If you’re thinking about moving to Italy, one of the biggest questions is always the same:
How do you actually find a job?
It’s something I’ve spoken about before, but I wanted to put everything into one place especially for those of you who are still outside of Italy and trying to figure things out.
Finding work here is possible, but it’s not always straightforward. It takes planning, patience, and a bit of realism.
These are the tips I wish I fully understood earlier.
If you’re trying to find a job in Italy as an expat, these tips should give you a realistic starting point and help you avoid common mistakes.
1. Learn Italian (Even Just the Basics)
I say this all the time, and I’ll keep saying it.
Learning Italian will open more doors for you simple as that.
You don’t need to be fluent before you arrive, but even reaching an A2 level can make a big difference. It helps with:
- daily communication
- workplace confidence
- more job opportunities
Relying only on English might work in some cases, but it will limit you.
2. Have Your CV in English and Italian
This is something a lot of people overlook.
Even if a job is advertised in English, don’t assume the person reviewing your application is comfortable reading it.
Have both ready:
- CV in English
- CV in Italian
- Cover letter in both
Sometimes sending both can make the difference between getting a response or being ignored.
3. Use Any Extra Languages to Your Advantage
If you speak other languages like French, German or Spanish, use that.
Language skills are a big advantage in Italy, especially in:
- customer service
- tourism
- international companies
Look specifically for roles where your languages are needed it gives you an edge.
4. Networking Is Everything in Italy
Italy is very much about who you know.
A lot of people find jobs through:
- friends
- referrals
- word of mouth
If you’re already in Italy:
- talk to people
- join local groups
- go to events
If you’re still abroad:
- join expat groups online
- connect on LinkedIn
- visit the city if you can
It might feel uncomfortable at first, but networking really does work here.
5. Get Your Foot in the Door First
You might not land your dream job straight away.
And that’s okay.
Sometimes it’s better to take a role that’s close to what you want, just to get started.
For example:
If you want to be a social media manager, you might start as a coordinator.
Once you’re in, it’s easier to:
- gain experience
- build connections
- move up
6. Use the Right Job Websites
Knowing where to look is half the battle.
There are specific websites that are more commonly used in Italy, and using the right ones will save you time.
You may want to read these related blog posts:
10 Best Job Websites in Italy for Foreigners (2025 Guide)
7 Best Remote Job Websites in Europe (Work From Anywhere 2025)
7. Look for Gaps in the Market
A lot of expats end up doing the same types of jobs:
- English teaching
- babysitting
- hospitality
- social media
There’s nothing wrong with that, but it also means those areas can become saturated.
Instead, ask yourself:
Where is the gap?
- What skills do you have that are different?
- What is missing?
- What can you offer that others don’t?
Sometimes opportunities exist in places people aren’t looking.
8. Consider Smaller Cities
Everyone focuses on big cities like Milan or Rome.
But smaller cities can sometimes have:
- less competition
- more opportunities
- a lower cost of living
It’s something worth thinking about if you’re flexible.
9. Be Willing to Upskill or Reskill
This is a big one.
Sometimes your previous experience won’t translate easily in Italy.
You might need to:
- learn a new skill
- take a course
- change direction slightly
For example, I originally studied business and event management, but when I moved to Italy, that path didn’t fully align anymore.
So I adapted.
A lot of expats do the same.
10. Think Long-Term, Not Just “Get Any Job”
It’s easy to panic and take whatever job you can find.
But if you can, try to think long-term:
- What do you actually want to do?
- What kind of lifestyle do you want?
- What salary do you need?
Planning ahead even a little can make a big difference.
What to Expect (Honest Reality)
There are a few things you should be aware of:
- Salaries are often lower than in other countries
- Job requirements can be high (even for entry-level roles)
- Contracts can be complicated
- Job security can vary
It can feel frustrating at times, especially when jobs ask for a lot but don’t offer much in return.
But knowing this beforehand helps you manage expectations.
If You Need a Visa
If you require a visa, this can make things more difficult.
Some employers may not want to go through the process of sponsoring someone.
It doesn’t mean it’s impossible it just means you need to:
- be persistent
- apply consistently
- stay patient
Finding a job in Italy takes time.
It’s not always quick or easy, but it is possible.
For me, the biggest shift was learning to approach things differently being flexible, planning ahead, and not expecting everything to fall into place straight away.
Over time, things do start to make sense.
And once you find your footing, you can build something that works for you here.
see you soon
xoxo Rebeah
