With the exception of labourers, housekeepers, bartenders and language teachers, most people who find work in Paris do so before they arrive. As in any city, there’s always a way to get by legally or otherwise, but if you’re interested in a career with a full-time, legitimate contract, find a job before you arrive. Nearly every major international company has offices in France and if you can convince one of them that you are more capable than anyone they can hire in France, you may find yourself a job. It is crucial though to remember that Paris is a very popular relocation destination and positions are hard to come by. Depending upon a variety of factors, such as legal status, ability to speak French, expertise and past experience, it is a good idea to attend local job fairs and contact specific companies of interest directly. As is true anywhere in the world, the more experience you have, and the more specialised that experience, the more likely you’ll be to find work in Paris.

Keep in mind that while it is becoming more common to search for a job via the internet, French employers expect your cover letters to be hand-written. Handwriting is taken very seriously in France and the analysis of a prospective employee’s handwriting is a common practice.­­­­