7 easy steps to navigate IT Recruitment
As 2023 is wrapping up, it’s time for those New Year’s resolutions to kick in.
Perhaps one of them involves snagging a new job, or hey, maybe you’re even contemplating a move to a whole new country. Spain still reigns supreme as a sought-after spot in the IT realm, especially in the digital hotspots of Madrid and Barcelona.
If that’s your vibe, good news – keep reading! At NBS IT Recruitment, we’re the IT selection gurus, and we’ve got your back with some pro tips.
1) First off, the work permit is the holy grail – no permit, no worky.
If you’re an EU citizen, it’s a walk in the park, but if not, things can get a bit tricky.
Some folks might have EU ancestry, which could grease the wheels for Union citizenship and, in turn, the golden ticket to work. If that’s your route, brace yourself for a patience marathon. Spanish bureaucracy has improved a ton in the last decade, but it can still be a tedious and sometimes downright puzzling process.
Now, if those first two options aren’t your cards to play, your best bet is snagging a work permit for highly skilled employees (IT folks, you’re in luck). Either way, it involves getting a company to vouch for you, and like the permit hustle, it might take a few months plus some bureaucratic tap dancing. Many employers won’t be thrilled about it unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Quick note: This permit ties you to that specific company, so if you’re itching for a change, you’ll need a fresh sponsorship.
Sure, there are other work and residence permits for various reasons, but we won’t dive into those here.
2) Now, let’s talk moolah – salaries are a big deal.
Whether higher or lower, chances are your homeland’s pay scale dances to a different beat.
Our crystal-clear advice: scope out the market before diving into the selection process. Checking out online job offers can give you the lowdown on the market vibe.
If you don’t get what you expect there, tapping into your network or consulting the pros can be a game-changer.
3) Alright, papers sorted, and you know your market worth. Time for the real deal – kicking off the processes.
Where to start? Assuming you’re not the networking prodigy, online platforms are your best buds: LinkedIn and Infojobs are still top dogs, but IT-specific portals like Tecnoempleo can be golden for certain gigs.
Hitting up a few local HeadHunters is a smart move – they might have juicy opportunities under the radar.
4) What do I need to apply?
Unlike some other countries, Spain is pretty chill about this. Nowadays, for most companies, an updated CV is your golden ticket. Cover letters are practically fossils. Having your online profiles, like LinkedIn, in shipshape with enough info is key.
5) How is the process like?
It’s a bit like herding cats because every company has its own playbook. Generally, though, companies need to be nimble and set up a swift, efficient process for everyone involved.
Gone are the days of seven-interview marathons (unless you’re Google), and the norm is 2-3. Those tedious technical tests are also becoming rarer, though not extinct. More and more, technical interviews (pair programming, panel interviews, etc.) are stealing the spotlight. Ideally, connect with the tech folks from the get-go, but at some point, you’ll have to dance with HR – it is what it is!
6) Alright, you aced the selection process (or several because you’re a rockstar!)
Offers start rolling in. Companies usually send an offer letter, a more or less formal document with plans to bring you on board on a certain date with certain conditions. They vary in detail, but they should include the expected start date, annual salary, perks if any, vacation days, etc.
If you can juggle multiple options, great. If not, our advice is to jump into working in Spain ASAP.
There’ll always be time to scout better options down the road, and the job hunt is way smoother when you’re already in the game.
7) Last but definitely not least: you got the gig.
Now comes the “cultural leap.” Depending on where you’re from and where you land, it might be a genuine shock. Totally normal – Spain’s got its own unique vibe, a mix of Latin and European flavors that might catch you off guard at first.
Our advice here is crystal clear: go with the flow. Nobody’s born a pro, and there’ll be some hilarious anecdotes to share.
Be patient and let your colleagues be your guides. There might be things better than in your home country, things worse, but that’s the name of the game, right?
If you’re eyeing the IT scene in Spain, we got your back – in fact, we must!
Check out our currently active job listings or hit us up directly for some personalized guidance.
Happy New Year and good hunting! 🥳🏹