How to Find a Job in Europe as an American: Full Guide + Tips

You can find a job in Europe as an American by searching job boards like Eurojobs.com and SchengenWork. Also, you should focus on occupations with skill shortages (e.g., nurses, civil engineers, software developers, and lorry drivers) as well as expat-friendly countries, such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Ireland.  

Follow along as we explain what the European job market is like, how it compares to the U.S., and the key steps to finding work as an American. We will also provide tips on how to write your CV and settle in after you secure a role and leave the U.S.  

What Is the European Market Like? 

The European job market is diverse and regulated by both local and EU-wide labor policies. Employers tend to prioritize qualifications and long-term fit, which makes the hiring process more structured than in the U.S. Additionally, the pace of hiring can also be slower, but once hired, employees often enjoy stronger job security. 

The EU has over 200 million workers as of the first quarter of 2025, and there is strong demand across sectors like healthcare, engineering, manufacturing, technology, and green energy. According to Eurostat, employment rates have remained steady, with countries such as Germany and the Netherlands showing consistently high rates.

However, many countries are experiencing skill shortages, which means there are plenty of opportunities for non-EU workers, including Americans. Salaries vary by country, but benefits such as parental leave are typically robust. 

Key Differences Between U.S. and European Hiring Practices 

Here’s a brief breakdown of the general hiring practices in the U.S. and in Europe: 

How to Find a Job in Europe as an American

Finding a job in Europe as an American is similar to a regular job hunt, except for visa requirements. That said, let’s see which steps to take to work in Europe as a U.S. citizen.

#1. Research Work Visa Requirements by Country

If you want to relocate to Europe for work, you will need an EU work visa for Americans. However, there are different requirements to meet depending on the chosen country, so always visit official government sites when looking for information. 

You should set aside a day to research and keep everything organized in a simple spreadsheet, so you have something to refer back to when you are deciding whether to accept a job offer.   

While there isn’t a universal work visa for all of the EU, the EU Blue Card comes close. It makes it easier for qualified professionals, including those from the U.S., to work in all EU member states, except Denmark and Ireland. 

Each member state has its own rules that you must meet; however, qualifying for an EU Blue Card generally requires: 

#2. Identify High-Demand Industries and Roles 

The next step to finding a job in Europe as an American is to identify industries and roles that are in high demand. According to the European Commission, there are currently 42 occupations with skill shortages, including:

• Civil engineers

• Nursing professionals

• ​​Software developers

• Carpenters and joiners

• Agricultural and industrial machinery mechanics and repairers

• Heavy truck and lorry drivers

• Mechanical engineers

If an easy transition is your priority, you might want to avoid regulated professions, as these will require you to obtain local licenses. You can check what these are via the European Commission Regulated Professions Database.  

#3. Build a European-Friendly Resume and Cover Letter

A European-friendly resume and cover letter can help increase your chances of finding work in Europe as an American. You can create both using Europass, which is a free tool that supports 31 languages. 

Note: Unlike in the U.S., the term ‘CV’ is used interchangeably with ‘resume’ in Europe.

Still, it is not mandatory to craft a Europass CV and cover letter if you prefer using a different tool. What’s important is showing your skills and qualifications to demonstrate your fit for the role. Where possible, quantify your achievements and tie them to universal metrics, such as time and money; this way, employers can easily envision your value. 

Another difference between American and European resumes is that it is usually customary to include a professional photo of yourself. Some countries see this as a strict standard, while others, like the U.K., don’t place as much emphasis on it. So, to ensure you meet employers’ expectations, you should contact companies directly for clarification. 

As for your cover letter, it is best to write 250 to 400 words about your achievements and motivations to highlight your fit and stand out from other candidates. You should use the STAR method to communicate your competencies clearly and mirror the company’s tone of voice if possible. 

Tip: If you don’t want to use Europass, consider our AI-powered resume builder and cover letter builder; we also have resume examples that you can browse for inspiration. 

