Job Hunting In Austria: A Guide For Americans

Austria is a prosperous country with a strong economy, renowned for its highly skilled workforce and thriving industries, including agriculture, tourism, and electronics. The country offers many job opportunities for internationals, especially in ICT, metal technology, electrical engineering, and life sciences. If you are an American looking to work in Austria, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Here is a brief guide to help you get started on your job search in Austria.

Job-seeker visas and permits

If you are a US citizen, you will need a work permit and a visa for stays shorter than six months in Austria. If you are planning to stay longer than six months, you will need a working and residence permit.

If you are a highly qualified worker from a third country and do not yet have a job offer, you can get a six-month job-seeker visa. This will allow you to enter Austria and give you time to find a suitable job. To be eligible for this visa, you must achieve 70 out of 100 points on a list of criteria that includes factors such as higher education, language level, research and innovation, as well as special qualifications. The criteria are tailored to highly qualified workers. You must apply for this visa at the diplomatic mission in your country before arriving in Austria. It can take several months to process the application.

If you are allowed to enter Austria without a visa, you do not need a job-seeker visa. If you find a job that matches your qualifications during your legal visa-free stay, you can apply for the Red-White-Red Card in Austria during this period.

The Red-White-Red Card is a permit that allows qualified workers to stay and work at the same company in Austria for 24 months. If you want to change jobs during this time, you will have to re-apply for the card.

To apply for the job-seeker visa, you must submit the following documents:

• Valid travel document (e.g. passport)
• Photo (dimensions: 45x35mm) which is not older than six months
• Proof of locally customary accommodation (e.g. lease contracts, preliminary agreement on tenancy rights or ownership evidence)
• Proof of health insurance covering all risks (compulsory health insurance or equivalent insurance policy)
• Proof of adequate means of subsistence (payslips, pay certificates, employment contracts, insurance benefit certificates, evidence of retirement or other pension or insurance benefits, investment capital or sufficient own assets)

Job applications and interviews

Job Applications

When applying for a job in Austria, you will generally need to submit a CV and a cover letter. It is also common to include a professional photo of yourself in the top right corner of your CV. Your CV should be kept up to date and include clear and concise descriptions of your work experience and education. Avoid spelling mistakes and use a clear format to create a professional impression.

If you are not an EU citizen, you will need to obtain a work permit to work in Austria. This must be applied for by your future employer before you enter the country. If you are a non-native German speaker, it is recommended that you learn at least some German before you start looking for a job.

Interviews

Interviews in Austria are usually conducted in German and tend to be formal and respectful. They typically last between 30 and 60 minutes, and it is customary to arrive at least ten minutes early. Expect to be asked about your CV in detail, as well as questions such as:

• Tell me about a time when you faced a difficult challenge and how you overcame it.
• Give an example of when you showed initiative and took the lead.
• Do you already live in Austria? If not, when will you arrive?
• Do you need a visa or work permit to work in Austria?
• Why do you want to move to Austria?

Austrians value punctuality and formality, so it is recommended that you dress smartly and conservatively for your interview.

CV and cover letter

CV Tips:

When applying for jobs in Austria, it is customary to include a professional photo of yourself in the top right corner of your CV and add a scanned signature at the end of the document. Your CV should be kept concise, with a maximum length of two pages, and should contain brief and accurate descriptions of your work experience and education.

• Full name, academic title (if applicable), address, telephone number, and email address
• The different stages of your education, including any advanced courses and seminars
• Military or civilian service
• Professional career path, including specific positions, focus, and scope of work
• Foreign language competencies (using the European framework of reference)
• Special skills and interests
• Date and place of birth, marital status, nationality, children, and driving license (optional)

If you are unsure about how to structure your CV, you can use the EU's Europass CV builder or follow templates provided by the Public Employment Service Austria (AMS).

Cover Letter Tips:

A cover letter is your opportunity to explain to the potential employer why you are suitable for the job and what motivated you to apply for it. Here are some tips to make your cover letter stand out:

• If you have German language skills, mention this in your cover letter, especially if the job requires communication in German.
• Start your cover letter by explaining the job you are applying for, where you found it, and why it interests you.
• Briefly describe yourself and what you are looking for in a few paragraphs.
• Highlight how you match the key points in the job description and explain why you are the right person for the job.
• Include any required references and qualifications that match the job description.
• Keep your cover letter concise and limit it to one page.
• Include your name, address, telephone number, email address, and a scanned signature at the end of the document.

