The Austrian labor market is based on industries such as building and construction, tourism, automobile manufacturing, electronics, food and transportation. The textile industry is also important for the stability of the country's economy.
In fact, Austria has the 12th largest economy in the world despite current
concerns about job creation.
Most Westerners will be familiar with working days in Austria - people work Monday to Friday and have Saturday and Sunday off for leisure.
In this article, we'll
help you understand how to find the best job in Austria, what it's like to work
as a freelancer, and information about average salaries and social security.
How to Get a Job in Austria as a Foreigner
Now,
you may not have to worry about how to get a job in Austria as a foreigner,
because the demand for new talent is high. Companies organize job fairs to
attract refugees.
In
fact, an event held in Vienna brought together many of Austria's leading
employers, including Telekom Austria, the Austrian Federal Railways (OEBB), the
construction company Porr and the national postal company, Austrian Post.
Currently, it seems that job opportunities in Austria for foreigners are
abundant.
General Job Search Engines and Classifieds
With the sites below, you can expect to get a 0.5 to 1.0%
response rate (people who will respond back to you to whom you sent your
application/CV.) Nevertheless, I encourage you to give these sites a try as you
never know what you will come up with or what connections you can make from a
simple e-mail or application.
• Der Standard: Der Standard is the
job search arm of the newspaper Der Standard.
• Karriere: Simple, clean
interface that has a bunch of job vacancies posted.
• Career Jet: I’m sure you’ve
heard of Career Jet. They have job search options for Austria.
• Indeed: The Austrian version of the big U.S. job search site
Indeed.com.
Working in Austria as a Foreigner
In 2018, the Austrian government refused to join the UN immigration convention, but it is still easy for many people, EU and non-EU citizens, to visit the Alpine country.
One of the reasons Austria did not join the UN Convention on Immigration was to avoid illegal immigration. Despite this, Austria accepted one of the largest quotas of asylum seekers during the 2015 European immigration crisis.
No matter where you come from, a good command of the German
language will give you a better chance of getting a job in Austria.
If
you plan to work in the capital city of Vienna, there should be many job
opportunities in sectors such as research, IT, tourism and the service sector.
If you are from the EU or EEA, you can live and work in Austria without a
special work permit or visa.
Red-white-red card
If
you are from outside the EU or EEA, you are considered a third country
national. This means you will need a red-white-red card. This card (or permit)
allows skilled workers to stay and work in a company in Austria for 24 months.
If you start working for another company during this period, you will have to
apply for the card again.
Also,
if you have a family, they can also apply for a red-white-red card, but you
will need to prove that you earn enough money to support them. As of January 1,
2019, the minimum wage required according to different family situations is as
follows (note, social benefits are not taken into account):
•
Singles must have at least 933 EUR (1,034 USD)
•
Couples must earn at least 1,399 EUR (USD1,550)
•
for each child you must receive 144 (USD160)
Other
requirements for working in Austria
•
To get a red-white-red card, you must have health insurance that covers all
risks in Austria.
You
must have proof of residence in Austria, which includes the period of notice.
•
You must provide proof of a secure livelihood.
How to apply for a job in Austria
Remember
that the Austrian business community is small and if you are not careful, the
news about your movements in the job market, such as applications and
interviews, can spread.
Therefore, try to focus on the quality rather than the quantity of your application to reduce the chances of other influences getting in the way of your dream job.
Employers in Austria are familiar with the CV (curriculum vitae) format found
in many Western European and North American countries. Acceptable resumes in
Austria are usually one or two pages long. It is also good to have a CV in
German if possible, but this is not necessary for all jobs.
What to include in your CV
1. In Austria, it is common to include a professional image of yourself at the top of your CV. It doesn't need to be big, but at least half a page wide, and it needs to show your head and shoulders. If possible, ask a professional photographer to take your picture so that you are dressed appropriately for the type of job you are looking for, and always choose stylish clothes.
A simple
white shirt or blouse is usually a safe choice, but something casual, like a
shirt or a monochrome dress, can be acceptable if you're looking for creative
work. or working on startups.
2.
Be sure to include your contact details with your home address, phone number,
email address and date of birth.
3.
List your education, including college, university, and graduate school. Also
includes other relevant training, qualifications and certifications.
4.
Add information about any jobs you have that match the position you're looking
for. If you only have one or two jobs, or volunteer positions, include them so
they can demonstrate transferable skills.
5.
If you want to share a little about yourself, it's good to mention some of your
hobbies and interests. It is better if these are related to the job you are
looking for.
Tips for a cover letter in Austria
A
cover letter can be the key to getting a job interview and even provide the
magic to get your dream job in Austria.
Here's
what to include in your cover letter when applying for a job in the city:
1. If you know German and are applying for an Austrian company, be sure to mention this in your cover letter.
If the job is in communications or in a field where you will need to speak German, be sure to mention this in both documents and show how it will help you to work you.
If you don't know German, try taking a
few classes before moving to Austria. You should also know that the German used
in Austria can be difficult to understand, even for native German speakers.
2.
