Maltese Job Market

The Maltese job market is full of opportunities for English-speaking or multilingual individuals with relevant qualifications.

Malta's information technology (IT) and financial sectors are particularly open to expats, with shortages of qualified, English-speaking developers, financial officers, accountants, business analysts, IT managers, web and graphic designers, and auditors. There is also a shortage of qualified, English-speaking nurses in Malta.

The ESL and tourism sectors are also particularly open to English-speaking or multilingual expats.

Resume / CV

Malta uses the Europass CV system, a standardized CV for EU member states. If you are unfamiliar with how a CV differs from a resume, refer to the EasyExpat article, "CV versus Résumé?"

You can download a Europass CV template here.

Layout

A Europass CV for Malta should contain:

• Contact Information: Relevant personal contact information at the top of the page including: name, phone number, fax number, address, and email address.
• Personal information: While not essential in a CV, you may be asked to provide your nationality, gender, and date of birth by prospective employers in Malta.
• Photograph: A picture is not essential in a CV, but is commonly requested by employers in Malta.
• Professional Experience: Usually this information is listed chronologically, starting with the most recent experience. 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. Educational experience should be listed starting with the most recent.
• 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) according to the common European framework (Self-assessment grid European level system, C1-A1). 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 and Competencies:  List programs, applications, word processing, database, Internet experience, etc. List you level of knowledge (beginner, basic knowledge, advanced knowledge, etc.) List under what context they were acquired (e.g. through training, work, seminars, leisure activities, etc.)
• Social Skills and Competencies: List social skills and competencies (e.g. team spirit, good communication skills) and through what contexts they were acquired (e.g. through training, work seminars, etc.)
• Organizational Skills and Competencies: List skills and competencies related to the coordination and administration of people, projects, budgets, etc. and through what contexts they were acquired.
• Interests: You may include personal interests such as hobbies, sports, and activities.
• Driver's license: State whether you hold a license and for which category of vehicle (if applicable).

Tips

• 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

A cover letter usually accompanies a CV in a job application in Malta. It helps a prospective employer decide whether to read your CV or ignore it. It is also known as a covering letter, motivation letter, or letter of motivation. A cover letter in Malta should be no more than 1 A4 paper in length.

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"). You should address your covering letter to a named person in a company; not a department or office.
• 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. Do no quote verbatim from your CV. Avoid using a passive voice. You should also demonstrate knowledge of the company, why you are interested in pursuing a position with that company, and the specific vacancy.
• 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 a signature line. Optionally, the abbreviation "ENCL" may be used to indicate that there are enclosures. Personal contact details during business hours should be clearly presented.

Job Search

Search Engines

Search engines allow you to scan a large variety of jobs, and narrow down your search based on 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.

Job vacancies can be found online through Maltese listing web sites such as Malta Park, Di-Ve, Free Ads, and Iz-Izjed.

Local businesses also frequently post job listings on Facebook.

You can also search EasyExpat's job listings for Malta.

EURES

As part of the EU, job seekers can access the European job mobility portal EURES. This resource provides information about job vacancies and the labor market in 31 European countries. It also provides information on the living and working conditions of each country, and offers a CV posting service.

Malta has its own EURES office, located in the Employment Division of the Employment and Training Corporation (ETC) offices in Hal Far. The EURES Malta office is open Monday-Friday from 0900-1200 hrs (9:00 am- 12:00 pm). Further information can be obtained by contacting EURES Malta directly by phone (+356 2220 1203) or email (eures.etc@gov.mt).

Forums

Expat and social forums are another resource for job seekers. Easy Expat's Malta forums are also a great resource that allows you to search by industry and browse the latest available jobs.

Newspaper

Several papers have a helpful classified's section. There are job offers for executives and professionals, as well as sections dedicated to specific professions, like teaching, IT, and media.

These include The Times of Malta and The Independent.

Recruitment Agencies

"Head hunting" agencies are the largest type of recruitment agency in Malta. They are hired by large companies to recruit executives, managers or professionals in various sectors.

Many recruitment agencies in Malta specialize in a particular field, such as IT, or accounting.

Recruitment and hiring agencies in Malta include:

• Castille Resources
• Konnekt
• Misco
• Vacancy Centre
• Quad Consultancy
• Pentasia
• People Solutions
• MHCS Malta
• Betting Connections (specializes in online gambling sector)
• Crossroads
• Core
• Hyperion
• Spot On Connections (specializes in online gambling sector)

To find an appropriate agency, you can also look for "employment agencies" in the yellow pages or go to a directory of agencies.

Career Fairs

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 to directly. Entrance is usually free, but registering online may be encouraged. Bring your resume and dress to impress, as there may be interviews on the spot.

Career fairs in Malta are commonly hosted by the University of Malta, or by specific industries, such as the tourism and hospitality industry. Open Days, one-day hiring events, are also common to the hospitality industry, and are hosted by large hotels and resorts in the spring, before the commencement of peak tourism season.

