Working life in France

What is the job market like in France?

France’s large and diverse economy makes it one of the most prosperous on both a global and European scale, ranked in 2025 by GDP (PPP) as the ninth-largest in the world and second-largest in the European Union after Germany according to the IMF (International Monetary Fund). At the time of writing, unemployment rates were at an historical low of 7.4% (OECD), forecast to rise slightly towards the end of the year.

The job market here encompasses a leading services sector (two-thirds of GDP and employment), strong industry, and agricultural and luxury goods sectors – also noteworthy is France’s status as the world’s leading tourist destination (around 10% of GDP, close to 3 million jobs in the sector). While recent times have seen structural pressures borne of austerity measures resulting in layoffs – Michelin and Auchan being among the big names – the job market is considered relatively stable, though shaped somewhat by tight competition for roles.

Understanding the types of roles and contracts available

France’s labor system places a high value on job security and benefits, particularly through the use of hotly contested and sought-after permanent contracts (CDI – ‘contrat à durée indéterminée’) which can influence job mobility and availability of roles. This is notable especially for the graduate and young adult population who are often highly qualified yet lacking in opportunities to gain entry-level workplace experience. A CDI contract is the standard and default form of employment, with tightly regulated termination rules and protections providing benefits and stability.

A CDD (‘contrat à durée déterminée’), meanwhile, is a fixed-term contract typically up to 18 months, used mostly for temporary or cover work, though some employers issue repeat CDD contracts dependent on work flow. Renewals are limited and must comply with legal conditions. CDD contracts end automatically on the agreed date, with early termination only possible for very specific reasons. The end of a CDD contract comes with a bonus of 10% equal to gross pay, called a ‘prime de précarité’ to compensate workers for the temporary nature of their contract. 

Whether you are on a CDI or a CDD contract, you still have the same social benefits (ie health insurance, retirement contributions, insurance, leave allowance, etc) – under French labor law most social benefits are tied to your status as an employee, not to the type of contract you are employed on. 

There is no equivalent in France of the US’s ‘at-will’ employment model, due to the tight regulation of labor laws. On-call work does exist, though it is typically found in technical or emergency roles (not retail or food service as in the US), in a different format compliant with legal requirements – the same goes for gig work such as food delivery and ride hailing services.

What if you don’t speak French?

The reality is that not speaking French in France will make your options limited – French is the primary language of work in nearly all sectors, with even international companies based in France often conducting the majority of their work in French. Command of the French 

language is seen as a sign of integration and fluency, and as such is important (often essential) for communication in workplace culture.

Your prospects will depend largely on industry, geographical location, and qualifications / experience. Areas with a demand for English-speaking professionals include corporate settings such as technology, finance, and engineering, while large academic institutions and hospitality sectors with a high level of international interaction may also prioritize English speakers. There is also the possibility to explore English teaching with TEFL roles, private tutoring, or bilingual schools.

Tips for Americans looking for jobs

1. Know your legal status

If you want to work in France, you will have to have a work visa – if you are a visitor on a long-stay visa, you are not authorized to work. A work visa is obtained through sponsorship with a job offer or contract from a French employer (there are certain exceptions for talent passport visas for skilled professionals) – note that those on a student visa, or a spouse visa if married to a French or EU citizen with work rights, may have the possibility to work within certain conditions. Valid residency status must also be shown.

The process of changing your status (‘changement de statut’) is done through the prefecture – in addition to a job offer or contract, the employer must get approval from the government to sponsor you. The process of sponsorship from an employer can vary in length, and requires them to pay a tax which is dependent on the duration of your contract and your salary. They may also have to show proof that the role could not be filled by an EU citizen, if it is on the shortage occupations list.

2. Get your qualifications in order

As in the US, you will need relevant qualifications for the job you wish to apply for.

If you find yourself in a position whereby your academic qualifications (ie diploma etc) require French recognition, you can apply for a certificate of comparability (‘attestation de comparabilité’) which will show how your qualification compares to French standards, through the European body ENIC-NARIC. You will need a copy of your original qualification with full details, as well as a certified translation, in addition to other documentation as proof of ID – costs and timeframe may vary, so be sure to factor these in also.

If you are in a regulated profession (ie doctor, nurse, lawyer, architect, engineer etc) you will also need French recognition of your professional qualifications (‘reconnaissance de diplôme’) and certifications. These will be carried out by the appropriate corresponding professional body in France, with whom you will also need to register – your regulatory authority in the US will be able to advise you on the relevant professional body to contact in France

3. Tailor your résumé

Writing a CV for the French job market fulfils the same function as a résumé does in the US – however, it is important to note that there are certain key differences above and beyond simply translating your document into French.

French CVs will commonly include personal information including age, nationality, marital status as well as name, address, phone number, and email. Often a professional photo will be included or attached, though this is not mandatory – as in the US, discrimination based on appearance is illegal. If you choose to include one, use a professional headshot on a neutral background and avoid cropped casual snapshots.

Education tends to be listed ahead of experience (no need to include GPA), itself followed by skills, languages and hobbies / interests. Avoid overly emphatic self-promotion, which may be interpreted as brash – be clear and professional in your tone, using formal and precise language to outline your suitability. A cover letter (‘lettre de motivation’) is almost always expected alongside your CV, written in the same formal tone.

4. Work on your French

This will increase your options, making you more likely to be a viable candidate for employers. If you are not a native speaker, most will require you to be at minimum B2 (upper intermediate) level according to the six-level international standard CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). 

The most commonly used certifications requested to prove language proficiency are the DELF (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française) for levels A1-B2; the DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) for levels C1-C2; the TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français) which is a general French language test aligned with CEFR; and the TEF (Test d’Évaluation de Français) which is another French test often used for immigration or professional purposes

5. Look on sites for English speakers

Consider looking at resources specific to expats, or on websites where you can search by jobs requiring English:

expatica.com/fr/jobs

thelocal.fr/ 

jobsjobsinparis.fr 

welcometothejungle.com/en

europelanguagejobs.com