Job-hunting in Italy is a major topic, with much information available online and elsewhere. We have condensed some useful information, as follows:

- Unemployment is around 9% (2003 estimate). Principal industries are tourism, iron and steel, machinery, chemicals, food processing, textiles and ceramics

- Non-EU citizens may have difficulty getting permission to work in Italy (permesso di lavoro). Italians are given preference for jobs, followed by EU citizens. Jobs given to non-EU nationals tend to be senior executive roles for multinational companies

- Italy has NO private employment agencies (however, see additional information below). The government employment agency only registers Italian citizens

- Useful government-sponsored website: www.ergonline.it

- Very little part-time and summer work (see below for another opinion). Young women may find au pair jobs

- Jobs teaching English - UK citizens often get these (no permit needed)

- Self-employment possible, usually translation or language teaching. For self-employment advice contact your nearest Italian consulate: www.embassyworld.com

- Websites of some large companies list jobs, for instance Alcatel/Cisco/Enel/ IBM Italy/Marconi/Siemens

- Employers in Italy pay all social security benefits. Workers earn 14 months of salary each year, with paid sick leave and free healthcare. Job security is protected by labour laws.

Added March 2007 by Max:
Salaries are not set by state; some categories and contract types have legal minimums and some categories have nation-wide contracts set by syndicates and industrial representatives.

- Italian newspapers often carry job adverts, in print and online. Try la Repubblica's 'KWLavoro'

- Chambers of commerce (in large cities) are often useful. Website for the US chamber: www.amcham.it

- Expats may find networking associations helpful. Try the Rotary Club and/or the Benvenuto Club of Milan

Added by Jacqueline C., 28/5/05 - I have just read the article about there being no private employment agencies in Italy. Although I know that this appears to be Italian law, there are at least 2 well known international agencies operating...Adecco and Manpower. I believe the work is only temporary, but it is legal if you get a 'permesso di soggiorno'. On the other hand, it is nigh on impossible to get a job unless you know someone who knows someone, and your written and spoken Italian has to be good.

Added by Milva, 5/8/05 - It is mentioned that one of the principal industries in Italy is tourism but there is not too much summer work. This is not correct, there's a lot of summer or seasonal work, you need to speak Italian and any other language is welcome if you look in the areas where foreigners love to spend their holidays. You should look for the job a few months in advance of the start of the season by calling the hotels, camping grounds or restaurants in the area you would like to go to. A list of them can be found at the tourist association or chambre of commerce or look for yourself in the telephone book (available on the web).

Added March 2007 by Max:
Keep in mind Milva's comment if you look for seasonal work (it will be much easier if you apply for the whole season). Look in the newspapers and local job agencies that are quite common, while there is no real specialized press. In general, it will be easier to find a job in the north.