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Important Values

• Friendliness and sociability
• Group affiliation and loyalty
• Personal character and integrity
• Respect for hierarchy and titles
• Mistrust of government and institutions

Communications

• Ceremonial Castilian Spanish is the norm.
• Formal language is appreciated in many settings.
• Expect boisterous and overlapping conversations.
• People are candid and emotional.
• Answers or decisions may be communicated indirectly to “save face.”
• A good sense of humor is important.
• Physicality (hugs, pats on the back) is common and is a sign of friendly affection.
• Casual conversations are common before business.
• Oral agreements should be taken seriously.

Time

• Fluid and flexible. Relationships are more important than time.
• Tardiness is acceptable, but not for business meetings.
• There are many national, regional and local holidays.
• Work hours are often 9 am to 8 pm with a long break in the afternoon.
• Late hours are common at work, for dinner and for social activities.
• Many organizations switch to a compressed, intensive work schedule during the summer.

 Do:

• Greet others with a firm handshake in business meetings.
• Socialize with colleagues over a drink and a tapa after work.
• Ask assertively “¿Quién es el último?” (Who is the last one?) if a queue or line is not clearly defined.   
• Show interest in local traditions.
• Respect hierarchies and the chain of command.

Don't:

• Boast openly of your education or accomplishments.   
• Assume generalizations to be true, such as all Spaniards love siestas, bullfighting or flamenco.
• Wear sloppy or informal clothes, especially in churches, offices or good restaurants.
• Make critical comments about the monarchy, local traditions or the country’s history.
• Expect a team approach or sharing of ideas in making decisions. Most organizations are top-down.
• Make the ‘OK’ sign with your hand. It is a vulgar expression in Spain.
• Yawn and stretch in public.

¡Adelante! Become a Spain Expert!
Daily Life: learn what it's like to live in Spain. Communication: make a good impression. How to Act Like a Local: tips to fit in. Office Conduct: what's expected in a workplace and how to get along. Business Practices: meeting and negotiation styles.

• Even during good periods, unemployment in Spain has never been lower than 7.9%.
• The main sectors still hiring are ICT, corporate services, finance and manufacturing.
• Life in the main cities is expensive, but general costs are relatively low by international standards.
• Salaries vary significantly throughout the country.
• Most Spaniards who rent live in small apartments with roommates or family members.

Get the Inside Scoop
Economic Trends: important industries and employment sectors. Jobs and Skills in Demand: what's hot and what's not. Salaries: what salary should you expect? Cost of Living: how much of your salary will be spent on housing? Transportation: find out about your commute before you get that flat. Business and Trade Groups: key organizations that can give you more information.

• Many jobs are not formally advertised, so personal networks are essential.
• Castilian Spanish is the norm for most CVs, but other co-official languages might apply.
• Spaniards value fashion and style. Grooming and the appropriate attire can impact an interview.
• Polish your online professional profiles, as these are becoming important for many recruiters.
• Most international non-profits are based in Spain’s largest cities.
• Consider volunteering as a useful access point to new professional and personal contacts.

Boost Your Success with Expert Advice

Job Search Resources: locate jobs, recruiters and other opportunities in Spain. Networking Contacts: our local experts point you to valuable contacts. Non-profits and NGOs: how and where to volunteer, intern or work. CVs and Cover Letters: how to make and use them in Spain. Interviewing Advice: how to prepare and behave; missteps can cost you the job! Visas and Work Permits: whether studying or working, you'll need the right visa.

 

Get Started with the Spain Career Guide!

Tip: Use the Topics Menu to find all there is in the Spain Guide. Laptop and Desktop users: look for drop-down menus under the country graphic, above.