5 ways to get a job in Greece as a non-Greek speaker
Are you looking to enjoy the rich culture, affordable cost of living, and fantastic year-round weather in Greece but don’t speak Greek? Don’t worry! It may seem challenging, but it’s definitely not impossible.
That’s because there are plenty of companies that don’t require applicants to be fluent in Greek. Instead, they are happy to hire people who can demonstrate their skills in another language.
Depending on your particular skill set, this could make things easier for you. After all, many jobs in Greece require fluency in an international language (e.g., English, German, French, etc.).
This guide will give you an overview of how the Greek job market works and which opportunities might suit you as an expat who isn’t fluent in Greek:
The Greek job market for expats
For an expat, the first challenge when looking for a job in Greece is finding positions you can actually apply for. While there are many websites listing job opportunities in Greece, you’ll want to make sure you are checking those that cater to expats.
There are some websites aimed at Greek nationals, but these will be in Greek and may be difficult to navigate if you don’t speak the language.
Fortunately, many companies in Greece are looking for foreign workers to operate in their native language. So with websites like City Job Offers, you can find jobs in Athens and Thessaloniki without needing to know Greek.
1. Jobs that don’t require Greek fluency
If you’re not fluent in Greek but still want to work in Greece, you’ll want to explore job categories that don’t require knowledge of the language.
Sectors like sales, marketing, customer service, IT, or even more specific roles like content moderators or UX/UI designers offer opportunities to work in languages like German, Dutch, French, Italian, and more.
Part-time jobs are also a great option, as you can comfortably work in your first language and have more time to take Greek lessons or simply enjoy Greece’s laid-back lifestyle.
2. Choosing the right company to work for
Finding an employer that doesn’t require Greek fluency is great, but you’ll also want to make sure you’re working for a company that treats its employees well.
Consider these factors when choosing a company:
- Salary and benefits: Look into the company’s salary and benefits package to understand the standard of living they offer.
- Employee treatment: Reading reviews from current and former employees can give you a good idea of how a company treats its staff.
- Company growth: You want to join a company that is investing in the future and has a clear growth path ahead.
3. Pro tip: Leverage your language skills
Your native language is your biggest asset. Companies like Google Ads, Netflix, Adidas, Nintendo, and others are looking for workers from across Europe to operate in their native tongues.
This can also help you secure better job offers and benefits, as companies will compete to hire you. The job market is competitive, so this might result in perks such as relocation packages, remote work options, higher salaries, and more.
4. English is key
You can find work in Greece without being fluent in Greek, but it’s important to have a certain level of English. Many jobs will require at least a B1 or B2 level of English, alongside your native language. You might also need to communicate with colleagues or clients from other countries in English.
For some jobs, like those in IT, English is the main language spoken. So if you work in the tech sector, you likely won’t need to worry about learning Greek. Plus, many IT jobs allow for remote work.
5. City Job Offers
You can browse online job boards or explore opportunities in Greece with City Job Offers, where an expert recruiter who speaks your native language will guide you through the whole process.
Why choose City Job Offers?
- It’s free.
- Find jobs in some of the most exciting cities in Greece.
- Work in your native language.
- Remote and hybrid jobs are available.
- Most are entry-level jobs or don’t require much experience.
- Some offer relocation packages, meaning all expenses are covered. You just have to enjoy your new adventure.
So what are you waiting for? Your next job in Greece is just a click away!
