Finding a Job in France: Channels, Visa, Strategy.

start with JARI.

• Expert services — CV/letter review, interview coaching, diploma recognition (ENIC-NARIC) and translation.
• Community — job leads, referrals and feedback among members.

where to look (the channels).

• France Travail (ex-Pôle emploi) — job-search support, and unemployment benefit (ARE) if you're eligible.
• APEC — for executives (cadres).
• Platforms — Welcome to the Jungle, Indeed, LinkedIn, HelloWork, Glassdoor.
• The hidden market (network) — a large share of jobs is filled without ads, via networking and referral. Use LinkedIn and events.

the right to work (residence permit).

• Your permit must authorise salaried work.
• "salarié" (CDI) / "travailleur temporaire" (CDD) cards — the employer requests the work authorisation (portal).
• "Talent" card — qualified profiles (master's + salary threshold, ≈39,582 € in 2026), employer exempt.
• Student: transition via the APS after the master's (see Student jobs and Residence permit).

🇫🇷 language & sectors.

• Professional French is an asset, but English is enough in tech, international and start-ups.
• Korean strengths: luxury, cosmetics, tourism, international trade, IT, interpreting.

contract & salary.

• CDI (permanent), CDD (fixed-term), intérim (temp), alternance (study + work).
• From the SMIC (2026: around 1,802 € gross/month, ≈1,426 € net).
• Salary negotiation happens at the offer stage (see The interview).

application strategy.

• A French-style CV and cover letter (see CV & cover letter).
• Tailor with the job ad's keywords, then follow up.
• Get your degree recognised via ENIC-NARIC to reassure recruiters.

tips.

• Activate your network (the hidden market).
• Keep a LinkedIn up to date in French.
• Prepare the interview (see The interview).

common mistakes.

• Neglecting the network.
• Sending a Korean-format CV (photo, age) → see the CV guide.
• Not checking that your permit allows work.

FAQ.

Where to look? France Travail, APEC, Welcome to the Jungle… and above all the network. Permit conditions? Your permit must allow salaried work (salarié, talent…). Is English enough? Yes in tech/international/start-ups. Diploma recognition? ENIC-NARIC.

useful links.

• On JARI: Expert services · Community
• Read next: CV & cover letter · The job interview · Auto-entrepreneur · Residence permit
• Official: France Travail · APEC