Dear Summergirl,

Very well done!
And, in which area are you working? What kind of job did you get finally?

Thank you everyone for your kind words! Gone into the 3rd month of my new job and have been so busy that I have not once logged into the EF for the past few months, my apologies. Somehow the thank you button is gone so I can't thank each of your comments now, but I am glad to read I could encourage some of you, just as I have had people who encouraged me along the way.

Working hours are long, but I am really loving it; a great boss I get along very well with, and really nice and helpful colleagues. My job has 2 aspects, assisting a Board Member and am part of the Marketing team as well. I do speak German on a conversational level and some French as well and it did help, however the corporate language is English.

As for the work permit it took only 3 weeks for it to be approved on the federal level and another 2 weeks for the cantonal approval. HR was even surprised on how fast it went. I was fortunate in finding a job in which I can really fully use my past experiences and skills, and the fact that it clicked really well with all the people who interviewed me, certainly helped for them to also try everything to make the WP process go smooth.

Rulo, I hope your WP will be approved soon too, and to all those who are still trying, don't stop trying! Stay positive and never lose faith in yourself!

On some posts the "thanks" button re-appeared and some it's still 'gone'... weird...

Anyway, on another note, once I got the job and WP, I still had to look for an apartment and was told it will take 2-3 months as in Zurich it's extremely difficult to find a place... (and to forget about homegate.ch as so many apply for the same apartment, that you will never get it)
First apartment I viewed (found on homegate.ch!) I totally fell in love with, and among many other applicants (and I was the only foreigner) I got the place! (and I even have a dog...) Lovely Swiss landlord, friendly neighbors, and beautiful environment. I must say, staying positive throughout the whole process hasn't always been easy, but keeping the faith has not let me down

thanks summergirl, I often think of your encouraging post on my job search. your positive attitude seems to attract your luck in all aspects of your new swiss life. maybe soon you'll come back to tell us you have the most wonderful swiss boyfriend

Hahaha Venice, we shall see

For me, the book "The Secret" really really helped to stay positive and to keep believing. When I was still unhappily working in my previous job outside EU, a friend told me to read it and I knew about the book, but was really uninterested. One day I just decided to give the book a try and I loved it.

While packing up my place in the last country I lived and worked in for 7 yrs, I also put on the DVD (yes... even bought the DVD after reading the book) as "background noise" and during my job search time in Zurich, I often went to the website and read other happy stories, so I could remain in the "positive state of mind".

Anyone who's feeling discouraged now... try reading this book, it's small, thin, and a very easy read!

Its wonderful to read your thread, I am really happy for you. I was in the phase of being depressed with this job hunting thing, and your thread is so inspiring. I just wanna wish you good luck in your career and congratulates to you for your success in job hunting.

Well done! I didn't take as many risks as you but when I spotted the opportunity to move abroad based on my niche skill set I ended up turning down several offers in my country of origin - sometimes with 3x the salary because I had decided to give my international search 3 years dedication. It came through in 18 months although I would never have thought I'd land up in Switzerland since I speak only English.
Second time round was a year or so ago when I quit due to "mobbing" (invasion of privacy, and all sorts of other stuff) at the company I joined after working there 5 years. It looked like I'd have to go back and I booked my tickets because I quit around the time of my permit renewal. No jobs queued up and my former employer tried to block a potential opportunity with a vendor (who was equally culpable although understandably so). Towards the end, about a 2 weeks before I was to leave something just "clicked" - and on way better terms than my first job. Sometimes things do work out at least passably well despite taking big risks. I'm a non-first-world national myself.

Hi again guys! Summergirl, Thanks so much for your answer! Unfortunately, the permit process is taking way too long, so I have no success or defeat to claim.
There is a new factor in the application process that I would like to have the opinion of the experts in the EF.
The process is becoming rather long (10 weeks +- so far). Due to this, I am arriving to the expiration date of my student permit and I am trying to figure out how to handle the situation. In a few words the situation is as it follows:
1. Student permit from my original canton is expiring in a week.
2. My canton of origin has no documentation of mine left and I have notified them of my departure on the day of expiration of my student permit.
3. So far, I have not received any notification from AWA in ZH, therefore I cannot start working in ZH.

Questions:
• Since I have accommodation provided by my future employer, can I move to ZH already?
• Being a Non-EU citizen, can I stay in CH while waiting for the end of the process? ( I believe yes, but I am not sure)
• Is there a visa for these kinds of situations? (“D” Schengen maybe?)
• To whom should I request the visa for the waiting period? ZH or my Original Canton?

Thanks a lot for your opinions!

Rulo

never give up just stay positive.. This has been my thinking every time I receive a rejection response from those company that I applied for.. And the story of courage and perseverance of summergirl and all other posted in here give me more positive attitude not to give up.. I know the right time will come that one of those HR personnel will also notice my resumé and get hired..