The Newbie Guide to Sweden

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How to Plan your Swedish Job Search According to Hiring Seasons

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How is your Swedish job search going? Sweden is a country known for sometimes doing things different in their hiring rituals, but often these differences are not clear to newcomers. When looking for a job in Sweden, many factors should be taken into consideration – updating your CV and LinkedIn, learning how to interview the Swedish way, and understanding the unique networking culture. 

Written by Amanda Herzog

All of these techniques and strategies are held together by a thread of rhythm and ritual in the hiring seasons. Learning how this unspoken and usually not clearly defined hiring schedule can help to plan your job search strategy, expedite a job offer to arrive more quickly, and plan with a clear schedule and expectations.

Especially if you’re moving to Sweden from a foreign country that has different weather-related seasons and hiring practices, knowing this information ahead of time can be crucial in saving you time and stress. Continue reading to find out the best and worst times of the year to apply for jobs, go on a networking campaign, when to expect a job offer, and how early one must start job searching in advance to get a summer job secured in time.

The ideal months for your Swedish job search

  • To job search for professional careers: September – November.
  • To job search for temporary summer jobs: February – May.
  • For networking: late August – November AND March – May.

But let’s look more in depth at each season.

abortionAutumn – August, September, October, November

Autumn is the season when the Swedish professional workforce is in their hardest working mode. Most departments are buzzing with activity, people are likely to respond with “I’m quite busy getting caught up after returning from summer vacation! Perhaps we can schedule something at the end of September?” when you ask if they’re available for a networking call. Making plans to network with others can begin as early as August, but expect to meet several weeks, or even months, later. Reserve late September – November as one of two busy networking seasons in your strategy.

Also note this is one of two high seasons where most hiring processes take place: one in autumn, and another in spring. Summer and winter holiday seasons are when hiring processes majorly slow down or even completely pause, so plan accordingly.

Winter: December, January, February

Winter is another season where Swedes are still working hard and focused on completing work projects, however, the pace is usually slower due to the dreary weather, lack of sunlight and low energy levels. There are also several small breaks for winter holidays such as Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. Networking in winter is of course still possible, but not the strongest season of the year.

Secondly, February is the month where parents statistically claim the most days of VAB and take off work to care for their sick children. This may result in extended deadlines, rescheduled meetings and more chances for ignored emails. Use instead this time to research more leads, build your portfolio, and apply for jobs. Then return to serious networking again in the spring.

Summer fields

Spring: March, April, May, June

The spring working season is an interesting mix improved work and life morale due to improved weather. Despite there being many red days and school and public holidays, it’s another great time to network or apply for work.

This is for several reasons: the increase in sunny weather results in better moods. This in turn  translates to perceptions on a subconscious level when you reach out to new (or existing) connections. Secondly, a boom in hiring usually occurs after the New Year due to a fresh yearly budget which allows for new hires.

Early spring is also the time where summer jobs become available. Begin applying as early as February if you anticipate a temporary summer job during May – August. These jobs replace other workers while they’re on summer vacation. This ranges anywhere from entry-level jobs, to restaurants, office administration, healthcare, and most likely there is something in the industry you already have experience in.

Summer: June, July, August

Summer is the season that is the most difficult to network or meet others in. This is because the majority of businesses shut down or operate on skeleton staff. And many employees leave for their summer homes. Traditionally, most Swedish businesses are completely closed during July and only restaurants, grocery stores and similar businesses remain open. Don’t expect to see much progress during this time both in terms of meeting new people or receiving call-backs for interviews.

If you try to reach someone during this time the following may happen:

  • you’ll get an automated email saying they’ll be back in the office four weeks from now.
  • A vikarie (substitute) will respond and likely not have much knowledge of the process.
  • You will get no response as your email got lost among other summer emails.

Ultimately, it’s best to send a message at the end of summer. Or a follow-up message if you’ve already tried reaching someone during summer.

In summary, understanding the hiring seasons and cultural norms in the Swedish job market is crucial for job seekers. Different seasons bring varying levels of networking opportunities, hiring activity, and job availability. Autumn is a busy networking season and a high season for hiring. Winter sees a slower work pace and may require more online job applications. Spring is ideal for networking and applying for jobs as the weather improves and companies have fresh budgets for new hires. Summer is the most challenging time for networking, as many businesses close or operate with limited staff. Being aware of these seasonal nuances can help job seekers optimize their job search and increase their chances of success in the Swedish job market.

In conclusion, embracing the unspoken hiring schedule of the Swedish job market empowers job seekers to tailor their approaches effectively. With these insights, applicants can optimize their job search, capitalize on the right opportunities, and make a positive impact on potential employers. Understanding the natural rhythm of the Swedish job market will enable job seekers to confidently navigate their path toward career success in Sweden.

Curious to learn more information like this? This material is taken from inside the course ‘Network Your Way to a Job in Sweden.’ Get more insights and learn all about networking your way to a job.

Written by Amanda Herzog
Amanda Herzog is the founder of Intertalents in Sweden™. A company who offers educational material, online courses, e-books and downloadable templates that empower foreign-born professionals towards career success in Sweden.

What are the Consequences of the COVID-19 Crisis on Your Job Search in Sweden?

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Written by Christelle Pottinger

In April 2020, the world went into ‘pause’ mode while COVID-19 spread. Most of us have put projects, travel plans or even expatriation on hold. Job search and career change were halted. But what can we expect from the Swedish job market in the near future? As one of the only European countries to not confine its citizens, can we hope for a faster economic recovery? Should you pursue your dream of expatriation, of finding a fulfilling job in Sweden? Or should you review your plans?

The Swedish economy will suffer as much as its European neighbours

Sweden didn’t impose a full lock-down on its citizens and businesses, but it will be as badly hit as its neighbours. The Swedish central bank (Riksbank) released two possible scenarios* for 2020. Both are bleak. Which one will become reality will depend on the length of the pandemic and on the continuous restrictions.
Sources: *CNBC

In the best scenario, Sweden’s GDP will shrink by 6,9%; 9,7% in the worse case. By comparison, the IMF (International Monetary Fund) predicts, for 2020, a contraction of the French economy by 7,2%, 6,5% in Germany and 8% in Spain.

