Working in France : la version anglaise du guide animé

0:06Hi!

0:07So you were thinking about coming to work in France or still making your mind up? This short video will explain why working in France could be the right choice for you.

0:16We will give you information about the labour market, some recommendations on how to find a job, and finally some information about living and working conditions in France.

0:26Why work in France?

0:29First of all because it's easy and you have the right. As a European citizen, a simple ID card or passport is all you need.

0:36Your adventure carries hardly any risk at all and there are plenty of opportunities to make new professional and personal contacts along the way. Fantastic for your CV and a confidence booster. It's also a really good place to find a job or get back into work if you haven't had a job recently.

0:50Have you made up your mind yet? That's great, but make sure you're fully prepared.

0:54Think about your own expectations and ask yourself all the right questions. Then make a list of the steps to be taken.

1:03Before, during and after your arrival in France: good preparation is the key to your success. France, a very attractive country at the crossroads of civilizations. From north to south, you will find a contrast of local traditions. Not to mention those found in the overseas departments.

1:20Certain cities cannot be overlooked. They form our most important economic, cultural and demographic hubs.

1:28Our main transport routes connect these cities and in less than six hours the TGV can travel from one end of the country to the other, connecting to many international airports along the way. Did you know that France has the highest number of borders with other countries in Europe?

1:4140% of cross-border workers are of French nationality. These workers are in contact with Pôle emploi, the French employment service. Have you heard of Pôle emploi?

1:51Pôle emploi is the Public Employment Service in France. There are more than 50,000 Pôle emploi advisors spread over 900 job centers who can help you to find a job, whether you are French or from elsewhere in Europe.

2:03European mobility is itself managed by 100 specialist Pôle emploi EURES advisors. Pôle emploi connects candidates with 434,000 French companies and 200,000 jobs.

2:16You can also benefit from support services with a thousand EURES advisors spread throughout Europe.

2:22These advisers can also give you information about the French labour market.

2:26But let's take a look at the wider picture.

2:29France is a host country and a departure country, and its economy is largely based within the service sector.

2:35Nine companies out of ten have fewer than 50 employees, but there are also world-renowned companies such as Airbus, Danone, Renault, L'Oréal, Louis Vuitton, and many others. Some sectors struggle to find enough candidates.

2:48Make sure you do your research as you could be the perfect match for their job vacancy. Every year, Pôle emploi lists the 10 most sought after jobs. Jobs where the working conditions, candidate profiles are a major hurdle to recruitment.

3:03The Île-de-France region, home to the capital, has the biggest demand and a strong recruitment mindset, and its key industries are mainly in the service sector.

3:11But other regions have important needs too.

3:16What's the best way to look for work? pole-emploi.fr is the leading job site with more than 43 million visits per month.

3:24For the best results remember to refine your searches. The dream job you've been looking for could be just around the corner.

3:30You will find information on the 4,000 recruitment fairs organized every year. A smartphone app is also available. Guides can be downloaded to help you optimize your searches. Don't forget the tried and tested traditional methods, like postal applications, speculative letters, word of mouth, classified ads, and of course social networks.

3:53Another website, eures.europa.eu, gives that information and lists opportunities in 34 countries, and you can upload your CV for 30,000 recruiters to view.

4:092 million job offers!

4:13There are also living and working conditions files, organised per country, a diary of the European recruitment fairs, which often happen online, as well as contacts for European advisors. It's easy.

4:24Now let's look at the main tool for job seeking.

4:26In France, a CV is absolutely essential.

4:30It must of course be written in French, over two pages maximum.

4:33It must indicate the job you are looking for as well as indicating your experience, skills and competencies, such as language or computer skills.

4:41Specify which qualifications you hold, as well as the equivalent in France.

4:46You don't need to list your interests and hobbies, but they may help you stand out.

4:50Your previous French or foreign experiences should also be mentioned.

4:54Note that the Europass CV is still barely used in France, but it does have a useful tool to assess your level of language skills.

5:03Then comes the motivation letter.

5:05In French, it's one page only.

5:08The motivation letter should complete your CV, highlighting your qualities and achievements.

5:13Show your enthusiasm. Let the company know what it is that motivates you.

5:17The document must spark the interest of the recruiter.

5:21You are now ready to start looking.

5:23Get to know the working and living conditions in France before starting your search.

5:30In France, companies are regulated by the labor laws. Permanent or fixed-term contracts are possible from 16 years old, with a written contract, written in French.

5:40Note there is a trial period during which the employer has the right to terminate the contract.

5:44There are also temporary employment contracts or intermittent employment contracts for certain types of jobs.

5:50The minimum wage is set by law and its rate is reviewed regularly. The average week is set to 35 hours and no more than 10 hours per day. The employee benefits from five weeks of paid leave if they have worked at least one month over a specified period.

6:0620% tax applies to most purchases, 10% on transport and food, and 5.5% on certain products, including certain food products. Income tax is not deducted at source, so you must take into account it will need to be paid at a later date. As everywhere in the European Union, community regulations allow citizens to earn entitlement to state benefits by taking into account contributions paid in other member states.

6:26This relates in particular to a citizen's health insurance, unemployment benefits and retirement pension. Remember to ask for these forms before you leave. U1 attests the contribution period and allows to aggregate the contribution periods between two countries.

6:41U2 allows to transfer unemployment benefit to France, if you are entitled to it, during a limited period.

6:49In France, you have the right to an unemployment insurance if you accumulate 122 days of contributions or 610 hours of work.

6:57Finally, you should know that there are several aids to allow you to look after your health. The European Insurance Health Card is valid for one year and must be asked for in your country of origin.

7:08As you receive your first salary or the transfer of your rights to unemployment benefits, you are covered by the French Social Security System for a three-month period. If you still have any questions, go to pole-emploi.fr, eures.europa.eu or contact a Pôle emploi adviser.

7:25Hope to see you soon!

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