Hey Reader,
You likely see all the same stats in the media: unemployment rates are low, yet people are increasingly feeling squeezed and on edge.
You can look at all the figures and make a thoughtful choice about where to move. But what numbers don't tell is what the experience is like in different countries once you feel the sentiment and work culture. A big part of that is if you even speak the same language as your colleagues.
As we move towards the end of quarter 1 already, here is an idea of what job seekers are increasingly facing in 5 countries that keep coming up in my conversations about employment in the EU.
Germany: You are desired, but your patience is tested.
Considering our history of placing clients into German companies and the familiarity with the market, this is where we start.
Structurally, Germany remains a good option. It has some of the most stable long-term industries and a risk averse nature. Immigrants usually just want a better quality of life, and there are going to be fitting job openings there. The issue comes when you hit the ground and start on your journey of finding employment. If you are lacking personal connections, as perhaps a mid-life career changer or recent graduate, the experience is like hitting a brick wall of complexity and language barriers. Not to mention formalities and paperwork. I hear this all the time from new Chancenkarte (Opportunity card) holders.
The sad part is that without the German language, due to the limited number of English job posts, the job market can be, in certain cases, practically unaccessible. Everyone tells you the market desperately needs workers due to the declining birth rate and so on. But when you actually start applying, reality hits hard for most immigrants. Desired - but only if you have patience before you succeed in getting a job offer.
Another issue is that salaries are generally not transparent in Germany. This is why I started sharing salary comparison tools that are built on worker feedback with you before anything else. Only 16% of jobs on Indeed have a salary amount. That's terrible for your negotiating ability.
If you would like to capitalize on one of the flexible government programs that Germany is trying, like the Chancenkarte, then you should know these realities once you get here.
The Netherlands: The most straightforward option
If Germany is the country that wants you to fit the mold and be more "normal", Netherlands is the more accessible market for mobile, international professionals. Amsterdam and Delft - outside of The Hague, are particularly English welcoming. Job postings in recent years are 15-20% in English, which is a lot compared to surrounding countries (PS: We do not consider the UK, since it is no longer part of the EU.) Plenty of major international companies are also positioned in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands has the highest employment rate of any EU country last year, at 82.4% according to IAB. Salary transparency is also much better. Instead of rarely appearing like in Germany, expect around 1 of every 2 job posts to mention salary in the Netherlands. There are also tax benefits for immigrants within the first 5 years, which can lower some of the costs.
Daily life, in the emotional sense, is similar to Germany. Protecting personal life and privacy outside of work, with direct communication style at work. But the main problem is definitely the housing aspect. The country is very small in area, about 10x smaller than Germany, yet the population is only about 4x smaller. The challenge is clearly the housing crisis and the expenses.
Ireland: High salaries, but also High costs
Ireland has something unique... it's the location of the majority of all of the American tech and pharma companies EU bases. The country is English-speaking, and so along with higher salaries, it can seem like the best option if you're ok with the dreary weather :)
Salary transparency is high as well. But unfortunately, the emotional reality includes more tension for the average worker. The housing market is also messed up like in the Netherlands. It is double the size of Netherlands and has a much smaller population, but people are feeling squeezed.
The appeal of Ireland is strong. Specifically with regards to lack of a language barrier and high salaries, but it is also dependent on US companies and their work cultures. This is something vastly different from the typical Dutch or German work culture.
Malta: Under-considered but increasingly capable
When talking about the EU landscape, the tiny island under Italy doesn't get much attention. But when you zoom in, you'll see something very interesting going on. The employment rate is second highest in the EU, right behind Netherlands, at 81.6%.
English is the official language of business while locals speak Maltese between eachother. The share of foreigners living there is staggering - at over 30%. It's a complete mix, without a language barrier. Major sectors include financial services, fintech, IT, and iGaming. The last one here being unique as one of the few places in the EU where iGaming is even legal, but also regulated and hiring actively.
That said, if you are looking for a long-term career progression, this might not be the place. Progression can hit the ceiling faster compared to larger economies.
Sweden: The Wellbeing Option
Sweden has the strongest focus on work-life balance, social safety nets, and employee rights. The trade-off happens when you look at the industry availability. Tech, green energy, data centers, and generally startups or international firms are ok with English-only. But in traditional industries, Swedish is definitely required.
If Netherlands and Malta stand out with their employed population, Sweden is definitely more competitive with unemployed people. Only around 69% of the working aged population is employed which creates more of a bottleneck, and younger people have more trouble integrating into jobs after their education. But if you are working in new green technology, then there are a lot of roles open for you. Parental leave is generous, and the overall benefits make it one of the best packages in the EU, if you fit the industries.
So after looking at the top 5 available English job markets, what do you think?
Will you try a different approach in Q2?
Let me know your thoughts.
Best,
Kevin