Applying for a Job
You have the option of looking for a job directly or hiring a recruitment agency to find a suitable position for you. If you are applying for an open position, you must submit your application documents with the most important documents on your experience and qualifications. In Austria, applications are rather traditional in this respect, and good preparation and research can be very helpful.
Job orientation
If you are not sure what type of job you should apply for, the Public Employment Service Austria (AMS) offers several web tools (all in German).
There is an orientation tool and an online platform for young career starters. The qualification barometer informs you about the current trends in the various occupational fields and the occupational lexicon is useful for getting an overview of job titles.
Further Information
More information on the career information system of the AMS can be found here.
More information on the profession terms can be found here.
Job search
If you are a resident of the EU/EEA, you can contact the Public Employment Service Austria (AMS) via the European Job Mobility Portal (EURES) before you arrive in Austria and view job vacancies.
You can also use the WORK in AUSTRIA TALENT HUB, where you can create a profile with a CV in German and English to be discovered by Austrian companies. On the TALENT HUB you will also find many job adverts from Austrian companies that are specifically looking for international specialists.
Third-country nationals who wish to come to Austria to look for a job can apply for a job-seeker visa, which is valid for a maximum of six months. The criteria are tailored to highly qualified workers. You must apply for a job-seeker visa at the diplomatic mission in your country before arriving in Austria and achieve 70 out of 100 points on a list of criteria that includes factors such as higher education, language level, research and innovation as well as special qualifications. It can take several months to process the application. If you are allowed to enter Austria without a visa, you do not need a visa for jobseekers. If you find a job that matches your qualifications during your legal visa-free stay, you can apply for the Red-White-Red Card here in Austria during this period.
Further Information
The TALENT HUB matches your qualifications and your defined dream job with jobs currently available at Austrian companies that are looking for skilled people like you.
The matching process is based on the ESCO and ISCO classification system (European and International Skills, Competences and Occupations) and is, therefore, able to understand your job definition and find a suitable match in Austria.
More information about the Jobroom of the Austrian Labor Market Service.
More information about the WORK in AUSTRIA talent hub.
Application-Tips
Austrian companies generally require an application letter and a CV.
The working languages in Austrian companies are mainly German and sometimes English. We recommend that you learn at least some German before you start looking for a job. If you are unsure how to structure your CV, you can use the EU's Europass CV builder or follow some of the templates provided by the Public Employment Service Austria (AMS).
It is customary to include a professional photo of yourself in the top right-hand corner of your CV and your signature at the end of the document. Your CV should be up to date and contain brief and accurate descriptions of your work experience and education. Avoid spelling mistakes and be sure to use a clear format to create a professional impression. Some companies will ask for your application in paper form. Interviews are usually conducted in German unless otherwise stated. Austrians value punctuality and formality, so if in doubt, don't dress too casually.
Further Information
Here are some tips on how to apply for a job in Austria.
You can find more practical tips for job applications at different stages of your career in our blogs.
