Searching for a job in Chile

Where, and how?

Job hunting from abroad, or already landed? Searching for employment in a new country needn’t be daunting if you’re focused and enthusiastic, and take on board a few key  points.

Where should I look for work?

Chile offers expats a range of opportunities to live and work in one of the best developed states in South America. Appropriately, it’s growing economy is in need of innovative businesses and individuals to help develop Chile’s strong standing into a truly booming concern. With this in mind foreigners should consider what sector they are already suited to, what they can offer in terms of expertise and experience, and whether these could be applied to newly emerging fields in business.

Obviously for those lucky enough to work with an existing international business with established ties to Chile, a transfer within the company might be the simplest solution to these questions. Well known brands in the technology, and food and drinks sectors are investing in Chile directly and may have openings in their staff for existing overseas employees or outsiders who can bring their talent to benefit the company.

Large businesses will publish available positions on their websites for those outside the company. Local newspapers and classified websites will advertise work opportunities, including the much respected El Mercurio paper. Alternatively the bi-weekly classified paper El Rastro, and the following job-site are good resources for expats:

• http://chile.xpatjobs.com/ 
• www.zonajobs.cl/postulante/welcome.do 
• www.trabajando.cl/index.cfm 
• http://startupchile.org/joinastartup/ 
• www.laborum.cl/ 

How to apply

You will need a work permit to be legally employed in Chile and this should be based on a contract with an employer based in Chile. In order to obtain a job contract with a local or international employer, applicants should consider a few points of protocol:

• Your resume will be referred to as a Curriculum, or curriculum vitae (CV), and should be a summation of the qualifications and work experience you have relevant to the position.
• Positions in technical or professional fields are particularly strict about qualifications and appropriate further or higher education certification is generally expected.
• Bear in mind that business connections (pitutos) are hugely influential in the employment market. Employers can choose not to even publish job openings publically because they would rather rely on trusted recommendations. Don’t let this deter you as it is more a mark of the personal manner in which business is conducted after initial formalities, and establishing your own pitutos is a key skill in advancing an existing career or branching out into a new one.