You can start your cover letter by describing the job you are looking for,
where you found it, and why you are interested in it.
3.
After this introduction, briefly describe yourself and what you are looking for
in a few paragraphs.
4.
Find the key points in the job description and explain how you meet those
requirements.
5.
Try to keep your cover letter on one side of an A4 sheet of paper.
6.
Enter all required details and demonstrate your qualifications match the job
description.
Interview Tips
During
a job interview in Austria, you can expect to be asked some of the following
questions:
•
Tell me about a time when you faced a difficult challenge and how you overcame
it.
•
Give an example of a time when you took the lead and took the initiative.
•
Have you ever lived in Austria? If not, when will you come?
•
Do you need a visa or work permit to work in Austria?
•
Why do you want to move to Austria? (Interviewers may ask this question to see
how serious you are for this opportunity.)
General plan
•
Expect the interview to last 30-60 minutes.
•
Be sure to arrive at the interview at least 10 minutes early.
•
Memorize the contents of your resume and other information you have provided,
as these details will form the basis of the questions you will be asked.
•
Be polite and professional in the interview.
Networking Tips
If
you have lived in Austria and found a job you like, it is worth asking your
friends if they know the company or if they know anyone who works in the
company. This can give you an idea of what the hiring manager is looking for
and who would be a good student. Avoid contacting the service manager directly,
as in Austria this may be considered beyond the scope of expertise.
Minimum and Average Fees
The
average net salary in Austria is 1,848 EUR (2,369 USD) while the average
monthly salary is 2,688 EUR (2,996 USD).
There
is no state-approved minimum wage in Austria. However, in 2017 the social partners
(which are part of social relations) in Austria agreed to introduce a minimum
wage of EUR 1,500 for all sectors by 2020.
What is a Good Salary in Austria?
As
the average annual salary is around 32,250 EUR (35,964 USD), anything above
this amount can be considered as a good salary. However, these jobs usually
offer higher than average salaries.
The
Highest Salary in Austria
•
Director and change management: 90,590 EUR (USD 101,000)
•
Financial services: 84,300 EUR (94,000 USD)
•
Marketing, product and communication: 80,700 EUR (90,000 USD)
•
Financial management and planning: 75,000 EUR (83,000 USD)
•
Consulting, accounting and professional services: 69,000 EUR (77,000 USD)
The Most In-Demand Jobs and Their Salaries
Job Title EUR USD
• Accountant
59,000 66,000
• Architect
58,000 64,500
• Marketing
Manager 58,000 64,500
• Product
Manager 57,000 63,600
• Software
Engineer 45,000 50,000 UX
• Designer
40,000 45,000 Nurse 36,000 40,000
• Web
Developer 33,500 37,400
• Teacher
32,400 36,000
Self-Employment
If you want to be self-employed in Austria, be
aware that some of the courses and the first courses will require German
language skills. So, if you don't speak German, consider getting help from a
friend or an HR professional. For an easy moving experience, consider using
InterNations' language training and planning services to give you all the help
you need.
How
to be Self-Employed in Austria
To be self-employed in Austria, you must be at
least 18 years old. In addition, you must live in Austria and be free of
current or past criminal convictions.
You
will need to contact the relevant municipal authorities or regional
commissioners to obtain a business license (or business license). There are
different business licenses depending on the type of work a freelancer will do.
Any
work done independently with the intention of earning money is considered work
in Austria. In Austria, there are independent traders who work without
qualifications and regulated traders who have obtained certification.
As a self-employed person, you pay income tax (Einkommensteuer) but not tax (Lohnsteuer). The Austrian authorities recommend that you inquire about self-employment at the Austrian Economic Chamber (Wirtschaftskammer or WKO).
WKO helps start-ups in the country from their first business idea to financing
and insurance. You can participate in conferences, one-on-one consultations,
attend special events and talk with experts.
How to Set Up as a
Freelancer
•
Visit the nearest WKO in Austria to register.
•
You will need to bring your passport, proof of address, criminal record, birth
certificate and marriage certificate, if applicable. A criminal record can be
obtained from the police department in Vienna or from your city.
•
You will be charged an annual fee of approximately 100 EUR (USD110).
•
You must pay an annual professional fee and tourist tax.
•
You must contribute to public safety. Expect to receive a form to fill out to
register for Social Security several weeks after you register with WKO.
•
If you don't know enough about managing your finances and taxes yourself, you
can hire a helper. They will manage your tax, social security and VAT.
•
Be advised that you will pay VAT and
social security every three months.
Top Self-Employed Jobs in Austria
Some
of the most popular freelancer jobs in Austria are:
• Marketing
Assistant
• Business
Project Manager
• Web
Developer
• Writer
• Accountant
• Insurance
Inspector
• Teacher/Tutor
• Social
Media Assistant
• Graphic
Designer
• Administrative Assistant
Self-Employed Benefits in Austria
If
you work as a self-employed person in Austria, you will not have to pay tax until
you earn 11,000 EUR (12,300 USD). Also, self-employed workers can insure
themselves against the risk of unemployment.
