Tech Jobs in Switzerland: Your Path to Success.

When you think of tech communities, your mind (probably) goes straight to Silicon Valley. But what if we told you there was one closer to home? Switzerland and tech go together like bread and fondue.  

Moving to Switzerland is an appealing prospect for those looking to pursue a career in tech. Beautiful views, tasty chocolate, work/life balance, plus a thriving tech community - what’s not to love? But before you pack your bags, there are a few things that you need to know about the language, the culture, and the job market. 

 

Why Switzerland? 

Topping the Global Innovation Index for the last 12 years, Switzerland is the ideal destination for tech workers looking to achieve a work/life balance in beautiful surroundings.  

With a highly skilled workforce and plenty of R&D investment, it’s no wonder that tech companies are drawn to Switzerland. Dartfish, Logitech, Vidby, and Crypto AG are all based in Switzerland, and there’s a thriving tech community pushing the boundaries.  

Despite favoring their domestic talent, there has been an increase in foreign workers over the years, and that trend doesn’t show any sign of changing.  

 

Getting the basics in place 

For those thinking about pursuing their tech career in the land of cheese and chocolate, there are some basics that you need to know. These include the tech areas that are in demand and the practicalities around permission to work in the country.  

Demand 

Securing a job in an in-demand area has a higher success rate for foreign workers in Switzerland. The top 5 tech careers currently in demand are: 

• Software engineer 
• Mobile Developer 
• Cyber security
• Cloud engineer 
• IT business analyst 

It’s worth taking time to research demand for your area of expertise and see if there’s anything you can do to make yourself more attractive to Swiss employers. For example, developers are in demand for Java and C# but less so for Ruby or C++. Understanding the market demands will make it easier to secure a new position. 

For example, Cyber security specialists are seeing a spike in demand at Swiss tech companies such as UBS Group AG. Swisscom and Nestlé.

Specializing in a specific area and ensuring your certifications back up your experience will aid your job hunt. Narrowing your expertise allows you to target the roles you want and gives you an improved chance at securing them over domestic workers.  

 

Experience 

With a highly skilled workforce and prestigious universities focused on tech, there isn’t a high demand for junior positions as a foreigner. However, for those with 2+ years of experience, there are more opportunities available.  

 

Language 

Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. While speaking one of those is not required, it does give you an extra advantage when it comes to job hunting.  

Showing that you can converse in one of the official languages or are committed to learning will help you in your job hunt. 

 

Making it happen 

You’ve decided to make the move, great! But how do you make it a reality?  

Planning on moving to Switzerland for work? - Download our relocation guide.

1. Proactive research 

Identify what opportunities are available to you and proactively research businesses that you’d love to work for. Once you understand the market, you can narrow down your options and reach out to them directly.  

Learn more about digital transformation in Switzerland's financial sector. Download our eBook.

2. Awareness of local ways of doing things 

There will always be slight cultural differences when working abroad and even in your job search, so knowing these could be vital. For instance, the Swiss are keen on personalization. If you are proactively approaching a business, researching who the right person is and targeting them with their title and surname in your communication will make a big difference.  

3. Organization

Organizing your certificates, reference letters, and CV is also essential. Ensuring you have scanned copies of certificates, degrees, and qualifications ready to send off with any job application smooths the process and presents an excellent first impression. 

These little things will make a difference in the long run. 

 

Working with Recruitment Specialists 

Searching for a new job abroad can be tricky. Understanding the process, where to look, and how to get started can feel daunting. But that’s where recruitment specialists like Source Group International come in. We partner with forward-thinking organizations across various industries, which makes us ideally positioned to make the process easier for you as tech workers. 

1. Explore current opportunities across Switzerland.
2. Talk to a consultant for expert advice and guidance.
3. Find Java jobs in Switzerland.
4. Are you an employer? Submit a vacancy and become our client.
5. Enjoy our webinar on how to unleash the power of diverse teams.
6. Stay updated with the latest industry trends. Subscribe to our newsletter

Have a look at our current opportunities across Switzerland. Or contact our specialist recruitment team in Switzerland for expert advice and guidance.