Finding steady employment in Rome isn’t easy. Although the Italian economy has shown some growth in recent years, unemployment remains high, and even Italians find it hard to secure jobs in certain professions, making working in Rome a challenging prospect for many expats. Italian employers also often prefer hiring Italian residents, or at least EU residents, as this means they won’t need to bear the burden of completing the mountains of paperwork required for work permit applications.
Job market in Rome
Rome has the highest concentration of expats in Italy, so jobseekers can expect greater competition when it comes to landing a position in Rome. Speaking a serviceable amount of Italian will significantly improve your odds of finding a job in the city.
That said, expats who aren’t fluent in Italian can still find employment in Italy, especially if they have a desirable university qualification. In Italy, qualifications are highly valued, and having a degree and experience in your home country will impress most employers. Those with marketing and communication degrees will have the most success finding a job in Rome, as will those who have worked on the business side of the hotel and tourism industry. Additionally, those who can demonstrate expertise in the digital world, such as in online marketing, fare well.
Non-skilled professions, such as waiting tables, bartending, and reception positions in hotels, resorts, and hostels, are still available but are less common than they used to be in Rome. Expats applying for these positions will need basic Italian language skills to stand out from the competition. Being proficient in an additional language, such as Japanese, French or German, can be a serious advantage when seeking employment in the tourism industry in Rome.
A certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) from an accredited agency is almost always necessary for expats looking to teach English in Rome. Those with a TEFL qualification and teaching experience are likely to land a job teaching English in Rome.
Finding a job in Rome
For non-EU residents, obtaining a position before leaving their home country is often the best course of action. Intra-company transfers do provide opportunities, as do multinational companies that regularly hire foreigners. Online job portals are an excellent place to search, while registering with a job centre in Rome can also be an effective way of getting a foot in the door.
If you’re looking for something a little less corporate, there are online and storefront recruitment and volunteer agencies that will help you find your first job in Rome. Teaching, au pairing, and consulting in the tourism industry are all common. Expats going this route should ensure that the agency is accredited and trustworthy before signing up. These agencies usually require a financial contribution from the applicant for their services.
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Work culture in Rome
Rome’s work culture is representative of Italy’s blend of tradition and modernity. Hierarchy and a degree of formality are important in Roman workplaces, but personal relationships and trust also play a major role in professional success.
Punctuality is appreciated, although schedules are often seen as flexible, primarily due to the city’s heavy and unpredictable traffic. Networking over an espresso is part and parcel of the work culture here, and many workplaces encourage employees to balance productivity with leisure and family. Rome’s pace can feel slower than that of other European capitals, but hard work and professionalism are highly respected.
Rome is a big city with more expats than jobs in most industries. As a result, some employers might take chances when it comes to employing expats, especially non-EU residents. Accepting a position without a residency permit (permesso di soggiorno) is not advised, as it is impossible to seek any legal assistance if the employer underpays, abuses employee rights, or refuses to pay altogether.