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Job Market in Panama

Ever since foreigners migrated to Panama to work on the canal, the country has always been one that is accepting of foreign workers. Today, there is a strong expat community in Panama. And it’s not just in Panama City where you will find expats. It is normal to come across them in Bocas del Toro and the San Blas Islands as well.

That being said, there is not an abundance of jobs for foreigners outside of being an English teacher. One must be committed to trying to find a job through numerous means, and thus networking in Panama is key. You will have a greater chance of finding a job as a foreigner if you network with multinationals that operate in the country, or other expatriates who have a thriving business there.

Resume or CV in Panama

• Resume- A brief overview of work and educational experience. Prominent in the US when applying for employment. Typically, one page.
• CV (curriculum vitae)- This is a more in depth look at work and educational experience. Prominent in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Typically, two or more pages. CVs are generally preferred in Panama.

Layout of a CV in Panama

A CV for Panama should contain:

• Contact Information: Relevant personal contact information at the top of the page including: name, phone number, fax number, address, and email address.
• Professional Experience: Usually this information is listed chronologically. List your work experience with: your title.
• the name of the company you worked for, the dates of your employment, and a brief description of your achievements in that job.
• Education: This section should come before work experience if you are in school or have been out of school for one to three years, depending on your level of work experience and how relevant your education is to your career.
• Certificates & Diplomas: Courses, seminars, congresses or conferences that are relevant in relation to the position. Note if you received any special honors.
• Languages: This is extremely relevant to an international job. List which languages you speak and your level: advanced, intermediate or beginner. Point out if you can translate, speak, or write in each language and list any associated degrees. If you are submitting your resume in English and it is not your first language, be sure to have a native speaker read it first. Punctuation and grammar are extremely important.
• Computer Skills: Programs, applications, word processing, database, Internet experience, etc.
• Interests: You may include personal interests such as hobbies, sports, activities.

Tips for creating a CV for Panama

• Style should be straightforward. Use standard paper and a simple font, such as Times New Roman (12 font) or Arial (10) font
• Print original copies on high quality paper - don't send photocopies.
• Be neat. Take care with the presentation, design, spaces, and spelling of your resume. Don't use abbreviations. Emphasize sections and things that are important with underlines or bold type.
• Make sure your CV is as organized as possible, so the information can be found easily.
• You do not need to date or sign your resume.
• Have a base CV that you can adjust to each job you are applying for.

Cover Letter for Panama

A cover letter usually accompanies a CV in a job application. In the format of a letter, it establishes your tone and intent. Also known as a cover letter, covering letter, motivation letter, or letter of motivation.

Format a Cover Letter

• Header - Standard business letter style, with the sender's address and other information, the recipient's contact information, and the date sent after either the sender's or the recipient's address. The final part of the header is a salutation (e.g., "Dear Hiring Managers").
• Introduction - The introduction briefly states the specific position desired and should be designed to catch the employer's immediate interest.
• Body - Highlights material in the resume or job application and explains why the job seeker is interested in the job and would be of value to the employer. Also, matters discussed typically include skills, qualifications, and past experience. If there are any special things to note such as availability date, they may be included as well.
• Closing - Sums up the letter and indicates the next step the applicant expects to take. It may indicate that the applicant intends to contact the employer, although many favor the more indirect approach of simply saying that the applicant will look forward to hearing from or speaking with the employer. After the closing is a valediction ("Sincerely"), and then a signature line. Optionally, the abbreviation "ENCL" may be used to indicate that there are enclosures.

Resources for CVs

For some basic templates for CVs and cover letters, try Career Lab, Great CV's, or the Career Resource Center.

Job Search in Panama

Search Engines for Panama

Search engines allow you to scan a great variety of jobs and narrow down your search to certain criteria. It is also a good idea to post your CV online so hiring managers can find you. They may also allow you to sign-up for e-mail alerts of when new jobs become available.

• Glassdoor (variety of positions and opportunities)
• Encuentra24 (has more lower-end positions)
• Learn4Good (has more mid to upper-level positions)
• Estas Contratado: (has listings for jobs in Panama and South America)
• Ciudad del Saber: (this is a good site if you are looking for NGO opportunities)
• Konzerta: (has a lot of opportunities listed for Panama)
• Ministry of Work and Labor Development (not a search engine, but it has job vacancies listed)

Forums

Expat and social forums are another resource for job seekers. EasyExpat's Panama forum are a great resource. Search by industry and browse the latest jobs.

Newspaper

Several papers have a helpful classifieds section. There are job offers for executives and professionals, as well as sections dedicated to specific professions, like teaching, computers, and media. Not so many of these papers have listings on their website, so you’ll have to be old-fashioned and pick-up a physical copy. But the most popular websites for classifieds in general that aren’t newspapers are Encuentra 24 and Craigslist.

