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Austria

This section contains information that should give you a fuller picture of the country that might help you and websites that you might find useful. It is divided into the following areas

Don't forget you can find out about current job vacancies, working overseas or in the UK, on the Careers & Employability Service website.

General Country Guides Embassies

Jobs, CVs and the job market

Austria is a popular tourist destination so seasonal job opportunities for students and graduates in hotels, restaurants and ski resorts are available. Many job seekers use this route until a permanent job becomes available. Prospects, Hobsons and the EURES website has extensive information on working, living and studying in Austria.

The main industries in Austria are food and beverages, mechanical and structural engineering, chemicals, automotives (mainly engines and transmissions) and the electrical and electronics industry. There has been a shift of some of its labour-intensive, low-technology industries to Eastern European countries, accompanied by a growing emphasis on high technology within Austria. Tourism is also an important part of the economy, with Vienna and the ski resorts as the main attractions. The majority of companies are small or medium-sized - approximately 85% of firms employ fewer than 100 people. There are few large multinational Austrian companies.

All the daily newspapers carry job vacancies - try Der Kurier, Der Standard and Die Presse. Use the Austrian Employment Service to access vacancies directly. In university towns, these have a department for graduates (Akademiker) and in Vienna this is supplemented by a Jungakademiker Service. Austrian students often develop their business contacts by linking their dissertations or project work to specific employers or industries. Family connections are also important, particularly to find a place in the public sector. You may need to think creatively to develop your own network of contacts. Graduate recruitment takes place throughout the year, peaking at the end of the academic year. Career is an annual publication which is particularly aimed at graduates. AIESEC recruitment fairs take place throughout Austria.

Austrians use a one or two page CV, together with a covering letter and a photograph. Recruiters expect to see more personal information on a British CV for example marital status, number of children etc. You may have to include copies of your academic qualification certificates and references from former employers. Check with the recruiter to find out exactly what they expect you to include. Electronic applications are increasing in Austria and typically the first contact will be by sending the covering letter and CV by email.

As in the UK, write covering letters to a specific person - a quick phone call to the company will tell you who to address it to. The letter should be one page in length, stating why you are applying for the specific job, what attracts you to working for that organisation and highlighting your key qualifications. End the letter by expressing interest in attending an interview.

Online Recruitment Agencies in Austria