Working abroad? Finding employment in Europe does not require superpowers

One of the tasks of Noora Kuusikko, a EURES advisor at the Employment Services of the City of Jyväskylä, is to help job seekers find work abroad.

— Many European countries have full employment and unemployment rates below four percent, which means that workers are really needed, he says. 

Jobs available in almost all sectors and for all levels of education

The EURES portal, which lists job vacancies in EU and EEA countries, currently has around 85,000 vacancies aimed at job seekers in the EU and EEA.  

Jobs are available in virtually all sectors, but there are particularly many vacancies in the following areas:

• Care and health sector
• ICT and software development
• Construction and technical sectors
• Tourism and restaurant sector
• Logistics and transport

With 85,000 jobs available, there is plenty of choice. The service allows you to filter jobs according to your preferences: you can browse listings by language, contract type, destination country, or industry, for example. 

— There are job opportunities for everyone in Europe. If it is difficult to get invitations to interviews in Finland, I recommend checking out the EURES portal. It is the easiest and fastest way to access job vacancies in Europe, says Kuusikko.

Job hunting is easy for EU citizens, as no work permits are required within the EU, and free movement within the Union allows people to work in any member state. Browse the jobs on the EURES portal here (europa.eu).

What should you keep in mind when looking for work abroad?

Many people wonder whether their language skills will be sufficient abroad or how they will manage everyday life in a new country. English is often sufficient, but in countries such as France, Germany, and Spain, knowledge of the local language is a clear advantage.

— Your language skills don't have to be perfect either. Depending on the job, moderate or good English may be enough, and your language skills will improve while living abroad. Finns speak good English compared to many other countries, Kuusikko notes.

Another topic of discussion is salary. Salaries may seem low at first, but they are usually relative to the cost of living in the destination country. A lower salary does not automatically mean a lower standard of living. Salaries in Southern and Eastern Europe may be lower, but housing and living costs are often lower than in Finland.

When looking for work on the EURES portal, it is also worth noting that job offers can come very quickly. It is therefore a good idea to think about your housing, family situation, and finances in advance.

— As a job seeker, it is a good idea to consider in advance how quickly you are ready to leave and what you need to arrange before you do so, says Kuusikko.

You can receive free support for job hunting and practical matters

Moving abroad is a major life change that can raise many questions. Fortunately, comprehensive assistance is available for all stages of the job search process.

— We EURES advisers provide jobseekers with personal guidance throughout the job search process, from the moment they become interested in a job to checking their employment contract and moving to a new country, Kuusikko explains.

In practice, assistance is available for matters such as the following:

• Guidance and advice: What jobs should I apply for? In which country could I find work? EURES advisers help you identify suitable jobs and get your job search off to a good start.
• Legal and administrative matters: We advise you on local working and living conditions and matters related to moving.
• Financial support: When you apply for jobs abroad, you may be eligible for financial support for things such as travel to job interviews, moving and settling in, language course costs, and expenses related to your family moving with you.

Are you interested in working abroad? Here's what to do

1. Consider which country or region interests you
   Think about where you would like to work and what kind of work motivates you. Do you already have language skills or previous experience in a particular country?
2. Identify your strengths and think about which fields interest you
   List your skills, education, and work experience. Think about what kind of tasks might interest you. Just like in your home country, it is good to have a focus when looking for work abroad.
3. Check out the EURES portal
   The portal has over three million job vacancies. You can browse job vacancies and apply for jobs on the service. It is worth creating a profile on the service, as employers actively search for skilled workers through it. EURES portal (europa.eu).
4. Contact a EURES advisor
   Tell your personal coach that you are interested in working abroad. They will refer you to a EURES advisor, who will help you move forward quickly.
5. Participate in EOJD recruitment events (European Online Job Days)
   At these online events, you can learn about job opportunities in different countries, chat with European employers, and find a job for yourself. In fall 2025, the calendar includes events on job opportunities in Denmark, Germany, Latvia, and Portugal. Check out the events (europeanjobdays.eu).