Hi All,

I found this forum by chance and just wondering if anyone can help. I have been trying to find positions in either Zurich/Zug within their banking industry without much success. I am an Assistant Relationship Manager specialising in Lending/Credit writing and investments. I am also qualify Investment advisor but I find it really tough to get a job in Switzerland. I had tried 9 years but finds it really frustrating and at the point of giving up.

One employer even told me it's no point as it's too difficult for them to organise visa for me as I am a Non-EU member. Even got a phone call from UBS HR about an investment role but they decided to offer it to a senior person instead.

Would anyone be able to provide any advise?

Pk

After 9 years, I'd be tempted to give up....
Where are you now? Down under or in CH?

It will be difficult. Any potential employer who wants to consider a foreigner for a position here has to convince the Swiss authorities that he wouldn't be able to find a Swiss person to take the position and, because the Swiss make it so difficult to get a work permit for non-EU people, they prefer to seek people from the EU as getting the permit is easier.

If you haven't succeeded after 9 years, I'd look elsewhere.

Hi both,

I am currently back in Melbourne, Australia. Yes at times, had kind of given up but my heart still loves and wishes I can live in CH for good. The only job offered I received was from a friend who has an Asian restaurant in ZG and will sponsor me over as a waitress.

I guess, if I am getting no where after 9 years, might be my last resort.

Again, it's going to be very difficult for him to get a work permit for you as there are plenty of Swiss people who can do the job. I hope, for your sake, that I'm wrong and that his application is successful, but expect a long wait as it will be a lengthy process.

Good luck.

I have been repeatedly told it's all about connections here in CH when it comes to getting a new job... just have to find the right circle I guess, let all your friends and acquaintances know what you're looking for. Good luck to you.

Perhaps you need to be working for a large banking Organisation in Australia, then be able to search their database for vacancies in CH?

Pek_khi, it's been all over the news in the last months that the banks are laying off thousands of employees, including staff here in Switzerland. At a time of contraction, one would think that the chance that a company here would be willing to hire a non-Swiss, non-EU employee who needs permit sponsorship, and of that permit being granted by the federal authorities, would be small.

Nonetheless, I wish you all the best with your search.

Have you considered applying at one of the Swiss banks for a position in their Asia operations? E.g. Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai etc. Once you have a foot in the door a transfer could be on the cards...

I'm not sure how your friend will be able to prove that no other Swiss or EU person was able to fill that waitress position...

Have you tried Xing/LinkedIn? You said you already have banking experience, and hopefully some network built up. Activate it, see if if you can get a hook into the Swiss market...Good luck!