A 26-year-old Cuban, known on social media as Estibito, shared on Monday how he secured his first job in Spain—a personal bet during a job interview that ultimately opened the doors to the modular construction industry.
In a TikTok video recorded at six in the morning on his way to his current job, Estibito recounts the initial steps of his working life in Spain: registering as unemployed, navigating unfamiliar paperwork, and the realization that job hunting wasn't as straightforward as using apps.
"I thought finding a job was as easy as searching on apps and that's it," he admitted.
Yet, after completing the necessary procedures, success came swiftly: "I found a job in less than 10 days, thank God, and my first job was in modular construction."
The key was his attitude during the interview. Estibito had worked in construction in Cuba from a young age, around 14 or 15, during school vacations alongside his father and stepfather. He had also studied the field on the island, albeit without any experience in Spanish modular construction. Instead of concealing this, he boldly stated, "I know absolutely nothing about working in modular construction, but if you test me for a week, you won't regret hiring me."
The company took the challenge. "My words became my actions, and they hired me," he summarized.
Estibito stayed at that first job for a year, receiving 14 payments and frequently working overtime. During this period, he mastered industry-specific skills: "I learned to install drywall, build roofs, and do all sorts of things that today make me employable at many jobs."
His dedication had a clear aim: "I worked incredibly hard to achieve my dreams and goals, both for myself and my family in Cuba."
Estibito's story is emblematic of a generation of Cubans who arrive in Spain and start out in fields like construction or hospitality. Other Cubans in similar situations have shared comparable experiences: a Cuban bricklayer in A Coruña reported earning between 1,200 and 1,300 euros per month, though a significant portion of that income goes toward rent and living expenses.
At the end of the video, Estibito offered straightforward advice to those seeking employment in Spain: "Go out and distribute your resumes everywhere, visit companies, meet people face to face, dress well, speak your mind, show what you know, and if you don't know, say so but express your willingness to work, and you'll see how you'll find the opportunity."
Finding Employment in Spain: Advice and Experiences
How did Estibito secure his first job in Spain?
Estibito secured his first job in Spain by confidently expressing his willingness to learn and work hard, even though he had no prior experience in modular construction.
What advice does Estibito offer to job seekers in Spain?
Estibito advises job seekers to actively distribute their resumes, engage with companies face to face, dress professionally, and confidently express their willingness to work, regardless of their experience level.