Unemployment rate expected to rise

By March 1st, 60 000** people were warned of potential layoffs in Sweden. These won’t automatically follow with actual redundancies. But it is the first step in the dismissal process.

Since this date, an additional 95 455 individuals registered with Arbetförmedlingen, the Swedish unemployment agency. In April, the unemployment rate reached 8%. In January 2020 the figure was 7.4%. It could reach 8.8% in scenario A or 10.1% in scenario B* by the end of the year.
Sources: *CNBC, **The Local

Larger cities are mostly affected by job losses. Industries such as tourism, communications, media, entertainment, and transport, have suffered most from the restrictions and social distancing recommendations. The world economy has been more affected than expected leaving Swedish exports in dire straits.

The government introduced support packages and measures to help businesses and start-ups, as well as job seekers, but the economic impact of COVID-19 will still be enormous.

#jobbjustnu, positions available now

Facing an increased number of registered unemployed, Arbetförmedlingen, took a series of measures to ease the strain on their system and facilitate a speedy return to work for citizens.

The hashtag #jobbjustnu (a job right now) was added to the job placement platform Platsbanken. Its aim is to fill available positions as fast as possible and make job searching more efficient.

The categories recruiting the most right now are nursing and teaching.

Be prepared and be patient

Let’s stay optimistic. The economy will eventually return to growth, even if no one knows when and how. There are still open positions, but fewer of them and the competition is fierce. So, to find your dream job, be patient, and use this free time wisely to improve your chances.

  • Sharpen your tools: update your CV and LinkedIn profile – ensuring your career choice is clear and aligned with the needs of the market. Show your strengths and relevant competencies.
  • If you are looking to make a career change, find ways to gain some experience without relying on employment (think internship, volunteering, personal projects).
  • Learn Swedish. It’s a time-consuming activity, so now is the right time! You will greatly increase your job opportunities.
  • Build your network. If there are few job ads, you can still connect with companies through direct communication. Wherever you are, you can start casting your net.
  • Of course, you need to continue to apply to relevant positions. Spend time crafting a personal and interesting cover letter. Adapt your CV. Quality and quantity matter.

Unfortunately, it seems that Sweden’s strategy to handle COVID-19 won’t lead to a faster return to economic growth. Patience, energy and a good plan are what you need to succeed. It is possible, but be prepared for a marathon rather than a sprint!

Christelle Pottinger is a professional career coach based in Stockholm. She helps French and English-speaking professionals build a career they love in Sweden.

Christelle about herself: Hi! I am French and I have moved to Sweden in 2012 with my family. I enjoy writing and sharing my experience of living and working in Sweden. I am a career coach, always happy to help French and English-speaking Newbies fulfill their professional dreams.

Networking when you don’t know anyone

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Are you looking for a job in Sweden? Then, it’s worth knowing that most openings are filled through relationships, and not formal applications. Trust and credibility are two essential components in the Swedish recruitment process. Your work experiences are proofs of your competences. Your contacts and references create trust. Having connections in your industry is crucial to facilitate your job search (and your career growth). So how do you build a network when you just arrived and don’t know anyone? Here is my advice.

Advertised by Panda International

A two-way relationship

Networking isn’t begging someone to give you a job. It means creating a meaningful relationship with people who have a common professional interest. It is an exchange of information, competencies, opinions or contacts. Be open, honest and curious. You need to be ready to give as much as receive. What do you have to offer? Primarily your competencies (take the opportunity to identify which ones) but also your opinion, your experience and your external viewpoint.

Beyond job search

Your ultimate goal for networking is perhaps to be first in line when a job opening comes. However, there are other benefits to building a network:

  • Improve your understanding of your industry in Sweden. Especially at the beginning, it’s crucial to learn how your industry is organised: Who are the main players? Who is recruiting or not? What are their needs? Which competences are they looking for? What challenges are they facing?
    Having a deeper understanding will enable you to adjust your profile and highlight the right competences. It may seem tedious, but you’ll gain time and credibility in the long run.
  • Get feedback on your CV. Unfortunately, it’s extremely difficult to get information from recruiters on why they didn’t proceed with your application. Meeting other professionals is an opportunity to test your introduction speech, ask for informal feedback and get some answers.
  • Share your knowledge and contacts. You might think that you have little to offer. However, pay attention to the needs or challenges of your contacts. Be generous: your opinion or reflections from your previous experiences might interest them. Swedes are often curious about what’s going on outside their country.

To be efficient, make a plan

How do you get started?

Define your goals. Before making contact, clarify what you are looking for and what you can offer. What are your competences and strengths? What type of roles, industries, organisations interest you? Make sure your CV and LinkedIn profile are updated and in adequation with your goals.

Identify and classify your needs. Are you looking for:

  • Information about a role, a company, an industry
  • Intermediaries to meet recruiters, to share your CV, to connect you with someone in the industry/company you are interested in, to be a reference, to write a recommendation on LinkedIn
  • Support: to get advice, moral support, help with LinkedIn for example

List, by category, all the people you know: family members, friends, colleagues, ex-colleagues, neighbours, people you met in your leisure activities, LinkedIn connections, friends of friends, parents of your children’s friends, old clients. Don’t hesitate to search broadly. Then, think about what you could ask each of them. Prioritise and make contact.

Prepare your meetings (virtual or in-person). How will you introduce yourself? What questions will you ask? What do you want to get out of the conversation? How will you capture your contact’s attention? What impressions do you want to leave?

LinkedIn is one of your best allies in Sweden

Swedes are protective of their personal space, even at work. They rarely respond well to spontaneity. Don’t show up at their desk or call them without booking a meeting in advance. You risk getting the opposite reaction you’re aiming for. For a first approach, use written communication.

