The job market

With unemployment at 7% (2005 survey, source, gencat datos), there is high competition for jobs. People find looking for work a frustrating and difficult task. A typical job search is long and hard.

In addition, many hires are made through connections (enchufe) and it us common to hear comments like, “s/he only got the job because her/his dad knows someone on the board.

Being a foreigner can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on the sector you seek to enter, in all speaking Spanish is a virtual must.

If you do not have a working knowledge of Spanish, your employment possibilities are limited. If you are looking for work in retail, restaurants/bars or teaching foreign languages (particularly English), things are a bit easier. Just don't assume it is going to be easy because you're qualified. There are many highly qualified Spanish people working in lower jobs they deserve. Good luck! Here are some tips to help you get started.

Guardian article: Grim reality of southern Europe. Not baby boomers, but baby loser

Searching for a job in Barcelona
The traditional routes of newspapers, Internet and employment agencies are used less frequently in Spain than other countries. Many jobs are got on the basis of relationships and contacts (“enchufes” in Spanish slang).
As with many other countries, often vacant positions not being advertised publicly, but are instead filled by people who have contacts within the company.

Take advantage of every possible contact that you have, from friends, colleague, classmates to other members of the English Oasis Café. Even the most casual acquaintances can sometimes point you towards a potential job lead. Persistence and confidence are vital ingredients to a successful job search.

Follow up calls
Once you start sending out CVs to companies, don’t sit back and wait for companies to call you. Spanish companies are notorious for not responding to letters. Be proactive and follow up with phone calls (seguimiento). If somebody at the company promises to call you back and fails to do so, do not be afraid to call him/her again. It is important to be persistent.
Barcelona Online | Finding work in Barcelona

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