Working Abroad Career Guide for Spain

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Country Profile
Two centuries ago, Spain reigned over the high seas. As the British
Empire grew, however, Spain relinquished its maritime stronghold to
England, falling behind Britain, Germany, France and other rapidly
industrializing nations. Although Spain remained neutral in both World
Wars, it suffered through a devastating Civil War (1936-39). In the
last fifty years, the nation has focused on building its internal
strength and actively competing within the international European
business community.

Spain's 40 million people enjoy a fairly temperate climate, thanks to
the nation's high plateaus, mountainous terrain and coastal borders.
Spanish children ages 6-14 are required to attend primary school;
after that, students attend either a secondary school offering a
general high school diploma or a school of professional education.
Spain's government is a constitutional monarchy, ruled by King Juan
Carlos I. Presidents are nominated by the monarch, and then are
subject to approval by the democratically elected, 350-seat
Congress of Deputies.

Professional Resources
Wright Investors' Service is a useful tool for any job-seeker in Spain.
The organization's website profiles 160 Spanish companies and
provides a list of the top ten Spanish companies, ranked by market
capitalization. These "snapshot" analysis reports include each firm's
principal officers, contact information, stock charts, and a brief
summary of the company's primary business activity. Links to
information about Spanish companies are also provided. These
include links to the Madrid Stock Exchange, Hoovers Spanish
Company profiles, and the Comision Nacional del Mercado de Valores,
an organization similar to the SEC in the United States.

Foreign job-seekers can also read trade journals, use telephone
directories, and visit local chambers of commerce and networking
associations. Publications such as Dun's 50,000 - Spain's Largest
Companies lists contact details, operational, marketing and other
financial data for thousands of Spanish companies. Prodie is a
multi-lingual publication with information on more than 15,000 of
Spain's most well known firms

Job Search Resources

For an expatriate, landing a job in Spain can seem like finding a
needle in a haystack. In Spain only a very small portion of the jobs
available are publicized through newspaper advertisements,
specialized press advertisements, government sponsored employment
agencies, staffing agencies, or temporary help firms. In fact,
advertised job vacancies represent only about 15 percent of the
actual employment possibilities.

Instead of publicly broadcasting their staffing needs, most Spanish
companies first try to fill vacancies through direct personal
references or internal promotion. This "hidden market," making up 85
percent of the actual employment positions, can be very difficult for
foreigners to access. Breaking into the hidden labor market requires
strong networking skills, personal contacts, and persistence.

Foreigners can also locate jobs by answering press advertisements
arranged by specialized services, such as staff agencies and
temporary employment firms, or voluntarily mailing, faxing, or
e-mailing résumés to specific firms. The Internet is a valuable
resource for people seeking jobs in Spain, especially for foreigners
who wish to find jobs before relocating. Many online job sites are
free of charge and allow candidates to post CVs and browse job
listings. Meta Seleccion organizes weekly "virtual forums," allowing
application to different positions in each forum.

Financial Considerations
Compared to the rest of Western Europe, living in Spain (particularly
outside of Madrid or Barcelona) is relatively inexpensive. Groceries for
two people might run 60,000 pesetas ($325 USD) per month, and a
standard restaurant bill is about 1500 pesetas ($8 USD) per person.
A movie ticket costs a mere 600 pesetas ($3.25 USD). Typically,
housing leases are one-year contracts, and are renewable each year
for up to five years. Landlords often require a deposit of one month's
rent for unfurnished property and two months' rent for a furnished
property.

There is free universal health care in Spain, but all insured citizens
must have a Social Security number. To get one, you have to either
work for a company or become self-employed (in which case you'll
pay to be part of the system). Medical care is provided by the
National Health Institute (Instituto Nacional de Salud--INSALUD), and
social services, by the National Institute for Social Services
(Instituto Nacional de Servicios Sociales--INSERSO).

All workers in Spain are required to pay taxes, which include net
worth tax, inheritance and gift tax, VAT (or IVA: impuesto sobre el
valor añadido), property tax, transfer tax and stamp duty, tax on
business activity and motor vehicle tax. Personal income tax (IRPF:
impuesto sobre la renta de las personas fisicas), is the core of the
Spanish tax system.

