Ugh, even as I type this, I'm afraid I know the answer...
If I will be applying for jobs for teaching in English, there's no requirement on the part of the ORP that I give them my CV in french right?
When I registered with the ORP in Lausanne, I checked the box saying that I speak French. (I can speak, but not write very well). Now I have to fill out the form about my work experience (to be presented to my future advisor....for meetings, no doubt in French). Do I have to fill out this form in French? Has anyone done this in English?
Hi nirak
I'm writing this assuming that ORP is the unemployment office, called RAV in German.
As I understand it, the general, overriding principle in the unemployment office is that you have the responsibility to do everything in your power to try to find employment.
Therefore, any question about some particular administrative step (such as whether your cv seeds to be in French) hangs under the overriding notion of your determination to undertake every and any step which will help you find work.
Would it help you to find work, even teaching English, if someone working at any potential employer could read your cv in French? Probably.
It is a good idea to register with unemployment office as soon as possible, rather than waiting, because of the date from which any benefits are calculated.
Therefore, I think there is nothing wrong with presenting your cv to them in English, and then immediately get on with translating it into French, and having it checked, and bringing the new version to your advisor.
Similarly with the form: if you know any French at all, use it. Write English in brackets if your are unsure.
Over and over and over again, you will need to demonstrate to the advisor in charge of your file, that you are making an effort - a lot of effort - to find work. In fact, people drawing unemployment benefits can be penalised if they are deemed not to be taking all reasonable steps. And "reasonable" can be defined verrrry broadly.
Keep a diary of every single task you do to improve your employability and in actually searching for work. Keep a file with copies of letters and mails sent, screen-shots of any applications you make online, notes of phonecalls and names of the persons to whom you spoke, AND ALSO whatever you are doing, daily, to improve your French, to show your advisor each time. Bringing your cv to your advisor, translated, will be one of those steps.
This is all absolutely wonderful advice. Thank you! What would the advisors think of me applying for jobs far from home (elsewhere in Switzerland or internationally)? There are only so many jobs in my field and near home that I could potentially apply for or inquire about. Of course, realistically, we would not have my gainfully employed husband quit his job to relocate for me but perhaps the unemployment advisors don't actually think too deeply about this issue?
Have you been working in Switzerland already, and long enough to be eligible for unemployment benefits? Or have you registered with RAV for support only?
You are aware, I am sure, that you can't teach English in a state Swiss school with UK qualifications, and without all 4 language skills at a good level- as you have to deal with parents in French- and also to communicate with colleagues and management, and in case of emergencies. But you can work in private schools- but as you say, jobs are limited and rarely come about.
What exactly makes you think that by speaking English you can automatically teach English ?
For the past few years, I have been working "in English," as Primary teacher at an international school in Switzerland. I am aware that I don't have the qualifications to teach in the local system and am not interested in that at the moment. I wish to look for work at a private school.
and you still cannot write basic French..............
They would be delighted as long as it's realistic - their role is to get you into a job, they're not going to care where it is.
To be fair, I've been in the German part for five years but working primarily in English and wouldn't much fancy trying to do my CV or experience in German, it's not basic to get it looking reasonably professional.
If I find myself in this situation I'll ask a Swiss native friend to do me a decent German version.
Realistic does not come into the equation, any job outside your field of competence is actually a legal requirement if you can't find suitable jobs, anywhere in the world.
True - but I should have been clearer, I meant realistic that you could get the job. You can't apply for a set of jobs you'd never get because you don't want to work.
Specifically you MUST apply for jobs outside your field so jobs that you have no experience of. Clearly your profile will not match the job specification however it's a legal requirement and ANY job application is acceptable. If the company particularly wanted you RAV may well pay for the training, which is what I was told when I asked the question.
I think your over thinking this, Law in Switzerland is codified & is not to be interpreted just followed word for word.
Sorry but that isn't true - the official statement, badly Google Translated, is:
You must always take any job without delay. Report and thus exempt from the obligation to accept a job that
• the usual working conditions does not match;
• not appropriate to your abilities or to your previous occupation takes into consideration; (Does not apply to under 30 year olds)
• not your personal circumstances equivalent (age, health, family);
• makes a daily commute of more than 4 hours required;
• to re-enter your profession more difficult, if it is a prospect in the foreseeable future;
• You brings a wage that is less than 70% of insured earnings, unless you receive compensation payments under an interim earnings.
This is exactly the opposite of what the advisor said when I went to translate for a friend at the ORP here.
He said it was quality not quantity that counted and that he'd rather have four suitable applications per month rather than 10 random ones just to fulfil the quota.
Maybe if the person hadn't found a job he would have changed his opinion further down the track.