Hello everyone!

I am a non EU national, who's been trying to look for a job in Zurich since summer 2010... I now can happily announce that I've successfully secured a job, my L permit got approved in a surprising 5 weeks since the company applied for me, and today I received my residence permit so I can re-enter CH next week!

In the 2 years, I have sent over 100 CVs, registered myself at all the possible online job sites, made a few trips to Zurich to network, and the biggest leap of faith was quitting my job last year to come to Zurich for 3 months to take interviews. Rejection after rejection, not necessarily because of my CV or experiences, but every time I was told "it's close to impossible to obtain a Swiss WP for a non EU". 90% of all the interviews I've been to, I was told "you're better off finding a European man to marry and then find a job". Each time I felt insulted and was determined to find a job on my own, with my own skills and not because of a man...

My first 3 months visit was intense. However unfortunately it didn't lead to a contract and I had to stay out of EU/Schengen for another 90 days. Many a times I was discouraged, and if I had known it would take me 2 years to finally make it happen, I may have given up! I am so glad I didn't...

Every time I was asked "do you have a Swiss permit?" and when I told them no, the door immediately got shut. For my new employer, when HR asked me the same question, I told them "No I do not, however I am not giving up my efforts as I believe where there is a will, there is a way." like I had said in many other interviews... This time, HR said "I like your attitude. Let's put you through and see how far you go." All 4 meetings went very well... and led to finally opening doors for me. I can't tell you how thankful I am for that first HR person, who gave me the opportunity to have further meetings with key people in the organization!

I've also been told by some CEO level people "I would never have done what you have done." (meaning, quit a job without a job in such economy) to which I answered "one cannot get further or make new things happen without taking risks in life..."

It's not been easy, but I have learned so much - patience, humbleness, strength and faith not to give up on something you believe in.
For all the people who are still trying hard to find that one job, to obtain that hard to get work permit, don't give up! All in good time...

Where there is a will, there certainly is a way!!

Well done on the new job. Perhaps others will be encouraged by your hard work ethic. Congratulations and welcome back to Switzerland

Congratulations! All the very best for your future and may you make all your dreams come true.

Well done...

What a great story. Thanks for sharing it and wish you all the very best in your career. Well done!

I have a lot of respect for you for saying this. Many congratulations on securing a job, and for your new life in Switzerland! I am happy that the right employer finally saw the value of someone unwilling to give up against all odds, unwilling to make compromises (like marrying a random guy), with a "can do" attitude. We all need more people like you - and like your employer, for looking beyond.

Cheers!

Very happy for you.

Went through a similar phase of 10 months, where I hunted for jobs, being more stressed than I can remember. However, in the end, success is sweet and well appreciated after hard work.

All the best

Good morning Summergirl! Congratulations on the WP! I was wondering if you could share with us a little more about the details and timing of the 5 weeks (is there a differentiation/communication between Cantonal and Federal instances?). I am particularly interested ‘cause I am undergoing the WP process now and I’d like to know what to expect for the coming weeks.
Thanx a lot!!

Rulo

Great post! It sounds like I am in the exact situation you were in when you started. I'm so glad to hear that you made it work. Congrats!

Well done! This a great example of people's possibilities and how we have to work if we want that our dreams come true

Thanks for sharing this. I am doing the same thing now, only hope that it's not gonna take me 2 years. Discouraged and stressed at the moment. Reading your post is like a sudden "kick" for me. I know everything will be fine in the end, with all these nights that I can't really sleep soundly worrying that I have to leave soon without a job, I thank you for the encouragement.
Thankful and gratitude! wish you the best!

tere

congratulations and thank you! this is the post I needed to read this morning
all the best for your future in switzerland.

Congratuliation,can i ask you if you speak French or German?
Thanks for your beautiful story!!

WOW, great post, made me smile

Congratulations on the new job, i hope your new life in Switzerland is al lyou want it to be and more!

Congratulations! This is a great story as I am in a very similar situation and am also rounding year #2. I wish you all the happiness and success you deserve! This story really brightened my day.

Thanx a lot for sharing! Hope,
my story will also have the happy and

Well done! That is such amazing news to hear. I was just wondering, what job did you apply for? Your story is so inspiring!

Great story, congratulations!

For the people in similar shoes: 100 resumes in two years is not that many. It means 50 resumes per year, or less than 1 per week. Unless you work in a very special field, you have to do more.

I've sent out 45 resumes in 6 weeks for a summer internship...

Dearest summergirl,

Thank you for sharing your inspiring story.. It was exactly what I needed to read. I'm so sick and tired of people telling me that it's almost impossible to get a working permit in Geneva, so I was advised to just go for international organizations and not even bother with the private sector. I have sent over 160 CVs in the past year and with every job rejection, I can't help but feel sorry for myself! But! As you rightly put it, when there is a will, there is a way! Definitely not going to give up now!

Thanks for making my day..! :-)

It's amazing how many of us are in the same boat. Well done on getting the job. I quit my job to move to Switzerland, like you, and am determined to make this life work out here. I hope to have the same perseverance and determination as you. You should feel very proud of yourself.