Finding a Job in Austria: AMS, Job Portals and Applications

If you are looking for work in Austria, you can use many different channels, from the public employment service to private job portals and newspapers. Using several options at the same time can increase your chances of finding a suitable position.

Where to look for work in Austria

Job searches in Austria are mainly conducted online, but newspapers and personal contacts can also be useful.

• Online job portals (Jobbörsen): vacancies throughout Austria and worldwide, usually with contact details.
• AMS eJob-Room: permanent positions as well as apprenticeships, summer jobs (Ferialstellen) and seasonal work.
• EURES portal: job searches across Europe and information about the labour market in individual countries.
• Newspapers: many national job advertisements and career information, particularly in weekend editions.
• Personal contacts: family, friends and acquaintances may know about available positions.

Do not underestimate your network. The more people know that you are looking for work, the more likely you are to hear about an opportunity.

AMS services for jobseekers

AMS eJob-Room is the online job portal of Austria’s public employment service, the Arbeitsmarktservice (AMS). It lists not only full-time positions, but also Lehrstellen, summer jobs and seasonal positions. The AMS also operates a separate search engine called AMS Alle Jobs.

Additional AMS services include:

• tips for a successful job search;
• interactive application training (Bewerbungstraining), where you can test your knowledge and find examples of motivation letters.

If you have lost your job, you can register with the AMS as unemployed. If you receive unemployment benefit (Arbeitslosengeld), emergency assistance (Notstandshilfe), or are registered as a jobseeker without receiving benefits, you can also deregister online after finding work.

Private job portals

There are many private job portals and job search engines. The following list is not complete and does not constitute an official recommendation.

• Nationwide portals: karriere.at, Stepstone.at, jobs.at, Indeed, hokify.at, Jobware.at, willhaben.at
• Online job sections of newspapers: Der Standard, Kurier, Salzburger Nachrichten, OÖ Nachrichten
• Regional websites: wienerjobs.at, steirerjobs.at, tirolerjobs.at, salzburgerjobs.at, kaerntnerjobs.at, jobsi.at (Upper Austria)
• Specialist websites: Pflegestellen.at (nursing and care), technikerjobs.at, medienjobs.at, StudentJob.at

Most portals allow you to register and create a profile. You can then receive suitable vacancies automatically by email.

European job searches through EURES

The EURES portal allows you to search for jobs throughout Europe and find information about European labour-market issues. With a “My EURES” account and the online CV tool, you can also submit applications at European level.

The AMS has EURES advisers who can help with job searches abroad. The portal’s “Living and working” (Leben und Arbeiten) section also provides information about housing, taxation and living costs in individual countries.

Other organisations that can help

In addition to the AMS, regional organisations and associations support jobseekers, including:

• Berufsförderungsinstitut (BFI), a vocational training institute;
• the Wirtschaftskammer (WKO) career and training advice service (Berufsinfo und Bildungsberatung).

A good CV (Lebenslauf) is central to a successful application. Make sure that your CV presents your qualifications and experience clearly and is adapted to the position.

How old do you have to be to work in Austria?

Under Austria’s law on the employment of children and young people (KJBG), a person who is 15 years old and has completed compulsory schooling (nine school years) is generally considered a young worker and may work. For apprenticeship training (Lehre), the minimum age is 14, but compulsory schooling must also have been completed.

Because of the training obligation under the “AusBildung bis 18” law, people under 18 may work only in certain situations, for example with a recognised qualification, in a summer internship or as an apprentice. People under 25 who have only completed compulsory education may receive an alternative training offer through the training guarantee.

Frequently asked questions

Is AMS eJob-Room free?

It is the AMS online job exchange, where anyone can browse the advertised vacancies.

Which is the best Austrian job portal?

There is no official ranking. The list of portals is not a recommendation, so it is sensible to use several portals at the same time.

Can I search for an Austrian job from abroad?

Yes. AMS eJob-Room includes selected vacancies from across the European Economic Area, and the EURES portal also provides support for international job searches.

When do newspapers publish the most job advertisements?

Most daily newspapers publish larger job sections mainly in their weekend editions.

Practical steps for your job search

1. Register with AMS eJob-Room and check AMS Alle Jobs.
2. Create profiles on several private job portals and activate email alerts.
3. Search EURES if you are also considering opportunities elsewhere in Europe.
4. Prepare a clear CV and a motivation letter suited to each position.
5. Check newspaper job sections, especially at weekends.
6. Tell your personal contacts that you are looking for work.
7. Use AMS, BFI or WKO Berufsinfo und Bildungsberatung if you need application or training support.

Important: This article is based on information available online and is not professional advice. Use the information at your own responsibility. For specific guidance, contact an employment, labour-law or other appropriate professional.

Source: oesterreich.gv.at