Job Search in Finland: Five Essential Tips for an International Jobseeker
Landing a job in a new country can be challenging if the local job search methods are unfamiliar and your networks are scarce. In this article, we have compiled five tips to help you improve your chances of finding a job in Finland.
Have you recently moved, or are you about to move, to Finland? Is finding a job in Finland on your to-do list? Landing a job in a new country can be challenging if the local job search methods are unfamiliar and your networks are scarce. Therefore, it is worth setting some time aside, having patience and keeping an open mind. Starting early to get to know the Finnish labor market and create networks is a smart move. In this article, we have compiled five tips to help you improve your chances of finding a job in Finland.
1. Start with the Basics: Adapt Your CV and Cover Letter to Meet Finnish Standards
Clarity and directness are valued in Finland, and this is also in the job search process. It’s essential to start by clarifying your skills and goals for yourself. How would you describe, in a couple of sentences, what are your competences and what you want to do? Always tailor your CV and cover letter to align with the position you are applying for. When you come across a job opportunity that piques your interest, consider how your skills could contribute to the role and why you specifically want to work in that position.
In Finland, job advertisements usually specify what is desired and what is required from an applicant. A good rule of thumb is that if you meet at least half of the desired qualifications mentioned in the advertisement, you should apply for the position. As for the requirements, it is essential to be more cautious, because many professions in Finland are regulated, meaning they have specific requirements outlined by law. For more information and a list of regulated professions in Finland, you can visit the website of the Finnish National Agency for Education:
Regulated professions in Finland (oph.fi)
If you have studied outside of Finland, it is a good idea to briefly describe the content of your education in your job application documents. Degree titles can vary from country to country, so the title alone may not necessarily convey the full scope to the employer. Education and self-development are highly valued in Finland, so be sure to also mention any additional training or courses you have undertaken that are relevant to the job you are applying for, and how you are actively expanding your skills further.
The ideal length for a cover letter is one page, and your CV should generally be one to two pages long. For additional tips for job search, visit Job Market Finland.
Tips for finding a job (tyomarkkinatori.fi)
Did you know that you can also create and publish your own job applicant profile at Job Market Finland? This platform allows employers searching for new employees to discover and connect with you directly. Creating your profile at Job Market Finland is simple and effective. You can get started with your profile at Job Market Finland:
Job applicant profile (tyomarkkinatori.fi)
2. Make Use of Local Employment Services
While it is important to be proactive in your job search, it is worth remembering that you don’t have to go through it all alone. In Finland, international job seekers receive support from various agencies including TE services, municipal employment services, and advisors at International Houses across the country.
In Finland, public employment services offer a wide range of free services to support job seekers. These services include help with exploring education and career options, guidance on improving job search skills, and opportunities to try out or train in new professional fields. You can explore the services offered by public employment services at Job Market Finland website:
Services to support job seeking (tyomarkkinatori.fi)
Keep in mind that some services require you to register as a job seeker at the TE office or municipal employment services, and to agree with your advisor on participation. Feel free to contact your local employment services for more information.
Regional pages (tyomarkkinatori.fi)
TE-live is a TE Office service that produces open online live broadcasts to support job search. Watch a broadcast in English on the 20th of August. Recording will be available after the event:
Informational Talk for International Job Seekers (te-live.fi)
Also find out if there is International House activity in your area. International House Helsinki (IHH) provides a variety of information and public authority services to meet the needs of international newcomers in the Helsinki capital region. Did you know that, for example, IHH provides international professionals with early stage personalized Employment Coaching? You can explore more about the Employment Coaching:
3. Be Proactive in Networking
Active job search is much more than just sending job applications to open positions. In Finland, networks play a crucial role in job searching and professional development. When moving from abroad, it’s common not to know anyone in your new environment. That is why it is essential to start building your network as early as possible. Begin by actively engaging on social media, especially LinkedIn.
Additionally, try to connect with people in person. For instance, the services and events organized by the service providers mentioned in the previous tip offer excellent opportunities to network and meet others in a similar job-seeking situation. Many other organizations, as well as universities, also host various mentoring programs where you can meet individuals and gain fresh insights for job hunting and skill development.
