Economy
France is a leading industrialized country with a mature and sophisticated market economy. The World Bank (2013) ranked the country’s economy fifth in the world with a gross domestic product (GDP) of over $2.7 trillion. The Legatum Institute ranked France twenty-second out of 142 countries it studies on its Economy Sub-Index (2014).
France has substantial agricultural resources, a large industrial base and a highly skilled work force. Its services sector accounts for an increasingly large share of economic activity and has been responsible for nearly all job creation in recent years. France has been very successful in developing its telecommunications, aerospace and weapons industry sectors. Over 25 percent of the growth in the French economy has been attributable to Internet-related products and services.
The European Union is France’s most important trading partner. France is the second-largest trading nation in Western Europe, after Germany. The country ranks sixth in the world for both imports and exports of goods and services, importing over US$680 billion and exporting over USD$579 billion.
Like most European Union nations, France’s economy has struggled since the worldwide economic downturn began in 2008. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) forecasts a GDP growth rate of just 1.5 percent in 2014. The unemployment rate is forecast to drop below 10 percent, while Inflation will remain low at 0.5 percent.
Finding a Job
Although the unemployment rate is high in the country, job opportunities are best in specific economic sectors, such as accounting, management, bilingual secretarial services, hotel and catering, construction, information technology and foreign language teaching.
However, most employers will not hire someone who is not fluent in French. In general, the French business culture is conservative. Employers are very particular about hiring, searching for just the right person. Some jobs, though, are great for an expat, like Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), which requires certification.
France’s major cities offer the best job opportunities, especially Paris. Job search strategies you can use in France are similar to the U.S. Industry associations are an excellent way to find out about international opportunities in your field. Check job listings in local newspapers and online. Craigslist in France provides listings for 13 cities. Also search both global and local online employment sites. Be sure to send unsolicited applications to targeted employers and contact temporary work or staffing agencies online or onsite. Most importantly, check out local online forums and bulletin boards in the area you have chosen. Locals can be a great source for opportunities.
To get you started, here is a list of websites that may help you in your job search:
Directory of French Chambers of Commerce Abroad
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