How to look for work in Casablanca

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Morocco is a rapidly developing country with emerging markets for leaders in technology, communications, and human resources. Most business is conducted in French with increasing use of English. However, most government agencies (including the court system) conduct business in Modern Standard Arabic.

Many international private companies, bilaterals and multilaterals pay on a scale close to Western counterparts, but small and local businesses pay on a Moroccan salary scale. Many families in Morocco make an average salary of 6,000 - 9,000 USD per year which provides for living comfortably to local standards.

The Département de l'Emploi (Department of Labor) monitors job growth and working regulations in Morocco. Anapec is the official job website of the Department of Labor in Morocco.
Address: Avenue Mohamed V
Hassan, Rabat
Telephone: 212 537 76 05 21

Expats in the Job Market

While most expats used to come to Morocco to retire, there is a growing population of expats living and working in Morocco.

Expats should be able to speak French fluently. There are some jobs that may use another dominant language, but these positions are uncommon. Teaching English, working in an international school, or an English language call centers are the most common exception.

To apply for a resident card (carte du sejour), a bank statement or other proof of income may be required. If an individual is not employed and does not have enough personal income to support oneself in the country, the application will be denied. A work contract is generally enough to prove working status in Morocco.

Resume / CV

Resume versus CV

  • Resume- brief overview of work and educational experience. Prominent in the US when applying for employment. Typically one page.
  • CV (curriculum vitae)- more in depth look at work and educational experience. Prominent in Europe and the Middle East. Typically two or more pages.

Layout

Moroccan companies usually prefer a CV.. International companies stationed in Morocco may prefer a resume, but this should be specified in the ad. Prepare both a German and English versions of your resume only if you are fluent in both languages.

    The Resume should contain:
  • Contact Information: Relevant personal contact information at the top of the page including: name, phone number, fax number, address, email address, date and place of birth, gender, marital status and number of children. Resumes may be kept on file for long periods, so any contact details you give should remain accurate long-term. It is common for a professional photo to be included.
  • 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 position. Any gaps in work history should be explained.
  • 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. Big name universities can catch a recruiters attention.
  • Certificates & Diplomas: Courses, seminars, congresses or conferences that are relevant. Note if you received any special honors.
  • Languages: This is extremely relevant to an international job. Business language in Morocco is usually French, but may also be Arabic. English language skills may be an additional benefit. 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 a language other than your native tongue, be sure to have a native speaker read it first.
  • Computer Skills: Programs, applications, word processing, database, Internet experience, etc.
  • Interests: You may include personal interests such as hobbies, sports, activities.

Tips

  • CVs should be straightforward and serious. Flashy style is not respected.
  • 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. Punctuation and grammar are extremely important. Don't use abbreviations.
  • 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

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

Job Search

    A checklist of what you need to start your career:
  • Write a curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Research potential employers
  • Find job opportunities
  • Write cover letters
  • Complete job applications
  • Interview
  • Follow-Up
  • Get hired!

After you have completed your CV, it is time to search for jobs.

Search Engines

Online recruitment websites allow for customized job-searches and alerts of new positions. You can also submit a CV for hiring managers.

Newspaper

Newspapers post job offers in their classified section. Job-seekers can also post a wanted ad for a fee.

Teaching English

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 have adequate visa clearance and registration. Most schools will supply you the intent to employ so you can secure a visa.

Schools

The easiest way to get started teaching English is to find a school. The best situations are companies that pay adequately and aid in getting visa paperwork completed. These positions may be difficult to come by and there is fierce competition for the best.

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.

Private Classes

It is also an option to work for yourself by giving private lessons. These are usually more profitable per hour, but require a lot more work finding customers. 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 Easy Expat's job listings. Having basic native language skills will help expand your clientele as you can then work with beginners.

Teaching English Certificates

TESOL (also known as TEFL) is the acronym for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. A TESOL certificate is the most common qualification required to teach English abroad. 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.

Interview

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. Practice a basic "speech" about who you are and what you do. Try to use the same keywords you used in your CV. The initial Moroccan job interview usually lasts an hour.

  • Dress neatly and conservatively.
  • Moroccans views on time can be flexible as personal relationships are held in higher regard than sticking to a schedule, but arrive early to present yourself as a professional.
  • Bring your CV, business card, and copies of the certificates.
  • There is great respect for age and professional titles, so address all present by title and surname.
  • Ask questions. Demonstrate your knowledge and interest.
  • Thank the interviewer for their time. You can also send a follow-up thank you card.

Temporary Agencies

If you are in need of short term work of any kind, there are agencies that will find you employment with another company. As an added bonus, sometimes short term work can lead to longer contract.

Work & Business Visas

Business visas are designed for those who wish to visit the country in order to engage in business activities other than working in Morocco. Moroccan business visas are issued for a duration of 90 days. They may be offered as a single entry or multiple entry permit. They require a letter of introduction from their company and a letter of invitation from a Moroccan firm.

A Work Visa is for people intending to work in Morocco. Work permits may only be granted to candidates who have been offered a specific position with a particular Moroccan company. The company in question must apply on behalf of the candidate and will be required to demonstrate that the position being offered could not have been filled by a Moroccan citizen or permanent resident.

    Visa Requirements:
  • Completed Application
  • 4 Passport-size photos taken within the previous six months
  • Valid passport with at least one blank page
  • Fee, payable by postal order only
  • Employment certificate from employer

For complete info, consult the "Passport, Visa & Permits" section.


Update 10/01/2012


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