LinkedIn is a useful and appreciated tool in Sweden. First, identify people you’re interested in meeting. Then, find out if you can be introduced via a common connection. Send a short message to express your needs and interests. From here, your interlocutor can, safely behind his computer, check your profile and get an idea of who you are, and decide to ignore your request or reply. Use LinkedIn to arrange a short call or a fika.

©unsplash.com

Meet new people

You can start casting your net from the cosiness of your home, but soon you’ll need to go outside and meet Swedes in real life. Swedes aren’t the best at making polite conversation and their natural restraint won’t make it easier for you. You’ll have to take the first step. In order to facilitate it, find a common interest (personal or professional).

Here are some ideas:

In cities, topical conferences and professional groups are flourishing and are often free (and some are in English). Sign up to those that’ll enable you to reach your goals and remember to plan before attending the events.

  • Eventbrite
  • Meetup groups
  • Commercial chambers
  • Work fairs
  • Yrkesdörren (the organisation that connects foreign job seekers with Swedes, in English or Swedish)
  • And of course, remember to sign up to recruiting agencies such as Panda International.

Volunteering

Take classes (language, music, art…)

Take a hobby or join a sports club

Pick what suits you best. And, if you are an introvert, start connecting with one person at a time or a small group instead of attending large conferences. Set yourself small challenges (I talk to 2 people) and prepare in advance to gain confidence.

Building a network takes time. So, be patient and persistent, you never know when your investment will pay off. Good luck!

Find out more about the Swedish Job Market. If you need help, please get in touch!

Written by Christelle Pottinger
Hi! I am French and I have moved to Sweden in 2012 with my family. I enjoy writing and sharing my experience of living and working in Sweden. I am a career coach, always happy to help French and English-speaking Newbies fulfill their professional dreams.

Find a job before moving to Sweden

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Are you planning to move to Sweden? Are you worried about the language barrier, cultural differences and looking for a job in a new environment? Moving to another country is not easy, but, as we know, possible. You can’t have control over everything that will happen, but you can actually do a lot to avoid long and frustrating searching for a job. Look at our checklist that will help you to find a job before moving to Sweden and save yourself a lot of stress.

Have you talked to your current boss and colleagues?

Do you have any network in Sweden? Does your company have offices here? Most of the people find their jobs through networking. Check the transfer options – that’s the most certain and easy way to find a job in another country. If your company has no connections with Sweden, ask for recommendations (in English) that will confirm your skills and experience. If your diplomas or any other important documents that could be useful during your job search are not in English, translate them into English (some of the employers will require a certified translation).

Have you Swedified your CV?

Swedish CV and CL are not so different from the ones from the other countries, but there are some subtle differences. If you want to improve your CV and CL, visit the website of the Swedish Public Employment Service. You’ll not only find useful tips there, but you can also schedule an online meeting to discuss what can be improved and receive individual feedback (unfortunately the interview part requires e-identification, but the tips are for everyone).

E-learning courses for your best job experience

Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed about finding work in Sweden? Or do you have a job and feel your salary doesn’t match your skills. Or, do you not quite get the unwritten rules at your new job? We’ve got you covered. We know how hard it can be to find a job, get the right pay and feel comfortable in your new Swedish job so we’ve created digital courses with all the information you need:   After finishing these courses, you will be able to navigate your Swedish work situation with skill and comfort.

Have you started to study Swedish?

There are multiple companies that offer jobs for fluent English-speakers, but it’s good to show that you want to study Swedish. When you speak the language of the country you live in, it’s easier to enjoy and explore it. Once you know some basics words, it will make it easier and more efficient to search for a job as well.

Once you come here, you can attend state-provided classes (one of the most fantastic options for foreign professionals is SIFA), but there is also something that you can do before you move to Sweden.

Swedish is not a difficult language and you can learn some basics before you move here. For example here, here and here.

Are you sure that you can start working in Sweden?

As long as the employer doesn’t provide you support with getting a work permit and the accommodation, you have another thing to fix. Finding the apartment in Stockholm is not easy, as well as applying for visas and permits. But it’s not impossible! Just make sure that you will have enough time to settle everything. Also, don’t forget that the recruitment process in Sweden takes a long time, so be prepared for waiting. You’ll find all the important information in Just arrived section.

List of websites with job advertisements:

The Hub

Jobbsafari

Jobbnu

Jobb Blocket

Metro Jobb

Settle in Sweden within 1 year

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Written by Teenie Fung

Have you considered moving to Sweden alone? Are you worried about the language, culture, job opportunities, cost of living etc? It can be extremely daunting to move from one place to another. However, life is short but remember that preparation is key and adaptation comes next. 

Do your homework, measure the risk and reward. If the risk is too high to lose, have a backup plan or improve your current situation before rushing for relocation. Nothing is impossible! Here’s how I relocated and settled in Sweden within one year. I hope you can find it useful!

Before relocation

Savings are essential to buffer unforeseen risks of relocation. Once you have a work contract, you will need to apply for a work visa from your home country. The waiting time can go from four months to one year depending on the job/ employer. There are jobs that are prioritized in the application process, be sure to check first with ‘Migrationsverket‘ before applying for any jobs.

1. Learn the culture

  • Think long-term. ‘The sense of belonging’ is crucial when you move to a new country. Do you also have special connection to Sweden?
  • Make some friends from Sweden in the country you are currently residing in. Join activities organized by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce and other Swedish-related organizations/meet-ups. Get to know the Swedish community!
  • Learn the Swedish history and traditions! Sweden is full of heritage and rich culture. You will enjoy more Sweden if you know more about it.
  • Buy a book to learn basic Swedish!
  • Visit Sweden during short holiday breaks and meet up with your Swedish friends!

E-learning courses

Feel a bit overwhelmed about all the stuff you need to learn and do before, during and after your move to Sweden? We’ve got you covered with some of our great and affordable digital courses:

2. Line up job interviews

  • The worst thing when coming to Sweden is to have no income and waiting for a miracle to happen. If you haven’t already done your homework, 70% of the population in Sweden are Swedes. The majority of jobs in Sweden require a very good level of the Swedish language.
  • The best strategy is to prepare for multiple job interviews and be as prepared as possible.
  • Set goals and stay motivated.