An annual European Jobs and Mobility Fair is hosted by EURES Malta and the Employment Training Corporation (ETC). This fair brings together EURES advisors from different European countries to promote work opportunities in the EU, and to provide information about working and living conditions in respective EU countries. More information can be obtained from EURES Malta.

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. Liaise with contacts online, through forums such as Easy Expat's Malta forums, and social networks such as LinkedIn.

Malta has a large and vibrant expat community that hosts regular expat events. These can also be a great way to find out how other expats found work and see if their company has any openings.

Interview

Interviews are a chance for a company or school 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 of the position and company.
• Thank the interviewer for their time.

It is not uncommon to be asked to present yourself for an interview in person to Malta, even if you currently live overseas. You, or your prospective employer, may cover your travel costs - this arrangement should be worked out and verified in writing before departing for Malta. If you are unable to appear in Malta personally for an interview, you may be able to perform a telephone or Skype interview.

Temporary Agencies

If you are in need of short-term work of any kind, there are temporary employment agencies (also called "temping agencies") that will find you employment with another company. Jobs may consist of office work, babysitting, gardening, security or any other types of work. Such agencies will try to fit with occupations that fit your skill set. As an added bonus, sometimes short-term work can lead to longer contract.

Larger hiring agencies and sector-specific recruitment agencies can also assist you in finding short-term or temporary employment. Refer to the "Job Search" section for more information on such agencies.

Work Visas & Permits

A work permit, referred to as an Employment License, is legally required to work in Malta. Employment license requirements vary for EEA/Swiss and non-EEA/Swiss nationals.

EEA/Swiss Nationals

EEA and Swiss nationals have employment rights in Malta. While they must apply for an Employment License (formerly known as a work permit) to legally work in Malta, the license is automatically granted. Employment Licenses must be applied for by the employer, not the employee, and are obtained from the Employment & Training Corporation (ETC).

Non-EEA/Swiss Nationals

(Also known as Third Country Nationals or TNC's)

Non-EEA/Swiss nationals must obtain an Employment License to work in Malta. Employment Licenses must be applied for by the employer, not the employee, and are obtained from the Employment & Training Corporation (ETC). Employment Licenses are issued for a maximum period of one year and are renewable on an annual basis. You must have at least six weeks remaining on your travel or entry visa to apply for an Employment License.

Employment Licenses are only granted after it has been proved that every effort has been made to first hire an EEA/Swiss/Maltese citizen. Successful Employment License applicants must have a job offer from an employer in Malta. To protect the local labour pool, applicants must also be in possession of a specialist skill or qualification that is lacking in other EEA/Swiss candidates, and a significant demand must exist in the sector in which they are being employed (e.g. qualified nurses, multi-lingual tourism workers). Further, to ensure fair wages for Maltese workers, applications are considered more favourably when the wage to be granted reflects the average wage in the relevant occupation or sector in Malta.

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

Teaching English

Requirements

English-speaking expats are in high demand for English instruction positions in Malta. Language schools usually require applicants to have TEFL course certificates, and some require a CELTA certification. You must also have A levels in English; however, a college or university degree is not required to teach English in Malta. Previous experience is considered an asset, but is not a requirement.

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

To teach English in Malta you also require a Teaching Permit from Malta's EFL Monitoring Board, which you apply for yourself. You can obtain an application form from Malta's EFL Monitoring board.

A work permit (also known as an Employment License) is also required to teach English in Malta, for both EU and non-EU nationals. English language schools will apply for an Employment License, required to work in Malta, on your behalf.

Find a Teaching Job

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 and other relevant paperwork completed. These positions may be difficult to come by and there is fierce competition for the best.

There are over 30 English Language schools in Malta. Peak season for teaching English in Malta is mid-May to September. Most English language schools in Malta are located in Sliema and St. Julian's, with some in Gozo, St. Paul's Bay, and Pembroke.

Applicants usually submit their resume and application directly to ESL schools. 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. In some cases, you may have to travel to Malta to appear in person for interviews.

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, however, it is generally frowned upon in Malta to work at an ESL school and provide private instruction to students outside of the school at the same time.

Private Classes

It is also an option to give private English lessons in Malta to both children and adults of varying language levels. 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 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 four-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. A TESOL/TEFL certificate is legally required to teach English in Malta.

CELTA is the acronym for Certificate in Teaching English to Adults (or Speakers of Other Languages). It is an internationally recognized professional credential for teachers of ESL. Full time CELTA courses run for four to five weeks. CELTA courses can also be taken part-time over several weeks or months. CELTA courses include six hours of assessed teaching practice to real EFL classes of at least two levels of difficulty. There are over 286 approved CELTA centers in 54 countries. CELTA courses are offered in Malta at NSTS and the University of Malta. CELTA certificates are sometimes required by English language schools in Malta.

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