Where to look for a job?

Check websites and media targeted at specific occupations and sectors, or particular regions in Europe. These may be useful for identifying companies and contacts you might like to work for. Certain countries have websites specifically targeted at foreign jobseekers.

Post your CV on the EURES job mobility portal and other websites for jobseekers. Don't forget: if there is no closing date on the announcement, check whether the vacancy is still open before applying. Some websites may contain out-of-date announcements.

Many recruitment agencies specialise in vacancies in a particular sector and retain CVs of promis­ing candidates to present to employers. Identify specialist recruiters in your chosen field and con­tact them for current and future openings.

In some countries, many job vacancies are publicised by word of mouth and personal network­ing. Check the country sections in this booklet for further details. As a general rule, smaller firms may recruit this way. Larger companies want to market vacancies as widely as possible to attract the best candidates.

'Each year, we are involved in EURES Job Days - or other recruitment events. The statis­tics can be impressive. At one job fair, for example, there were 900job vacancies from 17 EEA countries covering different sectors including construction, catering-hospitality, gardening, IT, healthcare and industry.'

Ewa Staniewicz, EURES Adviser, Poland

Time between publication of the vacancy and start of the job

The time between when a vacancy is advertised and when the post is filled depends on the type of job. Some jobs can be announced and filled on the same day. However, the employer may wish to meet other candidates or make background checks and seek references.

Also, in some countries, notice periods can be several months long. Employers expect to have to negotiate start-dates and crossover periods with outgoing and incoming members of staff