Amanda Herzog - center
Last month in Norran English, Amanda Herzog offered advice to Swedish employers who were missing out on international talent. Now she has advice for newcomers to find work with Swedish employers.
Many of us know that finding a job in a new country can be daunting, but for non-Swedish speakers entering the Skellefteå workforce as partners of Northvolt employees, the challenges can feel even more significant.
However, Amanda, a specialist in helping international professionals land jobs in Sweden, offers valuable insights and strategies to overcome these hurdles.
Understanding the roadblocks
Herzog knows intimately the various barriers faced by non-Swedish applicants. In her first year, she applied for more than 800 jobs before landing a position.
– Companies might be unsure of the hiring process for internationals, she says.
– Language requirements can be a hurdle, visa sponsorship can be a concern, and cultural differences can create misunderstandings. Additionally, employers may worry about longer onboarding times or the validity of a foreign education. Retention concerns, a lack of a Swedish network, and even potential prejudice can also come into play.
Negotiating your way In
But Herzog stresses that jobseekers shouldn't let these roadblocks discourage them. Instead, she encourages a proactive approach.
– Think creatively, she says.
– If a company seems hesitant about your Swedish language fluency, explore alternative solutions. Could you offer a 60% fluency level with a commitment to improvement? Perhaps the company works with international clients and is already comfortable with English communication. If Swedish is truly essential, ask why! Understanding their rationale helps you propose solutions, such as offering to take Swedish lessons on your own dime.
Preparation is key
"Be prepared" is a Herzog mantra. This includes understanding the visa application fees (if appropriate) and potentially the cost of legal counsel, should it be necessary. Additionally, familiarizing yourself with average processing times can be extremely helpful. For instance, lawyer fees typically range between 10,000 kronor and 20,000 kronor, while visa processing times can vary depending on the specific industry code, with some applications being completed within as little as 30 days.
– By equipping yourself with this information, you can demonstrate a proactive approach to potential employers. This not only reduces their uncertainty about the process but can also make it appear less daunting for them overall, says Amanda.
Show that you are involved in your Swedish community and have even a small network of Swedes, Amanda says.
Swedish culture fit
The issue of the cultural divide is a little-discussed topic, but fitting in is a big part of Swedish culture. Employers want you to understand the way they work and live.
– Show that you are involved in your Swedish community and have even a small network of Swedes, Amanda says.
– You can do this by providing references who are obviously native Swedes or non-Swedish individuals who are well-integrated into Swedish society and have experience working for Swedish companies. This will help establish your credibility as a potential employee.
Targeting your search smartly
Amanda emphasizes the importance of showcasing your unique value proposition.
– Focusing your job search is crucial. Don't waste time on roles requiring near-perfect Swedish. Instead, target companies serving international audiences or those with a diverse workforce.
– Startups or international companies might be more open to non-Swedish speakers, Amanda says.
Are you a native English speaker with a specific software expertise? Do you have cultural insights relevant to the company's target market? Leveraging your strengths can make you stand out and convince employers to overlook potential language barriers.
If a company seems hesitant about your Swedish language fluency, explore alternative solutions. Could you offer a 60% fluency level with a commitment to improvement?
Crafting a winning CV
Herzog offers five key tips for crafting a compelling CV:
- Become a specialist: Focus on one specific job role and tailor your experience accordingly.
- Targeted applications: Apply only for jobs that perfectly match your chosen specialization.
- Keyword magic: Include relevant industry keywords to demonstrate your understanding of the role.
- Job title tweaks: Don't hesitate to adjust your job titles for clarity, as long as it accurately reflects your responsibilities.
- Extra skills section: Highlight additional skills relevant to the role, incorporating keywords mentioned earlier.
Don't brag
Amanda draws on her own experiences as an American navigating the Swedish job market. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the Swedish concept of "lagom" - finding the "just right" balance. Avoid bragging or appearing overly self-promotional during interviews:
– I learned the hard way with 800 job applications, Amanda laughs.
– I was too brash and full of myself. The Swedes did not like that.
Adapt
Amanda stresses the importance of adaptability and experimentation.
– If it's not working, change your strategy, she advises.
Be prepared to adjust your CV and approach based on results. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. In her own job search, Herzog created multiple CV versions before finding success.
Standing out from the crowd
Finally, Amanda highlights the importance of making a strong first impression. For her, a portfolio showcasing her work helped her stand out from the competition.
Amanda Herzog is a Stockholm-based American who has carved out a niche helping international talent find their way through Sweden’s employment jungle, after she found her own Swedish job search stymied by persistent rejection and ghosting.