How to land job offers in Sweden?

Work out every possibility you can think of. Just do it! Don’t only submit your CV to Arbetsförmedlingen if you are a young professional with work experience and a university degree.

  • Get referrals from your current network, don’t be afraid to ask! Network, network and network. This is how I got my first job in Sweden!
  • Check if your current employers have offices in Sweden. If so, you can try to request a transfer wherever appropriate.
  • Leverage your skill sets: Focus your job search on the industry that you have the longest work experience in (at least 2 years). Think from the employer’s point of view. Why they should hire someone from outside Sweden when they can hire someone close to them with the same skill set? Know your strengths. Apply to jobs where you are in a more advantageous position compared to a local.
  • Apply to companies with international business exposure. They are the ones who are most likely to hire foreigners. Know the hiring season in Sweden. June to Aug and Nov-Jan are holiday seasons in Sweden. Job opportunities during these months are extremely low, hence it’s best that you don’t end up in Sweden without a job especially at this time of the year. The best way is to relocate just before the hiring season. Meeting employers in person will hugely increase your chances of getting hired than a Skype/phone interview.
  • Create a long list of companies you want to work for on excel. Do your research on them and mark down your application status.
  • Find jobs that don’t require Swedish in the job description. Don’t waste time applying for jobs where the Swedish language is a must.
  • Try connecting with employees of the companies you want to work for on Linkedin by sending a short note to express interests and ask constructive questions. Speak to Headhunters if possible.
  • Make international cold calls: Sweden is a very open and transparent country. You will easily find a phone number and email address on many company websites. Be brave and make a call to a decision maker for a job interview. Make sure you prepare before the call! Buy an unlimited monthly plan on Skype for 75 KR/ month (much cheaper than using roaming or calling cards) and get a Swedish phone number  It shows that you have interests in moving to Sweden.
  • Go to Career Fairs in universities (e.g. Stockholm School of Economics) and meet employers in person. Bring your CV. You can do that during your short holiday trip.
    First day of work in Stockholm!
    The first day of work in Stockholm!

Most importantly…

  • Know the visa process from head to toe. Call ‘Migrationsverket‘ and ask all the questions you can think of. The queue on the telephone line is extremely long, but it’s worth it! Consult them about the work visa process and your nationality. Most employers don’t know the process. Knowing the process will get you one step closer to landing an offer.

Understand that Sweden is not as international as big cities like London, Hong Kong, Paris and New York. Yet, Stockholm is one of the most innovative cities in the world. The Swedish economy survives by exporting,  so there will always be jobs here for foreigners. Locals are very welcoming despite the recent immigration problem. You just need to find like-minded people as everywhere else in the world!

Ring the bell with me in Nasdaq Stockholm when you are ready!

3. Accommodations:

Watch out for scams! There are many scams online if you try to find accommodation before visiting the flat in person.

  • Ask your friends and new colleagues for short term stay accommodation. Stay in a hotel or Airbnb.
  • Find rental apartments on Blocket and visit the apartment.
  • It’s great to experience living in different areas in Stockholm as an expat. Later on, you may want to buy an apartment to cope with the endless moving.

How to identify scams

The so-called ‘landlord’ might pretend to get to know about you. You may have even Skyped with the person. They might create multiple fake ‘flatmates’ to email you and try to ‘get to know you’. But this person can still be fake.

  • Ask the person for a personal number and full name (This is a unique number given to all Swedish citizens). You can search the person’s information online on hitta.se as there’s no secrets in Sweden! If you don’t find a matching name, personal number and address of this person and its property, then it is a fake. If they refuse to provide you with their personal number, they are likely to be scams no matter what excuses they give.
  • They only want you to send money to a bank account outside Sweden e.g. Spain. That’s because they want to cover up their traces in Sweden in case you reach out to the police.
  • The person disregards you right away when you insist to visit the flat first in person. That’s because they don’t really have one!
  • The contract is too simple – google “scam contract” and check if you have the same copy. Google what terms there should be on a normal contract.

Check for other warnings here on another newbie post.

After relocation: First year in Sweden

1. Welcome to Sweden! Now, get yourself into the happy circle of Sweden!

  • Reconnect with your Swedish friends from the country you previously live in. Make new friends through group hangouts!
  • Go to events organized by Meetup and Eventbrite
  • It’s a modern world. Use different apps on your phone to enlarge your network of friends, but be safe!
  • As everyone says, the fastest way to learn Swedish is to be in contact with a Swedish. And the best way to fall in love with Sweden! I met my boyfriend, John, in Sweden coincidently soon after I started my new life here. He’s a great person with a lovely family!
  • Buy warm clothes! As the Swedish say: “Det finns inget dåligt väder, bara dåliga kläder.” Appreciate the darkness and snow. Get candles and make your home a nice and cozy place.

2. Register for SFI and attend as many classes as possible.

I work full time and I attend Swedish classes every Monday and Wednesday after work from 17.30 to 20.30.

  • You need Swedish to live in Sweden. Everything is in Swedish except the airport and the main train station. Respect local culture and learn the language like you would also want others to respect your own when they are in your country. Eventually, this will open many doors you have never believed possible before. When you finish SFI, you can do this.
  • You will meet like-minded friends with a similar background. They will most likely become your lifelong friends in Sweden.
  • You are more likely to pass SFI exams when you set a goal with your classmates. Study with your friends and help each other even outside the course.

3. Travel to as many places as possible in/near Sweden.

  • Take a trip to Sälen for skiing, Båstad for the beach, Visby for the medieval week, Copenhagen for city exploration and the 10,000 Swedish islands on the archipelago!

Skiing in Sälen
Skiing in Sälen
Beach life in Båstad, Sweden
Beach life in Båstad, Sweden

 

Parliament in Copenhagen
Parliament in Copenhagen

And here you go! You will settle in in no time! Lycka till! (Good luck)

 

About the author

Teenie is a Stockholm-based investment advisor and tech enthusiast. Inspired by the gigantic potential of Stockholm aka ‘Unicorn Factory’, Teenie left her job from a top-tier bank in Hong Kong and moved to Sweden in 2017. She’s also the creator of an online activewear brand (yogafriday.com) and the founder of a fashion community that is still active today in England. At present, Teenie continues to seek for emerging technologies in pursuit of improving everyday living and a better future.

