Mexico
Mexico can be a challenging place for foreign nationals to find work, particularly if you are not highly experienced in a specialist field, have a sponsor/company offering you a contract and an excellent command of Spanish. Furthermore, networking and having contacts is very important. Sometimes it isn’t a case of what you know, but who you know. Teaching English and resort work are an alternative for those without strong language abilities.
Search the internet and newspapers for jobs. Also use recruitment agencies, participate in virtual job fairs, approach companies speculatively and above all, use your contacts. As most of the jobs are not advertised (hidden job market), networking is the best way to establish these necessary relations and discover opportunities.
Job adverts sometimes request candidates of a certain age or gender.
The usual way of applying for jobs is by CV and covering letter. Application forms are also used. Applications should be written in Spanish unless asked otherwise. As you will be competing with many applicants, use a clear style and be professional. It is a good idea to have your application checked by a native speaker for that ‘little tweak’ that might make a difference.
Find out more about applying for jobs, CVs and cover letters and interview tips.
It is easier to get your job before leaving for Mexico. Recruitment agencies may help facilitate this, as Mexican employers are known to use intermediaries and agencies as part of the recruitment process. Many employers like to meet potential employees personally before the job offer is confirmed, so be prepared.
CVs should be no longer than two pages. In general, the style is similar to the UK, although the order of the sections might be different in order to highlight your skills or experience as required. The usual layout consists of:
It is optional to include a ‘Personal Profile/Professional Objectives’ section. You can use it to describe briefly your knowledge and experience and how these match the skills sought by the employer. Add a photograph if asked.
Remember that a covering letter should always be sent together with your CV.
For further details and tips in Spanish, consult:
The interview process is quite formal with a structure similar to UK interviews. It is a good idea to shake hands, make eye contact and be generally agreeable. Ensure that you have investigated the company and the economic sector thoroughly as you will be asked about this. You might be asked about your personal life. Be prepared to demonstrate your abilities and skills to do the job.
Assessment centres are not common. If they are going to be used, ask what it will entail. They should not differ much from UK assessment centres.
For further advice and tips in Spanish, consult:
According to the British Council Mexico , UK qualifications are recognised by most countries in the world including Mexico.
The Secretaria de Educacion Publica (Ministry of Public Education) is in charge of the revalidation and equivalencies of foreign qualifications.
It is essential to have all your relevant certificates and diplomas authenticated (legalised) at the local Mexican consulate.
If you are planning to live and work in Mexico, check your UK tax and National Insurance position with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to ensure that you are not losing any UK pension rights.
The best way to discover jobs which are not advertised is by using your contacts (friends, friends of friends, family) and networking. Personal networking may be more effective as email or postal enquiries are sometimes ignored.
Speculative applications are common. Ensure that you address them to the relevant line manager or person in charge of human resources. Telephone calls are also used, but only try this if your Spanish is of a very high standard.
Multinational companies may offer internships in their offices in Mexico. Try to establish links in the UK or search the British Chamber of Commerce in Mexico . Details of work experience opportunities are available from IAESTE (The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience) and Intern Abroad .
Details of exchange programmes for overseas scholars can be found on the Mexican Embassy to the UK website.
There is always a demand for English teachers in Mexico. Search for teaching posts with organisations like Projects Abroad , the British Council Mexico and EL Gazette .
You can search for voluntary work in Mexico through organisations such as Concordia , Frontier , Global Vision International (GVI) , Lattitude Global Volunteering , World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) and Outreach International . WorldWide Volunteering (WWV) also has extensive links to volunteer activities.
There are local agencies in urban centres. Local competition is likely to be significant. In any case you will need a work permit. Be aware of the terms and conditions under which you might be engaged.
There are several organisations that can help facilitate a gap year in Mexico. To learn about opportunities, consult the Gap Year Directory , Global Choices and Jobs Abroad Bulletin . The advice given in the teaching schemes and volunteering sections above also offers help with gap year opportunities in Mexico. You can also consult the book, Work Your Way Around the World.
Undergraduate degrees are usually four years in length and studying for a Masters degree (Maestria) and a PhD (Doctorado) is similar to that of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) in Europe.
