Finding Paid Work as a Highly-Skilled Migrant with HireMeExpress
You might be at a point in your career and life when you want to move to another country. Switzerland has long been an immigration destination for highly skilled professionals, and we offer many opportunities here. Imagine working in a high-tech or start-up company near a lake or the mountains, in the center of Europe.
We have a strong currency and a functioning public transportation system. Zurich offers all the cultural events of a world metropolis without the hassle of long commutes, smog, and other challenges of other “inbound hubs”. If you’re looking for a job in Switzerland, you should know a few things to help make your job search easier.
Many of my tips are generally relevant anywhere in the world. If you are moving to another Expat Hub, I recommend you join our HireMeExpress program by signing up here:
Request Your Account on RockMeApp.
We developed the HireMeExpress online program to help people find jobs more quickly and effectively. If you want to work with us, this is the easiest and most cost-effective way. However, if you feel you need more support, we offer a package to help you prepare for a career in Switzerland or in other countries.
The package price can change depending on our availability but here is the current offer.
Professional Headshot
We encourage you to get a professional photo shoot with one of our partners. In the Swiss job market, a high-quality professional photo is standard for your CV and LinkedIn profile. We recommend our trusted partners:
Carmen Sirboiu: LinkedIn Profile | Website https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-sirboiu-b91643b/
Website https://carmen.photo/
Geoffrey Pegler: LinkedIn Profile | https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffrey-pegler-5a32ba6/
Website https://www.geoffpegler.com/
Global People Transitions
Through our coaching and training company, Global People Transitions, we support internationally mobile professionals and leaders of international and remote teams in becoming more productive in their roles and navigating career transitions with ease. By bridging the gap between Talent Acquisition, Global Mobility, and Talent Development, we empower individuals to take greater responsibility for their careers.
My Contribution
In an industry often fragmented and dominated by outsourced services and technology, I have been on a mission to bring the “Human Touch“ back into Global Mobility since 2010. We leverage technology not as a replacement, but as a means to enhance support, especially during off-hours and between coaching sessions. Based on my academic research, Global Mobility knowledge, and coaching experience working with over 600 expats over the last 15 years,
I’ve conceptualized the Global Competency Model, the Global Rockstar Cube, and an Expat Experience (XX) Model, which serve as the framework for our programs. As a Master Executive and Business Coach, I can now work with my clients on any topic they choose and, as a counselor, support them through more challenging life transitions. Above all, I prioritize the mental health and well-being of your expats while driving improvements in performance and productivity.
Meet Our Team
Programmer Usama Hafeez’s commitment to security guarantees the confidentiality of your conversations.
Deputy Diana Kuebler is our Client Experience Director and Personal Branding Expert, running our Global People Club Master Classes and community events in Zurich and leading personal branding programs.
Designer Marie Platten brings expertise in graphic and user experience design and provides support to our clients as needed.
Digital Plaxides Namutami helps our clients build a digital media presence and create content, with a focus on LinkedIn.
Academic Muhammad Huzefa Khan supports our projects, video productions, and content development. He ensures we adhere to academic standards.
Your Next Step: Onboarding!
Request Your Account on RockMeApp.
Once you have entered your billing address, you have 30 days to pay our invoice.
All the best. You got this.
Kind regards
Angela Weinberger
Angie Weinberger’s Top Ten Tips for Finding Work
- Understand the job market: Research the industries and companies that interest you and current job market trends. Switzerland has a strong economy with various sectors, including finance, pharmaceuticals, and technology. Also, listen to experts and recruiters when they tell you that the Swiss job market works on relationships of trust (or the “Circle of Trust”, as I tend to call it).
- Develop a priority strategy: Define the Top 20 Companies you will focus your search on, and check if you have connections in those companies. Run expert interviews to understand the pain points and corporate culture before you craft your cover letter. Once you have identified your top 20 companies, find out on LinkedIn if you have any 2nd-level or 3rd-level contacts in these companies. Try to get an introduction and build trust over a more extended period. With your first-level contacts, find a compelling reason to have them refer you to their employer. Let them know what you want them to say about you. Follow my company GlobalPeopleTransitions, on LinkedIn for job posts and other helpful career tips.
