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Time between the job advert and the start of the job in Europe

There is no fixed time. It depends on the employer, on how many recruitment rounds there are, on your notice period in your current job and – if you are not an EU citizen or work in a regulated profession – on permits and recognition. Seasonal and student jobs can often start sooner; a graduate job with tests and several interviews usually takes longer.

What happens between the ad and your first day

The application deadline – some employers start selecting only after it, others review applications as they arrive.
Tests. EURES warns that many large firms, international companies and institutions ask candidates to complete psychometric or technical tests before the interview.
One or more interviews – online, by phone or face to face.
The offer and the contract.
Your notice period if you already have a job – in Sweden, for example, at least 1 month if you resign.

How long you may wait for an answer

Employers’ habits differ. In the Netherlands employers tend to reply fairly quickly – if you have heard nothing after 14 days, contact the company. In Ireland it is fine to phone if you have not heard back within about four weeks. In Estonia you usually get a reply by email or letter even if you are not selected.

What can add time

Recognition of a regulated profession: under EU rules the authority confirms receipt within 1 month and decides within 3 months of getting your documents. In Luxembourg you usually get an answer within 2 to 6 weeks.
Permits if you are not an EU/EEA citizen: in Latvia the employer must register the vacancy with the State Employment Agency at least one month before applying; in Finland the fast-track service can issue a specialist permit in two weeks.

Your first days

Under EU Directive 2019/1152 your employer must give you the key information about your job in writing between your first working day and the seventh calendar day, and the rest within one month. Some countries go further: in the United Kingdom you must get a written statement on your first day, in Luxembourg the contract must be in writing at the latest on your first day, and in Romania you get a signed copy before you start.

Practical tips

At the interview, ask about the next steps and the planned start date.
Do not resign from your current job or book a flight until you have the offer in writing.
Plan your arrival: in Germany, for example, you must register your address within 2 weeks of moving in.