Tips for expats looking for a sales job
Whether you are looking for an opportunity to move to Spain or you already live here and want to change jobs, there are many sales jobs available for ex-pats in Spain, especially along the coast. If you are looking for a sales job in Spain you need to know where to look and what preparations you will have to make.
If you are new to Spain you might not yet have many connections here. This is where we as a recruiting company can assist you, because our mission at Jobfinder Spain is, to help our applicants to find the right job.
How does the job market in Spain affect my options
In the wake of the Covid 19 pandemic and as a result of the lockdowns enforced by most governments across Europe, the job market has seen a decline in most European countries during 2019 and 2020. As things start to improve and companies gradually go back to normal levels of activity, Spain is still suffering from high levels of unemployment rates at 15,1 percent in 2021. This means that securing a job in Spain can be challenging for ex-pats as the demand is high and you will be competing against Spanish graduates for jobs. Despite the high level of unemployment, there are still jobs available in several sectors. The high unemployment rate mainly affects positions for unskilled workers, whereas highly skilled positions are often even difficult to fill. As an English speaking salesperson, you will probably find that there are still quite a few sales jobs available in Spain.
According to the EAE Business School, the categories in the highest demand in Spain in 2020 were: Sales (26.34%), Engineering (24.19%), Technology (23.12%) Marketing (9.14%) and Administration, Finance and Legal (4.30%).
Choosing the best location
If you are looking to move to a warmer climate, the south of Spain is usually the preferred location and since the real estate market along the Coast is starting to recover, there are also opportunities to find a job in real estate selling property to other expats or holiday makers. Spanish property continues to be sought after by foreigners either as a permanent holiday home, residence or as an investment.
The coast is the most popular region for tourism and is relatively well developed. There is a big ex-pat community which is also very important for networking.
The Costa del Sol attracts many foreign investment companies who are always looking for good sales professionals. The best locations along the Costa del Sol are typically between Malaga and Estepona including Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Mijas, La Cala, Calahonda, Cabopino, Elviria, Marbella, Nueva Andalucia, Puerto Banus, San Pedro, and Estepona.
What are the legal requirements to live and work in Spain? And how does Brexit affect British Citizens?
The EU and EEA (European Economic Area) allows citizens of other member states to freely work in Spain. If you are an EU passport holder, you will only need to apply for an NIE number (Identification Number for Foreigners) and register as a resident. The NIE number is used for tax purposes mainly and the residency permit allows you to work and live in Spain. When you get a job offer, you can apply for a social security number. This process is usually quite straightforward, although it is important to bear in mind that there might be some delays due to the current restrictions at the moment.
Unfortunately for British citizens, things have changed after Brexit. If you were living in Spain before 1st January 2021, you will be allowed to stay but you must ensure you are properly registered as a Spanish resident. British citizens coming to Spain from 1st January 2021, however, will have to apply for a work VISA and residency permit as you are now regarded as a non-EU national for immigration procedures.
What qualifications do I need?
As an ex-pat working as a salesperson in Spain you will have to be fluent in English (with other languages beneficial). Being able to speak some Spanish will also work in your favour. You should also have previous experience in telemarketing and sales. At Jobfinder Spain we are happy to advise you and give you feedback on your CV.
Jobfinder Spain Top Tips for ex-pats looking for a sales job in Spain
If you are looking for a job as an English speaking salesperson, it pays to learn some basic Spanish to help you deal with the local authorities for obtaining your NIE and social security number and to maximize your chances of finding a job.
Here are some tips that might help:
- Use the fact that you are a foreigner to your advantage to differentiate yourself. Instead of competing with Spanish job seekers, look specifically for job offers targeting English speakers.
- Prepare and update your LinkedIn profile and make sure your Social Media pages present you in a professional, friendly manner. LinkedIn is a useful resource for companies looking to recruit staff, so make sure your LinkedIn profile looks the part if you want to attract potential employers.
- Connect with other ex-pats in your area for better networking.
- Learn about the company or product of a potential employer where you want to apply.
If you are an ex-pat looking for a sales job in Spain, contact us! And we will be happy to help.
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