Job hunt started
After speaking with friends and people I know in order to gain some knowledge of the local job market, updating my C.V. adding my current contact information, I felt I was ready to embark on the Prague job merry go round albeit not to confidently. Living as a foreigner in a new country can present a myriad of problems that one should consider in order to prepare well for a new start. I started with a search on the internet to some Czech websites that featured job listings as well as useful everyday tips for living in Prague. I started applying for job vacancies straight away and waited anxiously for invitations for job interviews and I waited.
Present and past of job hunt
In the past, the easiest way to find a job in Prague has been simply to come and hit the pavement. With the new regulations, passed to bring Czech law into line with EU legislation, it has since been made slightly more complicated than knocking on a door I have been told. Unless you have excellent qualifications and are fluent in Czech, chances of employment are small except for teachers. In the Czech Republic they also have a higher tax rate for foreigners, which can be higher in comparison with other European countries. If you are an EU citizen you don't need a work permit to work in Prague. The most common jobs for foreigners are teaching English, German or other languages. You might also find employment with some foreign-owned businesses. Some bars and restaurants are also looking for English-speaking staff, especially at tourist locations. The unemployment rate in Prague is respectable, around 6 per cent. However this does not mean that finding a job in Prague is very easy.
Hard work paid off
Finally some of my hard work was starting to pay off I had an interview with a communications company. I was thrilled at the opportunity as native English was a must, the interview was to take place in Krizikova Prague 8. On arrival I knew I had my work cut out as there were a lot of people waiting to be interviewed and my nerves started to jangle. I was finally called in and greeted by a “ good afternoon, sorry to keep you waiting,” and without so much as a pause for breath my interviewer launched into a tirade of questions lasting ten minutes. I was allowed to ask two questions and then politely told that someone would be in touch. I was certain no one would get in touch and once again I would have to ride the employment rollercoaster. As with many things in life timing is very important and two days later I received a call to offer me the position, I heard later on soon after I started working for my new employer that two other candidates were called before me but as fate would have it, no one answered the phone.