Job Hunting In Austria: A Guide For Americans

Austria is a prosperous, stable, and thriving country with a strong economy and a high quality of life. The country offers numerous job opportunities for foreigners, especially in fields like technology, engineering, tourism, and healthcare. If you're an American looking to work in Austria, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, networking is crucial as many positions are secured through local connections or expat communities. Additionally, while German proficiency is valuable, international companies and startups increasingly hire English-speaking professionals. You should also be prepared to navigate the country's visa requirements, which include options like the Job-Seeker Visa and the Red-White-Red Card.

Job-seeker visa

If you are a US citizen and want to move to Austria to look for work, you can apply for a Job-Seeker Visa. This visa is a special type of visa that allows highly qualified people with no job offer to enter Austria for six months to look for work.

To apply for a Job-Seeker Visa, you must achieve a minimum of 70 points on a list of criteria. These criteria include factors such as higher education, language level, research and innovation, and special qualifications. For example, you can gain points for qualifications in informatics studies, work experience, and language skills.

To apply, you must submit your application in person at the competent Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country or country of residence. Along with the regular visa application documents, you must include documents that prove you have the required minimum number of points, such as a university diploma, proof of professional experience, and language certificates. These documents will be sent for review to the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS), which will assess whether you fulfil the prerequisites for the visa. It can take several months for your application to be processed, so be sure to plan ahead.

It is important to note that the Job-Seeker Visa does not allow you to work in Austria. Once you have found a suitable job, you or your employer will need to submit an application for a Red-White-Red Card for Very Highly Qualified Workers. This card is required for you to begin working, and you must have health insurance and proof of accommodation in Austria to obtain it.

CV and cover letter

The Austrian job market is welcoming to foreigners, with high demand for skilled workers in technology, life sciences, and tourism. To get started on your job search, you'll need a well-prepared CV and cover letter. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

CV:

• Structure: Use a clear and professional format. The EU's Europass CV builder or templates provided by the Public Employment Service Austria (AMS) can be helpful guides. In Austria, it is customary to write your CV in tabular form, keeping it concise and up to date.
• Language: While some companies may accept English, it is recommended to have your CV in German. You can seek assistance from the Austrian government website for job application tips.
• Content: Include a professional photo in the top right corner, your academic title, work experience, and education. You may also add voluntary information such as date and place of birth, marital status, and nationality. Ensure there are no spelling mistakes.
• Length: Ideally, your CV should not exceed two pages.
• Format: Some companies may request a paper application, while others may prefer a digital PDF format.

Cover Letter:

• Language: Your cover letter should be in German. If you are addressing an unknown person, use the greeting "Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,". However, whenever possible, try to find the name of the individual and use that instead.
• Content: Adapt the content to the specific job you're applying for. Include an introductory paragraph about yourself and your achievements, highlighting why you are the right fit for the role. Mention your academic and professional titles, as these carry weight in Austria. You can also state your salary expectations and availability.
• Length: Keep the letter concise and to the point, ideally within one A4 page.
• Signature: Don't forget to include your scanned signature at the end.

Language requirements

Austria has a strong economy and is known for its emphasis on innovation, with plentiful roles in fields like technology, engineering, tourism, and healthcare. The country's job market offers numerous opportunities for foreigners, with companies actively seeking new talent.

While English is increasingly valued by international companies and startups, German is the primary working language in Austrian companies. Therefore, proficiency in German will significantly enhance your job prospects. Basic German proficiency will streamline the job hunting process, and interviews are usually conducted in German unless otherwise stated.

If you are an American planning to work in Austria, it is advisable to learn at least some German before you start looking for a job. You can obtain a language diploma or certificate to demonstrate your proficiency. Recognized qualifications include the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (at least A1 or A2 level) and, specifically for German language proficiency, certificates from institutions such as ÖSD, Goethe-Institut, Telc GmbH, or the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF).

Additionally, networking is crucial in Austria, as many positions are secured through local connections or expat communities. Joining online communities and attending networking events can help you connect with potential employers and gain insights into the industry you want to work in.

Job opportunities and sectors

Austria offers a wide range of job opportunities, with a dynamic and innovative economy that values skilled professionals. The country boasts a high standard of living, a strong emphasis on work-life balance, and a robust social security system.

If you're an American looking to work in Austria, it's important to note that the country has a preference for German-speaking professionals. However, international companies and startups are increasingly valuing English-speaking professionals and actively hiring foreign talent.

• Technology and ICT: Austria has a thriving technology sector, with high demand for skilled professionals in ICT (Information and Communications Technology). Roles in this sector include engineers, technicians, data processing specialists, and informatics graduates.
• Engineering: This sector includes electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, agricultural machinery engineering, and telecommunications engineering.
• Life Sciences: Austria offers job opportunities in fields such as medical technology, academic scientific research, and biotechnology.
• Healthcare: There is a demand for healthcare professionals, including nurses, physicians, medical technology specialists, and denture technicians.
• Tourism and Hospitality: Austria, especially its capital city Vienna, offers ample job opportunities in tourism and hospitality. Roles in this sector include restaurant chefs, coffee product makers, butchers, estate managers, store assistants, bakers, and waiters/waitresses.
• Research: Vienna, in particular, has a thriving research sector, with opportunities for skilled professionals.
• International Organizations: Vienna is also home to many international organizations, providing unique job opportunities for foreigners.
• Service Industry: The service industry in Austria is robust, and language skills can be a valuable asset in this sector.

To find job opportunities in Austria, you can explore online job boards, social media channels, printed publications, and networking events. Additionally, the Public Employment Service Austria (AMS) offers valuable information and job search tools.

Work culture

Austria is known for its high standard of living, above-average wages, and thriving work environment. The country offers numerous job openings for foreigners, especially those with skills in technology, life sciences, and tourism. The working culture in Austria is formal and professional, with a strong emphasis on work-life balance. Austrians work to live and don't live to work, prioritizing a calm and relaxed environment that fosters a stress-free atmosphere. Here are some key aspects of the work culture in Austria:

Work-Life Balance

Austrians value their leisure time and family commitments. Weekends are typically reserved for family activities, with Sundays often spent visiting grandparents or enjoying outdoor pursuits like hiking. Flexible working time is important to Austrians, as it allows them to balance their professional and personal lives effectively. The government also supports maternity/paternity leave and reduced working hours to accommodate family needs.

Language

While German is the primary language of business in Austria, you don't need to be fluent to succeed. Basic German proficiency can streamline your job search and day-to-day interactions. However, Austrians value clear and pragmatic communication, focusing more on the meaning and message conveyed than the language or grammatical perfection.

Hierarchy and Professionalism

Austrian business culture has a well-defined hierarchy, with clear distinctions between roles and departments. Professional rank is generally based on an individual's achievements and expertise in their field. Academic titles and backgrounds are important indicators of an individual's knowledge and expertise in their area of work.

Punctuality and Reliability

Austrians value punctuality and see it as a sign of respect. They also highly regard reliability and trustworthiness. If someone says they will do something, they are expected to follow through. Making promises or offering something you can't deliver on is frowned upon.

Social Reputation

Austrian companies often prioritize social reputation and maintaining positive relationships with their employees. Satisfied and loyal employees reflect well on the company, and many businesses have employees from multiple generations of the same families.

Networking and Connections

The Austrian business community is relatively small, and word can spread quickly about your job search activities. Networking is crucial, and building connections through events, expat communities, and social networks can greatly enhance your job prospects. Utilizing recruitment agencies is also a common and effective strategy for finding employment in Austria.

Frequently asked questions