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Finding a job in Switzerland: job sites compared and the rules for searching on the spot

In German-speaking Switzerland and Ticino, start with jobs.ch; in French-speaking Switzerland, with jobup.ch; for international or English-speaking roles, with LinkedIn. Add Job-Room, the free official platform of the regional employment centres: some jobs appear there first. As an EU/EFTA national, you can search on the spot for 3 months without a permit.

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Job sites compared

Job sites in Switzerland: which one for whom
SiteFor whomWhat it gives you
jobs.chGerman-speaking Switzerland first, all of SwitzerlandThe big general job board; e-mail alerts, company profiles.
jobup.chFrench-speaking SwitzerlandThe go-to site in Romandy, same group as jobs.ch (JobCloud).
Job-RoomOfficial, all of SwitzerlandThe free platform of the public employment service (RAV/ORP): jobs subject to the registration requirement appear here first.
LinkedInManagers, tech, English-speaking rolesRecruiters come to you: keep your profile current, headline in English or the job’s language.
IndeedEveryoneAggregates ads published elsewhere, including on company websites.
EURESFrom an EU/EFTA countryThe European job mobility portal, in which Switzerland takes part.

Set up an e-mail alert on two sites at most, with your job and region: most ads appear on several sites. Large employers also post on their own website, under “Careers” or “Jobs”.

Which site for your region and language

  • Zurich, Basel, Bern, Lucerne, St. Gallen, Zug: jobs.ch first. Most ads ask for German, except in multinationals and tech, where English is often enough: filter on LinkedIn.
  • Geneva, Vaud, Neuchâtel, Fribourg, Valais, Jura: jobup.ch first, then jobs.ch. Ads are in French.
  • Ticino: jobs.ch and Job-Room, ads in Italian.
  • Cross-border commuters: the same sites; you apply for the G permit afterwards, with the contract. See our guide Cross-border.

Searching on the spot: 3 months without a permit (EU/EFTA)

As a national of an EU or EFTA country, you may stay in Switzerland to look for work for 3 months without a permit. After that, you register with your municipality and receive a 3-month EU/EFTA L permit for job seekers, provided you have sufficient financial means and health and accident insurance. It can be extended if you are actively searching and have a real chance of being hired. This permit gives no right to social assistance.

Once you sign a contract, its length decides the permit: L from 3 months to 1 year, B from 1 year. All in our guide Residence permits (L, B, C, G).

The jobs not everyone sees

In occupations where national unemployment exceeds 5%, employers must first report the vacancy to the regional employment centre (RAV/ORP). For 5 working days the job is visible only to job seekers registered with an RAV, on Job-Room; only then can it be advertised elsewhere. The list of occupations concerned is published every year on work.swiss.

The Swiss-style application

  • CV of one or two pages, with your languages and their level (A1 to C2). A photo is still common in Switzerland.
  • Cover letter, short and tailored to the job.
  • Employment references from previous employers: in Switzerland every employee can demand one, describing duties, quality of work and conduct. Add your equivalent foreign documents.
  • Qualifications: for a regulated profession (health, teaching, law, some technical trades), have your diploma recognised; SERI lists the competent authority.
  • Salary: to know what to ask for, Salarium, the free calculator of the Federal Statistical Office, gives salaries by job, region and age.

Contract signed: what comes next

Once the search is over, the formalities start, each with its deadline: Registration deadline, Health insurance: start date, Withholding tax (B permit), Bank account without a B permit. CheckSwiss puts them in order for your canton and arrival date.

While you search: your budget and deadlines in one place

With the CheckSwiss subscription (CHF 4.99 a month, cancel any time) you track your month-by-month budget and your deadline calendar, and get a reminder before every legal deadline, from the day you sign.

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Check the formalities and deadlines that apply to you

CheckSwiss keeps only the formalities that apply to you, based on your canton, job, family and vehicle, and works out your deadlines.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best job site in Switzerland?

jobs.ch for German-speaking Switzerland and jobup.ch for Romandy for general vacancies, LinkedIn for international roles, and Job-Room, the official RAV platform, where some jobs appear first.

Can I look for a job in Switzerland without a permit?

Yes, as an EU/EFTA national: 3 months without a permit, then a 3-month L permit for job seekers, renewable, with sufficient financial means and health insurance.

Can I find a job in Switzerland without German?

Yes, in French-speaking Switzerland (French) or Ticino (Italian), and in multinationals and tech, where English is often enough. In German-speaking Switzerland most ads ask for German.

Why register on Job-Room?

In occupations with unemployment above 5%, vacancies are first reserved for 5 working days to job seekers registered with an RAV, on Job-Room.

Should a Swiss CV have a photo?

It is not compulsory but still common. Employment references from previous employers often count for more.

Sources

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