#4. Utilize Job Boards and Recruitment Platforms

Once you have your cover letter and CV for European jobs, start looking for opportunities on job boards and recruitment platforms. Below are some of the best places to search:

For industry-specific jobs, you can browse:

Additionally, if you are seeking jobs in Europe for foreigners only, XpatJobs and JustLanded list many highly-paid vacancies.

Here are a few European job search tips to follow and improve the results you get:

• Search for “English” as a keyword to find roles specifically open to non-locals 

• Search by city instead of the whole country; Berlin, Amsterdam, Dublin, and Stockholm often have more English-friendly roles

• European job titles can differ from U.S. terms. So, for example, you should try “Project Coordinator,” “Programme Assistant,” or “Operations Specialist” instead of “Project Manager” to find more opportunities.

#5. Network with Professionals and Expat Communities 

Professional networking can support your job search by connecting you with European professionals and American expats in Europe online or offline.

Through networking events, you meet others who may refer or recommend you to jobs that are not publicly posted and learn more about companies, roles, and skills that are sought-after in your field. In addition, you can build your confidence and communication skills, which are both important in any job. 

European Job Days, held by URES, are great opportunities to grow your network and improve your chances of finding work in Europe. You can attend them in person or virtually and discover openings, as well as learn what employers are looking for. 

Meanwhile, keeping in touch with other Americans in Europe will help you feel supported as you prepare for a new journey away from home. You can ask questions and get advice from people who have had a similar experience via Internations and Expat.com.

#6. Prepare for Interviews with European Employers

These are the top European interview preparation tips to keep in mind: 

#7. Learn Local Language Basics 

Learning basic phrases in the local language helps you adjust once you arrive and demonstrates your willingness to adapt. Some roles may require you to have a certain level of language skills, but even if yours don’t, it still helps to have a foundation.  

You can use Duolingo or YouTube to learn. If you are an in-person learner, many community centers and universities offer classes. And when you arrive in Europe, you can join language clubs to practice with others.  

5 European Countries That Offer Great Job Opportunities for Americans

Below are countries in Europe that are great for Americans who want to find a job there:

1. Germany. This country is an excellent option for professionals from the U.S. because it is becoming more and more English-friendly. You can find plenty of opportunities in engineering, manufacturing, healthcare, and IT. If you want to apply to international companies, there are many in Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich.

2. The Netherlands. English is also prevalent in this country, especially in major cities such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam. These are extra expat-friendly, with non-EU workers often hired for creative roles like marketing. 

3. Ireland. With a straightforward permit application process, this is another country that welcomes English speakers. Large companies, including Apple, Google, Meta, and Pfizer, have offices here. So, you can rest assured there is a strong demand for skilled professionals. 

4. Portugal. This country has become a common choice for Americans looking for a job in Europe because its companies and startups often hire English speakers for client-facing roles like customer service. In addition, it has a growing remote-friendly job market that supports a better work-life balance. 

5. Sweden. This country is known for offering opportunities in sustainability, engineering, and research, so if you want to build a European career in these fields, you can surely do so in Sweden. Plus, English is widely used, and non-EU hiring guidelines are clear.

3 Relocation Tips and Settling in Europe as an American 

These tips for relocating and settling in Europe as an American can help you make a smooth transition:

• Arrange housing for the first few weeks before you arrive. The housing crisis in Europe is making it difficult to find long-term accommodation. So, you should have a short-term arrangement sorted in advance; consider using platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb or serviced apartments. 

• Learn about local services sooner rather than later. Before starting work, you will likely have to register an address, join the healthcare system, and open a bank account. It is important to know how to complete these steps as soon as possible and ease your transition.  

• Don’t rush yourself. Cultural shock is not uncommon among American expats in Europe, so give yourself grace. It is all right to take a while to fully embrace your new environment. You can take small steps, like trying local foods and drinks and exploring neighborhoods.

Closing Thoughts

Finding a job in Europe as an American is entirely possible if you take a structured approach and stay motivated throughout the process. Remember to focus on countries with skill shortages, tailor your CV, and apply consistently to improve your chances; by following the steps and tips above, you will surely build a rewarding career in Europe. 

How to Find a Job in Europe as an American FAQs