Finding a work in Denmark as a foreigner is difficult, but it is possible. A lot relies on your abilities. Additionally, what you can do better than a Dane. Because, let’s face it, if you and a Danish person were on an equal footing, they would hire the Danish person.
Danish people are aware of their language, their culture, and the fact that Brie cheese should not be brought to the communal meal on Fridays. Every Friday morning there is a shared breakfast at every Danish workplace I’ve ever worked in, and they always have the same cheese. Medium-sharp, sliced Riberhus Danbo cheese.
My Danish coworkers would occasionally smile and nod when I tried to bring a different type of cheese, much as they do when a foreigner does something stupid. then refuse to consume my cheese. Until someone brought out the medium-sharp sliced Riberhus Danbo cheese, they wouldn’t touch any cheese at all. We refer to it as “Danish people cheese” with my kid.
Having a Danish diploma helps
The Danish workplace, however, emphasizes teamwork, collaboration, and getting along with others, and there is a natural fear that a foreigner would not fit within that. To overcome this, you must demonstrate how you are superior to your Danish competition in some way.
It’s an excellent start if you received your schooling in Denmark because it serves as a sort of local endorsement. This can be a good place to start if you and your spouse are new residents of this area. Here, you may be eligible for free higher education, and the government may even pay for your living expenses while you are a student. When school is over, you’ll have a network that should make finding a job simpler.
If not, I advise you to invest all of your work into your Danish studies in the beginning before finding a job that will require you to speak Danish nonstop.
I frequently advise taking a job as an assistant in a Danish daycare facility. Even if the occupations don’t pay well, they are often straightforward to obtain, especially for males in Copenhagen. They are always hunting for males that the young lads may admire. To be perfectly honest, you and the kids both speak pretty basic Danish. It fits together well.
Just speaking English is not enough
People frequently ask me if knowing English well is sufficient to land a job when they arrive from English-speaking nations like the US, Britain, or Australia. Even though English is the corporate language of many businesses, the answer is no. However, Novo and Lundbeck are renowned businesses where everyone aspires to work. To work there, you must possess a job expertise as well as English.
So what do you do if you do have a work skill and English and you want a job in Denmark?
My advice is to go through the job listings on websites like Jobindex.dk and WorkinDenmark.dk. Don’t hurry to apply for these positions, where you’ll be up against a lot of competition, unless you’re a great fit.
Instead, look at the advertisements to determine the abilities that employers are seeking. What talent are they unable to find? Determine whether you can enhance your resume to showcase any of these talents or maybe enroll in a short course to acquire them.
Attend as many professional gatherings as you can, mingle, and avoid approaching anybody about a job. Ask them about your sector, where the pain is, and what the issues are.
Show how you can solve their problems
Then, in your cover letter and resume, describe how you and your qualifications may assist them in resolving the issues that are on everyone’s mind. List the issues first, then describe how you are the solution. Make up a brief elevator speech outlining how you and your expertise may assist in resolving various issues in your sector.
This can be assisted by the local union that represents workers in your industry, which can also assist you in tailoring your resume and cover letter to Danish company preferences. When you’re looking for a job that needs a graduate degree, it’s definitely worth the money to join a union.
Denmark loves LinkedIn
Two additional advices. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is very stunning since Danish people adore it. Please provide a professional photo that clearly displays your face. One man had a picture of himself at a wedding, maybe his own wedding, wearing a little white carnation, merely from the folks who have requested for my assistance. He reminded me of Fred Astaire.
Another person had a dark photograph of himself clutching a beer at a club. No. Whatever professional attire you choose, you must provide a clear photo of oneself smiling and seeming approachable. No suit is required if you work as a music producer. It’s probably a smart move if you work in banking. A lovely, vibrant jumper or top is ideal because Danes are laid-back people.
Additionally, get someone to review your LinkedIn profile and ensure that it is written in excellent English. I’ve recruited folks in Denmark, and it always amazes me how many cvs and cover letters I receive that are written in such poor English. For about $5 USD, someone will copyread your resume or LinkedIn profile on a website called Fiverr. Definitely worth the financial commitment.
So, there you have it. The good news is that everyone is pulling for you, including the Danish government, even if finding a job in Denmark is difficult. They want you to start working as soon as they can so you can begin paying your enormous Danish taxes.