How to Find a Job in Switzerland, Zurich

Lately, many of my connections and new contacts have contacted me, asking me how to surf the Swiss job market, especially in Zurich. The process might be overwhelming initially, but with some pre-work, you can make things happen. So, I’ve put together some tips based on my own experience and what I’ve seen also it works for others when searching for a job:

Use your Network

In Switzerland, it’s all about who you know. Many job opportunities aren’t even advertised, so your personal and professional network is key in this process. Connect with people you know and attend industry events. LinkedIn is a powerful tool here, so join local and regional professional groups, stay active in discussions as I recommend, in general, when looking for a job, and don’t be afraid to reach out to new contacts.

You can also check platforms like Meetup and Eventbrite, where you’ll find industry events, as well as activities organized by local chambers of commerce.They are definitely very useful.

Example: Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce, British-Swiss Chamber, Swiss-Asian Chamber, Italian Chamber of Commerce for Switzerland, Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Switzerland, Handelskammer Deutschland-Schweiz (German-Swiss Chamber of Commerce).

Use Job Portals and Recruitment Agencies

The job market in Switzerland has a few key portals that I’d recommend checking regularly:

• jobs.ch
• jobup.ch
• Indeed.ch
• LinkedIn Jobs
• glassdoor.ch
• ictjobs.ch
• 50plus-jobs.ch

There are also agencies specialized in different sectors, like Robert Walters, Michael Page, Adecco, Randstad, and Hays, among others. It’s worth registering with these agencies if you want access to roles that aren’t posted publicly. Their consultants can even give you tips about how to perform interviews or redefine something in your CV.

Polish Your CV and LinkedIn Profile

Make sure your CV is adapted to the Swiss market. Usually, Swiss CVs are quite detailed, often including a professional photo, a cover letter, references and recommendation letters if you have them. Also, upload relevant certificates or diplomas, as they are highly valued in this market. If you come from a country where reference letters are uncommon, present your LinkedIn references or recommendations as an alternative.

Your LinkedIn profile should be optimized with keywords relevant to your field, as many recruiters in Switzerland use LinkedIn or their own database to find candidates. Check the typical words in the job descriptions that appear in the portals and add them to your CV.

Boost Your Language Skills

Don’t be surprised if they aren’t too keen on speaking Hochdeutsch (standard German), as in Zurich they actually speak Schweizerdeutsch, a German dialect.?

While Zurich is very international and open-minded and has plenty of companies where English is the working language, knowing German is an advantage. Especially for local companies and regional markets.?

For this environment, starting from at least a B1 level is helpful, and a B2 level is ideal for roles with local clients, but it's important to keep learning and progressing. If possible, consider getting a certification like the Goethe-Zertifikat to strengthen your applications and show your commitment. However, it’s not mandatory if you can prove it orally. I understand these certificates are expensive and I wasn′t a fan of them.

Attending tandem or language exchange events can also be a great way to practice. Use Meetup.

Apply Directly to Companies

Many companies in Switzerland, as in other countries, post job openings directly on their websites, so take the time to research those in your field and regularly check their career pages. Some companies avoid the high fees for posting on LinkedIn or similar platforms, making their own websites the primary source for job opportunities.

Also, spontaneous or unsolicited applications are common in Switzerland. If there’s a company you really want to work for, it’s worth sending a tailored cover letter and CV, even if they haven’t advertised any positions. Maybe in a short period, they open a new opportunity.?

Explore Zurich’s Financial Sector and Startups

Zurich is known for its financial and tech sectors. If you're interested in banking, fintech, or tech startups, there are a lot of opportunities. And even if you can notice the current global crisis, unemployment is still low in comparison with other European countries, so there is space for great talent here.?

If you’re looking for something specialized in finance, check out niche job platforms like efinancialcareers.ch or SwissFinanceStartups.ch .

Use Professional Assistance

If you’re lucky enough to have outplacement services offered by a previous employer, take advantage of them. They usually offer personalized support and help you to connect with job opportunities in Switzerland.

As an alternative, consider working with a career coach familiar with the Swiss job market to help adapt and refine your job search strategy.

The RAV (Regional Employment Center) provides a range of support services, including career counseling, job search assistance, training programs, and unemployment insurance benefits (Under some conditions), to help you enter or re-enter the job market.

Don’t forget techniques and/or support to keep your head up and motivated. Looking for a job is also a job, and can be frustrating sometimes, as I mentioned in another article.

Connect with Expat Support

Being part of the expat community can be a great tool. As said, check with the Swiss Chamber of Commerce or other expat associations for job seeker support. Online forums and expat groups are another good way to network and find job leads. You can create very interesting contacts during the language exchange events as well.

Examples: Internations, Glocals, SwissNet, Switzerland Global Enterprise and The English Forum Switzerland.

Attend Job Fairs and Industry Events

Job fairs and industry-specific events are fantastic places to meet recruiters or hiring managers and build connections with important stakeholders in your field. Stay updated for future job fairs in Zurich and relevant industry conferences that could help you expand your network. Linkedin is a good source for this.

Know the Swiss Work Rules

Last but not least, it’s important to understand Swiss work regulations, especially if you’re moving here from abroad. Investigate everything related to the visa and work permit requirements, and ensure your potential employer can support your permit application.

And don’t forget about savings. You’ll need to cover registration, relocation, deposit, and many other extra expenses, so keep those in mind too.

Check this essential web to understand the key aspects.

Job searching in Switzerland, especially in Zurich, it’s challenging, but again, with the right approach, you'll get there. Focus on networking, optimizing your profile, and getting familiar with the local job market to position yourself for an exciting opportunity. There are probably other aspects to consider, but these give you a solid starting point.?

Good luck!