When planning a career move to Greece, one crucial question arises frequently: is it better to emphasize your educational qualifications or the practical skills you've acquired? While both degrees and skills have their own merits, their relative importance varies significantly depending on industry, profession, and even the type of company you're targeting.
According to ADP, practical skills are starting to gain on the traditionally more desirable formal education. Companies that hire based on skills rather than credentials see dramatic improvements in their workforce, as 90% report fewer hiring mistakes, and 94% find that skills-based hires outperform those hired based on degrees, certifications or years of experience.
When it comes to the Greek workplace, however, things are still far from cut-and-dry.
This article aims to provide a balanced understanding to help job seekers navigate the complexities of the Greek labor market effectively.
Why Do Degrees Still Matter in Greece?
In many traditional industries, a formal degree remains the fundamental entry ticket. Fields such as healthcare, law, education, and engineering are heavily regulated, requiring official credentials for employment. Without a recognized qualification, entering these sectors in Greece is either challenging or outright impossible.
Additionally, Greek employers often maintain an inherent respect for formal education. Academic qualifications represent more than just knowledge; they signify commitment, perseverance, and the ability to complete rigorous training. Many companies still view a relevant degree as an essential criterion during the initial screening of candidates, especially in mid to senior-level roles.
For foreigners planning to work in Greece, validating foreign qualifications through the Hellenic National Academic Recognition Information Center (
DOATAP) is usually a prerequisite. Ensuring that your degrees are formally recognized, translated, and properly documented can significantly enhance your employability.
Why Are Skills Becoming More Important?
However, the labor market landscape in Greece is shifting, driven by global trends towards digitalization, remote work, and the rapid rise of startups. Increasingly, employers are prioritizing candidates who can demonstrate specific practical abilities from day one.
In rapidly evolving sectors like tech, digital marketing, tourism, and hospitality, skills often overshadow degrees. Companies in these industries emphasize concrete experience, technical proficiency, and soft skills such as adaptability, problem-solving, and effective communication.
Employers frequently seek professionals proficient in modern digital tools, languages beyond Greek (especially English), and specialized industry knowledge. In fact, there are many
english-speaking jobs in demand, or even
jobs for non-Greek speakers. Multilingual candidates who can seamlessly integrate into international teams are highly valued, as they directly enhance operational efficiency and market reach.
As a job seeker, focusing on skill-based representation of your abilities is critical. Building a robust portfolio, effectively using platforms like LinkedIn, and clearly demonstrating past successes through measurable achievements can differentiate you significantly from degree-focused candidates.
Sector Breakdown: Degrees vs. Skills
Understanding sector-specific expectations can greatly improve your job search strategy. Here’s a look at why the key industries with increasing job opportunities in Greece value the most in a potential hire:
-
Healthcare: Degrees are mandatory due to regulatory and licensing requirements. Equally important, though, are practical medical skills and experience.
-
Engineering: Degrees are essential, especially in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering, due to legal recognition and licensing.
-
Tourism & Hospitality: Practical skills take precedence. Employers look for customer service excellence, multilingual communication, and operational experience rather than formal hospitality education alone.
-
Tech/IT: Skills dominate this sector. Companies care more about what you can actually do, the programming languages you know, and projects you've completed, rather than formal education.
-
Education: A recognized degree is critical for formal teaching roles, especially within the public school system, but experience and demonstrable teaching skills greatly enhance employability.
-
Startups: Practical skills and adaptability are prioritized. Startups value candidates who can perform various tasks, quickly learn new roles, and actively contribute to growth.
How Does the Greek Job Market Look in 2025?
The Greek job market has gradually evolved since the financial crisis, with economic recovery steadily enhancing job opportunities. Nevertheless, competition remains significant, particularly in major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki. Employers seek candidates who are ready to deliver results quickly, highlighting the growing importance of demonstrable practical skills.
Language proficiency, notably in Greek and English, is a considerable advantage for any professional seeking employment. Although fluency in Greek can significantly expand your job opportunities, many multinational companies and tech startups operate primarily in English, offering opportunities to highly skilled professionals who may lack advanced Greek proficiency.
