Economy
Brazil’s economy is the largest of the Latin American nations and is characterized by moderately free markets, an inward-oriented economy and well-developed agricultural, mining, manufacturing and service sectors. The World Bank (2012) ranked Brazil’s nearly US$2.3 trillion gross domestic product (GDP) seventh out of 190 countries studied. The Legatum Institute ranked Brazil’s economy thirty-second out of 142 countries on its Economy Sub-Index (2013
The main industries in Brazil are textiles, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, tin, steel, aircraft, motor vehicles and machinery. Exports continue to move Brazil’s economy forward. In 2012, exports were nearly US$243 billion and imports almost US$224 billion. Brazil’s main exports are transport equipment, iron ore, footwear and coffee, while major imports are machinery, electrical equipment, chemical products, oil and automotive parts. The country’s major export partners are Argentina, China, the Netherlands and the U.S.
In 2014 and 2016 respectively, Brazil will host the world’s two premier sporting events: the FIFA World Cup and the Summer Olympic Games. Public works projects are planned to develop the necessary infrastructure, such as stadiums construction, transport system, airports and telecommunications to attract thousands of tourists who will pump millions into the Brazilian economy.
To boost growth, President Dilma Rousseff has retained the previous administration’s commitment to inflation targeting by the Central Bank of Brazil, a floating exchange rate and fiscal restraint. Inflation is forecast to be 5 percent in 2014 and the unemployment rate in Brazil is under 5 percent. GDP is expected to grow 2.2 percent in 2014.
Finding a Job
Even with low unemployment, the job market in Brazil may be challenging. The number of well-trained Brazilian employees has increased and employment for foreigners has declined. In order to find a job in Brazil, you should learn Portuguese because English is not yet as common as in many other countries. Another hurdle for foreign job seekers is “the principle of proportionality,” which means that at least two-thirds of all employees in a company must be Brazilian. Foreigners must demonstrate that their skills are unique. Salaries in the lower and middle-level sectors are low, so the best option is to look for a job paid in U.S. dollars.
The sectors with the strongest opportunities are the oil and gas industries, infrastructure, renewable energy, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), metal-mechanics (the repair and maintenance of industrial equipment), information and communication technology (ICT), telecommunications and education. For English-speakers, the most common jobs are teaching English, either in a school or private lessons, or working in the oil and gas sector. For the top workplaces in Brazil, check out Best Workplaces in Brazil.
Brazil’s best job opportunities are in Brasilia, the capital; Fortaleza, a city of commerce and tourism; Rio de Janeiro, the headquarters for many private, national and multinational corporations; Salvador, which has prominent ports and international trading; and, São Paulo, which is considered the financial capital of Brazil.
Good sources of information to check job listings are the local newspapers and Craigslist for individual cities. 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. Local jobs can be a great source of opportunities.
To get you started, here is a list of websites that may help you in your job search:
Jobs in Brazil
Jobs in Sao Paulo for English Speaking Professionals
Jobs in Rio for English Speaking Professionals
Brazil Jobs