Prospect and apply

A few general tips

Regardless of your nationality and where you are currently studying, here are a few general tips to help you start building your career plans or searching for a job in France:

  • Remember that it is always easier to look for an internship or a job when you are already in France and/or when you completed part of your studies in a French university. A good start would be to consider enrolling on a training course in France or taking part in a mobility programme
  • Always keep in mind that, to work in France, speaking French is essential. Although some exceptions exist, it is highly recommended to have at least a CEFR B1/B2 in French to have a reasonable chance to be hired
  • Use your local alumni network. Some graduates from your home university must have had a career in France, or might even still be working here. Don’t hesitate to contact them to obtain priceless tips
  • Think about your national companies established abroad. Some of them probably have branches in France, which might look to hire people who are familiar with both cultures and languages
  • You are a student looking for an internship in France? Don’t forget to contact your home university’s internship office. They will inform you about the procedure and may even give you a few tips for an effective search

Job, internship and involvement opportunities

EURES

EURES is the portal for professional mobility in Europe. You will find an entry by country. Select FRANCE and find job and traineeship offers, as well as detailed information on the job market and living conditions.
 

The EURES network is also behind the EURES TMS (Targeted Mobility Scheme), which puts jobseekers in touch with employers throughout the European Union, Norway and Iceland.

France Travail

France Travail is the French national employment agency. It provides access to a large number of job offers (in French)

APEC

APEC is the French association for executive employment. It also gives access to numerous job offers for executive profiles (in French)

Euraxess (Phd students or young doctors)

Euraxess is the official European researchers mobility portal. Young researchers will find, among others, many job and networking opportunities in France

Civic service: getting involved in France

A civic service is a voluntary commitment to a mission of general interest, lasting from 6

to 12 months aimed at young people aged 16 to 25.
 

Note that Civic service is open to you if you are a citizen of a member country of the European Economic Area (EEA), the European Union or Switzerland. As a non-European citizen, you can sign up for a civic service under certain conditions, provided you have been living in France for more than one year.

More information on the official civic service website (in French)

Other common job boards

Some websites advertising job vacancies are more specifically adapted for young people and students. Here are a few examples:
 

CV and cover letter

Compared to English-speaking standards, French CV and cover letter have their own particularities that it is important to keep in mind. Here are a few references to help you with that: