How does a person move to france and get a job without having one ready?

Question

I want to move from the US to France, but I'll obviously need a source of income. I've found that in many countries, you're not allowed to just move to a country and apply for a job. You have to have a job waiting for you there. So how do I get there and get some income? Even if it's dish washing, I would do it. But I do have some skills that are not readily available.

Answer 1

Here is the pertinent part of what the United States Embassy says about this::

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Americans hoping to enter the French labor market are cautioned that it is very difficult to find employment. To be able to work in France, Americans...must have arranged employment approved in advance by the French Ministry of Labor and they must have obtained a long-stay work visa before entering France

Americans who disregard the visa requirement and apply in France for a work permit are required to leave the country to obtain the appropriate visa at a French consular office in the U.S.

Americans should not come to France expecting to find a job and to regularize their status after arrival. Such expectations are unlikely to be fulfilled and personal hardship may result.

Since July 1974 there has been a virtual freeze on the employment of nationals of all countries other than nationals of member countries of the European Union. Unemployment in France is currently at about 10 %, and French laws and regulations governing immigration and employment in France are enforced with increasing rigor.

The only Americans who have any chance for full-time employment in France are highly skilled technicians and qualified managerial personnel.
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If you really want to work in France the smart thing to do is find an American company with a presence in France. Go to work for them in the United States and angle for a position in their overseas operations.

Answer 2

If you speak the language a little you can find the jobs such as baby sitting, tutoring english, waiting in restaurants, cleaning etc
a friend of mine moved from Canada and stayed a year looking for a job in marketing advertising to no avail. she paid rent etc by waiting tables at teh Mustang Cafe near Montparnasse and at another restaurant nearby (word of mouth etc)
you could also consider an exchange if you are still a student.
the French consulate gives you a few ideas at http://www.consulfrance-houston.org/
also the US embassy has a few practical infos at
http://www.amb-usa.fr/

You could try using your special skill(s) by contacting organization related to said sector or non profits
other source fro networking could be the Young section of the Frenco american chamber of commerce, there are lots of parties and events

Answer 3

You are on it...THE INTERNET! The WORLD WIDE WEB! THE INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY!
Google the French Embassy and find out about work laws, residency and work requirements, visas, etc. Google French newspapers and look in the want ads. Apply online. The possibilities for finding out everything you need to know about making this move are endless.
Good luck.