Finding a Job in France
I used to work for the UK subsidiary of a French company and was transferred to their HQ in Paris to manage a specific project. Five years later and I’m still here. Many expats in Paris have arrived in a similar manner. Unless you have an excellent level of French or a very specific skill, finding an executive (cadre) job in Paris without contacts will prove difficult.
Things to consider:
CV
French and English versions, include a photograph and don’t exceed two pages. Always send a job specific cover letter, also in French and English. Remember that your foreign qualifications may be unknown in France, so include a French equivalent in brackets.
Interviews
As a general rule be prepared to spend a lot of time discussing your qualifications. This is the case even for those people with many years of experience. Be prepared to speak French and English. In general the first interview will be with HR and the second interview with the manager.
Negotiations
Once inside a French company it is very difficult to renegotiate terms, conditions and salary. It is therefore important to get a good deal during the negotiation stage. Quoted figures will normally be gross (brut). Net figures are minus social contributions but not tax. For a rough calculation: Net salary is approximately 76% of the gross figure and tax is roughly one months gross salary.
French companies often pay wages over 13 or 13.5 months. When this is the case, two or three times a year half a month’s wage is paid in addition to the normal month’s wage.
When considering the wage, remember to look beyond the gross salary figure. Most companies offer profit sharing schemes and they are more willing to negotiate here than on the gross salary. Profit sharing schemes fall into two categories: intéressement and participation. Intéressement is a fixed amount received by all employees. Participation varies and can be negotiated.
Other factors to consider
- The level of cover offered by the private health scheme (mutuelle).
- The executive retirement plan
- The works committee (comité d’entreprise). They negotiate reductions and refunds for employees. These can be very interesting for families.
- Number of paid holidays.
