This article was written using information from Expertise in Labour Mobility. For more information about living and working in Europe and to order your invaluable ‘Looking for work in…’ guide, visit www.labourmobility.com

Scandinavia

Of all the European countries those in Scandinavia are the ones who have the best work/life balance. As the economy continues to grow and retirement leaves more and more vacancies open, Scandinavia is hungry for skilled graduates.

The Swedish labour market has developed in recent years. In particular, the number of jobs within the consulting sector (IT services, consulting services, etc) rose noticeably as did opportunities in transport, communications (including telecommunications), biotechnology, engineering, construction, merchandising and others.

No distinct signs of increasing recruitment problems have appeared as yet, with the exception of certain professions like physicians, nurses and teachers. However, we can predict a serious shortage of labour within most areas in a few years owing to the large number of people who will be retiring.

Language

‘If there is one thing I would underline for people looking for a job in Sweden, is the importance of the language,’ says Eva Holmberg-Tedert, Swedish EURES adviser. ‘A lot of people believe that it is possible to work in Sweden being only able to speak good English. However, this is very seldom the case.

‘Exceptions to the rule are specialists with very sought-after training, such as some very skilled IT-specialists, space engineers working for the ESA-programmes perhaps. Studying in Sweden is a great opportunity to learn the language at the same time as studying. Even students participating in training held in English have the opportunity to learn some Swedish as an extracurricular activity or when chatting with Swedes.’

Per Christian Anders, Registrar at University of Southern Denmark. comments, ‘Being a graduate from another European country coming to Denmark, you will find only a limited number of positions open to you. This is due to the fact that you will be expected to be able to communicate in Danish in most jobs. Positions open to foreign graduates who are not proficient in Danish will normally be available in specific areas, where English is the common language, such as research positions and PhD openings.

However, the positions are few due to the present recession, but the economy is recovering and industry and universities are starting recruiting again.’

Working culture

Management and working styles vary in different Scandinavian countries.

Meetings

Denmark has a ‘meeting culture’ – look your best, and shake hands when arriving and leaving. Lunch is taken quickly, and business is not discussed during a meal. Swedes tend to be factual and get down to business quickly, as do Finns, but Norwegian meetings can take place in an informal atmosphere and jokes are mixed with serious business conversation.

Social interaction

In both Denmark and Norway, continue to use last names and appropriate titles until you are invited to be less formal. Swedes, however, are quick to reach a first-name basis. Finns prefer strictly business conversation and are considered tough negotiators. They also see silence as an integral part of social interaction and, subsequently, pauses in conversations are seen as friendly and appropriate. Finns exchange business cards; yours should contain your academic and job titles.

Work/life balance

Compared to other countries, the working day in Scandinavian countries can be short. Office hours are from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm in Denmark, and in Norway, they change from 8.30 am till 4.00 pm in summer to 9.00 am–5.30 pm in winter. People’s personal lives are respected, and the balance between work and private life is important.

Residency

If you’re a citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA), you’re free to move and work wherever you want to within those countries (although there are restrictions for those from the ‘new’ countries. See Working in Europe on page 8 for more details. However, you will need to apply for a residence permit to live in Scandinavia. This is valid for five years and should be issued to you within six months of your arrival.

Making applications

• Two to three interviews are common. Bring copies of important documents to the interview in Norway.

• The Danes will try to find out about your professional competence and your motivation, and most Scandinavian recruiters will want a full picture of you as a person.

• Psychological tests and assessment centres are popular, and a few Swedish employers even test prospective employees for drug abuse.

• In Denmark, speculative applications are effective.

• Social skills, communication skills and teamwork abilities are the most important skills for Finnish recruiters.

• Note that the application procedure differs between the public and the private sector in Finland.

• Language is important. Mention any linguistic abilities when applying.

Finland calling

There will be a big demand for employees in Finland within the next ten years, because of the ageing population and relatively low birth rate.

The following sectors offer the best opportunities for foreign employees:

• medicine

• pharmacy

• telecommunications

• electronic engineering, CAD designing

• paper and pulp engineering/industry

• research and design in the food industry, biotechnology and medical drug industries.

Perfecting your CV

• Recruiters in Denmark, Finland and Norway prefer a CV to be written in reverse-chronological order (most recent first). A CV for a Swedish employer can either be written in chronological or reverse-chronological order.

• A CV for the Danish market should be short and neatly presented.

• In Norway, your CV should be a maximum of two pages long; mention any hobbies you have at the end.

• Mention whether or not you have a driving license on a CV in Sweden.

Covering letters

• Your covering letter should reveal what kind of person you are and the reason why you want to work in a particular company.

• Your application letter should be typed, using formal, clear and comprehensible language. However, the Swedes like a personal touch to applications.

• In Sweden, keep the letter to a maximum of a page.

• In Denmark, begin with ‘for the attention of Mr/Ms X’ to ensure it reaches the correct individual. The beginning of a covering letter in Norway, however, is always anonymous – ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ – even when you know whom to direct the letter to.

• Include copies of diplomas, testimonials of former employers and other supporting documents for jobs in Sweden and Norway, but in Denmark, they are usually only requested for public-sector positions. If possible, get them translated into the relevant language, or at least provide them in English.

• It is common to attach a photo to your application letter in Sweden, but only attach one when specifically asked to in Finland.

Fast facts

Graduate starting salaries

EUR 21,600-34,000

Age at graduation

From 21 to 27.

Working week

Sweden: 40 hours.

Denmark: no legislative provision, but the average working week is 37 hours.

Holiday entitlement

Denmark: 25 days’ annual leave and

10 days’ public holiday.

Finland: 25 days’ annual leave and

14 days’ public holiday.

Sweden: 25 days’ annual leave and

11 days’ public holiday.