As a foreigner - What is the best way of finding a job in Brazil?
I have a dream of working in Brazil. Im highly educated (Master in engineering), and I keep hearing that Brazil CRAVES people like me. However, it is a jungle to figure out where to start looking.
Job databases are one area, but without great portuguese skills, it often becomes a problem. Are there known databases for companies seeking foreign employees?
Many websites stress the importance of networking. This is also a bit challenging to do from Denmark. How do you go about that when you are not yet IN Brazil?
Then there is the culture... While I fell in love with Brazil for its culture, you almost never get a reply on an email (unless you track down a foreigner in the company). I write my email, send it and patiently wait while my "Scandinavian autism" kicks in (being used to replies within 24 hours I slowly start to wonder if my gmail account is broken) :) Are there tips to getting peoples' attention? is a phone call better? and what do I say/do if the person answering the phone speaks no English?
Furthermore, it seems that it is often easiest to just say "no". So are there insider tips to what I should ask the one answering the phone in order to get to talk to someone who will actually consider if I should send in my resume?
I would really appreciate any tips you insiders could give - I am never giving up my Brazilian dream, but boy do I wish it was easier ;)
Melanie
Spile
1 Answer
Melanie,
Brazil is a tough labor market to enter as you already know. I have heard of some foreigner specific job sites but never any successful stories. I would try some of the head hunting sites like michaelpage.com and let a Brazilian do the work for you.
For networking I would do the following. Linkedin - Look for Brazilians that work in companies or areas where you would like to work. Send some emails or make some phone calls. Also, you could plan a trip to Brazil do some face to face networking that would be ideal.
Phone calls are better than emails for sure. If the person doesn't speak English, ask them if there is someone that does. It's pretty common for this to happen. Just say Alguém aí fala inglês?
Yes, a no is easy to say so make the no harder than the yes. Make it clear that helping you is the fastest way to get rid of you. I would just keep pushing. If someone says no, ask them why. If you're told there is nothing or none to help, ask for someone who can.
Lastly, have you considered first entering Brazil as a college (university) professor? A Master's degree qualifies you to teach and there are schools where you can teachengineering as a guest or full time professor in English. It might not be ideal and you might not have the experience or desire, but it could be a viableoptionto at least enter the market and then network.
Don't give up! persistence is the key to opening Brazil!
Dear Brendan, Thank you so very much for that perfect answer! It was extremely helpful and made me even more confident that ordering the tickets was a good decision :) It is wonderful to know that there are people like you that are willing to help :) Thank you again! Melanie
Hey, I liked the way you approach for the job search in Brazil. I am working here already but I am looking for a job change. As in I have just finished my Graduation is Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. Can you suggest how I can find a job here? P.S:-Eu falo mais ou menos português. P.P.S: I am on a Exchange visa that I can extend for an other year, So I have a lot of time to find a job but I want to optimize my time to the best I have.