- Focus on lesser-known brands and “Employers of Choice”: Switzerland is home to the headquarters of many small and medium-sized companies. We also host many European headquarters of large multinational companies, such as Alphabet (Google). These companies offer many learning opportunities, English-speaking roles, and “Human Touch”. You will have a better chance of being visible to HR Recruiters or Global Mobility Managers. Examples include Amcor, Barry Callebaut, SIKA, Holcim, BDO, Merck, Bellimo, Sonova, Mettler Toledo, and LGT. We also have a large community of startups in BioTech, EnvironmentTech, FinTech, and social entrepreneurs. You can research Impact Hub Zurich. Impact Hub
- Bring back the Human Touch: Identify companies that recruit humans with minimal technical interfaces. Build a friendly relationship with recruiters and hiring managers. Connect with everyone you meet along the way on LinkedIn. Be personable and open about what you have learned from past failures. Use online groups to find out what tasks people need support with, as you can create an income stream there. https://globalpeopletransitions.com/bringing-the-human-touch-back-into-global-mobility/
- Show your Work and Residence Permit Status and Citizenship: In your resume, mention your work and residence permit, including the validity period. It helps if you already live in Switzerland and have a residence permit. Still, if this is not the case, you can help the HR Recruiter or Global Mobility Manager by including details such as your date of birth and citizenship status with your application. Ideally, include this information in your resume.
- Develop your professional network: Trust is key in Switzerland. I recommend taking an empathetic approach to building your professional network, both in person and online, to land a job. Join industry-specific groups on LinkedIn, attend networking events, and connect with recruiters to expand your professional network. Ask people to meet in person and invest in relationships. If you are already connected to someone in Switzerland, you can list them as a reference. Even better is if they introduce you to the other person. Ensure that the person you use as a reference is aware of and agrees to be your reference. Tell them everything they need to know to give a good reference about you, such as the length of time you worked together, specific projects you worked on, and how they rate your skill level. https://globalpeopletransitions.com/offline-networking-in-the-digital-age/
- Study the local language: While English is widely spoken in Switzerland, studying the local language (German, French, or Italian, depending on the region) will give you a significant advantage when applying for jobs. https://globalpeopletransitions.com/the-german-queen-launches-her-helping-handbuch/
- Submit a complete application file: Often, you will need to provide all work certificates immediately, and complete applications are taken seriously. Write an individual cover letter. Get the Recruiter’s Attention with a Swiss Cover Letter
- Stay patient: The Swiss hiring process can be tedious because it is very democratic, and many decision-makers are booked weeks in advance. Before applying, speak with the recruiter to determine whether you are a good fit for the role. Only follow up after submitting your application if you have not heard back within 2 weeks. Be patient and stay friendly as the hiring process unfolds. Ask what the next steps are and when you can expect an answer. If you start putting people under pressure, they won’t be happy about it.
