Technology Recruitment Europe
20/12/2023
Technology Recruitment Europe
Whether you’re a software engineer or a data science expert, there are plenty of opportunities for relocation to a new job in Europe. Deep-tech talent is highly sought after and with the number of innovative technology hubs establishing themselves around Europe, talent is in high demand.
While salary and quality of life gains can be had abroad, it’s worth understanding the nuances of technology recruitment in Europe and how it varies from the UK. Armed with this information, you could land yourself a lucrative new tech job.
Which tech sectors are recruiting in Europe?
Tech talent looking for a new role due to layoffs or simply because they’re ready for a different challenge may well wish to seek opportunities beyond the UK tech industry. But before you can think about building a new life overseas, it’s worth researching which tech sectors are recruiting in Europe.
This will emphasise the types of jobs available to tech professionals in various locations. Software development, programming and web development have seen a significant number of job postings recently, making these areas ideal for experienced candidates looking to move to a European tech hub. The semiconductor sector has the most available jobs in Europe, with lots of interesting specialisms recruiting.
How many technology jobs are there in Europe?
Tech job vacancies totalled 950,001 across 11 key European markets in the fourth quarter of 2022, demonstrating the opportunities available. A good recruitment agency will help you to sort through available jobs to find the perfect match. For example, our specialist recruitment consultants from the chip industry will match a specific skill set to process engineering, IC design and commercial roles.
Which technology sectors is it worth relocating for?
The types of tech jobs worth relocating for are those in high demand or where investment in the sector means it’s thriving in that location. Tech hubs can be rewarding environments to work in and lead to good networking potential, as well as career development. If you’re not achieving your goals in the UK tech industry, then think about moving abroad.
What is the average salary for technology roles in Europe?
Salary expectations for tech jobs across Europe will depend on a number of factors, including specialism, experience and skills. Geographic location also has an impact, with those seeking roles in western Europe looking at a starting salary of around £32,000, while jobs in eastern Europe command less.
Where is tech thriving on the continent?
Areas where you find lots of big tech companies forming a hub are a good place to start when looking for a job. They will give you the chance to innovate and improve your job prospects, working alongside employees from a wide range of backgrounds, spreading your horizons further.
Where can you find technology jobs in Europe?
When it comes to where tech is thriving in Europe at present, it’s worth looking towards Germany, Poland and France. These nations are investing widely in tech and as a result have been outstripping other countries for the number of job postings being advertised.
After software development, programming and web development, recruitment for roles in electronics and semiconductor industries continues apace. With a shortage of candidates with the right skills in microelectronics widely reported, chip manufacturers are looking to hire process engineers, maintenance technicians and process technicians to address chip shortages.
Which European locations are up and coming in tech?
If you’re looking for an exciting working environment surrounded by new ideas, then consider relocation to a start-up hub. Cities like Valencia and Milan are fostering start-ups with initiatives that are likely to make them locations to watch in the coming years and decades.
Getting in on the early stages of development of these tech hubs could be beneficial for your career. Finding the right fit with a start-up role that suits your skills and interests, while looking outside of traditional tech locations could open up many opportunities.
How to apply for a tech job abroad
Looking for tech job vacancies in the UK can feel daunting enough without the idea of relocating overseas. This shouldn’t put anyone with a computer science background off, however, as there’s plenty of support available to guide potential candidates through the process.
As always, it’s important to take one step at a time and allow the situation to unfold. Take advantage of the help and advice offered by a specialist technology recruitment agency and any visa sponsorship schemes a future employer runs to help make the admin as straightforward as possible.
Where to look for tech jobs in Europe
Job opportunities are posted in a number of places, with online job boards a good place to start. As well as searching the internet and using the likes of LinkedIn, we would always recommend working with a specialist recruitment agency to maximise your exposure to hiring companies.
Attending job fairs will enable you to explore and compare relocation packages, along with discovering job opportunities. Getting a job abroad will mean a change in lifestyle, so ask questions relating to expat culture and schools if you have a family, in order to make the transition as smooth as possible.
How different is recruitment on the continent to the UK?
Expect recruitment in Europe to be a little different to the UK, with the result often being a lengthier process. Brexit has complicated things further, but none of the challenges of getting a tech job abroad are insurmountable with the right recruitment company behind you.
Each European country is governed by its own recruitment laws, so there will be nuances depending on the hiring culture between the UK and France, or Denmark and Estonia. On top of this, be aware that cultural differences will also come into play, so prepare for some practices you’re not used to in seeking a new job.
How easy is it to relocate to Europe?
International moving comes with its challenges, but the rewards can be well worth it. Since Brexit, the question of how easy it is to relocate to an EU country for a tech job has become more relevant. While there’s more red tape for those from the UK, tech talent with desirable skills will find the support they need to set up a new life abroad.
What to consider before relocating for work
A relocation involves lots of consideration and much of it falls outside of the job remit. Yes, looking for a role that you’re skilled at and will enjoy is important, but so is quality of life. Think about the culture, local language, climate and proximity to the leisure activities you enjoy before committing to a move.
Will I need a visa to work in Europe?
It’s safe to say the paperwork can be the most confusing part of any relocation. Most destinations will require a residence permit and some sort of visa in order to work in the country. There are lots of different options in this area, ranging from a digital nomad visa to a golden visa and everything in between.
Seeking advice about which visa is the most appropriate for your circumstances is vital to make sure you have the right to work in the European Union and the country you’ve chosen. Your prospective employer and recruitment agency will be able to help you through the local bureaucracy.
What relocation support is available?
Relocation support for your tech role both before you leave and in your destination country can come from a number of sources. These include your new employer and local government or industry schemes to encourage talent to relocate to an area.
Help with moving costs, finding children appropriate schools and temporary accommodation are among the benefits often included in relocation packages. Visiting a European country prior to moving there is a good idea and will help to ease the transition to working in a new culture.