Work culture and customs

Austria's work culture and customs are steeped in formality, punctuality, and a strong sense of community. Here are some key aspects to be aware of:

Formality and Punctuality:

Austrians value formality and punctuality in their business culture. Being punctual for meetings and interviews is essential, and it is better to arrive a few minutes early rather than risk being late. Formal attire is generally preferred, especially when starting a new job. A suit and shirt for men, and smart trousers with a blouse or a simple dress for women, are good choices. Dark colours are often preferred.

Hierarchy and Decision-Making:

Austrian businesses typically have a clear hierarchy, with top-tier employees making most decisions. Roles are well-defined, and each staff member has specific responsibilities. This hierarchical structure means that flat work teams are less common.

Academic Achievement and Industry Experience:

Academic qualifications and industry experience are highly valued in Austrian work culture. Senior roles are often determined by these factors. Staff members generally feel a strong sense of responsibility towards the company they work for.

Communication and Language:

German is the official language in Austria, and most Austrians speak it. Having a good grasp of German will significantly improve your chances of getting a job in the country. The German spoken in Austria can be difficult to understand, even for native German speakers from Germany, due to regional variations. English is sometimes used in companies, but it is advisable to learn at least some basic German before starting your job search.

Welfare and Loyalty:

Austria has a supportive welfare system, reflecting the strong sense of community in the country. Businesses typically demonstrate loyalty to their employees, especially when they are made redundant, by offering support packages.

Work Hours and Breaks:

The average working week in Austria is 40 hours, but it can go up to a maximum of 48 hours. By law, employees are entitled to a lunch break. The working days are typically Monday to Friday, with Saturdays and Sundays being days off.

Social Security and Benefits:

Austria has a comprehensive social security system. All employed individuals are automatically covered by social insurance, with both the employer and employee contributing equally. Self-employed individuals must register for social security and pay into the system. Social security provides coverage for various needs, including health, accident, pension, and unemployment benefits.

Work Permits and Visas:

If you are a non-EU citizen, you will need a work permit and a visa to work in Austria, except for stays shorter than six months. The future employer must apply for the work permit before you enter the country. If you are highly qualified, you can apply for a Job-Seeker Visa, which allows you to stay in Austria for six months to look for a job.

Job Search Strategies:

When searching for a job in Austria, it is advisable to focus on quality over quantity in your applications. The Austrian business community is relatively small, and news about your job applications and interviews could spread. The AMS eJob-Room is the largest job marketplace in Austria, and there are also international job search platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed, as well as recruitment agencies operating in the country.

Job sectors and salaries

Austria has a strong economy and is committed to paying fair wages across various sectors. The average gross monthly salary in Austria is €3,800, or approximately €45,600 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on the region and sector.

Regional Differences

Vienna, the capital city, typically offers the highest salaries in Austria, ranging from €4,000 to €5,000 per month. The city's status as a cultural and economic hub, along with its thriving service sector, contributes to its economic prosperity. However, Vienna's cost of living is higher than in other parts of the country, especially for housing and amenities.

Western Austria, including Tyrol, Salzburg, and Vorarlberg, presents average salaries ranging from €3,500 to €4,500 per month. These regions are known for their beautiful landscapes, tourism industry, and focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. Eastern Austria, including cities like Graz and Linz, offers average salaries ranging from €3,000 to €4,000 per month. The cost of living in eastern Austria is generally more affordable than in Vienna and the western regions.

Rural areas across Austria typically offer lower salaries, ranging from €2,500 to €3,500 per month. However, the cost of living in these regions is significantly lower, providing a more affordable lifestyle and a closer connection to nature.

The highest-paid sectors in Austria include the chemical and oil processing industry, IT & Internet, banking, energy and water supply, disposal, and financial services. Within these sectors, project managers, lawyers, and controllers are among the top earners.

In terms of occupational groups, people working in finance and management have the highest average salaries, closely followed by IT professionals. Here are some average monthly salaries by industry:

• Agriculture: €2,041
• Banking: €2,983
• Construction: €2,215
• Education: €2,359
• Transport: €2,254

It's worth noting that salaries in Austria generally increase with experience, and there may be variations depending on specific roles and companies.

Frequently asked questions