Moving to Greece for work can be a life-changing experience: sunshine, culture, and new career opportunities all wrapped into one. But navigating the local job market as a foreigner isn’t always straightforward. From adapting your CV to fit Greek expectations to acing that first interview, there are a few key steps that can make or break your job search.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire job application process, from crafting the perfect CV to following up after the interview. Whether you're an EU citizen or a non-EU professional looking for work in Greece, this guide will help you approach your job hunt with confidence.
Here’s what we’ll be covering:
1. Understand the Greek Job Market
2. Localize Your CV for Greece
3. Write a Culturally Appropriate Cover Letter
4. Where to Find the Right Job Listings
5. Apply Strategically
6. Prepare for the Interview
7. After the Interview: Follow Up & Next Steps
8. How Jobs in Greece Can Help
1. Understand the Greek Job Market
Before you begin applying, it’s essential to get a realistic picture of the Greek job market and where foreigners fit into it.
Some sectors are particularly open to international talent. Tourism and hospitality offer seasonal and permanent roles where English is often enough. The tech sector, especially startups and remote-first companies, also frequently hires foreign professionals, often in English-speaking environments. Customer service and call center jobs are another common entry point, particularly in Athens and Thessaloniki. Other areas, like education (especially English language teaching) and logistics, can also be accessible to foreigners.
Your citizenship status will also play a role. EU citizens have the right to live and work in Greece without a visa. Non-EU citizens, however, need a work permit and residence visa, which is typically secured through an employer. If you're already in Greece (perhaps on a student or digital nomad visa), you may be eligible for limited forms of employment, so it's best to check current immigration guidelines.
Language requirements vary by role. Some jobs only require English, but for others, especially in public-facing roles or government-related positions, Greek is essential. Even if it's not mandatory, basic Greek skills can give you a serious edge.
2. Localize Your CV for Greece
A common mistake expats make is submitting the same CV they used in their home country without adapting it to local norms. Greek employers expect a CV that’s clean, concise, and easy to skim.
Unlike in some countries where photos are discouraged, including a professional photo on your CV is common in Greece. The CV should ideally be no longer than two pages, written in English or Greek depending on the role, and presented in reverse-chronological order.
Begin with personal information, like your name, contact details, nationality, and photo.
This is followed by a brief professional summary, then your work experience, starting with the most recent. Include job titles, employer names, dates of employment, and short bullet points describing your responsibilities and achievements.
Education comes next, then languages spoken (indicate proficiency levels), technical or soft skills, and optionally, references.
Make sure to mention any international experience or cross-cultural skills, as these are valued by employers hiring foreigners. Tools like Europass or Canva offer useful templates that align with EU expectations.
By aligning your CV with Greek standards, you show respect for the local business culture and increase your chances of being shortlisted.
3. Write a Culturally Appropriate Cover Letter
More than just a formality, your cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself on a human level. In Greece, employers appreciate a tone that is both polite and professional. While self-confidence is important, modesty is often more culturally appropriate than bold self-promotion.
Keep your cover letter to three or four short paragraphs. Start by briefly stating the position you're applying for and how you found it. Then explain why you're interested in the role and how your background aligns with it. Try to reference the company’s mission or recent activity if possible; this shows genuine interest and initiative.
In the third paragraph, highlight what you can bring to the team. Keep the tone friendly but focused. Close by expressing your enthusiasm for an interview and thanking them for their time.
While a personalized letter takes more time than a generic one, it's often the difference between landing an interview or being overlooked, especially in smaller or mid-sized Greek companies where hiring decisions are more personal.
4. Where to Find the Right Job Listings
Knowing where to look is half the battle. Fortunately, there are several platforms where expats can find legitimate job opportunities in Greece.
Start with Jobs in Greece, a platform specifically designed for foreigners. It features job listings filtered by language, visa status, and sector, making it easier to spot opportunities you’re qualified for.
LinkedIn is also widely used by Greek companies, especially in sectors like tech, marketing, and professional services. Make sure your profile is updated and aligned with your CV.