Recruitment Agencies in Panama

Most agencies specialize in a particular field, such as computers, nursing, secretarial work, accounting, catering, or construction. There are also "Head hunting" agencies that are hired by large companies to recruit executives, managers, or professionals. To find an appropriate agency, look for "employment agencies" in the yellow pages or go to a specific recruitment website such as the ones below:

• Elite Recruitement Group (mostly for rail and canal work)
• AP Executive
• MRINetwork

Career Fairs in Panama

Career fairs are an excellent way to find out about available jobs and opportunities. There are usually a large variety of employers you can visit in one day and apply. Entrance is usually free but registering online might be encouraged. Bring your CV and dress to impress as there may be an interview on the spot.

Consult with the International School of Panama which has representation at international job fairs to recruit teachers.

You can also try going to career fairs in your home country that specialize in jobs abroad.

Networking

Sometimes getting a job is about knowing the right people. Talk to friends, family, and business contacts to see if they have connections in the area you would like to work. Expat events can also be a great way to find out how other expats found work and see if their company has any openings. Use social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Linkedln or expat forums.

Teaching English in Panama

English-speaking expats are in high demand for teaching English. Language schools usually require applicants to have TEFL course certificates and a college degree. You must also have adequate visa clearance and registration. Most schools will supply you the intent to employ so you can secure a visa.

Schools to Teach English in Panama

There are many language schools in Panama because of the Panama Canal’s relevance to the country’s trade economy. Panama is littered with language schools.

To work with a school, applicants usually submit their resume and application, and if the school approves, the applicant will be asked for an interview. The interview may consist of a sample lesson or a grammar test. Some schools will throw teachers right in for a 90-minute class where the school observes and either offers the job or does not.

It is common for new teachers to only receive a few classes at first. If they are able to prove themselves reliable and are able to handle a class, they will gradually be given more classes. Some teachers work at two schools or also give private lessons.

Teaching in the state sector is the most lucrative strain of teaching. These jobs are hard to come by without experience and the best qualifications. These positions offer the paid holidays, excellent salary, and a good pension.

Schools:

• International School of Panama
• King’s College
• Metropolitan School of Panama
• Knightsbridge School of Panama

Teaching Private English Classes in Panama

It is also an option to give private lessons. These are usually more profitable per hour but require a lot more work finding customers. If you are looking to teach privately, you can also try websites like Teachaway where they have listings for public and private tutors.

The best way to get private students is to post advertisements in business newspapers, on bulletin boards, or offer your resume on expat site's like EasyExpat's Job Listings. Having basic native language skills will help expand your clientele as you can then work with beginners.

Teaching Certificates

Most schools will require that you have a TEFL certificate, also known as a TESOL certificate (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).

There are a wide variety of TESOL courses available, ranging from 4-week intensive, classroom based TESOL courses with TEFL International, to TESOL courses studied online. It is even possible to combine a period of online study with a shorter classroom-based course. In addition to standard TESOL certificate courses there are also more specialized courses such as courses for teaching business English, or teaching English to young learners. There is also the more advanced TESOL diploma course.

Interviews in Panama

Interviews are a chance for a company to get to know you before hiring you. Research the company before the interview to discover their missions and direction. It is not uncommon for there to be a series of interviews, with the first lasting 30-60 min, and further meetings possibly taking an entire day.

• Dress neatly and conservatively.
• Arrive on time.
• Bring your CV, business card, and copies of the certificates.
• Ask questions. Demonstrate your knowledge and interest.
• Thank the interviewer for their time.

Some websites like Dell Panama are kind enough to give you an insight into what they consider a successful interview. It would be clever to check the websites of wherever you are interviewing to see if you can get a head start before your interview.

Temporary Agencies in Panama

If you need short term work of any kind, there are agencies that will find you employment with another company. Jobs may consist of office work, babysitting, gardening, security, etc. They will try to fit with occupations that fit your skill set. As an added bonus, sometimes short-term work can lead to longer contract.

Work Visas & Permits in Panama

Work visas are administered by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare. One can apply for a work permit (which must be renewed every year) if they meet one of the conditions below:

• One must be married to someone of Panamanian nationality.
• One must have 10 or more years of residency in Panama.
• One must be within 10% of the ordinary personnel.
• One is an expert or technical worker within the 15% of the specialized personnel.
• One works as an executive in a company of the Colon Free Zone (a free trade zone located at the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal).
• One works in a company with less than 10 workers (in accordance with the Marrakech Agreement).
• One is an executive of a company that produces its merchandise abroad.
• One is a refugee.

Refer to “Passport & Visa” section of the guide for full details.