Job Search Strategies: INEM, Agencies, and Direct Applications
Job Search
To perform certain professional activities, you must possess the corresponding qualification. After completing your studies, the first step is to register with entities involved in employment recruitment.
Registration in Employment Institute: Public Employment Service (INEM)
Workers are required to enroll in the INEM as job seekers. Employers can request candidates from this organization to fill job vacancies, keeping in mind:
- Generic Job Offer: Employers contact the INEM, indicating job characteristics, candidate requirements, contract type, and selection details.
- Candidate Selection: The INEM sends candidates meeting the required characteristics.
- Documentation: Employers must verify the selected worker’s documentation, confirming registration with the employment office or managing job offer declines.
- Direct Hiring: If an employer hires a pre-selected candidate, they must notify the INEM within 10 working days following recruitment.
- Contract Communication: Employers must provide workers’ representatives with a copy of the basic work contract.
Employer Social Security Obligations
Employers hiring workers must register them with social security and contribute to it, covering both company and employee fees.
Temporary Employment
Temporary employment agencies provide workers to client companies temporarily. These agencies are regulated in most European Union countries. The worker placement is formalized through a written contract on an official form, called a making available contract. Contracts cannot be made for construction work, dangerous activities, strike replacements, or selling workers to other temporary employment agencies. Management and organization powers belong to the user company, while disciplinary power belongs to the temporary employment agency. Temporary employment contracts are subject to state or autonomous community conventions.
Placement Agencies
These for-profit agencies connect employers and employees without establishing an employment relationship. They are often promoted by local councils or unions. Unlike temporary employment agencies, placement agencies do not hire workers but act as intermediaries.
Employment Information Sources
Various sources provide employment information:
- Press: Regularly read press releases and supplements dedicated to economy and employment for job vacancies.
- Spontaneous Applications: Send your resume to companies that may need employees in the future. Use professional guides and telephone directories to identify potential employers.
- Autonomous Agencies of the INEM: Register as a job seeker at your local employment office. Job offers can be channeled through these offices.
- Temporary Employment Agencies (ETT): These companies hire temporary workers and place them with client companies. They handle salaries, recruitment costs, and training.
- Other Sources: Press, spontaneous applications, INEM, employment agencies, placement agencies, personal relationships, internet, FCT (Vocational Training Center), public administration, European Union.