Jobs for Americans in Europe (+ How To Prepare a European CV)

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There are many job opportunities for Americans across the pond in Europe. So, if you’re looking for a new adventure, want to expand your career, or simply wish to immerse yourself in a new culture, you might consider a move to Europe.

There’s a lot to think about if you’re an American thinking of working in Europe. 

What kinds of jobs are available? How do you find them? What qualifications are needed? What do you need to include in your European CV? And, what kind of paperwork is involved when an American wants a job in Europe?

We’ve got the answers for you! From details about the Europass CV to tips on adapting your resume, plus European job search resources and common opportunities for US citizens, you’ll find everything you need to know to start your new professional venture.

Remember: When it comes to adapting your resume, a great place to start is with our AI resume builder, complete with personalized suggestions. 

What Jobs Can Americans Get In Europe?

Let’s start with the first question: What jobs are available for US citizens in Europe?

The strong demand for skilled workers in Europe means you have ample opportunities to share your expertise and build a career on a new continent.

Some skills being sought in European countries, such as Belgium, France, Greece, and Italy, include technical, R&D, customer service, and marketing expertise.

Let’s take a look at some jobs in Europe for Americans in industries or areas in which you can bring your skills from the US.

Tech & IT

According to data from CEDEFOP, ICT roles in the EU are set to grow by 20.6% by 2035.

Software developers, cybersecurity experts, and professionals in machine learning are in high demand.

The UK, Germany, and Switzerland are some of the major European countries where you’ll find the highest-paying ICT job opportunities.

Many of the same requirements as you would find for an IT or tech job in the U.S., such as a degree and professional certifications, apply to the same positions overseas.

Digital marketing & content creation

European countries such as France, Spain, Italy, and Germany need English-speaking professionals to fill roles relating to global marketing strategies.

Many jobs in these areas call for at least intermediate and, in many cases, advanced English-speaking skills. Some of the most in-demand jobs in Europe include:

• Digital marketing manager
• SEO manager
• Content strategist
• Social media assistant
• E-mail marketing specialist

Healthcare, medicine, or research

European universities, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions are often open to hiring American-trained medical and medical research professionals. However, to work in Europe, American medical professionals must apply for recognition of their qualifications. 

You should refer to the European Commission’s official information on Automatic Recognition before making any decisions.

Specific requirements differ from one country to another; some might require a visa, while others might ask professionals to take an aptitude test.

In many cases, doctors, nurses, dentists, and other medical professionals are required to meet educational and practical study requirements.

You can consult the specific country you are looking at on the ENIC-NARIC Networks website. This is an ongoing collaboration between the national information centres on academic recognition of qualifications and covers a total of more than 55 countries.

Customer support & sales for international companies

In a global market, a large number of European companies need English-speaking customer support and sales professionals to conduct business.

For Americans pursuing these jobs in Europe, it’s a good idea that you are familiar with laws and regulations in areas of product safety, product liability, warranties, and after-sales services in EU countries, as well as GDPR in relation to data protection in the EU.

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)

The need for English teachers in European countries is abundant, as proficiency in the English language is important in nearly all areas, including business and tourism. Requirements for English teachers in Europe include possession of a TEFL certificate.

Many TEFL jobs in Europe are contractually based, over 10-12 months. Jobs are found in private schools or language academies, private tutoring companies, and government programs. You can find out more information on typical salaries and conditions on this page from the International TEFL Academy.

Hospitality & tourism

Since many Americans travel to Europe for business or pleasure, it is crucial to have English-speaking employees to assist these travelers. 

Tour guides, travel consultants, event planners, and cruise ship personnel are all roles that Americans can consider in European countries. Other jobs in this field that Americans easily fill include hotel receptionists, guest relations specialists, waiters, bartenders, and resort coordinators.

It should be noted that some European jobs for Americans in the hospitality and tourism industries are seasonal.

Finance or consulting

London, Frankfurt, and Zurich are among the leading European cities known as global financial hubs, and many top institutions may be interested in hiring  American professionals in this field.

With CEDEFOP predicting a 37.8 % growth rate for roles in Finance & Insurance between 2022 and 2035, some career options for financial professionals in Europe include:

• Accountant
• Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
• Investment banker
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

One way into this sector is to work in the US for a company that has its headquarters in Europe and then apply for a transfer to the office in the country where they are based.

Consider learning the language of the country. If you want to transfer to a European office, you will probably be a stronger candidate if you are fluent in the language of your target country.

💡If you have knowledge and training in SOX compliance, this may also work to your advantage. Even though the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) is a U.S. law, it also affects companies from other countries that sell their stock in the U.S.

Engineering

There is plenty of demand across Europe for skilled engineers, most particularly in Finland, Slovenia, Luxembourg, Germany, and Ireland, according to CEDEFOP data from 2023.

As in the United States, those who are seeking engineering positions in a European country should possess an engineering degree and relevant work experience. 

According to the Labour Shortages and Surpluses in Europe 2023 Report, published in May 2024 by the European Labour Authority, there is a shortage of engineers in the EU, particularly within the construction industry.

Can Americans Work Remotely From Europe?

The simple answer is yes!

Digital nomads can work from anywhere in the world. If your US-based company has a European location and has given you permission to work or transfer there, you’re almost good to go.

