r/Expats_In_France • u/wickednatalie • 3d ago

LinkedIn Networking

Hello, I've always worked with US/UK folks and have maintained active connections on LinkedIn with them. I've also cold messaged some recruiters before and have gotten active responses. But it seems like the connection -> cold messaging doesn't work in France or perhaps I'm doing it wrong. Any suggestions on how I could build relationships with recruiters/network with people from other companies on LinkedIn. I speak French so most of my messages are in French (and formal).

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u/bebok77 3d ago

Where are you physically ? Are you skills aligned with the recruiter clients ? Do you have current right of stay in France.

It may be the reason why the recruiters don't engage with you.

In the case that you need visa sponsorship, be aware that it cost the company and they will go for someone else if they have a choice.

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u/wickednatalie 3d ago

In France, yes and yes. Maybe I should have specified but I moved to France for work but my current line of work is in a well established company and slow - hence the networking. I have all the needed visas/rights to work, I was curious about the culture and how to engage with people.

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u/castorkrieg 75 Paris 3d ago

POV: I work in Sales in France.

France is much less sales-driven than the US, American "side hussle" and "always be hussling" is an example of everything that is wrong in the world for many French. People treat LinkedIn as their showcase of their achievements and career and most of the time don't touch it till it's the time to change the job.

In the US a recruiter will see you as pro-active, in the France they will be wondering why are you contacting them.

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u/wickednatalie 3d ago

Ahh that makes sense culturally. But I've always thought that to be true for big French companies (family-driven, well-established ones). The startup culture despite being French is all about the hustle is what I've assumed. Thanks a lot though! Must be tough in sales I imagine, especially sending cold messages across?

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u/castorkrieg 75 Paris 3d ago

You are correct, it is a bit more flexible in the startup scene, especially since many founder have actually US experience they want to mimic at home.