Employment Trends
Since 1994, employment activity in Spain has been growing.
According to the National Institute of Employment (Instituto Nacional
de Empleo, INEM), Spain's annual employment growth was 4.8
percent at the end of 2000. Macroeconomic forecasts predict that
between 2001 and 2003, the nation will achieve an average growth
rate of 3.3 percent, allowing the Spanish economy to catch up with
the rest of Western Europe. Changes in the pay structure were more
prevalent during 2000: variable wage supplements linked to individual
or group performance were extended and diversified, and other wage
supplements, especially seniority bonuses, were discontinued.

In recent years there have been a few changes to Spain's collective
bargaining policy, characterized by a moderate reduction in working
hours and a significant increase in flexibility. In general, this
reduction has not created new job positions or a significant reduction
in overtime. A relatively small number of Spanish firms and
organizations, mainly in the public administration and public services
(Basque public administration) sector, adopted the 35-hour work
week.

Resume/CV's
When seeking a job in Spain, prepare a cover letter, and resume.
Copies of certificates, diplomas, and references will be required later.
Type the cover letter on A4 paper, tailor it for the position, and mail
it along with your resume and a small, quality photo.

If you have a short employment history, write your resume in
chronological order to show your development. However, note that
reverse-chronological order is generally preferred by a recruiter if you
are experienced, because this format starts with details of your most
recent employment.

At the top of the resume, give personal information, i.e., your name,
place and date of birth, marital status, and home address and
contact information.

In the "Education" section, list the institutions you attended with
their locations, your academic emphases, diplomas, degrees, and
dates of attendance. Also mention any honors received, levels of
foreign language fluency, computer skills, and overseas travel or
study. Include details about internships and part-time jobs.

For the "Work Experience" category, list the companies where you
have been employed, their location and focus, your job title,
responsibilities, achievements, and dates of employment. Remember
to begin with your most recent work experience.

Complete your resume with a simple "References available upon
request."

Information Technology
Spain's high tech sector is growing faster than its workforce,
producing a severe shortage of skilled IT professionals. According to
the Tomillo Foundation (Fundación Tomillo de Madrid), more than 90
percent of companies indicate a skilled labor shortage in the IT
sector. More than 32 percent of 11,100 Madrid employment offers are
IT-related and do not require an university degree.

Covering the needs of IT specialists is critical to future Spanish
economic development. In an analysis by Infojobs
(http://www.infojobs.net) of more than 10,000 employment offers,
programmers led the industry followed by systems and resting areas.
It has been estimated that more than a million and half jobs in this
sector will remain vacant in Spain during the year 2003. Since
employment is one of the main priorities of the European Union, the
EU has invested more than $45 million into this crucial area.

Due to the IT specialist shortage, most Spanish IT jobs do not
require a computer degree. Some specific positions may require a
university degree (six years) or a technical degree (three years).
Certifications for various computer languages, such as C++ and Unix,
may be necessary for some of the more high profile jobs. Publications
such as Computing and Computerworld are useful for IT job-seekers
in Spain, as are trade associations such as the Computer Science
Engineers Association.

Interviewing Advice
To prepare yourself for an interview in Spain, research the
background and operation of the industry and the company, and
review your own qualifications for the position. If you are not a
native of Spain, practice the Castilian Spanish that is used for
business in most of Spain. (The second most commonly spoken
language in the country is French.)

Initial interviews are usually short, perhaps only 20 or 30 minutes.
The purpose is to give you some idea about the company and its
operation, and to give your prospective employer a chance to get a
first impression.

· Dress appropriately. Dress reflects your status. Both men and
women in Spain wear fashionably tailored and well-cut suits.
· Be on time for the interview.
· Shake hands firmly with the director and all present, and look each
squarely in the eye.
· Address those present by their title and surname.
· Give your business cards (Spanish on one side and English on the
other) with the Spanish side up.

During the interview, be natural and relaxed and, when responding to
questions, be honest. Try to bring out your best qualities, but do not
boast. You should feel free to ask questions about the position, and
to express your interest and enthusiasm.

Engineering
Since 1996, there has been a resurgence of personnel recruitment in
the Spanish engineering sector. This has resulted in an extraordinarily
high job offer volume in this sector, particularly for
telecommunications, construction and industrial engineers. Both small
and medium enterprises as well as the big industrial groups have
revolutionized the selection market. The competition in the
Telecommunication and Energy Sectors has produced a highly
dynamic market with very fast rotation.