Tetiana Siianko – Organizer of the biggest startup events in Sweden

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This weekly interview blog by Barry O’Brien, aims to highlight the stories of those who have come to Sweden and shaped their business life, delivering new services, fresh ideas and professional standards to the Swedish market and beyond. We hope it helps to motivate you to achieve great things here!

#4. Tetiana Siianko –Doer and hustler! Organizer of the biggest startup events in Sweden and currently rethinking the food system.

You can find Tetiana in the Startup Guide Book, that’s how much influence she has on the startup scene in Sweden. As a former founder of VC backed startups, she knows a thing or two. Here is her story:

Tetiana Siianko Profile Pic

Which country are you originally from? 

I come from a continental, historically and culturally rich country, currently being in a state of anarchy, with +40 in summer, -20 in winter, where people walk their dogs with no leashes on, and pay a visit to their friends without two weeks prior booking!

The country of tastiest food and most open people on Earth – Ukraine 🙂

How long have you lived in Sweden?

Overall – 5 years!

In one sentence, tell us about your current business.

Sooo many things! I am the Operations Manager at Sweden Foodtech, Project Manager for Sweden Demo Day and Community Leader for Techstars Startup Weekend.

Personally, I am very interested in bridging the gap between arts and tech.

How would you rate your Swedish language skills for the workplace? (1 being lost tourist level – 10 is sauna conversational!)

10 – Yep, fluent and using Swedish in my work life.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in growing your business, and how have you overcome it? 

I came to Sweden for the first time as Ericsson employee in 2011 and it was like a bed of roses: great work in the innovation department, cool workmates, new relationships with an exotic Swedish guy and even a flat waiting for me! I loved everything about Sweden, even the darkness.

A year later, I got to know another very Swedish thing and the peculiarity of Swedish job market – first in, first out!

When I came to Sweden for the second time in 2014, it was way tougher. I had no job, I couldn’t speak any Swedish and I didn’t have any friends who could help me out.

Networking and hustling, opened new doors for me.

Now I think that the challenges, or shall I put it another way, the things that I hate the most are; the weather, quite cold summers and a terrible lack of sun in winters. There is also, sometimes, a conflict-averse mentality that can result in double standards and a certain hypocrisy where no one really tells you what she or he REALLY thinks!

Apart from that, everything is fine 🙂

Luckily, my startup experiences helped me to get used to taking NO, for an answer, and moving on quickly.

Who has been your biggest guide or inspiration in Sweden, and helped you to reach your current situation?

When I was younger, it was Astrid Lindgren who introduced me to Sweden, and a rainy Stockholm, through the pages of her ‘Karlson på Tacket’ stories. I thought I ended up here by chance, but now I realize it was serendipity.

Name TWO tools that you use in your business, to help you succeed.

Grammarly and Reply.io – Both of them are Ukrainian!

Grammarly is for spellchecking, as you write blogposts and more. Reply.io is for personalized email send-outs.

If you could export one Swedish thing, back to your previous country, what would it be? 

Tetiana with her dogs

Water. I think that water is the best thing that this country has.

The whole culture of what you can do with it: the best scenery for dog walking, sailing on a bigger boat, capsizing on a smaller one, drive a motor boat, have a fika on the rocks, swim in a diving suit in summer, fishing, windsurf regardless of weather, skate anywhere where there is ice, and just sit, contemplate and meditate. Sooo many options!

(Can I add a bonus wish? – Can I export cardamon sweet salty buns as well?!)

What do you know about Sweden, that no-one else does?

Sweden has the highest percentage of vegan and vegetarian people in Europe and in 3rd place in the world (after Brazil and India).

Or another cool fact, Anders Celsius was a Swede!

Where can people find more info about you and your work?

 You can join me at our next Startup Weekend event – all about Foodtech. This weekend – February 16-18.

Some of my other activities are here:

Many thanks to Tetiana for her story and tips! Check out our second interview in the series, here!

Written by: Barry O’Brien

Barry has been in Sweden over ten years, working with marketing and sales in both large and small companies, as well as founding his own consultancy company. Currently he is the Head of Growth Marketing at Zenia.ai, a content marketing technology company based in Stockholm. Barry is a coach and mentor at events such as Startup Weekend and the Founder Institute, has delivered talks at Hyper Island and Berghs School of Communication, and enjoys sharing his business experience with like-minded entrepreneurs. You can contact him at barry@zenia.ai

Most common mistakes Newbies make

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Getting used to living in another country can be quite difficult and you might be making some mistakes. Swedes have some “rules” that no one tells you about, but can do wrong many times. Are you doing something wrong? 

Paying in cash

Sweden has the most beautiful banknotes in the world (literally), yet they actually don’t really want you to pay in cash! The irony! Seriously though, try to avoid it. Some bars don’t even accept cash anymore, and cashiers might look a little surprised when you actually try to pay with a 500. Just use your card or use Swish (you need a Swedish bank account for Swish though, but it’s really useful once you have it). Your wallet will be much lighter and you won’t have the awkward moments of coins falling out when you try to reach something else..

Not recycling

I will never forget the look this old lady gave me when I was in Sweden for the first time, just finished my water bottle, and threw it away in a normal trash bin.. Absolute no-go! Always check the bins before you throw your trash away, recycling is really important in Sweden (which is awesome), so don’t be the rude foreigner who doesn’t care..

Small talk ?

