7 Tips On How To Get a Job in Spain

Getting a job in Spain can be an intimidating experience due to the language barrier, but with some research and effort, it is possible to find your dream career. In this blog post, we will discuss 7 tips on how to get a job in Spain.

From maximizing your online presence to searching through some of Spain’s top companies, these tips will give you the knowledge and confidence needed to land that perfect job abroad. Let’s get started on your journey toward finding work in Spain!

How to get a job in Spain?

The major cities in Spain, such as Madrid and Barcelona, offer some of the best job prospects and tend to be easier for expats to find work. However, the Spanish job market is still competitive, especially if you are not a native Spanish speaker. To increase your chances of finding employment in the country, consider the following 7 tips:

1. Build your profile

Spanish employers are highly selective and value experience, qualifications, and language skills. In this modern, ever-competitive age, you’ll be competing with individuals from all corners of the globe for every job position. Creating a stellar resume and the perfect cover letter will make you stand out among exceptional candidates.

Although having the right academic credentials is key to getting your dream job, possessing a university degree is not enough. To get ahead in your career, you must go beyond and exceed expectations. Be proactive and take initiative towards reaching your goals by participating in other activities that can boost your potential such as online courses, volunteering, and internships.

2. Learn Spanish

In case you do not speak the language, take a course or brush up on your language skills before trying job searching in Spain. If you really want to experience Spanish culture, learn how to speak the language.

Even if your native tongue is English, learning Spanish can open up opportunities when applying for jobs in Spain. Being able to communicate effectively and understanding the local lingo will go a long way in helping you stand out from other applicants. There are many ways to learn Spanish, including private tutors, classes, or even online resources such as podcasts and apps.

3. Research the job market

Before you start applying for jobs in Spain, it’s important to research the job market and what kind of roles are available to you. The job market in Spain is highly competitive, and it’s essential to be as informed as possible. Research how the job market works in Spain: how to find jobs, what types of job vacancies are available for your circumstances, how much you can expect to earn, how long it takes to get hired, etc.

4. Brush up your CV

As we have discussed, you will be confronted with tremendous competition. This is why making a good first impression is so critical. Recruiters often receive thousands of applications and must choose only several from the lot. Therefore, you should craft an impressive CV that stands out to make their task easier.

Make sure you tailor your CV to the job you’re applying for. Highlight relevant experience and qualifications, how these skills apply to the job, and how you can contribute to the company. Also, don’t settle for a generic, dull CV. Say goodbye to traditional black-and-white designs – they are outdated. Instead, opt for an elegant but straightforward layout that effectively communicates your past experiences and specialties. Platforms like Canva provide free services to make crafting the perfect design hassle-free.

5. Have the right mindset

This is essential. How successful you will be in the future depends on the attitude you carry with you. You should apply to as many jobs as possible and try to get interviews or job offers for at least 10 of them because that’s how it works. Your skills may not match with every job position, even if you have given a stellar performance – but keep this from hindering your growth. Instead, focus on learning from any rejection experience and continue working towards improving both your CV and interviewing strategies so that nothing can stop you from achieving success.

With that optimistic mindset, you’ll be able to achieve the job of your dreams as a foreigner. It’s more difficult for foreigners to find work overseas which highlights the importance of this viewpoint.

6. Get your work permit, residence visa and health insurance sorted

If you land a job in Spain, it’s important to have the relevant documents and paperwork ready. To work legally, you must apply for a work permit from your home country or the Spanish consulate.

You will also need to obtain a residence visa if you plan on staying for more than 90 days. Additional documents will include a valid health insurance policy and proof of income to support yourself while living in Spain.

7. Make the most out of your time in Spain

Moving to another country is an amazing experience that can open up new opportunities for you. Not only will you be able to learn how to speak Spanish, but you will also get a chance to immerse yourself in the Spanish culture and make long-lasting connections. So make sure you take this opportunity to its fullest.

Make friends, explore your surroundings, attend local festivals or events, and learn how to dance – anything that can help you truly enjoy your experience of living abroad.

What kind of jobs can foreigners get in Spain?

With an unemployment rate of 14.8%, finding a job in Spain can be overwhelming, particularly with the economic disruption caused by COVID-19. However, there is hope – while it may seem tough to land a job here, certain sectors are always on the lookout for skilled professionals and expats who have the right qualifications to fill these positions. If you’re determined to find work in Spain, look for English-speaking jobs and a specialized skillset.

