Working in Seville

As the capital of Andalusia in southern Spain, Seville is a thriving economic hub that draws professionals from across the globe. The city offers an irresistible combination of warm weather, stunning architecture, and a reasonable cost of living, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a dynamic lifestyle.

Seville’s economy is booming, contributing significantly to Andalusia’s GDP and offering numerous opportunities for skilled professionals. The city has seen growth in emerging industries like biotechnology and renewable energy alongside its established sectors. If you are considering a move, you’ll find Seville’s expanding job market ready to welcome you.

While the cultural differences between Spain and other Western nations are minimal, especially for European expats, one aspect to bear in mind is the language barrier. Many companies in Seville will expect you to speak Spanish, so brushing up on the local lingo is essential for career success here.

Job market in Seville

The job market in Seville is diverse and offers a wide range of opportunities across various sectors. With its renowned universities and research institutions, Seville’s academic and research industries are flourishing. The biotechnology and renewable energy sectors are particularly exciting for professionals interested in cutting-edge innovation. Seville is quickly becoming a hub for biotech firms focused on life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and clean energy projects.

Teaching English is another popular avenue, with many expats finding work in private language academies, which generally offer better pay and manageable workloads than public schools. If you hold a TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA qualification, your chances of securing a good position are higher. Experience with the Cambridge curriculum or exam preparation can also make you a competitive candidate.

Engineering, manufacturing, and IT remain strong sectors, particularly in architecture and software development. Seville’s stunning Moorish and Gothic structures continue to attract architects from around the world. The demand for urban development and infrastructure projects is driving job creation in these fields, making Seville a prime location for architects and engineers.

Seville’s tourism industry is seeing a strong resurgence, particularly after the pandemic. The city’s combination of history, culture, and fantastic weather ensures that tourism remains a booming sector. If you are interested in hospitality or tourism, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to tap into in this ever-growing market.

Finding a job in Seville

If you’re looking for work in Seville, your first port of call should be online platforms like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and InfoJobs. These sites are vital for finding local job postings, gaining insights into company culture, and comparing salary expectations. Another great option is Milanuncios.com, which lists job ads alongside classified adverts.

Speaking some Spanish is always an advantage when applying for jobs, as many employers will expect at least a conversational level of the language. Networking can also open doors, especially in Seville, where building personal connections goes a long way. 

Attending local networking events or meeting other expats through social media groups can be valuable when job hunting. Remember to follow up with new contacts within 48 hours to keep the conversation going.

While wages in Seville tend to be lower than in cities like Madrid or Barcelona, the lower cost of living in Seville helps balance things out. It’s essential to research industry-specific salary expectations and working conditions so you don’t end up with a poor offer or unsociable working hours.

Bureaucracy in Spain can be a challenge for jobseekers. Securing a role may be more difficult due to fluctuating economic conditions, especially for non-EU citizens, who must apply for the correct work visa before starting employment. On the upside, recent immigration reforms have simplified many of these processes.

Useful links

• Spanish Government Job Portal
• Spainwise
• LinkedIn
• InfoJobs
• Milanuncios

Work culture in Seville

The work culture in Seville can vary depending on the industry, but generally, you can expect long working hours with a break in the afternoon for lunch or a siesta. Many offices run from 8 am or 9 am until 2 pm, with a break until 4.30 pm or 5 pm, followed by more work until around 8 pm or 9 pm. 

This might take some getting used to if you come from a country with more condensed working hours. Teachers in private schools often work from mid-afternoon into the evening, as English classes are commonly held after school hours.

Although the long working day might seem daunting, the environment in most workplaces is fairly relaxed, and there’s a growing trend towards more flexible work options. Many companies now offer hybrid working arrangements, allowing employees to work from home for part of the week.

Seville’s work-life balance is better than in larger cities like Madrid or Barcelona. The slower pace of life and a strong focus on family and leisure time make it easier to unwind after a long day.