Nej tack, Swedes don’t want it! Sure some do, but don’t risk it.. A nice smile and a happy attitude is much nicer to stand next to than someone who tries to talk to you when you’re just waiting for the metro to arrive. Cultural differences! I agree that it might seem a bit distant for people who are used to the very open cultures, but Swedes don’t mean it in a bad way. Just let us do our thing and we let you do yours 🙂

E-learning course: Preparing your move to Sweden

Are you already feeling a bit overwhelmed about all the stuff you need to figure out how to move to Sweden? We’ve got you covered. Over the years we’ve been repeatedly told just stressful this process can be so we created a digital course with all the information you need to move. Here you will learn about:

 

  • Short (and long facts) about Sweden.
  • The history and background of Sweden in regards to democracy, religious freedom, gender equality, social security, child welfare and LGBTQIA+.
  • The types of visas and residence permits that are available plus the requirements.
  • Important Swedish agencies, and trust us, you DO need to know about these ones.
  • How to find a place to stay and how to avoid rental fraud.
  • How to pack for your move depending on the season.
  • And there will be some quizzes to make sure you are paying attention and not falling asleep at your screen. 

After finishing this course, you will have a greater understanding of what has made Sweden what it is today, how you best prepare for a move here and to get your stay here started in the best manner. 

 

Sign up to your course here

The wonderful world of Systembolaget

One day you will find yourself running dramatically to Systembolaget at 14.55 on a rainy Saturday, I guarantee. If you’re used to just buying alcohol in the supermarket, this will be very different. A rather sad-looking store which tries to make alcohol look as bad as it can, weird opening hours, and you can only buy alcohol when you’re 20.. Remember: when you’re 18, you can buy alcohol in bars and restaurants, but NOT at Systembolaget until you’re 20! Don’t even try it, they’re strict with IDs. Also don’t forget your ID, you really will not get any alcohol if you can’t show it. If you live in Stockholm you’re lucky, but when you go a bit more to the countryside you’ll notice that getting to Systembolaget is pretty difficult. Have a fun party anyways 🙂 Skååål!

Handshake or hug?

After some awkward half-handshake/half-hug encounters, you might wonder what you’re doing wrong! Most of the time, it’s a handshake the first time you meet someone and every time after that it’s a hug. This of course really depends on the person, but for a casual meeting this is the way to go.

Colleague≠ friend

“Hey wanna go for drinks after work?” “uh.. no thanks..?” Ouch!? Work and friendship is something completely different, so don’t take it personal when your colleagues don’t want to go for drinks after work or just hang out. They’re colleagues, not friends! It’s not that no one likes each other, it’s all about balance. Free time is time to not think about work!

Don’t be late or early

If the party starts at 19:00 or you have an appointment, don’t show up at 18:30 or 19:30. Just be there at 19:00, simple as that! It’s not more polite to be early, it’s rather stressful for the one that organises it, and you’re not fashionably late but just a bit annoying.

I think we can all agree that getting used to living in Sweden can be a bit difficult sometimes, but you get used to this faster than you might think! Just do your best 🙂

Written by Lydia Hallie

I’m Lydia, a 19-year-old Dutch girl living in Stockholm. I try to write many helpful posts to help younger people who recently moved to Sweden to get to know the country and how everything works here! 

Market Validation

Around 96% of businesses shut down within 10 years of opening, which might be fine if you are looking to make some quick money, but if you want to build a strong, stable, brand and business that will become your career, you need to research the local market and see if your idea is likely to be successful.

“Ideas are cheap. Ideas are easy. Ideas are common. Everybody has ideas. Ideas are highly, highly overvalued. Execution is all that matters.”

Casey Neistat, Film Director

Is your business idea any good?

Write down and answer the following questions or use a tool such as the business model canvas (a modern version of the old fashioned and long, traditional business plan)

  • Who is your customer? Please don’t say “everyone!” Be specific. What kind of person or business? How big or small is the typical business? In a particular market? What is the professional title of the buyer?
  • What problems are you solving? The aim is to validate whether customers also see them as problems. More importantly, whether customers think they are actually problems worth solving = paying for!
  • How does your product solve those problems? How does solving their problems make their life better? Does it make them more money? Look better? Save time? Help others?
  • What are the key features of the product/Service? What is the ‘Wow’ factor of your service or product and how easy is it for a buyer to get to that point? What makes you special?
  • What do you need to launch? Do you need products, retail space, equipment, etc? Think about the costs involved in starting, both in finance and time, that you will need.
  • Start networking. Finding future clients is going to be what occupies your mind the most in the years to come. And networking is seriously going to help you with this. Join networks and groups that can be of use to you. There are networks within almost anything; sales, female entrepreneurs, city, marketing etc. So find them and join up.

Try your idea on potential customers

Once you have written down your own opinions and assumptions you will have to test them with potential customers. Now is the time to get out on the street and ask people! Of course you can also save valuable time by getting on the phone, if the customer can be reached easier that way.

These tests should be interviews with potential buyers of your product. You can also test your assumptions by interviewing experts from the industry – people who have been employed by the industry such as consultants or if you are feeling brave – investors. Here is a great link to the questions that you can ask, in order to really get an understanding of your idea’s value.

Don’t forget to contact your own network and the networks of friends, mentors and others, to reach potential customers. And remembert that someone liking your idea is not the same as buying your product!

Tip: Check out the Lunchback – a great place to find these people – feedback for the price of a lunch.The Startupeventslist is another great place to find like-minded entrepreneurs in the Nordics, to discuss ideas with.

Where to turn for advice? 

1. Almi

Almi’s vision is to create opportunities for all viable ideas and businesses to develop. They offer advice, loans and equity in all phases – from ideas into successful businesses. It includes both ideas with growth potential in the early phases of existing companies investing in growth and expansion. Almi is owned by the state and is the parent company of a group with 16 regional subsidiaries, Almi Invest AB and IFS Consulting AB.

2. Nyföretagarcentrum

Go to your local Enterprise Agency, or ”Nyföretagar Centrum” in Swedish, where you can get professional and start-up advice, which is confidential and completely free of charge.

3. Startup Stockholm

Startup Stockholm offers free Startup advice for those based in Stockholm.

4. Business Sweden

Business Sweden can help if you want to export Swedish products back to your home market, for instance.

