Navigating the Finnish job market: insider tips from industry professionals

If you're starting a new career in Finland, it's important to understand the country's job market and the invisible cultural norms. To help you skip the stress of learning on your own, we've summarized advice given by expert panelists at the previous spring Career Bootcamp (previously TalentMatch Bootcamp) on March 23 - read on to improve your chances of getting hired!

Your CV should showcase your professionalism and provide details about your education, work experience, and skills. Be sure to always tailor your cover letter to the specific job requirements listed in the job advertisement.

If you need help localizing your CV or cover letter, consider joining workshops or utilizing the sparring services that the Espoo Talent Hub or Luckan offers.

In Finland, companies often hire based on potential. Highlight your skills, but also show how you can add value to the company. While it's important to understand Finnish culture and work practices, don't feel like you need to become a Finn. Embrace your unique characteristics and show that they can be an asset to the company – it is a strength that you can bring a new perspective and different ways of working to the table.

There are plenty of resources to help you understand Finnish work culture and to find balance with your own culture. At the recent TalentMatch Bootcamp event, the Mothers in Business network held a workshop on how to successfully find balance between your work and personal life while also giving tips on salary negotiations.

Networking is crucial when job hunting in Finland and all networks are valuable, even those you least expect. Actively participating in different associations, clubs, and hobbies can help you learn the language and potentially lead to a job. Or maybe join a mentorship program like EntryPoint to build connections and become more familiar with the Finnish work culture.

Before an interview, research the company and position, practice answering common interview questions, and focus on highlighting your skills, experience, and the value you bring. It’s a good idea to practice with a friend beforehand, you’ll be calmer and more prepared in the actual interview.

During the interview itself, try to connect with the hiring manager on a personal level by finding shared interests or experiences. Curiosity and interest in the company's culture can leave a positive impression, so do your research before. If you're not selected for the job, ask for feedback on your application. This can provide valuable insights into your strengths and areas for improvement.

By following these tips, you'll be better equipped to navigate the Finnish job market and put yourself in the best position to land a job. Espoo Talent Hub offers recruitment, career, and networking services to help international professionals build a career and life in Espoo.

There are many resources available to help you with your job hunt in Finland, like joining the next round of Espoo Talent Hub’s career development programme Career Club or our mentoring programme EntryPoint.

The professionals in the panel discussion were Ted Apter (Special Advisor at Ekonomit), Veronica Hertzberg (Project Manager at LUCKAN), Tanja Malo (Business Development at Alfa Mobility), Adalgisa Santos (Service Design Specialist at Kone) and Romi Wilson (Senior Research Scientist at Pro Farm Technologies).