From searching to a formal job: guide to finding work in Colombia
The fuss is tiring. A formal job is only possible, and here's how.
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Choose where to start and take the first step today to a formal job.
Where do you want to start?
Un dia vendes por catalogue.
Otro día haces domicilios.
Another day, nothing.
If you know me, you're not alone. According to DANE, more than the majority of people who work in Colombia do it informally: without a contract, without obligations and without knowing how much they are going to earn in the coming month.
The rebusque gets out of trouble. But it gets tired.
There is a difference between continuing in the pursuit and getting a formal job but it is never the success. It's about knowing where to look, how to present yourself and what traps to avoid.
That's just what you'll find here.
First: how to regain a formal job
Before getting excited about a vacancy, check whether it is truly formal.
A formal employment in Colombia has:
Written contract, with your position, your salary and your hours.
Affiliation with EPS, pension and ARL from the first day.
Social benefits: prima de servicios, cesantías y vacaciones.
Paid per payroll, no “cuando haya”.
If an offer doesn't mention anything, ask during the interview. A company would be happy to explain the problem to you.
You only have 7 seconds left to live
A study by the Ladders employment company found that recruiters were looking at a lifetime, on average, about 7 seconds before deciding whether to continue reading.
Therefore, what is not seen quickly, does not exist.
Three changes that make it different:
Write deceptions, work on the ground. Instead of “"customer service"”, write “I served more than 50 customers a day and resolved their doubts”.
Use the vacant words. Many companies filter their lives automatically.
Take care of the photo. In Colombia it is common. If you wear it, face forward, with a clear background and simple clothing.
The door that many don't know about: el SENA
If you have no experience, SENA could be your best starting point.
In addition to courses and training in all areas, there is apprenticeship contract: you study technical or technological training and take your practical stage within a company, with monthly support.
Many companies are required by law to attach apprenticeships. This means that there are companies looking for precisely the people they are starting.
It's one of the most direct ways to go from the grind to your first formal experience.
The most circulating wastes in Colombia
When someone needs work, it's easy to fall. These are the most common traps:
❌ Te piden pagar el medical entrance exam. In Colombia, this exam must be paid by the employer.
❌ Te cobran un food handling course the un certificate “obligatory” to give it away.
❌ Te pedien comprar la endowment to consign money for “"asegurar tu cupo"”.
❌ They offer you I work from home assembling products via WhatsApp, paying for a “kit” first.
La regla es simple: If I ask you for a place to work, it's not a job.
Your week of searching
You don't need to do it every day. List it in order:
Monday: Arrange your life with achievements and a beautiful photo.
Tuesday: Create your profile on at least one of the large job portals.
Wednesday: search for vacancies with filters from your city. If you are starting, use “sin experiencia” or “apprentice”.
Thursday: postúlate a 5 vacantes, no a 50, ajustendo tu hoja de vida a cada una.
Friday: Review SENA training options or a short course with certificate.
Weekend: responds to messages and calls quickly. Many opportunities are missed by contesting late.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a formal job without experience?
Yes. Many customer service, sales, call center or winery positions receive people who are empathetic. The SENA apprenticeship contract is also a good entry point.
Is it normal for people to ask me for exams before hiring me?
Yes, the medical entrance exam is normal. What is not normal is what you are covered for: you must pay it to the company.
Where can I get free help to find employment?
The Public Employment Service and the Public Employment Agency of SENA guide people looking for work throughout the country.
In summary
The search got you out of trouble. A formal job gives you stability.
Check that the vacancy is formal, prepare a life story that can be read in seconds and don't pay anyone for working.
Choose to go up to start and take the first step today.
Disclaimer: This site provides informational content only. We are not an employment agency, we do not offer vacancies directly and we never ask for payment. We do not have a relationship with SENA, the Public Employment Service, DANE, Ladders, Computrabajo, Indeed, Workana or the aforementioned entities; The names are only used as a reference. Hiring depends exclusively on each employer.
