I am looking for some advice please, I am planning on returning to Switzerland by December 2021 and I have been finding it very difficult to find a job from here in London.
Here's a little about me.
I am Swiss. I grew up most of my life on a tiny Island in the Caribbean called St. Lucia. I have worked most of my life in the luxury watch and jewellery industry. I do not speak very good French or German, I just wish my dad taught me whilst I was young. I do speak fluent Portuguese (from my mom's side) and English though. I am currently studying German 4-5 times a week whilst juggling work and other daily tasks. I currently live in London.
I have contacted the Swiss abroad services which has been a good help. I am just now in the process of finding a job. It would be so much easier to find something before moving as this can be less of a financial stress. I have been searching and applying virtually everyday. I have adapted my CV to Swiss standard. I even search for roles outside of my current experience. My wife works in finance so we thought it would be good to move to Zurich as there are opportunities for both of us.
I was hoping to continue working with watches as this is my passion. I understand I need to get better at my German which I am working on.
I don't have anyone to turn to when I return so this will be like a new start for me and my wife.
Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
thank you for taking some time to read this and hope you have a lovely day.
There are oftentimes jobs for English-speakers in the Swiss tourist areas and at the major airports. Your experience working with watches and jewellery should be helpful to find a job in a retail jewellery and watch business and with other luxury goods. Speaking Portuguese in addition to English is another skill in your toolbox and might help to get you noticed. Branching out to consider work in hotels and restaurants might also be advisable. And keep improving your German.
This indeed.ch link shows jobs in English within 25 km of the Zurich airport:
If you haven't already, make sure you indicate your Swissness on your CV including home-canton (I think you have this through the passport registration process) especially if your names are not traditionally Swiss. It gets noticed.
I think the other thing which will help you is networking: both your existing one and building up one here in your field of interest. No one has "no network" so it's a question of being lateral in your thinking, inclusive in your approach and using LinkedIn and contacting random, interesting people and explaining why they are of interest.
Shoe leather will help too - if you can meet people in person, they are better able to support you and sponsor you with introductions.
Talking of lateral: although you have a clear idea of your desired next role, you may have to take a couple of hops to get there.
It's tough; will test your resilience and perservance at times (speaking personally here); but it will be rewarding and you might meet some interesting people along the way).
Hi, Thank you for your time in responding to me. I am grateful for your advice and will take it into consideration. I have already applied to to RAV via the Swiss Abroad Adviser.
Have a lovely day.
Hi, Thank you for your reply. I have updated my CV with all the Swissness I have also been working hard on trying to find some connections on LinkedIn.
I want to succeed with this and therefore will do everything in my power to make it possible.