Mexico at a Glance
Working in Mexico
iStockphotoLucrative job opportunities can be found in the petroleum and vehicle industries.
Working in Mexico may bring many challenges, the actual job search being the first among them. Mexico has an unemployment rate of 4.5%, and unskilled workers in particular have a hard time finding a job. However, there is no reason for you to give up on your dream. Certain professions are on the rise, and skilled expat professionals are always welcome.
While you might dream of white beaches, palm trees and colorful cocktails, you should beware of opening a business in an already satisfied market. Many self-made expats try to open a beach bar, restaurant or a B&B in Mexico, only to realize that they can’t keep up with the competition.
Major Industries
People interested in investing or working in Mexico should particularly look into Mexico’s major industries:
- Petroleum
- Agricultural processing
- Electronics
- Chemicals and pharmaceuticals
- Consumer durables
Sectors such as logistics and transportation as well as infrastructure and the service industry are going through a major growth period at the moment. Therefore you should look into these fields of employment if you plan on working outside of a traditional expat assignment.
Teaching Jobs
Many foreigners who have settled down in Mexico are former travelers who simply never returned home. While some of them may find great jobs, considerable numbers start out teaching English or other foreign languages. This is a particularly convenient option if you are not fluent in Spanish yet. You can find teaching positions in “preparatorias” (high schools), universities or language schools or do some private tutoring.
Mexico City and Guadalajara are the places to go for prospective language teachers looking for work. Positions in universities and high schools are most likely to become available before the beginning of a new term. Ask for an interview appointment with the director of the school or the language department. However, academic teaching jobs require additional qualifications beyond being a native speaker.
Job-Hunting
Your ideal experience of working in Mexico may, however, involve more than teaching English at a local language school. In this case, you need to put a lot of effort in your job search. Begin by registering with your chamber of commerce, your embassy or different social clubs to learn more about Mexico’s business world. Our Local Communities in Guadalajara, Cancún or Mexico City may also be a great place to start if you are keen on working in Mexico.
Mexican businesses like using recruitment agencies and contractors to find new employees. Try going through an agency or a headhunter if you bring lots of professional experience to the table and are looking for a high-salary position. There are many global recruitment agencies to help you find a job at the higher end of the job market. Fees of about $1,000 and a 6-month exclusivity period are the norm and may be the price you have to pay to be able to start working in Mexico.
Job Search Resources
Other InterNations members in Mexico may be able to help you get in touch with companies offering open positions. Don’t hesitate to use your network. Alternatively, you can look through online job boards and employment homepages. Your home country’s chamber of commerce may have its own employment agency, giving you the option to search for vacancies and post notices online.
Another option is the classic approach to your job search. Local newspapers usually have classified sections with job ads. You should look at their respective websites, too, as you may be able to find more job ads online. Internet classifieds such as Craigslist may also be a treasure trove of job ads, especially for local part-time positions.
Recruitment Agencies
Global recruitment agencies in Mexico:
Online-based recruitment agencies operating in Mexico:
Join the leading
Expat Community in Mexico