Here is a selection of other useful contacts:

Contact each Business Region for further information

Business Region Göteborg

Stockholm Business Region

Business Region Skåne (information in Swedish)

Beating the winter blues in Stockholm

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The festivities are over at Littlebearabroad HQ. The twinkling strings of lights have been taken down and we’re bracing ourselves for the bitterly cold months of January and February in Stockholm. The kids are sick of wearing their winter-overalls and are just… well, sick.

In collaboration with LittleBearAbroad

Parents all over Stockholm are dreaming of the long, hazy, summer days spent at the City beaches and lakeside playgrounds, hatless, gloveless, and fleeceless. Despite edging towards lighter and brighter days (1 minute a day) the darkness can become all-consuming during these months. Even more so for those of us tasked with entertaining pre-schoolers and toddlers.

Depression in the winter months reaches epidemic proportions and, even though it seems like an impossible task, keeping active, social and getting out and about is vital. Even in Stockholm there are small gems of exotic escapism where you can remind yourself of what it feels like to be warm, without breaking the bank. And, you can bring the kids!

My favourite of these exotic escapes is right the middle of Hagaparken.

Fjärilshuset & Haga Ocean is one of Stockholm’s most popular tourist attractions in the summer. In the winter it’s somewhat overlooked. But, with its hot houses, tropical jungles and stunning collection of exotic creatures, it is the perfect remedy to beat those winter blues. It’s got fantastic facilities for kids of all ages and it’s the sort of place you can end up spending a whole day in.

When Littlebearabroad pitched the idea of producing an event in the middle of January to a couple of our friends we were met with a lot of scepticism. But, when we announced that the event would be taking place at Fjärilhuset & Haga Ocean, we had nailed it.

On January 16th Littlebearabroad is hosting the first English-speaking, family tour of Fjärilshuset & Haga Ocean. Join us amongst the butterflies, insects, lizards, frogs, fish and the largest shark aquarium in Sweden.

The tour will start with a presentation about the environmental conservation and facilities at Fjärilshuset and be followed by an exciting guided tour of the hot houses in which you get to meet tropical terrapins and turtles and feed giant catfish. You might event get to see a butterfly emerge from its cocoon. Most importantly, you can spend the day basking in the steamy, warmth of their jungle foliage and forget the wintery world outside.

For ticketing information and further event details check out littlebearabroad.com and for more events by Littlebearabroad check out their events and activities calendar.

Written by Jill Leckie

Jill is a Scottish Lass who lives with a Viking and is raising a mini-Viking, life is a cross between smorgasbords and deep-fried curly wurlies. Her second baby, Littlebearabroad, was created whilst she was on maternity leave and learning about her new life and adopted country. Littlebearabroad is here to support international families settle in Sweden with kids, meet people and make friends.

Swedish Job Market False Facts

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I, myself, think I am really good at job hunting. I have had three unemployment periods in my life. One was some sort of existential crisis after graduation, the second was deciding to have a career shift and the third one is now in the Swedish job market. So you think you will rock finding a job in Sweden due to all that experience in your home country? Well, it turns out, looking for a job abroad is totally different!

When you move abroad the first time, you easily accept that there can be cultural differences. But, somehow, you don’t think those differences may affect your job search. However, the first thing you should do is to learn about the culture of the Swedish job market and then act accordingly. Here I list my (and probably some of yours) three major wrong assumptions about job searching in Sweden.

The National Employment Agency is not for me

In my home country, it is not common to register at an employment Agency and they generally do not have jobs for university graduates. So for a long time, I did not listen to people who told me I should register with the National Employment Agency Arbetsförmedlingen. But I was wrong!

Arbetsförmedlingen has one of the broadest job boards in Sweden, with plenty of ads for most professions. Also being registered there gives some incentives for the employers. For instance, if an employer hire you for a job or internship when you’re registered to Arbetsförmedlingen, then Arbetsförmedlingen may pay a part of your salary (called instegsjobb or nystartjobb). Which means you cost less to your employer! Which means you may have an advantage among other candidates – so why not take your time and register today?

It is enough to search just the job boards

This was another wrong assumption of mine! If you haven’t heard this fact yet, it will be shocking for you: 80% of jobs in Sweden are not advertised and are instead basically filled though network connections. So, those job ads you see are just the tip of the iceberg. There are hidden gems deep down. And to go deeper in the ocean of jobs, you need to know the right people. If you really want to find a job, you should start by trying to meet new people and attend networking events until you have a broad Swedish network.

I cannot reach HR by calling / It is rude to call HR personally

Actually, I thought reaching an HR personally was almost impossible (because it is almost impossible in my home country). So it seemed a waste of time to try. But it turned out it isn’t! You can actually phone to the HR departments and, for instance, ask more about a job ad. In most job ads, you find the name of the contact person and phone number. Moreover, most of them specifically write that you can call them if you have any questions. Calling them will gain you some deeper unwritten insights about the job ad and also give you the chance to introduce yourself in person. So call them!

Even if there isn’t any related job ads, you can search for the companies you want to work and call their HR or employees. Make sure you properly introduce yourself and do not directly  ask for a job but tell your story. Then maybe you can invite them for a fika to ask for insights like which skills you need in this profession, or how the company culture is.

I believe, as newbies, we all have our wrong assumptions about the Swedish job market. So it is important to forget about all these assumptions and make a fresh start. My main suggestion before you get started on your job search –  just meet some people and learn how things work here.

Written by Busra Zenging

Hej! I am a Newbie who is close to become an Oldbie in Sweden! I’ve been in Stockholm nearly for six months, I already did so many “fika”, swam in cold waters of Sweden, walked barefoot in Stockholm’s parks during the summer and, of course, had too many interactions with the Swedish bureaucracy 🙂 So far so good! My next challenge is job hunting – we’ll see how this will go 😉

Eight Steps to Finding Hidden Jobs

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A huge part of the job market is hidden and not seen on job boards. Here is eight steps you can use to find hidden opportunities in companies that are not posting their positions:

    1. Go to LinkedIn
    1. Search for “your title + city you want to work in”. Example: “construction engineer stockholm”In this search, we can see that there are 517 people in Stockholm alone that has the words “construction engineer” in their profile. Cool!