Another noteworthy trend is the increased flexibility offered by remote work arrangements, with employers increasingly open to hybrid or fully remote models. This trend provides an opportunity for skilled candidates who prefer or require geographical flexibility.
What Are the Most Sought-After Skills in the Greek Job Market?
Certain skills are particularly valued across multiple sectors, and developing them can significantly boost your chances of securing a job.
Personal development in the workplace can often be a make-or-break factor, and these are some of the most important skills any job seeker would benefit from:
Digital literacy is increasingly essential as Greece embraces digital transformation across industries. Proficiency with software tools, online collaboration platforms, and digital marketing techniques is highly attractive to employers. To build these competencies, take online courses through platforms such as
Google Digital Garage,
Coursera, or
Skillbox, focusing on areas like digital marketing, analytics, or project management.
Multilingual communication is a major advantage, given Greece's strong ties to international trade, tourism, and business. Fluency in English is often a basic requirement, and knowing additional languages like German, French, or Russian can open even more doors. You can improve your language skills by using apps like
Duolingo or
Babbel, enrolling in language classes, or participating in language exchange groups.
Adaptability and flexibility are critical attributes for thriving in a dynamic work environment. Employers appreciate individuals who can take on different tasks, pivot when needed, and stay effective under changing conditions. To develop these traits, seek roles that require multitasking, embrace opportunities outside your comfort zone, and consider volunteering for projects that expose you to new industries or workflows.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills are highly sought after because they enable employees to independently navigate challenges and contribute to innovative solutions. These skills demonstrate initiative and leadership potential, both of which are valuable across sectors. You can hone your problem-solving abilities by participating in hackathons, business case competitions, or internships that present real-world challenges.
Networking and interpersonal skills are indispensable in a market where personal connections often lead to professional opportunities. Building strong professional relationships can open doors that formal applications sometimes cannot. To strengthen your networking abilities, attend industry events, participate in local professional groups, and maintain an active, thoughtful presence on platforms like LinkedIn.
How Can You Improve Your Chances of Getting Hired?
Whether you have a solid degree or you are skill-focused, strengthening both aspects can significantly improve your employability in Greece. Employers appreciate candidates who show both formal qualifications and a commitment to continuous growth.
For degree holders:
-
Pursue additional certifications relevant to your industry. As mentioned above, educational platforms offer courses that employers may recognize.
-
Achieve at least basic proficiency in Greek. Even conversational skills demonstrate a serious commitment to integrating both socially and professionally.
-
Build practical experience alongside your academic background by seeking internships, freelance projects, or volunteer roles related to your field.
-
Stay updated with industry-specific software, tools, or regulations that are popular in the Greek market.
For those without formal degrees:
-
Create a clear, results-driven CV that emphasizes tangible accomplishments, hands-on skills, and relevant work experiences.
-
Develop a professional portfolio showcasing your best work, backed by testimonials or letters of recommendation from previous employers or collaborators.
-
Obtain skill certifications in key areas like IT, hospitality, or digital marketing to demonstrate technical competence.
-
Focus on strong interview preparation to effectively communicate your value through real-world examples.
For everyone:
-
Network actively within professional circles, industry associations, and online communities in Greece. Learning how to enhance your social network is a good investment, as personal connections often play a vital role in hiring decisions.
-
Attend career fairs, webinars, and local events to meet recruiters and hiring managers face-to-face. Learn about the most common job interview questions in Greece, and prepare accordingly.
-
Consider volunteering opportunities, which can help you build credibility, gain Greek work experience, and help you better understand the local business etiquette.
-
Engage in continuous learning by staying informed about emerging trends, technologies, and practices relevant to your career path.
-
Consider alternative career paths and opportunities, such as remote work or freelancing.
By combining formal qualifications with proven, marketable skills (and by showing genuine engagement with the Greek professional landscape!) you can significantly enhance your chances of securing meaningful employment.
In the End, It’s All About Finding Your Balance
The debate of degrees versus skills doesn't have a definitive winner. In Greece, as elsewhere, the best approach combines both elements strategically. Formal education opens essential doors, particularly in regulated professions, while skills sustain your progress and help differentiate you in a competitive market.
Submit your CV and start looking for your ideal job today!