- Optimize your branding: Many foreigners come across as overly confident, which can put off recruiters and hiring managers. Be realistic about your achievements, know your market value, and stay humble during the interviews. Check your branding for clarity and a red thread. Eliminate distractions and clearly state which roles you believe you are qualified for. https://globalpeopletransitions.com/global-people-club-etiquette/
Global People Transitions Articles & Books
- The Global Rockstar Album: angieweinberger.ch/the-global-rockstar-album/
- Top Ten Tips for LinkedIn: globalpeopletransitions.com/top-ten-tips-for-a-killer-linkedin-profile/
- Expat Spouse Employment: globalpeopletransitions.com/eight-major-barriers-to-expat-spouse-employment/
- Engaging Cover Letters: globalpeopletransitions.com/how-to-get-a-swiss-recruiters-attention-through-engaging-cover-letters/
Updated Job Platforms
| Platform | Target Audience | Link |
| Jobs.ch | General (Largest in CH) | jobs.ch |
| Seniors@Work | Experienced (50+) | seniorsatwork.ch |
| Impact Hub Zurich | Impact/Sustainability | zurich.impacthub.ch/jobs |
| cinfo | International Cooperation | cinfo.ch |
| Public Jobs | Government/NGO | publicjobs.ch |
| TechFace | Women in Tech (CH) | techface.ch |
| Akkodis | Engineering & Tech | akkodis.com/en-ch |
| Swissfoundations | Job Seekers & Professionals | https://www.swissfoundations.ch/jobportal/ |
| Pro Helvetia | Arts & Culture | prohelvetia.ch |
| CoPilot Resume | Resume Builder | https://www.copilotresume.io/jobs |
Job Search Strategy 101
1 – Find the Top 20 companies to apply to with an unsolicited application
To help you get started, here are some resources that can provide valuable information about the Swiss job market. If you want to explore opportunities in Switzerland, these resources cover a broad spectrum, from industry overviews to specific job search strategies.
This website provides data and information about various industries, sectors, and the job market in Switzerland. It offers reports, statistics, and other relevant information about the Swiss economy.
Swissnex is a global network connecting Switzerland and the world in education, research, and innovation. They provide information about the Swiss innovation ecosystem, startups, and industries. You can also find events and programs related to different sectors.
The Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit organization that promotes business relations between Switzerland and the United States. They provide information about different industries, events, and resources for companies and job seekers.
The Swiss-British Chamber of Commerce is an independent, non-profit organization established to foster bilateral trade and investment between Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Its primary objective is to support and promote the interests of its members, which include companies, organizations, and individuals engaged in business activities between the two countries. The SBCC provides a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and business development through various events, seminars, and business missions. It also offers services such as market entry support, business matchmaking, and advocacy for its members. The chamber is vital in strengthening economic ties and promoting Swiss-UK business relations.
The Swiss-Indian Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit association that aims to promote and enhance trade, investment, and economic cooperation between Switzerland and India. The SICC is a platform for businesses and individuals interested in exploring opportunities in both countries. It facilitates networking, knowledge exchange, and business collaboration through events, seminars, conferences, and trade delegations. The chamber also offers services such as market research, business matchmaking, and assistance in navigating the business landscape in Switzerland and India. The SICC works closely with government bodies, industry associations, and other relevant stakeholders to foster strong bilateral relations and to support its members in their business endeavors.
Providing insights into the various industry sectors. You can find the latest industry-specific thinking on EY’s website. It might cover trends, analyses, and perspectives related to your industry.
SECO stands for the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs. They likely provide industry analysis and insights into the Swiss economy. Checking their website might give you a comprehensive understanding of various sectors.
The Greater Zurich Area website has information about the region’s technology sector. It could include details about companies, innovation, and opportunities in the tech industry.
- Switzerland Global Enterprise – Economic Environment:
Switzerland Global Enterprise appears to provide information on Switzerland’s economic environment. This might include data on business conditions, market trends, and other factors affecting industries.
Biopharmguy provides links related to the biopharmaceutical industry in Switzerland. This could be a valuable resource for those interested in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors.
https://www.innosuisse.admin.ch/en/about-us
Innosuisse is the Swiss Innovation Agency. We strengthen the competitiveness of Swiss companies with our funding instruments. By doing so, we contribute to the sustainable development and prosperity of Switzerland. Over 600 people work for Innosuisse and are committed to moving the world with Swiss innovations.
