The hidden job market, particularly in Switzerland and Germany, consists of positions that are not publicly advertised. Research shows that up to 60-80% of roles are filled through personal networks and informal methods rather than open job listings. Many companies find it more efficient and cost-effective to rely on referrals or internal recommendations to fill roles, especially for niche or highly specialized positions. For example, industries like agriculture, education, and healthcare often use informal hiring channels more frequently than high-tech sectors, where roles are often advertised more widely. In Switzerland, studies by the University of Zurich’s Swiss Job Market Monitor reveal that while jobs in certain sectors remain hidden, about 80% of available positions are NOT publicly advertised on company […]

Moving to a new country can be an exciting adventure, offering the promise of new experiences and opportunities. However, along with the excitement comes unique challenges, particularly for expat partners who often find themselves navigating unfamiliar territory personally and professionally. In a recent conversation, we delved into the three “I’s” that shape the expat experience: Identity, Isolation, and Influence. Identity: One of the fundamental challenges expat partners face is maintaining a sense of identity in a new environment. The familiar roles and routines they once had may no longer apply, leading to feelings of disorientation and loss. As one participant highlighted, the influence they once held may diminish as they adapt to their new surroundings. However, finding ways to redefine […]

Moving to a new country can be an exhilarating adventure, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. As an expat, you may navigate unfamiliar environments, deal with language barriers, and cope with homesickness. Amid all these changes, it’s easy to neglect your mental well-being. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help expats prioritize self-care and maintain their mental health while living abroad. This guide covers everything from practical tips on finding local support systems to strategies for managing stress and anxiety. Whether you’re a seasoned expat or just starting your journey, we believe that taking care of your mental well-being is essential for a fulfilling and successful expat experience. So, grab a cup of tea and […]

“Lifestyle Expats,” as I tend to call you, are an essential factor in today’s global landscape, and the evidence suggests that the phenomenon is on the rise. Despite a polarized worldview and political efforts to curb immigration while protecting local labor markets, highly-skilled professionals and subject matter experts are now able to access a global job market, particularly visible in “Expat Hubs” such as Amsterdam, Berlin, Dubai, Singapore, and Zurich (A to Z, there are more obviously…) Global Mobility Managers are increasingly involved in recruiting international talent. This makes a lot of sense when you consider that they have the knowledge and skills to address most of the challenges posed by hiring people from other countries. However, since we are […]

Helping global talents succeed in Zurich has been part of my job for years. I am holding a workshop on the topic with HR professionals, and I revisited the five steps. They have not changed over the last decade despite advances in technology and an even higher talent shortage globally. On the one hand, we have many open positions in Zurich; we hear that employers cannot find the right candidates, there is a war for talent, a shortage of talent, and all that. On the other hand, I speak to many global talents and expat spouses who cannot seem to get a foot in the door and not even land one interview while applying to positions. We are talking about […]