Moving to France and looking for a job, but don’t speak great French? Don’t worry! There are plenty of jobs in France in English, especially work opportunities where native English skills are essential and difficult to find among locals.
Finding jobs in France in English as an American, British, Canadian, or Australian, when you don’t speak the French language, may seem daunting at first, but it is possible. There are several steps you can take to increase your chances of success in finding jobs in France for English speakers. Research which industries are growing in France and focus your job search on those areas.
Many sectors such as technology, healthcare, and finance are expanding rapidly in France so there may be more opportunities available to native English speakers whether you live in Paris or someplace else in France. Use online resources to help with your search for jobs in Paris for Americans, since many websites such as Indeed or Monster list both English and French-speaking jobs.
You have a higher chance to find a job with English as the primary language at multinational companies operating in France that have customers in English-speaking countries. Check out their career web pages for open positions that fit your skill set.
If you have any contacts who work or have worked abroad, reach out to them for advice or guidance on the process – they may even know someone who could give you a foot in the door at their company. Start brushing up on your French – even if you only know basic conversational phrases, being able to communicate with potential employers will make a big impression and demonstrate commitment to working successfully in France.
Alternatively, consider applying for internships – many internship programs accept applications from non-native French speakers, allowing you to gain valuable work experience while perfecting your language skills. Be patient – the process of finding a job anywhere can often be lengthy and frustrating, so it’s important not to get discouraged if things aren’t moving as quickly as hoped. With dedication and perseverance, eventually landing that dream gig in your new country should become a reality.
Here are the most in-demand jobs to do in France if you are a native-English speaker:
1. English Teacher
There are several reasons you might want to teach English in France, as it might be considered one of the best jobs for an English speaker in France because of your native accent. For one, as an English teacher abroad, you would have a lot of contact with students who want to learn English, which can be rewarding work.
Additionally, many language schools, institutes and international schools catering to international students and children of expats are located in France, so there could be good job prospects. Furthermore, living in a large cosmopolitan city like Paris or even living in a smaller city like Bordeaux affords opportunities to meet people from all over the world and experience different cultures firsthand.
2. Tour Guide
Tour guide is a fun job to do if you speak English, as it can feel like getting paid while being on vacation. You get to see all the sights without having to worry about language barriers. As a tour guide, you can show English speaking tourists around. This means that you’ll be able to visit all the landmarks and attractions without any difficulty communicating with those around you.
You gain an insight into different cultures. One of the great things about being a tour guide is that you get to meet people from all over the world. Not only will this help improve your cultural understanding, but it also makes for a more interesting job overall! It’s perfect if you love helping others have fun on vacation!
3. Freelance Writing
Whether you’re a recent graduate looking to start your career or a seasoned professional seeking a change of pace, freelance writing is one of the best jobs in France for native-English speakers. You don’t need to be fluent in French to find work. While it may help you get started quicker, there are plenty of opportunities for English speakers who want to freelance write in France, especially if you want to move to Europe without having a job lined up in advance.
There are numerous international publications and businesses based in France that operate primarily in English, which means there will always be a demand for content creators who can produce quality, native-level written work without needing constant supervision or revision from editors (although being able to speak conversational French will come in handy).
Rates for these types of gigs tend to pay relatively well too since they require minimal language skills – perfect if you want to earn some money while continuing to improve your grasp of the language.
4. Event Planner
As an English speaker in France, you may find it difficult to get a job that doesn’t require fluent French. One great option for expats is event planning. Event planners have the opportunity to work with some of the world’s most prestigious companies and organizations, including weddings, fashion shows, corporate events, and more.
The position provides creative individuals with a chance to use their organizational skills to make each event run smoothly while also communicating in English directly with clients from all over the world. In addition, being an event planner requires excellent people skills as well as language skills since you’ll be communicating with both French and international clients daily.
5. Social Media Specialist
As an English speaker in France, one of the best jobs you can have is working in marketing at a multinational company as a social media specialist. Social media is a global phenomenon and being able to connect with their audience from all over the world through social media platforms is an invaluable skill. In France, many companies and organizations are looking for someone who can manage their social media accounts in English and help them connect with their target audience.
As a social media specialist, you will be responsible for creating content, engaging with users, and growing the brand’s online presence. One of the great things about this job is that it allows you to work flexibly – you can often work from home or at coffee shops around town. Additionally, many employers will allow you to set your hours so that you can better balance your work life with your personal life.
6. Public Relations Specialist
Public relations is one of the best jobs for English speakers in France when you can’t speak French. It’s a great way to learn about another culture and build your skillset. The job market for English-language public relations is growing, so there are plenty of opportunities to find work in this field.
And, as a bonus, many public relations firms offer bilingual positions which allow you to use your language skills in a professional setting. So, if you’re looking for an exciting and rewarding career that will allow you to work in France without having to learn French, public relation is a great option!
7. Copywriter
There are many reasons why a Copywriter is one of the best jobs in France for native English speakers. For one, as a Copywriter, you will be working with the marketing departments in some of the top companies in the world. You’ll also have the opportunity to travel and work in different parts of France – making it a great job for those who want to experience everything that this amazing city has to offer.
Plus, being able to work in English while living in such a beautiful and culturally-rich city like France is truly an incredible privilege. As a Copywriter, you’ll help create advertising campaigns that target specific markets or consumer groups. Your main responsibilities will include writing copy for print ads, TV commercials, radio spots, website banners and other marketing channels.
In addition, you may also be asked to come up with concepts for new ad campaigns as well as write headlines and slogans. To succeed in this role, excellent writing skills are essential, but so are creativity and out-of-the-box thinking.
8. Real Estate Agent
If you’re an English speaker looking for a great job in France, being an estate agent is a fantastic option. With a growing number of foreigners relocating to France, there is always a high demand for English-speaking real estate agents in France, so finding work shouldn’t be difficult. You don’t need to speak fluent French to be successful in this role, as most of your clients will be English speakers who are interested in buying property in France.
Whether you are already licensed for this profession in your home country or not, you must familiarize yourself with the requirements to obtain a “carte professionelle”, which is a license that allows you to handle real estate transactions in France. Estate agents typically earn good salaries and can often earn commission on top of their regular pay, making it a very lucrative career choice.
9. Customer Service Representative
There are several reasons why working as a customer service representative in France can be great for English speakers. First, many businesses in the city – especially larger companies, require their customer service representatives to be bilingual, so being fluent in English gives you a big advantage over other job applicants.
Additionally, even if you don’t speak perfect French, working as a customer service representative will allow you to improve your language skills while also providing valuable help to customers who may not be able to communicate effectively in French.
And finally, Customer Service Representatives typically earn high wages and enjoy good benefits packages (including health insurance and paid vacation), making it one of the best jobs overall in France regardless of language skills.
Relocating to France can be quite daunting, but there are a few things you can do to make the transition smoother. First, learn as much French as possible beforehand – it will help immensely with everything from getting around to everyday tasks like shopping and going to the bank.
Secondly, try to get in touch with other English speakers who have already made the move; they can offer valuable insights and advice on what life is like in France.
Finally, be patient – adjusting to a new country takes time, so don’t expect everything to fall into place immediately. Give yourself some leeway and soon enough you’ll feel right at home in your new surroundings!
