"Online Processes in Sweden: How Foreigners Secured Employment"
Navigating the Swedish Job Market: The Power of Networking
In Sweden, where networking plays a significant role in the job market, especially for foreigners, the traditional approach of relying solely on job advertisements may not always be sufficient. This is because the Swedish hiring culture values building professional relationships and personal contacts, which often lead to job opportunities that are not publicly advertised [2][4].
A study reveals that networking becomes increasingly important for securing a second job within Sweden or a first job after arriving in the country without one. In fact, 20 respondents managed to get their jobs through their personal network, while 44 respondents secured their positions after seeing a job advertised and applying [4].
For instance, a woman from Eastern Europe, Anna, worked various odd jobs upon her arrival in Sweden, gaining valuable Swedish work experience and adding Swedish company names to her CV. Her persistence and networking efforts paid off when she was recruited as a senior advisor at a business school by the husband of a childhood friend [5].
However, responding to job ads in Sweden can be less effective without the complementary strategy of networking. Thomas, a molecular biologist, found this to be true in his case. He emphasized the importance of networking, stating that it was crucial to his job search [6].
Moreover, for foreign applicants, understanding the Swedish work culture, business etiquette, and expectations is essential. Engaging in networking can help foreigners overcome these challenges and increase their chances of securing employment [4].
For those who come to Sweden with a job seeker visa, active networking is essential to maximize their chances during their limited stay. Preparation includes having a LinkedIn profile and participating in professional events to build relevant contacts [1][2].
In some cases, headhunting by recruitment firms can also be a successful strategy. 9% of respondents were headhunted in this manner [4]. Additionally, 18 respondents got their jobs from outside Sweden through LinkedIn, either by seeing the job advertised or being contacted by a recruiter [4].
In the tech industry, an American software designer specialised in computer graphics found that both networking and a well-crafted cover letter are now essential components of a successful job application in Sweden [7].
Even in the field of academia, Gabriel Jahnke auditioned for their position in Sweden, demonstrating the importance of networking in securing roles in various sectors [5].
Lastly, Poornima, who works in telecoms R&D, found that they had to rely on their network to get interviews for a new role. Henenburg, who secured their current role after an intensive language course, also attributed their success to networking [6][7].
In conclusion, while job advertisements remain important, networking is often more crucial for foreigners in Sweden to penetrate the job market effectively and secure employment. A combined approach, prioritizing networking while monitoring job ads, is a recommended strategy for job seekers in Sweden.
- In the Swedish job market, networking plays a significant role, particularly for foreigners, as building professional relationships and personal contacts can lead to unadvertised job opportunities, making it crucial for career development and job search.
- For foreign applicants, understanding the Swedish work culture, business etiquette, and expectations is essential, and engaging in networking can help them overcome these challenges, increase their chances of securing employment, and advance their careers.
- In various sectors, including tech, academia, and business, networking has proven to be an essential component of a successful job application in Sweden, complementing job-search strategies and enhancing career development.