    1. Look at these search results and make a list. Write down names of the companies where these people have worked and where they are working currently.

    1. On your list, Google the first company name (in this case Strängbetong):

      Hidden jobs
      Google the company name

    1. Go to the website of the Company.
    1. Read about the company. If the site is in a language you cannot understand, feel free to use Google Translate. When reading, think about one question:

      For this business, what value can I deliver with my skills and experience?

        • Introduce yourself
        • Explain what value you can provide for them.
      • Ask them about some of their current challenges that they are having. Offer to solve one of those challenges.When you have a clear idea about what value you can provide, send a very targeted email to the CEO or HR manager of the company. In the email:

      This approach will work best with companies with less than 30 employees which is a majority of the companies in Sweden.

  1. Go back to point 4 on this list and repeat.

Written by Andreas Wennberg

Andreas Wennberg is the founder of 400contacts, an app that helps people find a job in eight weeks. He blogs about jobs, how to find that elusive job and how to tweak your experiences and skills to become attractive on the Swedish job market. For more help on finding a job – sign up at 400contacts

Employment help for Newbies

The national employment service – Arbetsförmedlingen has several initiatives specifically for Newbies. Some are open for all Newbies while other initiatives are limited to Newbies in a certain life situation.

Remember that you are entitled to all services that Arbetsförmedlingen provides (not just the Newbie stuff), so make sure to check out their other services too.

  • Access to an interpreter (for all Newbies)
  • Validation of work experience and education (for all Newbies)
  • Nystartsjobb (for most Newbies)
  • Instegsjobb (for most Newbies)
  • Etableringspaket (for Newbies covered by the law 2010:197)

 Interpreter

You are entitled to an interpreter if you feel unsure about your Swedish and feel that this limits you in your contact with Arbetsförmedlingen. It doesn’t cost you anything but you might have to wait a bit longer in order to get an appointment.

Validation – Validering

Arbetsförmedlingen can help you validate your educational and professional experience. This means finding out what your work experience and education corresponds to on the Swedish work market.

We recommend that you use this opportunity, as the validation processes can be complex and time consuming. Make sure to bring all your certificates, grades and other references to your first appointment with Arbetsförmedlingen. Insist in getting your validation processes started right away.

Universitet- och högskolerådet (UHR)

Universitet- och högskolerådet is the place to turn to if you have a foreign high school diploma, Bachelor/Master Degree or PHD/MBA certificate.

(information in Swedish and English).

Valideringsinfo

Do you have foreign work experience but lack formal proof? Valideringsinfo provides you with information on how to proceed in order to formalise your work experience.

 (information in Swedish and English)

New start job – nystartsjobb

Nystartsjobb means that your employer receives a payment from Arbetsförmedlingen for hiring you. The aim of this support is to make you – as a Newbie – more attractive on the Swedish work market. Nystartsjobb is applicable to permanent, temporary as well as part-time employments.

Your payment needs to be fair. Your employer has to pay you in accordance with the collective agreement for the industry. You need to search and apply for the job on your own. This support will, however, hopefully make it easier for you to find a job and gain some important Swedish work experience. It might be an idea to write in your CV that you are entitled to nystartsjobb.

You are entitled to nystartsjobb if you arrived in Sweden less than three years ago and have been granted a residence permit as a refugee, person in need of protection or because of a connection.

(Information in English).

Introduction package – Etableringsprogram (only for Newbies covered by law 2010: 197)

Some Newbies are entitled to extended integration benefits. The purpose of this benefit is to give newly arrived Newbies the support they need in order to learn Swedish, find work and become self sufficient as quickly as possible. The support covers etableringsplan (introduction plan), etableringsersättning (financial support) and help to find housing.

The law (2010: 197) aims toward Newbies between 20 – 64 years of age, who have received a residence permits as a refugee, quota refugee or person in need of protection. The law also covers unaccompanied children at the age of 18-19, as well as close relatives to people covered by this law. Contact your nearest Arbetsförmedling if you are unsure about whether or not you are covered by this law.

Introduction interview – etableringssamtal

Start by setting an appointment for an introduction interview at Arbetsförmedlingen. This interview serves the purpose of providing an overview of your current skills and possibilities.

Introduction plan – etableringsplan

An essential part of the introduction interview will be to set up an individual introduction plan – a so called etableringsplan. An etableringsplan can consists of several activities, like:

  • Learning Swedish at SFI
  • Completing or complementing your studies at Komvux
  • Making an internship – praktik, at a Swedish work place

The purpose of your etableringsplan is to provide you with the skills needed to enter the Swedish labour market. You are supposed to spend 40 h/week on activities related to your introduction plan.

Introduction support – etableringsersättning

You are entitled to financial support when participating actively in your introduction plan. This is called etableringsersättning and is supposed to cover your basic expenses like accommodation, transportation, food etc. You are also entitled to a complementary supplement if you have children.

(information in Swedish)

Housing

It is generally up to you to find a place to live. However, Arbetsförmedlingen can help you find a place if you take part in an etableringsplan. It comes with a certain twist though: Arbetsförmedlingen will search for a place for you and your family, but they will search for a place where you have the greatest chances of finding work or receiving education.

This could mean moving to the other side of the country. You can’t influence their decision, but you are free to turn their offer down. If you do turn it down however, you will not get another housing offer from Arbetsförmedlingen.

Etableringslots

Looking for an etableringslots but not finding one? The Swedish government recently decided to end this integration service. They are, however, planning to compensate it with another service provided directly by Arbetsförmedlingen.

E-learning courses for your best job experience

Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed about finding work in Sweden? Or do you have a job and feel your salary doesn’t match your skills. Or, do you not quite get the unwritten rules at your new job? We’ve got you covered. We know how hard it can be to find a job, get the right pay and feel comfortable in your new Swedish job so we’ve created digital courses with all the information you need:

 

After finishing these courses, you will be able to navigate your Swedish work situation with skill and comfort.

Missing something? Or does something feel unclear? Contact us and help us improve.