In this article, you can learn the the basics of how to apply for a job in Finland. There might be some cultural differences when applying for a job in Finland, so it's a good idea to check out this article before applying.
Since you found your way to this page, it looks like you’re considering applying for a job in Finland, or at least you’re tempted by the idea. That’s great news! We are here to give you some pointers and help you get started because, boy oh boy, you might be surprised by some characteristics of the Finnish work life.
Finland has a unique cultural identity that applies not just to free time and leisure but also to work life. This is the topic we will address, specifically: what to do and how to behave when searching for work in Finland.
Depending on where you’re from, you might have a very different style for applying for a job. You might be a master or a genius when applying for jobs in your country. Still, the rules might be very different when applying for a job in Finland. Because we at Barona want to share our expertise on how to apply for a job in Finland with you, we have prepared several tips for you so that you can impress and knock the wind out of every recruiter who comes across your application.
We have divided the advice of our recruitment experts into a traffic light because what could be more internationally known as that? Pay attention to the following advice, and you will be a force to reckon with.
Green – Follow these pointers to score points
- Get to know the company you’re applying for and read the job advert carefully so you know exactly whether your skills and work experience match the job you’re applying for and whether the company represents the right values for you. This isn’t where to cut corners, so do your homework properly.
- If you have certificates or documents to back your application, keep them ready because we will probably want to see them during the recruitment process.
- Always send your application through the channel indicated in the job advertisement – this is crucial. In the case of Barona, all applications are made electronically online, and CVs and applications sent by email are not processed because the EU data privacy regulations don’t allow us to do it. So always apply via the apply now link. That’s the way to land a job.
Yellow – you’d better avoid these mistakes
- There are plenty of open vacancies if you’re planning to apply for a job in Finland. Don’t be discouraged if you are not called for an interview or don’t get the desired job. If you don’t get the job or aren’t invited for an interview, it’s worth checking the possibility of leaving an open application and sending it if possible. So, stay positive and keep looking for new positions.
- Don’t apply for all positions you find; only choose the ones that are a good match for you. Applying to all possible job openings doesn’t increase your chances but rather the opposite. It can even be counterproductive and decrease your chances of landing a job because the recruiters might perceive that you aren’t properly focusing on your job search. So, concentrate only on the positions that match you well, and your chances are better.
- Remember to include the relevant experience in your CV and application when you apply. Forgetting something crucial or even some minor details may be the cause of why you didn’t get chosen for the job. The information should also be relevant to the job you are applying for. If you’re applying for a job as an IT specialist, your experience as a newspaper carrier isn’t probably relevant.
- Also, make sure to use industry and job-specific keywords and terminology. Depending on where you’re coming from, you might use different terms and notions to describe your work background. Do your research and include the terminology used in Finland. This way, the recruiter or hiring manager will fully understand your work experience and knowledge.
Red – Danger zone
- Do not send multiple applications for the same job from different email addresses. Instead of filling out numerous applications, you should focus on applying for one position carefully and following the instructions on the do-list. You can read more about our recruitment services here.
- Don’t hunt the recruiter via phone calls, texts, WhatsApp messages, or emails. This is not considered professional in Finland, and you might do more harm than good. Once you apply online, brace yourself with patience – we evaluate each application individually, and you will get feedback for your application. If you have additional questions, you can contact the recruiter if the contact details are published in the job ad but keep it simple. Be patient, and we promise you will hear from us.
- It’s also worth noting that having the same phone number at work and home is regular in Finland. Whatsapp is considered a personal communication app, not a professional one. Also, note that standard working hours in Finland are from 9 to 5. So, if you’re not careful, you might send messages to recruiters on their personal phones in the middle of their free time, which is highly frowned upon in Finland.
- In Finland, jobs are rarely found by turning up at the workplace to ask for a job. Recruiters in Finland, especially in larger companies, are only sometimes physically present, so turning up at the company’s premises is not the right way to go about it. If you are interested in a company and want to inquire about vacancies, you should call, email, or look for their open positions.
After taking in all this information, you should now be well-informed on how to apply for a job in Finland. To tackle these and other cultural differences in Finland and the other Nordic countries, read more about working in the Nordics as well as living in the Nordics.