How hard/easy is it get a job in a non-english speaking European country? Is speaking the local language a requirement even for the international firms? Provided that i am willing to learn the language with time, ofcourse.
Also, how different is the work environment and corporate culture as compared to the US?
Re: Working in Europe
Also, how different is the work environment and corporate culture as compared to the US?
Hey Ira,
95% of the cases u wud have to learn the native language even if its an international firm (I work in an american firm). The job situation is very different from country to country. It also depends alot on what branch u r in, and what education u have. The most important factor for getting a job as i've experienced is relevant prior work experience. If u have that combined with a masters in ur respective field of study then ur pretty well of.
I dont know how the work enviroment is in US. In europe it again depends on what country ur in. South european countries are very relaxed and their is a slow pace. westeren european countries the pace is much faster. The normal work week is 37 hours and employees have quite alot of power. It is considered bad ethics for employers to demand too much of the employees. So I guess its quite different from the US.
Hope that answered sum of ur questions.
Re: Working in Europe
Danish born Desi, thank you so much for your input.
I was hoping for some more responses as well. If you are not familiar with the country you are moving to , neither know the language, what is the best route to go for a job hunt. I am leaning towards local recruiters but its hard getting hold of a recruiter through online search esp when web pages are made in the local language only. :( Seems like i should work on learning the language before attempting to even start looking for a job.
Any more ideas are welcome.
Re: Working in Europe
Ira.....you definitely need to get some basics of language for the country you are 'eyeing' right now :)
Generally speaking ppl in this country are not very keen on English n almost always prefer their own language.
If you need the job recruitment info ...i might be of some help if you let me know the specifics of your field/qualification etc. :)
Viel Gluck!!
Re: Working in Europe
Ira,
If u mention what country u are looking forward to ... i might be able to give a bit more about that (provided if I have worked there)
Re: Working in Europe
Afia baji, thanks for your input. I will PM you with details. :)
Najim: I am talking abt Germany. Any ideas/input will be greatly appreciated.
Re: Working in Europe
Ira,
I have worked in Dusseldorf for three months and must admit that anyone who is older than 40 or 45 is not interested to speak in english unless he/she has to (or simply cannot speak english). Younger generation speaks English so in my opinion u can live in Germany.
Most of the multinational companies have English as business language. German is not very difficult language, u can join a night school and learn the basics in two months and then u can carry on from there.
The only problem u might face is, that all documentation is in German language i.e ur work contract (usually english translation is provided), ur salary slip, lease contract of ur apartment/house. All banking documents etc. But I am sure if u learn basics of language in first few months u will be fine.
Working ethics in Germany are much better than USA/Canada though German employers are strict in outcome of ur work, they are kinda more disciplined. But reward is usually good.
Good luck.
Re: Working in Europe
Najim: I am talking abt Germany. Any ideas/input will be greatly appreciated.
I have been working on some projects in Germany and I didnt need to know the language. But my situation was a bit different as the place was an international office with people from different parts of the world. So the only way everyone could communicate was through english. But those foreigneres who were also living in Germany permanently did know how to speak German. In Germany local ppl dont speak much english. All the english programmes on telly are dubbed into German and everything is in german. So if u plan to live in germany you will HAVE to learn german. So u can just aswell start already.
Re: Working in Europe
i’m in france…and french people would not accept you unless you speak the language..
i suggest you to study well the european countries..and decide which one suits you best, then you’ll be motivated to learn the appropriate language;)
my sister worked there..hopefully for her she speaks better german than english…because german is necessary either in work or in society in germany, as the language is very difficult 
i suggest you to start asap
Re: Working in Europe
I can speak pashtu,english,urdu..can you get me a position in England.I was in England 25 yrs ago am 52 now and not married.
Re: Working in Europe
You know Irfan who sang Pekhawar khu pekhawar dey kana is my friend and Zeek Afridi who sang Bibi Sherinay is my friend and colleague..Parissenoor.
Do you like Pashtu music?
Re: Working in Europe
Ira.....don't be afraid...German isn't a difficult lasnguage to learn.:)
I've attended school for 2 months only ....n my 'Grundstufe 1' is still not complete...but thankfully I'm surviving well.....sure you'll need more than that for work but what i mean to say is...if I can learn, anyone can.:)
P.s....did u recieve my pm...???