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Job Search in Finland
We are not going to lie: finding a job in Finland as an international person is not easy, especially due to the language barrier, but also because of cultural differences that can make the job search more complicated. To make the process a bit easier, we decided to gather some tips and information.
- Expand Your Network: Actively broaden your circle both in real life and online, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn.
- Attend Career Fairs: Talk about your studies and interests, ask for suitable positions, and don’t forget to collect contact information and follow up to solidify the connection.
- Check Recruitment Pages: Constantly check pages like:
JobTeaser (for Åbo Akademi students/alumni);
WorkinFinland;
Duunitori;
JobMarket Finland;
Jobly - Engage with Recruiters: When job applications open, reach out to recruiters to demonstrate your motivation through thoughtful questions.
- Leverage Your Student Status: While you are still a student, reach out to companies using your academic e-mail, emphasizing your eagerness to learn and gain hands-on experience.
- Look for Summer Jobs: Start sending applications early in the year (January-February) to increase your chances of success! You can find a list of summer jobs on the Career in Southwest Finland website.
- Efficient Time Management: Identify the number of hours you can commit to meaningful volunteering, attend career fairs and networking events.
- Choose Welcoming Companies: You might find it easier to start with companies that already have experience working with international employees. To help you with your search, here you find a useful list: Companies that hire internationals who speak English.
- Make an Effort to Learn the Language: Employers will appreciate your effort to learn Finnish or Swedish (depending on the company), even if it is not a strict requirement. Additionally, it will help you connect better with your colleagues during coffee breaks. While it can be challenging, the effort definitely pays off!
Some resources to learn Finnish and/or Swedish: Kielibuusti; FinnishCourses.
Additionally, you can listen to our podcast episode called The language barrier in Finland.
Depending on your specific interests, we also recommend listening to our podcast episodes on: