Job market in Italy???

the job market here is in its worst shape since WWII. We are in a 1929-style economic crisis. Those having a job are often asked to take a pay cut. Being a native speaker of English is good but you have to be able to understand Italian. It's not necessary to be fluent but you must have a very good comprehension and make yourself understood. There aren't many possible employers willing to speak English only with you. I'm in Venice and I see some luxury items stores hiring people who speak at least Russian and French as well. English language is already taken for granted.

Thank you Paolo for your reply. I am saddened to hear that. I would have loved to live and work in Venice in particular. Do you think I might be able to find something unskilled or part time?

There are also difficulties in getting a VISA letting you to be regularly hired.
Without a previous request from an Italian company you can only get a touristic VISA.

A way to overcome this could be joining a school (an art school, a computer school, whatever) and get a VISA for students. Once you are here you could seek a family wanting a baby sitter speaking to their children in English, or if you have some skills (C++ programming, website design, etc.) you can look for local companies needing external consulting.

But before doing this I would advise you to join Duolingo dot com and take the free italian course, completing it at the 25th level, at least.

Good luck !

Unemployment is at record highs, so you'll have plenty of competition....
Proficiency in English is a pro, but then most employers want English AND Italian.
Not easy.

Do I need the job first?  I thought I could get a job visa and find a job once I am there?