More Resources for Expats and Their Spouses
Why you Need a Brand – The Bourne Effect The ‘Bourne Effect’ – Why you Need a Brand
Top Ten Tips for a Killer LinkedIn Profile https://globalpeopletransitions.com/top-ten-tips-for-a-killer-linkedin-profile/
Eight Major Barriers to Expat Spouse Employment
Expat Spouse employment | Global People Transitions |
Why Building Professional Relationships Is Harder for You Why Building Professional Relationships is Harder for You
How to get a Swiss recruiter’s attention through engaging cover letters:
How to get a Swiss recruiter’s attention through engaging cover letters – Global People Transitions
The Swiss Recruiting Summer Slump – Six Tactics to Make More of the Downtime:
The Swiss Recruiting Summer Slump – Six Tactics to Make More of the Downtime – Global People Transitions
Why Culture Shock Is Different From Depression:
Why Culture Shock Is Different Than Depression – Global People Transitions
The Social Media Newbie Series – Part 1:
The Social Media Newbie Series – Part 1 – Get Started on LinkedIn
Six Tips to Create a Strong LinkedIn Profile:
Your Time to Shine: 6 Tips to Create a Strong LinkedIn Profile – NewinZurich
The Swiss Job Market Paradox
https://www.womenindigitalswitzerland.com/post/the-swiss-job-market-paradox
Books for Expats
Talerman, D. (2019). Vivre et travailler en Suisse. Gualino Éditeur.
Theurer, L. and Moister, M. (2019): Swisstory: The Untold, Bloody, and Absolutely Real History of Switzerland, Bergli Books. https://www.bergli.ch/products/swisstory?_pos=1&_sid=130506d91&_ss=r
Weinberger, A. (2023): The Global Rockstar Album – 21 Verses to Find Your Tact as an Inclusive Leader, Global People Transitions, Zurich, Switzerland. The Global Rockstar Album – Angie Weinberger
Bewes, D. (ed.) (2016) The Expert Guide to Your Life in Switzerland. Geneva: Bergli Books.
Meyer, E. (2014). The Culture Map: Decoding How People Think, Lead, and Get Things Done Across Cultures. New York: PublicAffairs.
Nisbett, R.E. (2003). The Geography of Thought: How Asians and Westerners Think Differently… and Why. New York: Free Press.
Bewes, D. (2013). Slow Train to Switzerland. London: Nicholas Brealey Publishing.
Gibson, R. (2022). Bridge the Culture Gaps: A toolkit for effective collaboration in the diverse, global workplace. London: Nicholas Brealey Publishing.
Lloyd, K. (2024). Performance Appraisals & Phrases For Dummies. 2nd ed. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
Theurer, L. and Meister, M. (2019) Swisstory: The Untold, Bloody, and Absolutely Real History of Switzerland. Basel: Bergli Books.
Our Favorite Job Platforms
For Artists
Förderung finden – Pro Helvetia
For Translators and Voice Artists (pilot/testing)
For German speakers 🇩🇪 – Check your commune and city administration
https://www.stadt-zuerich.ch/jobs
For German native speakers 🇩🇪, we know you could work as a German-language coach. Email angela@globalpeopletransitions.com for a connection.
Need More?
Monica Shah, Children First, Multilingual Early Childcare Expert
My Red Couch Talk with Monica Shah Zeeman
We recommend Monica Shah and “Children First” for your children: the spacious villa and beautiful playground at Freiestrasse 175 in Zurich offer indoor and outdoor educational play opportunities. Children First is considered an oasis for young learners. Since 2006, Children First has provided quality early years education in Zurich. They offer comprehensive care packages for international working parents and specialize in teaching languages to young children through play and a structured daily program of activities. Children at Children First acquire fundamental life skills and establish a solid academic foundation.
The Montessori-inspired methodology employed by Children First supports the development of practical skills and encourages creativity, problem-solving, environmental care, and social learning. Children First considers it a privilege to be one of the first places outside the home where children make friends and begin their education. The multi-age groups are structured like a big family, fostering an environment in which each child is encouraged to develop their personality while learning to interact with others. https://www.childrenfirst.ch/.
If you still haven’t found what you are looking for (and if this makes you think of a song), do not worry! Join our Global People Club. Sign up for our client system, the RockMeApp.
All the best, and speak soon,
Angela Weinberger
Angela Weinberger, Managing Director
https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelaweinberger
Follow Angie on other social media: https://linktr.ee/angieweinberger