Business Culture
In
Austrian business culture, values like punctuality, privacy, and organization
are very important. Hierarchy is also generally valued highly, so the flat work
teams you might have experienced elsewhere will be rarer. Titles matter here
and there are clearly-defined responsibilities for each member of staff and
department.
Austria’s Working Culture
If
you are going to work in Austria, there are a few particulars about the work
culture that you should keep in mind.
• Academic achievement and experience in the
relevant industry is highly-regarded, and it usually decides who is given the
most senior roles.
• Staff in Austria generally feel a
responsibility for the company for which they work.
• Decisions usually follow a traditional route.
• You might find that there are more female
professionals than in other countries.
• Do not be surprised if business takes longer
to conduct than in other countries.
• Workers like to take their time to make the
right decision, so risk-taking is rare.
• In Austria, you are more respected if you
stick to your word.
• The average working week is 40 hours, but at
the maximum, it can go up to 48 hours. It is a legal requirement to give
employees a break for lunch.
• Holidays, overtime, and weekend pay vary.
• Health and safety in the workplace are
maintained with stringent laws.
• You can expect sick pay and severance pay.
Austria’s Workplace Culture Dress Code
Workers
in Austria tend to dress conservatively. To fit in, you should avoid revealing
clothing or unusually bright colors and patterns. Suits and shirts will work
well for men, while smart trousers and a blouse, or a simple dress, is
acceptable for women. Dark colors are preferred. It is best to dress more
formally when you initially start your job and then get a better idea of the
level of formality during your employment.
Social Security and Benefits
Austrian
social insurance numbers (also known as insurance numbers and SV, SVNR, VSNR,
and VNR numbers) are ten digits long and allow you to manage your social
insurance (social security) account. However, simply having a number does not
mean you automatically get social security benefits in Austria.
What is the Social Insurance Number in Austria For?
If
you are eligible for social insurance, this will cover your needs regarding
prevention, sickness, incapacity for work, maternity, unemployment, old age,
survivors’ pensions, nursing care, social need, and the death of a person who
would have provided maintenance funds.
If
you are employed in Austria, you will be automatically covered by the social
insurance system.
How
to Get a Social Insurance Number in Austria
In
Austria, there are 22 insurance institutions that take care of the general
public for health, accident, and pension issues. About 15 of these are
concerned with just health insurance while the remaining seven focus on general
insurance.
Applying
for a Social Insurance Number in Austria
If
you start working for an employer in Austria, you will automatically be covered
by social insurance. You and your employer each contribute half of the cost.
• Your employer must register you at the
district health insurance fund (Gebietskrankenkasse).
• If you are self-employed, you must register
with social insurance for the industry economy.
• All family members of an employed person in
Austria are covered by the worker’s social security insurance.
• Regardless if you are employed or
self-employed, you must be registered in an insurance scheme in the social
insurance system within seven days of starting work.
• Once you are registered, you will receive your
social insurance card (Sozialversicherungskarte) in Austria, which shows your
social insurance number and date of birth.
Can a Foreigner Get a Social Insurance (Security) Number in Austria?
Yes,
as long as you live and work in the country, you can get a social insurance
number and benefit from Austria’s social insurance system.
Maternity
and Paternity Leave
Maternity
leave in Austria is called Mutterschaftsurlaub. You can collect maternity
benefits (Wochengeld) if you have to miss work due to pregnancy. Women are not
allowed to work eight weeks before or after their expected due date. If it is
believed the birth could have associated risks, this period could be extended
to 12 weeks.
Mutter-Kind-Pass
As
soon as you know you are pregnant, you can get a Mother-Child Pass
(Mutter-Kind-Pass) or maternity card from a doctor. This contains helpful
information, such as the examinations you need to take prior to and after the
birth of your child.
Mothers
and fathers are eligible for parental leave for a maximum of two years, as long
as the parent taking leave lives in the same household as the child. The
minimum parental leave allowed is eight weeks, and parents’ jobs are protected
until four weeks after the end of their parental leave.
Fathers
can take parental leave in place of their partners up to two times during the
total parental leave period. There must be at least eight weeks between each
switch. As mentioned previously, the maximum time off parents can take from
their jobs is two years.
Maternity Benefits in Austria
Please
note that if you want to be eligible for the total child-raising allowance, you
must be sure to have all of the examinations that are detailed on your
Mutter-Kind-Pass. You should receive maternity benefits for the duration of
your maternity leave.
How Long is Maternity Leave in Austria?
Following
the period of eight weeks before and after the birth of the child, where the
mother receives her full salary, she can claim childcare allowance
(Kinderbetreuungsgeld) for up to 24 weeks.
Paternity Leave and Benefits
Daddy Month is a new law in Austria, which was introduced in September 2019. It allows new fathers to stay off work for a month after the birth of their child. Now, dads will not need the consent of their employer to take the time off, and they will be immune to dismissal and having their contract terminated during this period.
Unfortunately, fathers will not be entitled to receive a salary during this time, but they will instead receive a 700 EUR (780 USD) grant from the government.
Please note that this grant, if taken, will be deducted from future child support payments during further parental leave in the future.
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