But first, you will need to obtain the right work visa, such as a remote work visa or digital nomad visa, and be classified correctly as an employee or independent contractor.

Other things to keep in mind if you’re seeking to work as a digital nomad: 

• You need to have a passport
• Check to see if you need a residence permit or visa. The allowed length of stay varies from country to country. You can find out this information for EU countries on the Immigration Portal, or for the UK, Switzerland, Iceland, or Norway on their government websites.
• Meet the minimum income requirement set by the country where you’re working, if required.
• Make sure you have a valid international health insurance policy (some countries suggest such a policy; others require it).
• Submit a Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (W-8BEN) for US tax purposes.

How To Adapt an American Resume to a European CV

It should not be too difficult to adapt your resume to a European CV format. The two formats have a lot in common. 

Resumes in Europe for US citizens should look similar to an American resume. A European CV should be about 1-2 pages in length. You’ll need to include:

• A short personal statement at the top, 4-5 lines in length (like a resume summary).
• A list of your important skills
• Your work experience in reverse chronological order
• An education section, starting with the most recent degree or certificate first
• Extra sections that cover certifications, volunteerism, and publications are optional.

One thing that may differ from an American resume, depending on the European country for which you are writing your CV, is your personal information. 

On an American resume, this is confined to your address, email, and phone number, while a European CV might include marital status, age, and even a photo (requirements differ from country to country; Germany, for example, prefers a photo, while Belgium does not).

If possible, emphasize any international experience you have. Include studies abroad, international projects, overseas volunteer experiences, and foreign language proficiency.

What is the Europass CV format, and should you use it?

In 2005, the European Union introduced the Europass CV format to standardize this professional document. 

While some feel that the Europass CV is too rigid and universal, not allowing for customization, the format is familiar to European companies and has become well-known and widely used.

The Europass CV is also an easy-to-use format that makes it simple to convert your American resume if you’re unfamiliar with the European CV. For this reason, if you’re a novice searching for European jobs, this template can be an option.

To create a Europass CV, simply create your profile on the Europass website. Fill in details such as personal information, work history, education, and skills. You can also add language proficiency.

Then, select the template that best fits your needs. Pick information from your profile that you want to include in your CV. You can change the information you choose to fit specific jobs.

Remember that with ResumeGiants, you can also create your CV in English and adapt it to the conditions and characteristics of the European country where you want to look for a job.

ResumeGiants.com is a private service that can help you create your European CV, and our downloadable European CV template is available in several languages for a fee.

Our AI resume builder makes personalized suggestions when you are writing about your skills, education, and experience, which can give your document a boost!

Please note that you can also find the official and standard service on the official website of the European Union by clicking here. By paying and using our private services, you confirm that you understand and acknowledge the above statements.

What is the Best Way to Look for Jobs in Europe?

Getting a job in Europe as an American is not that different from looking for work at home. You can search for jobs much the same way as you would when seeking work in the States: by networking and using job sites.

EURES, the European Employment Services website, lists thousands of job opportunities for each of the 31 European countries included on the site.

Job listings can be found on Eurojobs.com. The site includes remote jobs, work-from-home jobs, and freelance jobs.

The importance of networking cannot be overstated. Make international connections on LinkedIn, register with a global recruitment agency, attend virtual or in-person global career fairs, and collaborate with professionals in your field during virtual international conferences.

What Visas Do Americans Need to Work in Europe?

Working as an American in Europe doesn’t come without having the proper paperwork in place.

The most common need is a work visa. European countries require work visas for non-citizens of a European country. 

The most common is the EU Blue Card, which gives qualified non-European workers the right to live and work in the country that issued the card. 

Countries that are part of the Schengen nations, which permit travel between them without a passport, including Germany, France, and Finland, issue a National D-type Work visa, a long-term visa allowing for stays greater than 90 days.

The requirements of a European work visa application, besides completion of the application form and a viable job offer, include:

• Proof of health insurance
• Clean criminal record
• Medical exam
• Fingerprints and photos (based on each country’s immigration policies)
• Payment of visa application fees

The cost and processing time of work visas vary from one country to another. It’s best to check out the requirements and details for the specific country you are seeking to work in. 

You can find more information on the EU Immigration Portal of the European Commission or country-specific work visa sites.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and regulations are complex and subject to change. We strongly recommend consulting with a qualified immigration lawyer or advisor to ensure you obtain the correct visa, work permit, and other necessary documentation for your specific situation before moving abroad.

Can a US Citizen Get a Job in Europe?

As long as you meet certain requirements and file the necessary paperwork, the answer is a resounding yes!

In some cases,  you do not even need to show proficiency in a second language in order to land a job in Europe. There are a vast number of jobs for English-speaking individuals throughout Europe.

Remember these crucial points when you’re considering how to get a job in Europe as an American:

• Convert your resume to meet European CV standards
• Have healthcare insurance coverage in place
• Research European job sites, i.e., Eurojobs.com and EURES
• Utilize your existing professional network and expand it to connect with the right opportunities for your profile.
• Obtain the right work visa that meets your situation

To get started with your resume, check out our resume templates and examples to get all your information organized before adapting your document to European standards.

Once that’s done, you’re ready to write your notice letter for your current role and start exploring your overseas opportunities!

Before you know it, you’ll be saying au revoir (goodbye!) to the U.S. and hallo (hello!) to your new job and life in Europe.

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