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Graduate jobs in Switzerland

Currently, we have 9 entry-level positions available in Switzerland, offered by companies such as & Avery Dennison. Apply today for your first full-time job and experience the Swiss lifestyle, working in cities like Kreuzlingen, Cham, Zug & Paris!

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Working in Switzerland

Switzerland is a popular working destination for freshly minted graduates - and for good reason, too.  The country ranks highly in several metrics of national performance, including government transparency, civil liberties, economic competitiveness, and human development. Everything is efficient, the infrastructure is designed for the general welfare of the people, public spaces are well maintained and the Alpine landscape is breathtaking.

Sounds great so far, but what does it actually mean to work in Switzerland, especially as a foreigner?  When looking for a job in Switzerland, it is important to bear in mind that there are significant regional differences in the Swiss labour market. Geneva is the area with the highest percentage of foreign workers, and many work in one of the many international institutions based there. The banking industry is centered mainly in and around Zurich, whereas Basel is the main hub for the Swiss chemical and pharmaceutical industry. Companies that offer internships in Switzerland include %employers%.

A large number of international institutions have their seats in Switzerland, in part because of its policy of neutrality. Geneva is the birthplace of the Red Cross and hosts many UN agencies, as well as being the home of the second largest United Nations Office in the world. Furthermore, many sport federations and organisations are located throughout the country, the International Olympic Committee in Lausanne is just one example.

Getting a graduate job in Switzerland

As in any foreign country, speaking the local language is a definite advantage. For your job search, consider the main local language in the area where you wish to work. Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Rhaeto-Roman, although the last two are spoken by less than 10% of the population. If you’re aiming to work in an international institution or large multinational company, much of the work may be conducted in English with other non-Swiss nationals. However, for national or smaller Swiss companies, you will almost certainly be required to have a basic command of the local language.

The best ways to find a job in Switzerland (apart from creating a job agent on Graduateland, of course) are looking for job offers, “Stellenmarkt” in German or “offres d’emploi” in French, in the Wednesday edition of local newspapers or on internet job boards. Employment agencies also play a very important role in the Swiss recruitment market. You can also contact the office of the chamber of commerce of your home country in Switzerland. Chambers of commerce sometimes receive requests from companies trying to fill a position with someone from a specific country, and some even have a database of open job positions.

Tip: Be aware that the requirements for job applications in Switzerland may be different from what you are used to. Check the points where you can adapt your CV, cover letter, and communication with employers to local standards.

What else to consider before applying in Switzerland

Switzerland has high salaries and low taxes, which explains its attractiveness for young job seekers. However, it should be noted that the high quality of life comes also comes at a high cost, as Zürich and Geneva have become the most expensive cities in the world following the appreciation of the Swiss Franc. The Swiss are a population of renters: nearly 70 percent of people are tenants rather than owners, and as a result, a pointed shortage of apartments in both cities and towns has developed. Furthermore, private health insurance in Switzerland is also compulsory, and expensive. The government does grant cash subsidies to those who find the monthly premium is equal to or above eight percent of their monthly salary.

If you intend to work for more than three months, you would need to obtain a formal permit for residence and work. In general, EU and EFTA nationals have little difficulty in obtaining their work permit. However, when you apply for a job in Switzerland, get in touch with the cantonal immigration office to find out if the quota limit has already been reached.

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