Other options include:
-
EURES: An EU initiative listing jobs across Europe, including Greece.
-
Kariera.gr and Jobfind.gr: Popular local job boards that sometimes post English-speaking roles.
-
Niche platforms: For example, teaching-specific boards for TEFL jobs, or seasonal job sites for tourism roles.
Don’t overlook networking. Facebook groups like “Jobs in Athens” or “Expats in Thessaloniki” often post opportunities, and joining local online communities can help you stay informed.
5. Apply Strategically
Once you’ve identified the right roles, it’s tempting to send your CV to as many companies as possible. But in Greece’s competitive market, a tailored application is far more effective than a mass email.
Carefully read each job description and include relevant keywords in both your CV and cover letter. This not only shows attention to detail but can also help your application pass through automated filters (ATS systems).
When submitting your application, follow instructions exactly. If the employer asks for a PDF, don’t send a Word document. If they request your CV and cover letter in one file, don’t send two. Use a simple, professional file name (e.g., “Maria-Papadopoulos-CV.pdf”).
Keep a spreadsheet of your applications with dates, contact names, and follow-up actions. This will help you stay organized and follow up appropriately if you haven’t heard back within two weeks.
6. Prepare for the Interview
Congratulations! You’ve landed an interview!
Now it’s time to prepare for success.
Interviews in Greece tend to be conversational and personable, even when formal. Be punctual and dress neatly (business casual is often sufficient unless it's a corporate role). Expect some small talk at the start—about the weather, your background, or why you chose Greece. This isn’t wasted time; it helps build rapport.
Typical questions may include:
-
“Why did you decide to move to Greece?”
-
“How do you adapt to new environments?”
-
“What’s your level of Greek?”
-
“Can you work legally in the EU?”
Be honest, but frame your answers positively. Even if your Greek is basic, you can emphasize your willingness to learn. If you’re not fluent in the local laws, show that you’ve done some research and understand what’s needed.
If your interview is online, make sure your connection is stable and background professional. For in-person interviews, bring printed copies of your CV, and prepare questions of your own—it shows engagement.
Remember, Greek employers often look for someone who not only fits the role but also the team culture. Show enthusiasm, flexibility, and a genuine interest in the company.
7. After the Interview: Follow Up & Next Steps
Following up after your interview is more than just good manners: it reinforces your interest in the role, and helps make sure you remain in your potential employer’s top-of-mind candidates.
Within 24–48 hours, send a brief thank-you email. Reiterate your interest in the position and appreciation for the conversation. If you discussed specific projects or ideas, mention them again to show you were paying attention.
If you’re rejected, don’t be discouraged. Politely ask for feedback, as it may help you refine your approach for future interviews.
If you receive an offer, review the terms carefully. Ask for clarification on salary, hours, benefits, and (if applicable) relocation support. Employment contracts in Greece can vary, so it’s worth reading the fine print or even seeking advice from a legal or HR consultant.
8. How Jobs in Greece Can Help
Jobs in Greece is designed specifically with expats in mind. The platform offers curated job listings in partnership with
Jobfind.gr, allowing you to focus on roles that align with your skills, language abilities, and visa status, without wasting time on irrelevant opportunities.
You can easily filter jobs by industry, region, and language requirements, helping you target the roles that truly fit your profile. In addition to listings, the site provides practical resources for foreign professionals, including step-by-step guides, local market insights, and real stories from people who have successfully navigated the process.
Whether you're just getting started or preparing for interviews,
Jobs in Greece provides the structure and clarity you need to move forward with confidence.
It’s Your Turn Now!
Starting a new career in a foreign country can feel daunting—but with the right tools and a little local insight, it's absolutely achievable. By tailoring your CV, writing a strong cover letter, applying with care, and preparing for interviews the Greek way, you give yourself the best chance of success.
Start planning early, go through the checklist, and prepare for the next chapter in your life!
Or, better yet,
submit your CV and start looking for your ideal job today!