How do I search for a job in Greece?
There are many different ways to look for a job and it is always better to use more than one.
1. On the internet
Websites: Websites specializing in job searches: they post daily job openings in different sectors, cities, and jobs for a variety of skills and different types of jobs (eg. Full-time, part-time, seasonal, etc). All job openings are categorized by sector, in order to make your search easier. After you start your job search there are 3 different ways to apply*: Fill an electronic form with your contact details and the attachment of your cv. Sent your CV via email to the indicated email address. Call the phone number indicated.
*Some adverts give more than one option for applying. The 1st is the most common.
Google it: You can search by writing in the search bar the position of your interest and the location eg. ‘’Cleaning jobs in Athens’’. Google will filter all the job titles that contain the terms you asked for and will provide you with a list of job openings of your preference to apply for.
Social media: Facebook and Instagram offer job opportunities as well. Connect with relevant pages and groups or Instagram accounts and check them often.
Some of the Facebook pages/groups we propose are the following:
Generation 2.0 for Rights Equality and Diversity in ‘’Job Adverts of Thursday’’
Cultural Mediators Community /Greece
Ομάδα διερμηνέων στην Ελλάδα/ Group of interpreters in Greece
Jobs and Opportunities for Refugees in Greece
LinkedIn is a social network that focuses on professional networking and career development. You can use LinkedIn to display your resume, search for jobs, and enhance your professional reputation by posting updates and interacting with other people. It is mainly for professions with an academic background. You can start creating your account on LinkedIn here
2. Personal network of contacts Many opportunities can be found through friends, classmates, old colleagues, neighbors, people you meet in your daily activities, members of your community, etc.). The only thing you have to do is to tell them you are looking for a job and to inform you if they hear of any opportunity. You can also mention in which fields you are searching or give them a copy of your CV.
3. Door-to-door (shop to shop) Many employers don’t have the time to create a job advert, even though they need staff*. For this reason, a visit to local shops and businesses it is a useful way to search for a job. Take a walk in your neighborhood and check the shops in which you could ask for a job (restaurants, take-away shops, cafes, hotels, supermarkets, workshops, construction fields). You can also search the businesses that interest you on google maps by writing e.g .‘’restaurants near me’’. Make a list and plan your visit there. You can ask them if they need staff at the moment or in the near future. Don’t forget to leave them a copy of your CV before you leave.
*There is also the possibility that some businesses will stick a note on their shop windows announcing a job opening, spelling "ζητείται υπάλληλος" or "ζητείται προσωπικό" (assistant needed or staff needed).
4. Job fairs Job fairs are events where employers can meet jobseekers with the prospect of a potential hiring. It is a good opportunity to meet different employers at the same day, to have a small interview with them and, if you perform well, to earn the position. You can find announcements for these events on the internet and by asking your counselor.
5. Human resources (HR) companies These companies specialize in the selection of employees for other companies. In other words they select the best CVs for a position and interview the candidates. Some of them are specialized in certain sectors (e.g. tourism, construction, etc.). These companies have their own websites where you can apply for the positions of your interest. The 1st step before applying is to create your account and professional profile.
6. Career counselors in NGOs Career counselors can support you in creating your CV, guide you on how to job search and be the bridge between you and employers. Non-governmental Organizations who support refugees in their integration to employment, have a network of companies that they collaborate with and can share your CV with them. This happens only if there are job openings in the fields of your specialization/skills and always only with your consent.
7. Newspapers There is one Greek newspaper that is targeted to job searches, Xrisi Efkeria (Χρυσή Ευκαιρία). It covers a variety of sectors and job types and the way to apply there is via telephone or email. The newspaper is in Greek, so you need to be able to read the language at an intermediate level or ask for help with translation. This alternative is mainly for those who have limited digital skills.
Tips for a successful search
1. Set clear and realistic goals! A goal has to be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. Ask yourself and give answers in questions like: ‘’What sector/field am I interested to find a job? (Customer service, cleaning, production etc.), ‘’What type of job I want to find (full time, part time, seasonal etc.)?’’ ‘’How much I give myself to find this job? 2 months, 6 months?’’. Setting clear and realistic goals will help you to plan your next moves!
2. Create a schedule. A schedule means how often you are searching for a job and which techniques and methods you use for that. Create a schedule that is aligned with your goals! For example, you can dedicate an hour or two to search daily online and once every two weeks go door to door in local business. The schedule is up to you, but you must follow it to see results!
3. Focus your job search on the jobs that you have relevant experience and skills. Think critically about your experience, your strong skills, and the sectors you could offer them. Statistics show that you can find a job easier in the fields you already have similar experience and skills. So, focus on them first!
4. Track your applications and keep notes. Make a list of your applications. Write down the date you applied, the name of the company, the location, the name of the position and the action you did (e.g. on line application, submit cv, call, walk in, interview, follow up). Don’t forget to write some comments if needed e.g. "They will start recruiting next month", "they don’t need staff now", "to call again in a week", "my friend Michael works there" etc. Tracking your applications will keep you always organized and up to date and will help you evaluate how successful is your job search!
Where to look for jobs online
Check these websites for job listings in Greece:
Generation 2.0 Red (in English and Greek)
Skywalker (in Greek)
Kariera (in Greek)
Vacancies in Greece (in English)
These websites have jobs at NGOs in Greece:
Jobs to work remotely (online):
NaTakallam pairs refugees with people wanting to learn Arabic for language practice over Skype. You need an internet connection and a computer or tablet to work with NaTakallam.