Job search in Switzerland is like a walk in the gorgeous Swiss forests. While there is lots of beauty in it, and a provisional beginning and end, you will need some energy, positivity and persistence to move on to the correct path to enjoy and finish.

The unemployment rate in Switzerland was below the OECD average at 4,4% in Q2 2017 and the average wages were 60,1 K dollars (2016) which is the third place in the world after Luxemburg and United States. That is the beauty of the job market. In addition, lack of qualified workforce opens doors to expats with a fitting profile or to those who undertake steps to make themselves fit. While the federal government pushes for lowering residence permit for foreign nationalities especially the non- EU nationalities, three cantons, Geneva, Basel-Country and Zürich have lately written a joint letter asking for the number of available residence permits to be increased because of the qualified workforce shortage. The main industries feeling the pinch with the lack of permits are pharmaceutical firms, trading, clean technology and finance. The government cut the number of permits available in 2016 by 2,000 to 6,500. It hiked it a bit former year by a 1,000. But the cantons say that still isn’t enough. Particularly international companies operating in the country shall be able to recruit talented people from around the world keeping the Swiss international sector competitive. Therefore, there is a chance that getting residence permits will get easier again.

When looking for your new job, you shall understand this. The name of the game on job markets these days is increasing productivity and doing more with less resources. This is particularly true for high-cost countries like Switzerland. As a new expat you have a couple of options to join this game locally. Your best bet to get a job here is to be between ca 20–40, an expert on a subject matter with 5+ years of experience, agreeing on working 24/7 at a low salary range and having a valid residence permit before applying for a job. Of course, you speak German or French or both, Italian on top might make things even easier. Another option is to complete studies or a professional certification program in Switzerland even if you already had completed any studies abroad which are recognized here. It is because the Swiss quality is considered the best here. Many Swiss employers ask for specific Swiss certifications. Moreover, after studies you can get in a company via an internship. More options? Have a good network, be lucky and as mentioned have energy, positivity and persistence. Do not forget to explore new paths while looking for the correct one if you just do not know it yet.