Work is not only a way to integrate into the community of the country that has provided shelter but also an opportunity to improve one's qualifications and gain additional skills that may be useful both in Ukraine and in terms of earning a decent income to provide for oneself and one's family, rather than relying solely on social benefits. It is even a way to face one's challenge, allowing personal growth and eventually making it easier to cope with the trials.
We have gathered a collection of useful resources for job search and published important advice from Ukrainians in Switzerland who have already found employment. Let's start with the second.
Our co-authors are the hosts of the Ukrainian-language podcast "Could It Have Been Different?" - Dmytro Milashchuk, who created this podcast, and his interlocutor Anna Humenna, a personal growth coach. We present their advice, based on personal experience, for your attention.
What do you need to know about job searching in Switzerland?
One of the Swiss job market's most important features is the high competition level. Working in Switzerland is a highly attractive prospect for all civilized countries, so Ukrainians should be prepared to compete with almost all of Europe. There is no need to fear this; you just need to prepare for a marathon and not give up after the first failures.
Based on their experience, Anna Humenna and Dmytro Milashchuk offer the following advice:
Send a minimum of 10 resumes per month. This recommendation applies to everyone, both Swiss citizens registered as unemployed and Ukrainians. However, in reality, 10 resumes are very few. Alla recommends sending hundreds of resumes if necessary. She had the experience of sending around 200 resumes in one month.
Utilize all the classic job search methods:
- Use websites and social networks.
- Personally visit companies and leave resumes at the reception.
- Make phone calls.
- Write directly.
Create a LinkedIn profile if you don't have one yet. "It is the first filter through which the employer passes us when they receive the resume," emphasizes Dmytro.
Create a high-quality resume. It should be formatted in a way that local employers are accustomed to. Anna specifically mentions that in Switzerland, entire agencies can assist with this. However, a simpler way is to fill out your LinkedIn page and upload the resume from there. Customize the resume for each vacancy whenever possible, highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
Attend various events and interact with people who work in the field that interests you. In particular, on Meetup.com, you can find events where you can meet people "in your topic" and establish connections, gain useful information, learn more about work specifics, and receive advice. Networking is a crucial aspect of job hunting. Alla mentioned that having a recommendation or an "internal reference" doesn't guarantee anything, but it is an added advantage when applying for a job. Employers "look at resumes differently," she emphasizes.
Don't hesitate to tell everyone that you need support and are looking for a job. It may not always be comfortable, but it is very beneficial.
Visit job fairs and attend events related to employment. Many Ukrainian charitable organizations arrange meetings with representatives of recruiting companies for compatriots. Don't miss them. Both speakers mention this. Also, subscribe to local and Ukrainian groups that provide advice - gather information, ask questions, and seek guidance. It is beneficial.
Don't translate your diploma or other documents until asked to do so. Not all positions require it. So, it's not worth spending time and money prematurely.
If you have a "regulated" profession, such as a medical professional, you must have your diploma recognized. It is challenging and expensive. But it should not stop you from job searching. Perhaps you can take advantage of being in another country to learn something new and acquire a new profession. So, don't limit yourself. Alla, for example, was able to change her profession and find a new job.
Register with the Employment Center. "It is a widespread and powerful system in Switzerland that not only helps in job search but can also assist in obtaining another profession," says Dmytro.
Useful sources for job placement
We offer a list of the best resources for job search, including those specifically oriented towards Ukrainians.
Jobs for Ukrainians abroad. You need to complete a simple registration, select a region, and receive job offers. You can also set up email notifications based on your preferences. They have their own Telegram channel where vacancies are posted.
emplois-fribourg.ch/emplois-selon-localite
Convenient job search by region of residence. Many job opportunities in various fields.
The "Jobs in Ukraine" platform by Adecco Group, a leading global HR consulting company, has created a free platform for any company wishing to offer jobs to Ukrainians. Candidates need to submit their application through the platform, and company representatives will contact them to offer jobs and connect with employers.
A well-known global social network for job search and professional networking. To effectively search for jobs, you should have a profile on this platform.
A large job search resource that also focuses on assisting Ukrainians. You can follow the link and immediately browse jobs for Ukrainian refugees.
In addition to a large number of job offers in Switzerland, this platform provides valuable information for job seekers.
A major job portal for job search. Convenient search and easy registration.
Job offers throughout Switzerland. Over 200,000 online vacancies.
A comprehensive resource for convenient job search. You can upload your resume and view vacancies from various companies. Accessible without registration.
Another resource for job search in different countries worldwide. They have a mobile app that can be downloaded to receive notifications about new job openings.
A resource with job offers for Ukrainian refugees.
One of the largest job and personnel search sites in the world. Millions of job offers.
A large collection of job vacancies in different regions and industries. Convenient search.
An international job search resource with a large selection of vacancies in Switzerland.
Offers both temporary and permanent positions, provides useful advice and consultations.
A website with job offers in hotels, including kitchen jobs for chefs, assistant chefs, and waiters.
Vacancies and opportunities for Ukrainians in a dedicated Telegram channel. In addition to job offers from various websites, you can find job search advice there.
Helps find permanent or temporary employment, provides advice, and assists with resume and cover letter preparation.
A powerful internet agency for job search and recruitment. 200 vacancies from 40 companies.
Websites focused on temporary job search.
Such jobs often do not require special professional skills. For example, construction workers, waiters, packers, etc.
You need to register to receive instant job offers in various industries.
A website for employers looking for temporary workers. Candidates need to submit an application and wait for job offers.
Focuses on job offers for construction workers.
These websites offer convenient job search, consulting, and important advice.
A Telegram channel that publishes job vacancies provides advice and legal assistance.
Internships in Switzerland
The largest student platform in the country that also publishes internship opportunities in various companies.
A large website for finding internship opportunities in Europe.
An international exchange organization that offers internships abroad for students in technical and scientific fields. Thousands of updates daily.
Assistance in job search through public employment services
(European Employment Service) - a network for information exchange that manages public employment services in European Union countries. There is a separate talent-pool-pilo section for Ukrainians, which offers verified and selected job vacancies for refugees.
Resume optimization
How to improve the "visibility" of your resume for search engines?
The Jobscan resume scanner helps optimize the keywords in your resume for each job listing so that recruiters can find your application.
