Landing a job is never easy, but in today’s uncertain job market it feels even tougher — especially for international students in France. Beyond the language barrier, you’re competing in a system with its own unspoken rules: French-style CVs, culturally nuanced interviews, and networks that aren’t easy to break into. Sending out dozens of generic applications rarely works. Infact it’s mostly an extremely frustrating and demoralising exercise. And that’s where it helps to have a Target Company List (TCL).
A TCL is a game-changing strategy to move from random job hunting to focused career building. Instead of waiting for the perfect offer to show up on a portal, you proactively identify the companies you want to work for and direct your networking, research, and applications toward them.
What is a Target Company List (TCL) and how does it help?
A Target Company List is a curated list of 15–25 organisations where you want to work — based on your skills, career goals, and values. It acts as your personal roadmap for job hunting.
Advantages of working with a a TCL while job hunting in France:
- 🎯 Clarity and focus: No more wasting energy on jobs that don’t fit your profile.
- 🤝 Stronger networking: Easier to ask, “Do you know anyone at [Company]?” instead of, “Can you help me find a job?”
- 🇫🇷 Cultural alignment: Researching companies helps you understand their size, hierarchy, and work culture (key in France where corporate culture varies a lot between startups, SMEs, and grands groupes).
- 🔍 Hidden opportunities: Many French companies, especially SMEs, don’t advertise all openings online. A TCL helps you discover them through direct outreach.
Tips for Building a Powerful & Effective TCL in France
Here’s how to get beyond the “obvious five” and build a list that really works:
Start with Job Boards, Then Go Beyond
Use job portals to spot active companies. Don’t just save the job posting. Save the company. Even if the role isn’t a fit, future ones might be.
Use LinkedIn’s ‘Similar Pages’ Feature
Search for a company you admire (e.g., L’Oréal). Check “Pages people also viewed” on the right to find competitors or niche players in the same sector.
Leverage Alumni Networks
Search your university’s alumni on LinkedIn by employer. If you see many alumni at Capgemini, Dassault, or Publicis, add those to your list. Warm connections make outreach easier.
Look for “Feeder Companies”
Dream of working at Chanel or Airbus? See where their current employees started out. Often, they come from smaller suppliers or consulting firms. Add those “stepping-stone” employers to your list.
Tap Into French Business Directories
Tools like Societe.com, Les Echos Start, and La French Tech directories let you discover startups, SMEs, and fast-growing firms by sector and region.
Explore Local Networks
Use Google Maps searches in your city (e.g., “startups Lyon” or “design agencies Paris”). You’ll be surprised by hidden gems that don’t appear on job boards. You can even walk in to the smaller organisations and rop your CV as a candidature spontanée. You never when who’s watching and gets impressed by your initiative!
Check Venture Capital & Startup Hubs
Many French startups scale quickly after funding. Look at Bpifrance, Station F portfolios, or venture capital websites for companies in expansion mode.
Follow Industry-Specific Lists
- For luxury and fashion: Business of Fashion’s France rankings.
- For tech: French Tech 120 or Next40 startups.
- For consulting: Consulting.eu rankings.
Stay Updated with Company News
Set Google Alerts for industries you care about. Funding rounds, mergers, or new office openings often signal upcoming hiring.
Think Regional, Not Just Paris
France has strong hubs: aerospace in Toulouse, luxury in Paris, wine & agribusiness in Bordeaux, finance in Lyon. Target local champions.
Adapt to French CV Norms
Once you shortlist companies, adapt your CV to their style. A startup expects creativity; a CAC40 company expects formal, precise layouts.
Use Informational Interviews
Reach out politely on LinkedIn: “I’m exploring opportunities in [sector]. Could I ask you a few questions about your experience at [Company]?” These conversations can sometimes lead to referrals.
Prioritise Companies That Sponsor Visas
Some firms are more open to international hires. Research past job ads to check if they mention “ouverture aux profils internationaux” or visa sponsorship.
Mix Big and Small Companies
Don’t only target big names. SMEs and startups are often more flexible, hire faster, and value international skills.
Review and Update Your TCL Regularly
Markets shift. Companies grow, pivot, or pause hiring. Refresh your TCL every month to stay aligned.
✨ Pro-tip
Use AI to put together a list of startups in your preferred industry France that are currently hiring. Use this prompt:
I am building a TCL of startups and PMEs in France that are currently hiring in <industry>. Generate a Google sheet of AI companies with hiring status in France + open roles + location based on recent job postings across company pages, LinkedIn and job portals.
⚠️ Remember not to rely blindly on this list, and to complement it with the other strategies mentioned above!
Your TCL = Your Roadmap to Success
In France, job hunting without a strategy can feel like hitting a wall. But with a Target Company List, you shift from mindless and reactive applications to proactive career building. It helps you focus your energy, build stronger connections, and uncover hidden opportunities, which is especially crucial in a competitive and network-driven job market like France.
✨ At Ask Sétu, we guide Indian students in France to build strong CVs, navigate cultural differences, and build smarter job hunting strategies that actually work. Remember, your dream job in France isn’t about luck. It’s all about strategy!
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