Also, consider attending recruitment events. They provide excellent opportunities to connect with employers, learn about exciting career prospects, and even secure a job. Start by exploring the upcoming autumn 2024 events tailored for international job seekers:
- Work in Lapland EOJD, online, 4.9.2024
- Rekrytori for Internationals, Kaapelitehdas, Helsinki, 25.9.2024
- Finland Works EOJD, online, 8.10.2024
- Talent Boost Summit 2024, Lappeenranta/online, 12.11.2024
You can find more events on the Work in Finland website:
Explore our events (workinfinland.com)
4. Explore Finland’s Hidden Job Market
Did you know that up to 75% of jobs in Finland are not publicly advertised? (source: Sitra) In other words, only a part of job seekers secure positions by applying to public job vacancies. Instead, many find opportunities in what are known as hidden job markets. These hidden opportunities are often discovered through the networks emphasized in the previous tip.
The recruitment process can be expensive and time-consuming for employers, so suitable candidates are often found through methods other than public job advertisements. Employers utilize their networks, social media platforms, and attend recruitment events to discover potential hires.
So, how can you uncover hidden job opportunities? Here are a few tips:
- Be open with your network about your job search. As mentioned, networks are crucial not only for job hunting but also for discovering hidden job openings.
- If social media feels like a natural platform for you, share your job search there as well. A compelling way to capture employers’ interest is through a short job search video.
- Consider submitting an open application directly to companies you’re interested in or contacting their recruitment contact person. Many companies allow you to submit open applications through their website. Even if the company doesn’t currently have a suitable position available, an open application could pave the way for future opportunities.
- Attend industry-specific events. Networking at these events can lead to valuable connections and job leads.
- Stay updated on news and the labor market situation in your field. Industry-specific information is often shared by various trade unions. Financial news sources like Kauppalehti also provide insights.
For more tips on discovering Finland’s hidden job market as an international professional, check out the Work in Finland website:
Discovering Finland's Hidden Job Market (workinfinland.com)
5. Explore Temporary Agency Work Opportunities
Many people, including international newcomers, start their professional journey by engaging in temporary agency work through recruitment agencies or so-called temporary work agencies. Temporary agency work is very common in Finland. These companies offer employees flexible career opportunities, allowing them to gain diverse work experience and develop various skills.
The same Finnish labor legislation applies to temporary agency work as it does to other employment relationships. Did you know that services where a company arranges a job for you are always free for employees in Finland? Never pay anyone or any company for offering or arranging a job for you. You can find more useful information about working in Finland and local working conditions:
Employment Industry Finland (HELA in Finnish) is the employer and industry association for companies that offer private employment services. You can find more information on their website:
Employment Industry Finland (henkilostoala.fi)
While most temporary work agency websites are primarily in Finnish, many also offer content in English. Moreover, several agencies allow you to submit open applications.
Bonus Tip: Enhance Your Job Search by Learning Finnish or Swedish
In addition to the tips listed above, it’s important to consider a few things about the language of job seeking and working in Finland. Approximately 87% of Finland’s population speak Finnish as their mother tongue, while about 5% speak Swedish, with Swedish having a significant presence particularly along the west and south coasts. Moreover, communicating in English is often possible in Finland, as around nine out of ten Finns can communicate in English.
The use of English also as a working language is increasing among Finnish workplaces. However, the primary working languages are still mostly Finnish or, in some cases, Swedish. For many positions, employers typically require applicants to have at least basic proficiency in Finnish and/or Swedish.
Review job advertisements that interest you and assess the language requirements. Study Finnish or Swedish, if your field requires proficiency in these languages.
Even if you apply for roles where English suffices, learning the local language will certainly prove beneficial. Mastering the language will significantly enhance your integration into Finnish society.
Explore learning resources available on the Kielibuusti website. You can also browse Finnish and Swedish language courses offered on Finnishcourses.fi.