143: A guide to finding a job in Austria for foreigners

Austria is located in central Europe and has a population of approximately 9 million peoples. Official language is German but in different parts of the country, people speak different dialects informally (for example Viennese dialect).

Austria is composed of nine states:

1. Vienna (Vienna)
2. Lower Austria (Sankt Pölten)
3. Upper Austria (Linz)
4. Styria (Graz)
5. Tyrol (Innsbruck)
6. Carinthia (Klagenfurt)
7. Salzburg (Salzburg)
8. Vorarlberg (Bregenz)
9. Burgenland (Eisenstadt)

How to find a job in Austria:

1. Check the possibility of working in Austria according to your situation from the Federal Government‘s official information website on migration to Austria. (job visa for austria)
2. Check the job sites in Austria on a regular basis to learn more about the needs of the Austrian market and get right sense about the situation.

• If your German-language skills are not good enough, search for a job for non-German speakers (Normally based on English skill). International companies are usually more interested in hiring foreign workers. Also keep in mind that still you have a chance for job positions which doing the tasks does not require a lot of daily communication. But not that much!
• You can search for companies related to your education or speciality and negotiate with them directly by email or phone. Especially for research works and start-ups. For start-ups even you may be able to start your own business.
• If you have been in contact with Austrian companies during your work experience in your home country, you can get advice from them or even apply for a job.
• If you are student, try to use internship opportunities of large companies.

Note:

Try to find your job and finalize it with the employers before arriving in Austria so that you do not have to pay extra costs for accommodations and so on during searching a job. (Receiving the draft of contract  as a minimum!)

3. Prepare a resume or CV with suitable cover letter according to European standards (preferably in German)
4. If you are invited for an interview, apart from following the interview techniques, try to prepare yourself for possible questions in advance. For example search for frequently asked interview questions for electrical engineers.