There are two levels of engineering studies in Spain. Engineers study
six-year degree courses to obtain their diploma, while technical
engineers graduate in three years. The most important Spanish
engineering schools include Universidad Politécnica de Madrid,
Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña, and the Ministerio de Educación
y Cultura. Most Spanish university studies programs have adapted
their content to the demands for the new precise technological
framework including computer science, various engineering
disciplines, architecture, aeronautics, telecommunications, agriculture
and industrial programs.

Engineering trade associations, such as The Professionals
Associations Network Foundation, provide engineers with information
about machines and equipment, software/CAD, accredited schools,
and industry-related news and announcements. Engineering
magazines, trade journals and industry websites are also valuable job
research tools. Some more comprehensive websites such as En
Obras, provide links to a network of different resources, including
employment agencies.

Work Permits
Spain, a European Union (EU) nation, permits European workers work
in the country. The recently adjudicated EU Court equality principle
governs employment access for almost all EU workers, offers job
opportunities and frees professional movement. Job offers EU-wide
are coordinated by the EURES (European Employment Services)
network.

Recently, Spain announced a general amnesty for its many illegal
immigrants, and the number of applications for Work Permits and
Residence Visas has increased dramatically. Spanish authorities
processing applications, originally a burdensome and lengthy process,
are overloaded. Processing is now three to six months from the
submission of all the paperwork. Additionally, all documents, letters,
medical reports, photographs, and forms required for Work Permits
and/or Residence Visas must be submitted in Spanish. Submitted
documents can be dated no more than 60 days prior to the
application submission date.

In most cases, a visa is needed for a work permit. The process of
obtaining an employment visa can take a few days or several weeks,
depending on the case, and costs about $80 USD. Those wishing to
work and/or reside in Spain are urged to check carefully the type of
Spanish Work Permit and/or Spanish Residence Visa that applies to
their individual situation well in advance of their expected date of
arrival in Spain.

Accounting & Finance
Finance and accounting positions make up about six percent of all
job offers in Spain. These professionals include economists,
accountants, bankers, loan officers, and business administration
graduates. Job offers have been growing over the past year, possibly
due to the large number of finance employees choosing to leave their
companies after a two- or three-year tenure. Often, these
professionals move on because of job promotion, indicating a slight
inflation of indefinite duration job contracts. The high turnover rate
in finance and accounting job offers has led to an increase in
temporary contracts, provisional jobs and outsourcing, and salary
deflation.

Landing a finance or accounting position in Spain usually requires a
degree in Economics or Business Administration. If your job requires a
degree, the Spanish Ministry of Education (Ministerio de Educación y
Cultura or MEC) must accept a foreign degree as equivalent to a
Spanish degree. In Spain, copies of degrees and other required
information should be presented to the Education Ministry
Delegations. Outside of Spain, apply to the Spanish Embassy or
Consulate. Read Cincodias online to stay uptodate on industry trends
and news.

Cultural Advice
Ruined castles, siestas, tapas-Spain is a country known for its
breathtaking scenery, delicious food, and slightly slower pace. This
applies to work, as well- business is usually conducted in a casual
and amiable environment, and stores and retailers often open late,
may close for lunch, and then open again in the early evening until
dusk. Here are a few cultural pointers to help ease a transition into
Spanish life:

· Business deals are often conducted during long lunches, which
occur between one and three o'clock in the afternoon, last at least
one hour, and are usually followed by coffee and conversation for
another hour. This can be frustrating at first for those who are
accustomed to working right through lunch.

· Spaniards tend to stand close to signify trust. Eye contact is
essential for men, but may be more reserved for women. It is
common for Spaniards to use their hands for articulation, but one
should be careful of using certain hand gestures to avoid offending
someone.

· Meals are a very important part of Spanish society. Drinking wine or
beer is very common, and so is smoking cigarettes. People go out at
night often, even families with a lot of children go to the park after
dinner in the summer. During weekends, some clubs and discos are
open all night long.

· Life in the big city is hectic and noisy, and parking in the city can
be a nightmare. Drivers are aggressive and honk frequently. Most
cars are standard, manual transmissions. It is wise to review the
traffic rules before driving. One should also be sure to obtain a World
Driving Permit from his or her home country in order to lawfully drive
in Spain. The best bet may be to use public transportation, if
available.