Here’s our list of the most sought-after jobs in Spain for foreigners:

English Teaching Jobs in Spain for International Citizens

If you want to use your English-speaking skills, there is a wealth of opportunities available as private tutors or university lecturers. The barrier for entry is quite low, making this an ideal job choice for Spanish Americans and other native speakers. While not every teaching position requires certification, having one of the following – TEFL, CELTA or TESOL – can give you that extra edge over the competition.

IT Jobs for Americans in Spain

If you possess the technical skills, then get ready to embark on a job hunt in Spain. Plenty of opportunities are available related to software testing, coding and programming, iOS and Android development – just make sure your resume is up-to-date. With this kind of expertise within reach, now is the perfect time for you to explore these chances even if you don’t speak English.

Hospitality Jobs in Spain for Foreigners

Whether you’re a hotel receptionist, bartender, or waiter, the hospitality sector is always looking for experienced staff to fill key roles. This type of work is especially great if you need to learn some Spanish – while this may be necessary for certain positions, conversational Spanish will put your foot in the door.

Professional Services Jobs for Expats in Spain

For those with a background in finance, legal, or accounting services, plenty of work is available in Spain. As one of the most attractive countries for skilled international workers, it’s no surprise that Spain is home to some of the best-paying jobs for non-EU citizens.

Digital Marketing Jobs in Spain for Foreigners

With the rapid growth of digital marketing, there has never been a better time to job hunt in this sector. Whether it’s SEO and content writing or web design and e-commerce, digital marketing offers endless possibilities for ambitious job seekers – regardless of where you are from.

Self-employment

You could as well choose to be self-employed in Spain. Self-employment can be a very attractive option for those who wish to reap the rewards of living and working in this beautiful country without dealing with the tedious paperwork that comes with finding traditional employment. While becoming self-employed does require some preparation, it is important to note that it also offers more freedom than many other jobs do.

Tips for finding jobs in Spain

Networking

Personal connections can be invaluable when it comes to finding work, so make sure to attend industry events or join local groups related to your profession.

In Spain, many jobs do not appear openly, or many positions are filled by word or personal contact. Spread the word that you need a job in Spain, connect with other people working in similar sectors, or join a professional network like LinkedIn.

Job websites

Have you exhausted the prospects of networking yet still seek alternative means of job hunting? Searching for employment opportunities online is a commonly accepted practice in today’s digital landscape. Plenty of websites can make the process easier. With these go-to sites at your fingertips, finding your dream career has never been simpler.

If you’re considering a remote working or freelancing career in Spain, several platforms are also available that can supply you with sustained clients. Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr and Workana are just some of the many options out there to help jumpstart your journey.

Use social media

Social media is a great way to find job postings, create a network and stay up-to-date on the latest job openings. These include job portals such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, where employers are increasingly posting job openings. Make sure to keep your profiles up-to-date and follow companies that you’d like to work for.

Recruitment agencies

Several international recruitment agencies specialize in finding jobs for non-EU citizens, so it’s worth looking into these services. From temporary jobs to long-term contracts, Adecco is the premier recruitment agency in Spain. But if you’re looking for something more specific, many other registered agencies on the Sistema Nacional de Empleo website specialize in certain professions.

Spanish jobs in newspapers

Spanish newspapers, both at a national and local level, have job opportunities listed daily in their ads – with the most significant selection available for you to explore on Sundays.

Public Employment Services

The Public State Employment Service (Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal or SEPE) can be a great resource for job seekers. It provides information on available positions, training courses, and helpful advice for those seeking employment.

Furthermore, each Autonomous Community has its own nationwide offices dedicated to helping people find work.

A word from SublimeSpain

The Spanish job market is one of the most competitive in the world, and foreign workers can find themselves in a great position if they have the right qualifications. However, before you start looking for work, it’s important to know how the job search process works in Spain – from submitting applications and preparing your CV and cover letter to searching for job vacancies.

You should also familiarise yourself with the specific legal requirements, such as how to apply for a work and residence visa and how to secure a long-term job contract. English speakers looking for work will have an advantage in certain sectors such as digital marketing, hospitality, or teaching. However, speaking Spanish will give you greater access to job opportunities and the chance to take home a higher salary.

Disclaimer: Information on this page may be incomplete or outdated. Under no circumstances should the information listed be considered professional legal or financial advice. We highly recommend seeking guidance from a legal or financial expert if you lack extensive knowledge or experience dealing with any of the procedures outlined in these articles.