80% of the French job market is hidden, meaning many roles are not advertised. Salut! Today’s highly requested post is all about finding English-speaking jobs in France. This is aimed at people who might be looking to move to France or are already living here and searching for long-term, sustainable professional career options. I won’t be covering roles like nannying, bartending, tour guiding, or English teaching, as I assume most of you are already aware that these kinds of opportunities exist in France. This is for those who have already started their careers in their home country and are moving to France without speaking a word of French. Whether you’re highly qualified but don’t speak French, or you’re simply interested in exploring the job options in France, this blog is for you. Stick with me until the end because I will share my best and most relevant tip at the conclusion.
Before we get started, let me clarify that it’s unrealistic to claim you can easily find English-speaking jobs in France without knowing any French. Even if your job is in English, as mine is, for example, many informal interactions—at the coffee machine, during lunch, or even in meetings—can switch to French. So, being able to speak some French is really useful for integrating with your colleagues. If you show your future employer that you are motivated to learn French, it will definitely be a big plus on your resume.
Now, let’s get into the top ways to find English-speaking jobs in France.
1. Dedicated Websites for English-Speaking Jobs
If you’re in one of the larger cities in France, like Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Grenoble, or Bordeaux, there are websites that specialize in pulling together English-speaking job opportunities from various sources. A few examples include:
- thelocal.fr: An online English-speaking magazine for people living in France.
- Jobs in Paris: A great resource for English-speaking roles, and there are similar websites for other cities.
- ParisExpatriatesMagazine.com/jobs: Another useful job portal for English-speaking opportunities.
While I personally didn’t find my English-speaking job directly on these websites, they serve as great starting points.
2. Search Tactics on Major Job Platforms
Another strategy I used was applying search filters on sites like LinkedIn and Glassdoor. These platforms allow you to filter jobs by field and include keywords like “English-speaking,” “global,” “international,” or “European” or “EMEA” (Europe, Middle East, and Africa). EMEA jobs are typically based in France but at a regional level, meaning you will work in English. Often, the job title might be entirely in English, but the job description could be in French. Don’t be discouraged by this—often, it’s just a junior recruiter writing the job description in French because they are likely French. Look for phrases like “Nécessaire Anglais,” “Poste en Anglais,” or “Maîtrise parfaite de l’anglais,” which indicate the role will be in English or at least require frequent use of English.
When applying, always submit both a French CV and an English CV. The first recruiter is likely to be French, so providing a CV in their language will make it easier and faster for them to process your application.
3. Target French Companies with an International Presence
Another great way to find English-speaking jobs in France is to target French companies that have an international presence. A good starting point is the CAC40, a list of France’s largest publicly traded companies. These companies are usually multinational, with their international teams based in France. For example, that’s how I found my first opportunity at LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy Group), as I worked in the international HR team. Even though the job description was in French, it mentioned that fluency in English was required, so I decided to apply—even though I didn’t speak any French at the time.
It’s not just multinational groups to target—any French company with an international presence can be a good fit. For instance, I’ve worked for Deezer, a music streaming company, and Ubisoft, a global gaming company, both of which have large international teams.
4. Look at Embassies, Consulates, and Intergovernmental Organizations
Another tip is to explore job opportunities at embassies, consulates, and intergovernmental organizations. Examples include the New Zealand Embassy, British Embassy, Canadian Embassy, and OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development). The OECD uses both French and English as official languages, so you can apply for roles requiring fluency in just one of these languages. The United Nations also lists jobs in both French and English, so it’s another place to check. You might also consider universities, which often need administrative staff who can work in English due to their international programs.
5. Consider Remote Work Opportunities
Have you thought about working remotely? You could be based in France, paying taxes there, but working from almost anywhere. There are plenty of websites offering remote job opportunities. Some popular ones include:
- FlexJobs
- WeWorkRemotely.com
- Jobspresso
- Upwork
These platforms list remote roles, giving you the flexibility to work for companies based outside of France while living in France.
6. Consider Working for Yourself
If you’re struggling to find a job, why not consider working for yourself? Many people think freelancing is limited to writers, translators, or editors, but you can work for yourself as a consultant, coach, or freelancer in almost any field. For instance, if you have a background in PR, social media, or marketing, many French companies would love to have a global social media presence in English. Think about offering services to the English-speaking expat community in France. You could be an English-speaking relationship counselor, personal trainer, or even offer English-language baking classes for kids. If you can’t find a job in your field, consider what services you can offer to both expats and French people.
7. Leverage the Hidden Job Market
Remember, 80% of the French job market is hidden. Many jobs are filled through networking and referrals, rather than through public job postings. It’s not just about family and friends—acquaintances can also help you get an interview. Once you’re hired in France, it’s difficult for companies to let you go, so a referral reassures them. I suggest being very clear about who you are, what your qualifications are, and what you want. Share this information with everyone you meet—don’t be shy. Just ask, “Do you know anyone?” Build a list of contacts and ask if they know anyone who would be willing to meet for a coffee or have a quick call. This approach will help you far more than applying online.
8. Think Outside the Box
If you’re still struggling to find the right job, think outside the box. Could you spend a year studying in an English-speaking master’s program or MBA? This could provide you with the opportunity to intern with a company, network, and hopefully land a job through those connections. While this may take a year out of your career, it could set you up for success in the long run.
I hope these tips help you in your search for an English-speaking job in France! If you have any tips of your own, please share them in the comments below. And if you’d like to feel more confident going into interviews, I recommend the Lingo de Marathon program to reach an intermediate level of French quickly.
Good luck with your job search in France!