Sales & Marketing
Spanish sales professionals are in high demand; they receive about
23 percent of total job offers. Marketing job offers are about four
percent of all offers. Sales and marketing employers tend to prefer
Business Administration, Economics Graduates, and Engineering
degrees. The Trade Union Confederation of Workers' Commissions
(Comisiones Obreras, CC.OO) and the General Workers' Confederation
(Uni—n General de Trabajadores, UGT) are the most important
Spanish trade unions, and are valuable resources for sales and
marketing job applicants.

Spanish companies' concept of "marketing" differs greatly from that
of large international firms. Small and medium-sized Spanish
companies usually do not recruit marketing staff; typically sales
people perform marketing functions. Yet this is changing: some
Spanish firms are now combining their marketing and sales
departments to assist in company-wide strategic and commercial
development. Visit the website of marketing data red for employment
opportunities and industry resources.

Generally, no particular degree is necessary for sales positions, but
marketing positions usually require Economic and Business
Administration Graduates and Engineers. If your job does require a
degree, the Spanish Ministry of Education (Ministerio de Educación y
Cultura or MEC) must accept a foreign degree as equivalent to a
Spanish degree. In Spain, copies of degrees and other required
information should be presented to the Education Ministry
Delegations. Outside of Spain, apply to the Spanish Embassy or
Consulate.

General Business
Approximately 2.5 percent of total job offers in Spain are managerial
jobs, and more than eight percent are consulting jobs. The shortage
of executives is so severe that most companies have to increase
their salaries to keep them. To fill job vacancies, many technology
companies are promoting top executives, even though they lack the
necessary experience and expertise. However, the volume of high
profile executives is growing, and the shortage will decrease in the
future.

General Business and Consultant positions generally require a
graduate degree, and a Masters in Business Administration is
preferred. If your job requires a degree, the Spanish Ministry of
Education (Ministerio de Educación y Cultura or MEC) must accept a
foreign degree as equivalent to a Spanish degree. In Spain, copies of
degrees and other required information should be presented to the
Education Ministry Delegations. Outside of Spain, apply to the
Spanish Embassy or Consulate.

A number of useful publications are available for managers and
consultants seeking work in Spain. Coleccion la Empresa y Su
Entorno, a business and economic management monographic series,
is published through the Universidad de Navarra. Forodirectivos, an
online career portal which offers assistance to executives searching
for jobs, provides search engines, reports, links, consultancy, virtual
communities, chat rooms and daily news online.

This is only a small part what's available in the 75+ information packed pages of the Going Global Career Guide for Spain: About Going Global Career Guides:

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Country Career Guides Table of Contents

I. COUNTRY PROFILE

II. JOB-SEARCH RESOURCES
1.Online Job Sites
2.Government-Sponsored Employment Offices
3.Job Fairs/Career Events
4.Staffing Agencies/Temporary Help Firms
5.Newspapers that Publish Job Advertisements
6.Other Resources

III. EMPLOYMENT TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES

General Trends
Information Technology
1. Certification/Education Requirements
2. Organizations/Trade Associations
3. Publications
4. Other Resources
Engineering
1. Certification/Education Requirements
2. Organizations/Trade Associations
3. Publications
4. Other Resources
Accounting and Finance
1. Certification/Education Requirements
2. Organizations/Trade Associations
3. Publications
4. Other Resources
Sales and Marketing
1. Certification/Education Requirements
2. Organizations/Trade Associations
3. Publications
4. Other Resources
General Business
1. Certification/Education Requirements
2. Organizations/Trade Associations
3. Publications
4. Other Resources

IV. PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND RESOURCES
1.Business Organizations/Trade Councils
2.Chambers of Commerce
3.Telephone Directories
4.Publications
5.Other Resources

VI. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS ( Cost of living, salaries, health insurance, taxes, vacation/leave, benefits, etc)

VII. WORK PERMITS/VISAS

VIII. JOB APPLICATION GUIDELINES
1.Cover Letter Guidelines and Sample
2.Resume/CV Guidelines and Samples

IX. INTERVIEWING ADVICE

X. CULTURAL ADVICE

XI. COUNTRY RESOURCE BOOKS