Jobs in France

Major contributors to the French economy include tourism, agriculture, energy, manufacturing, transport and technology. The country is renowned for its luxury goods, fashion and cosmetics industries. Many large and multinational companies are based in France, including:

• Airbus

• AXA

• Citroën

• Danone

• L'Oréal

• Michelin

• Peugeot

• Renault

• Total

• Ubisoft.

Tourism is a vital part of the economy, so you'll easily find seasonal jobs at campsites or ski resorts, while there are also opportunities to teach English as a foreign language.

How to get a job in France

You apply for jobs in France by email, online application forms or by posting your CV and cover letter to the company. Be prepared to produce these in both English and French, even if you're applying for an English-speaking role, as many companies will expect this.

A French CV should be no more than one side of A4 for a junior position. It should highlight your language proficiency, work experience (in reverse chronological order) and educational achievements. There should be no unexplained gaps in your education or work history.

Your cover letter should be succinct, drawing on your most relevant experience to explain why you're a suitable candidate for the position. Don't attach your transcripts to your cover letter - French employers will ask to see these in person if your application is successful.

Beyond this first stage, the application process is rigorous. Companies can hold up to four interviews, and you should be clued up on the company, as well as French business jargon before you arrive. The French value punctuality and smart business dress, so you should be prepared for a formal interview setting.

French employers look favourably on speculative applications and networking, so if you're struggling to find advertised work, take a proactive approach and contact the companies you'd like to work for directly.

Summer jobs

There are plenty of opportunities in the hospitality and tourism sector in the summer months. This is particularly the case with cities such as Paris, Montpellier and Nice where jobs can be found in hotels, bars, cafés, and restaurants.

Another option is to work on a campsite through a travel company such as Canvas Holidays or Eurocamp, with these opportunities available nationwide.

Finally, you could consider other seasonal employment, such as working as a grape picker in the thriving farming and wine industry, or temporary positions in ski resorts during the busy winter months.

As a foreign worker, you'll be paid at least the French statutory minimum wage (SMIC), which is €10.85 (£9.27) per hour (May 2022).

You can also find voluntary placements through:

• AIESEC UK

• GoAbroad.com - Volunteer abroad

Teaching jobs

There's a high demand for English teachers in France, as the country looks to keep ties with the English-speaking jobs market. You'll find teaching positions in private and state schools, language colleges, town halls, universities or within a company, teaching business English to its employees.

You can find out more about teaching abroad as an English language assistant through the British Council or CIEP. Although you'll be teaching English, both schemes stipulate the need for a good standard of French, which you can demonstrate by taking a language test, if required. You'll also need to have completed at least two years of a Bachelors degree or its equivalent