Your strategy in 5 steps
01
An application in Swiss format
CV, cover letter, work certificates and diplomas in a single PDF.
02
Alerts on 3 sites
jobs.ch, jobup.ch and LinkedIn cover most of the French-speaking market.
03
Recruitment firms and temp agencies
Many jobs are never advertised: register with 2 or 3 firms.
04
Your LinkedIn network
Profile set to “Geneva”, recruiters contacted directly, speculative applications.
05
The interview and the salary
Typical questions prepared, a well-argued salary range.
Where to look
All the right sites, sorted for you
Swiss codes
Your job application, Swiss version
Create my Swiss CV for freeThe CV
Two pages maximum, professional photo, nationality and permit type (or “B permit pending”), languages with level, and measurable achievements.
Work certificates
In Switzerland, every employer issues a certificate describing your job and assessing your work. Recruiters read them. Attach your French references as the equivalent.
References
Line up 2 or 3 former managers ready to be called. Warn them: in Switzerland the call is common before the offer.
Diplomas
Attach them to your application. For a regulated profession (health, teaching…), have your diploma recognised by SERI.
How much to ask for?
Never give a random figure.
Look at the salaries reported by employees on Glassdoor and the official Salarium calculator. Then check what you'll really keep with our calculator.
What nobody tells you
- Recruitment is slower than in France: 3 to 4 interviews, sometimes a case study.
- Applying from France works, but state your availability date and your plans to move.
- No permit needed to apply: your future employer starts the process with your contract.
- German is a real plus, even in Geneva, in large groups.
An interview coming up?
The questions you'll be asked, in French and English, with the answers that work in Switzerland.
Indicative list, no paid ranking. Some links may become partner links.