Finding Work in Spain

Finding a job in Spain is not as easy as it is in the UK - the Spanish unemployment rate is still relatively high, especially outside the main cities and in Andalucia. There is however a reasonable amount of work to be found in the tourist areas of Spain, especially if they can also speak Spanish well. Bar and shop work in those areas is also available for non-Spanish speaking expats, but you will need to start your job search at or before easter time. It is also relatively easy to find jobs in the construction and IT industries.

The best way to prepare for a job in Spain is to learn Spanish. Additionally, it is worth doing some research into the differences in pay and working practices between your country and Spain.

Working as a Nurse / Health Professional in Spain

For all permanent public sector jobs in Spain, you will need to take the oposiciones - public exams which are held every year and for which places are limited. However, you can get short-term contract work, as long as you do the following:

• Get a copy of your registration certificate
• Get an official translation of the above
• Contact the Ministerio de Educacion y Ciencias for an official certificate.
• Register at the bolsa de trabajo at your local hospital

Bear in mind that the above can take up to a year

Construction

The construction industry in Spain is currently in very poor health indeed. Many large construction companies have gone bankrupt, and those that are left are not working on as many projects as they used to. There is a lot of competition for casual work, and not many jobs. It's not a good time to be looking for work in the building trade in Spain.

Catering

In tourist areas, many expats work as waiters, bar staff and cooks. The best way to get these jobs is to ask around locally, keep an eye out for posters and look in local newspapers. Jobs in the catering trade in Spain do nottend to be advertised online. Note that pay may be lower than you are used to, and start looking for work just before Easter.

Other jobs in Spain

See these pages for more information:
Au Pair Work in Spain
Teaching English in Spain
Being a Freelancer in Spain
Also see our Jobs in Spain forum

Other useful sites:

Laboris
Large Spanish employment agnecy

Spanish Yellow Pages (site in Spanish)
Select your area, find Spanish companies in your line of work, and send them a CV!