Portugal : Applying for jobs

How do I apply for a job?

To improve your chances of getting a graduate job, consider looking for a job at entry level which will allow you to work in Portugal and develop your language skills and at the same time make the most of any networking opportunities and develop contacts.

A working holiday or a temporary job in the tourism sector may provide a stepping-stone to more permanent work and could make finding and applying for graduate jobs easier as you will be in the country already.

Speculative applications are often accepted and can be an important route into employment for graduates but it is advisable to telephone to check before submitting. This enables you to introduce yourself, show your interest in the company and ask to whom you should send your application. Letters of application may be either typed or handwritten, but handwritten letters are more common for speculative applications. A response to an advertisement should be typed, short and simple.

Make use of informal methods of recruitment such as word of mouth and networking, especially when looking for employment with small and medium-sized companies. Emphasise the skills and experience that make you a suitable candidate for the job. Read the advertisement carefully to make sure you meet the requirements.

Copies of diplomas and references are not required at the application stage. Do not send them to the employer, but take them with you if you are invited for an interview.

The use of application forms is widespread in Portugal and they vary widely. Some ask for standard information, while others ask more open questions about previous experience. Online recruitment databases are commonplace, and many employers now have the capability of emailing job application forms and receiving completed applications via the internet.

Be aware if you are considering a move to Portugal to live and work, that there are certain bureaucratic processes to observe. For example, many professions require licence and certification. Prospective employers should be able to guide you through this but you should be proactive about checking requirements specific to the industry or sector you intend to work.

What kind of CV do I need?

A Portuguese CV is usually presented in reverse chronological order and can take up to a maximum of four pages. Clear presentation is required, with separately numbered sections.

Start with your personal details (name, date and place of birth, civil status, address, telephone number including the international access code, email address). If you have a driving licence, say so in this section. You should also include your national identity card number if you have one.
Continue with your education, professional training (a distinct category from university education), work experience, computer skills, and language skills (list languages in order of fluency).

Include a separate section for any specific training relevant to the job. This is important for Portuguese recruiters, who regard it as an indication that you were valued by your previous employers.

You can find examples of CVs and letters of application in Going to Live in Portugal: All you need to know to enjoy your new life in the sun.

What will the interview process be like?

The selection procedure may consist of several interviews and some psychological and technical tests. Aptitude and psychometric tests are sometimes used for candidates up to middle level management.

Will my qualifications be recognised?

To compare your professional, vocational or technical qualifications with Portuguese qualifications, consult ENIC-NARIC.

Self-employment

If you are an EU national or a permanent resident with a residence card (autorização de residência), you can work in Portugal as a self-employed person or a sole trader.

If you want to be self-employed, you must meet certain legal requirements and register with the appropriate organisation.

For more details, consult:

• EU Business 
• Instituto de Apoio às Pequenas e Médias Empresas e à Inovação (IAPMEI) - a business development agency, specialising in small to medium-sized enterprises;
• Going to Live in Portugal: All you need to know to enjoy your new life in the sun - chapter 7 is about setting up in business and includes sources of further information.

Do I still need to pay UK tax and National Insurance?

If you are planning to live and work in Portugal, check your UK tax and National Insurance position with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to ensure that you are not losing any UK pension rights.