There are around 40 private universities and institutes in Mexico, as well as other public institutions, which include technical institutes, federal and state-run universities. For more details, consult La Subsecretaria de Educacion Superior . Expect to find that all the teaching is in Spanish.
At postgraduate level, it is possible to earn a Masters degree or PhD in Mexico. Two years is normal for a Masters degree, with longer periods needed for research degrees.
To learn about postgraduate courses, go to La Asociación Nacional de Universidades e Instituciones de Educación Superior or Federación de Instituciones Mexicanas Particulares de Educación Superior (FIMPES) . StudyAbroad.com also has links for courses in Mexico.
The institutions mentioned here are well known. You are likely to find them in the Times Higher Education University Rankings as well as Top Universities listings.
Each state also has its own public university. A definitive view of the state sector of higher education can be gained from the La Subsecretaria de Educacion Superior .
To do a Masters degree, you need to have obtained a good undergraduate degree. For a research degree, a Masters is an essential prerequisite. Look carefully at what your particular target institution requires. Administrations are accustomed to seeing paperwork of foreign students, so do not be put off by the level of bureaucracy you encounter.
It is best to apply well ahead of deadlines and directly to universities. Look at the particular application details for the universities you are applying to. Courses usually start in August or mid-September.
You should apply directly to the university of your choice. Requirements vary according to each university. Some will have online facilities. Remember to keep copies of the documentation you have sent by mail. It is always best to use special delivery or courier services. Make sure you identify clearly the addressee and the exact postal address.
Fees vary, but the public sector institutions have lower fees than the private universities. Remember that you will need to fund your living costs (accommodation, food, local transport, etc.) and allow for contingencies. Fees information will be provided by the university itself.
Details of available scholarships, or ‘becas’, can be found at the Subsecretaria de Educacion Superior (SES) . Consult the section on scholarships for foreigners: Convocatoria de becas del gobierno de Mexico para extranjeros 2012 .
Consult the Mexican Embassy to the UK and the Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) for scholarship information for foreigners.
Check to see if there are any academic exchange programmes between your university and one in Mexico. StudyAbroad.com has details of graduate programme, internships and study opportunities.
Consult UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom) for recognition of qualifications.
In order to determine whether you need a visa or work permit, consult the Mexican Consulate . The purpose of your visit to Mexico (work, study, travel) will establish whether or not you require a visa and what the correct documentation would be for your circumstances.
There are different types of visas according to what you plan to do in Mexico. For non-immigrant visas, e.g. study, internships/placements and voluntary work, you can apply for a carnet FM3 in person at the Mexican Consulate in London. Consult the Mexican Consulate for details.
For other kinds of paid work, you must have a firm job offer before travelling. The prospective employer will have to contact the Instituto Nacional de Migración, Mexico and provide a series of documents supporting the application. Details can be found on their website.
If you are not a UK national, contact the Mexican embassy in the country where you are currently residing about how to obtain visas and work permits. If you are living in the UK, go to the Mexican Consulate in London.
You might also find it helpful to contact your ministry of foreign affairs (or your own embassy if you are not living in your home country) to ask whether there are any issues to be taken into account when considering working in Mexico.
After residing in Mexico for five years as an immigrant, a foreign national can obtain ‘immigrado’ status which means he or he has permanent residency in the country. For more information, see the Instituto Nacional de Migración, Mexico .
The Servicio Nacional de Empleo provides the Portal del Empleo , which includes excellent information on job searching, training opportunities, guidance on courses, advice and guidance on employment rights and labour market statistics.
If you are a student at a university, take advantage of their ‘bolsas de trabajo’ (careers and employment services). Some universities only offer these services to their own graduates and students. However, some have websites with useful advice and information that anyone can access, e.g. the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM) careers service, which includes CV and interview advice.
Register your details with the British Embassy in Mexico . This is advised even for short visits. You now do this using their online service, LOCATE . This offers many advantages should you need emergency help or access to consular services, e.g. due to natural catastrophe, acts of terrorism, loss of passport.
During emergencies, contact the British Embassy in Mexico .
Other emergency contact numbers in Mexico are:
Find the latest travel advice and a traveller’s checklist on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website.
