Lisbon Job Hunt? 10+ Real Sites Locals & Expats Actually Use (+ AI Hacks)
Stop wasting time on dead-end job boards. Here's where the real opportunities are, plus how AI can speed things up.
So, you're looking for a job in Lisbon or Portugal? Awesome! But wading through endless job sites can be a drag. Some are outdated, some are scams, and some are just plain useless.
I get it. When I first moved here, I spent weeks clicking around before finding the sites that actually worked.
Here's a no-BS list of job boards and resources that locals and expats in Portugal actually use to find jobs – in both Portuguese and English. Plus, I'll show you how to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity to make your search way more efficient. No fluff, just the facts.
Top Job Boards (Portuguese & Multilingual)
These are the big players, the ones you'll hear locals mention:
Net-Empregos: Portugal's largest job board. If you only check one site, make it this one. [net-empregos.com]
Indeed Portugal: You know Indeed. Global reach, strong local presence. Worth checking daily. [pt.indeed.com]
SAPO Emprego: Major national portal. Lots of listings, but can take some digging. [emprego.sapo.pt]
IEFP: The official government employment service. Includes public sector jobs, which can be stable. [iefp.pt]
Alerta Emprego: Popular for entry-level and skilled positions. Good for a quick browse. [alertaemprego.pt]
English-Speaking & International Jobs
These are your go-to spots if you're not fluent in Portuguese (yet!):
Jobs in Lisbon: Specifically for English-language and international jobs in Lisbon. Super focused. [jobsinlisbon.com]
EnglishJobs.pt: Aggregates English-speaking jobs across Portugal. Updated daily, so keep an eye on it. [englishjobs.pt]
Landing.jobs: Tech and digital jobs, remote and on-site, with a strong Lisbon focus. If you're in tech, this is key. [landing.jobs]
Recruitment Agencies (Especially Good for Expats + Foreigners)
Agencies can do the legwork for you. Here are some of the bigger, more reputable ones:
Randstad Portugal: Major international agency with offices in Lisbon. Broad sector coverage. [randstad.pt]
Adecco Portugal: Global agency, strong in admin, customer service, logistics. [adecco.pt]
Kelly Services: International agency, good for entry-level and skilled roles. [kellyservices.com]
ManpowerGroup Portugal: Global reach, strong in IT, finance, engineering, healthcare. [manpower.pt]
Hays Portugal: Focus on skilled professionals, especially in IT, finance, engineering. [hays.pt]
Synergie: International staffing, temp and permanent roles. [synergie.pt]
Egor: Portuguese agency, wide sector coverage. [egor.pt]
Community & Niche Resources
Don't underestimate the power of community!
LinkedIn Jobs: Widely used for professional roles and networking in Portugal. [LinkedIn Jobs Lisbon]
Reddit r/PortugalExpats: Real user experiences, job leads, and advice. Take everything with a grain of salt, but useful. [Reddit Thread: Job Websites]
Worktugal Facebook Group: One of the most reliable groups for remote workers, freelancers, and expats in Lisbon. Job leads, events, and unfiltered advice from people who’ve been through it. [Join the Group]
Official Government Resources (Worth a Look)
gov.pt – Finding Work in Portugal: Comprehensive guide for expats. Includes job search strategies, required documents, and sector-specific advice. [gov.pt – Procurar Emprego]
IEFP (Instituto do Emprego e Formação Profissional): Register for job offers, training, and support. [IEFP]
AI Hacks to Level Up Your Lisbon Job Search
Okay, here's where things get interesting. AI can seriously speed up your job hunt. Here are a few prompts you can use in ChatGPT or Perplexity (my personal favorite for research):
Prompt 1: "I'm looking for a [job title] job in Lisbon. What are the top 5 skills I need to highlight on my resume based on recent job postings?" This helps you tailor your resume to what employers actually want.
Prompt 2: "I found a job posting for [job title] at [company name] on [job board]. Can you analyze the job description and write a cover letter that highlights my relevant experience?" AI can draft a solid cover letter in minutes. Just tweak it to sound like you.
Prompt 3: "I want to find remote [industry] jobs in Portugal. What are the best search terms to use on [job board name] to filter for remote positions?" Get laser-focused with your search terms.
Prompt 4: "I'm concerned about job scams. What are some red flags to look for in job postings in Portugal?" Protect yourself from fake opportunities.
Pro Tip: When using AI, always double-check the output. AI can make mistakes, especially with details specific to the Portuguese job market.
Quick Tips to Avoid Job Search Headaches
Net-Empregos and Indeed.pt are the most used by locals and have the widest range of listings. Start there.
Jobs in Lisbon, EnglishJobs.pt, and Landing.jobs are best for English speakers and tech/digital roles.
Recruitment agencies like Randstad, Adecco, and Hays are recommended for foreigners. They can help navigate the local market.
Always check company legitimacy. Portugal is pretty safe, but job scams happen. Be especially careful on social media and lesser-known sites. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Use AI to your advantage, but don't rely on it completely. Think of it as a tool to speed up your process, not replace your brain.
Want to connect with other expats and locals? Join our Facebook Group or Telegram Group for discussions, tips, and Lisbon-specific events. You can also find IRL events on our Luma page!
Good luck with your job search! I wish I had this list (and these AI tips) when I first moved here. It would have saved me a ton of time.