there were 1245 start-ups created in France.

 

As per 2011 data from Forbes magazine, France is on the second spot worldwide with 188 billion dollars worth of start-ups. The USA is in first place with 437 billion dollars worth of start-ups. By 2013, 120 French start-ups were valued at more than 100 million euros; it was a tremendous growth compared to 2009 when only 12 start-ups valued 100 million euros.

In 2014, there were 571 start-ups created in France. As per 2013 data from the EY (Ernst & Young) company, more than 100 start-up accelerators in France are more than in Germany and the UK.

 

The most popular sectors in terms of start-ups are HealthTech, FoodTech, Edutech and Mobility. The biggest unicorns to date are Criteo (2006), PriceMinister (2000), Kibo (2010), VentePrivée (2008) or LeGuide.com(1999). They raised 1 billion euros, 3 billion euros or 4 billion euros within a short period after their creation.

 

The following are some of France's most valued unicorns:

 

BlaBlaCar, the European leader in carpooling which counts more than 15 million members and operates across 19 countries throughout Europe;

 

La Ruche Qui Dit Oui (The Hive Which Says Yes), which is France's Airbnb for coworking spaces, meeting rooms and offices; and

 

Parrot, a French company, making drones for aerial photography and cinematography.

The list goes on with Criteo, Deezer, Dailymotion, Aircall and Sigfox. All of them are French companies that have reached unicorn status (i.e., a valuation of more than 1 billion dollars).

 

What is the importance of networking in France for job seekers?

Networking is a way of life in France. It is not unusual for job seekers to meet with their future employers at a networking event before applying for the position. Many recruiters in France think that it is easier to find candidates through professional contacts than by advertising positions in publications. Contacting people you already know and being available when someone needs work done can be an excellent strategy for hiring or finding freelance work.

 

The main thing is to be active in your network. Remember that networking is a two-way street; you may need help from someone else at some point, or another person could refer you to an exciting opportunity. You can't expect everyone to help you out all the time, so it's essential to think about how you can return the favour and help others as well.

Whenever you meet someone new, be sure to exchange contact information. If that person can help you out at some point, the more important your relationship is, the more likely it will help you. But don't assume that just because a professional has been helpful in the past, they are obligated to do so now; everyone who leaves a position or otherwise changes jobs makes other contacts in their field and may not have time left over to still help out friends from before.

 

Remember: no matter how much you think of someone as a mentor or friend, they will always respect relationships built on professional connections and work together on projects before anything else. It's suitable for both parties when networking functions this way!

When building your network, don't limit yourself to people who are just like you. There is strength in numbers, and the more diverse your social circle is, the better off you'll be. Even if someone does not help directly with your search for a job or project, they may know of something interesting going on that will fit into your schedule and could provide an opportunity for some extra income.

 

Networking in France begins with building your brand and having an online presence (e.g., LinkedIn profile). By showing that you are an expert in your field and consistently contributing to projects, people will be more interested in working with you.

What do job seekers in France need to keep in mind when networking for jobs?

The importance of networking is only magnified if you are looking for a temporary position or freelance work. There is little point in applying for something that has already been filled. If someone has the expertise they need by working with freelancers instead of hiring someone full-time, the chances are good that they'll just offer one of those freelancers a better contract!

 

Membership in professional organizations can help tremendously when it comes to getting on the radar of potential employers. Not only will these groups have opportunities from time to time for job seekers to meet people in related fields, but they will also have the chance to identify new opportunities that are within their area of interest.

 

Don't be shy when asking others for help; let them know how you can be helpful or provide value first, and then ask if you can do anything for them. For example, let's say that someone has recently started a business. Rather than just worrying about whether they might have work for you at some point, offer up your expertise if there is any way that you can make their lives easier by providing insights on strategic planning or legal issues. You may not get paid directly for this kind of work, but it establishes a good relationship between the two of you can at some point lead to a long-term opportunity that would otherwise have been out of your reach.

 

The key is building solid relationships without leaving an impression that you're desperate or not willing to consider something outside your field of interest. Look at it this way: if someone has a great idea but doesn't know anyone who can execute it, their vision can never become a reality, and everyone loses.