Applying for a job in Italy
Applying for a job in Italy can seem like a daunting prospect, but armed with the right information about where to look for work, how to apply for work and what the recruitment process might look like, the process should run a little smoother.
Good to know:
English is widely spoken in Italy, so if you are applying for an English speaking position or a role in business, you should submit your CV in English.
The economic climate
Italy weathered huge economic losses as a result of the global economic crisis and competition for jobs is still high, particularly in the South. However, there are still plenty of opportunities in engineering, tourism, pharmaceuticals, and food and drink.
English-speakers and those with an additional language such as Russian, Mandarin, or German will be looked upon favourably, particularly in the tourism industry. For more information about working conditions in Italy, consult our helpful guides.
How to find a job in Italy
Generally, most jobs in Italy are advertised on the internet so you don't necessarily need to live in the country to find one. You should use global search engines such as Indeed, as well as national recruitment agencies and websites such as Cambio Lavoro, Lavorare.net, Clicca Lavoro and Cliclavoro. EURES ' European Job Mobility Portal, is another useful research tool for information on job vacancies, as well as insights into the labour market and working conditions in Italy. It also provides a useful CV-posting service for job seekers.
That said, networking is a great way to find work in Italy, so try to make personal contacts in industries and sectors you are interested in. Networking groups such as American Business Group Milan and Rome are a great starting point, and don't forget to use LinkedIn to expand your global network!
Jobs are still often posted in the classified ads in newspapers like Il Sole 24 Ore, La Repubblica, and La Stampa too.
Speculative job applications are also extremely common in Italy, so it is worth doing some research on the sorts of companies you are interested in and what you might specifically be able to offer them.
Cover Letters - Lettera di Motivazione
Cover letters should generally be kept to one page in length and contain only relevant information. It is advisable to address a specific person and to use their proper working title. The purpose of your cover letter is to entice a potential employer to look at your application, so it should not include too many details about qualifications and experience, as this will be covered in your CV.
You should explain why you are interested in the role, why you are interested in the company, and what you can offer the company.
Good to know:
Avoid using Google Translate altogether. If you wish to produce your CV and/or cover letter in Italian, you should enlist the help of a translator if you do not have a good command of written Italian.
The CV
European CVs can differ widely compared to CVs in other countries. Europass provides some useful CV templates, although you should refrain from copying them too diligently as employees will recognize duplicates.
In Italy, you should put your date of birth at the top of your CV. This should be followed by your previous job experiences (rather than your education) as this is considered the most important information. Start with your most recent experience and date it back to your qualifications. You should also include your nationality, as it's important for employers to know where you are from, particularly if you're from EU or non-EU countries as some multinational companies have specific policies.
Ideally, the CV shouldn't exceed two pages. Include the names of two referees, along with their contact details. You should also include a photograph, your marital status, and driving license details. Consider getting a free CV review at TopCV.
Important:
You must declare how competently you speak Italian in your CV.
The application procedure
The recruitment procedure varies widely from sector to sector, but for a role in business, you could find yourself sitting through three or four interviews and being subjected to psychometric tests. You should convey your enthusiasm, communication, and relationship skills during the interviews. It is not unusual for the recruitment procedure to take three to four months, particularly if you are from a country outside of the EU.
Useful links:
Europass
Indeed
Cambio Lavoro
Lavorare.net
Clicca Lavoro
Cliclavoro
EURES ' European Job Mobility Portal
American Business Group Milan and Rome
Il Sole 24 Ore
La Repubblica
La Stampa
British Council ' Language Assistants
