Working in Sweden

Winter break is here! ❄️ We hope the season brings you all the winter coziness your heart desires, from lights and candles to good food and quality time with loved ones. After a busy fall, the Working in Sweden team is taking a few weeks off to enjoy the season, too. But we’ll be back refreshed in January to kick off an eventful 2025! Until then, if you have a reflection to share, or if there’s something you’d like to see more of on this page in the coming year, let us know in the comments! Tack så mycket for all your support in 2024, and we’ll see you in 2025! ✨ #HappyHolidays #WinterBreak #NewYear

As 2024 winds down, our team is reflecting on the incredible journey Working in Sweden has taken with this growing community of international jobseekers. Together, we’ve navigated challenges, celebrated successes, and built bridges to new opportunities in Sweden’s job market. From fostering impactful partnerships to empowering individuals with skills and guidance, 2024 has been a testament to resilience, growth, and collaboration. Here’s a quick snapshot of what we've achieved this year: • Over 600 participants joined our Ready to Work program. • Posts on mentorship and language studies for jobseekers were among your favorites! • We welcomed 2,000+ new members into our community! None of this would have been possible without the support of our community and partners. If you’re reading this, that means you! Thanks for being an integral part of our journey. 💛 Don’t forget to explore our page for resources, tips, and programs designed to help you thrive in Sweden. Together, let’s continue to build a brighter future. 🌟 #WorkingInSweden #Community #Jobseekers

Looking for a first step into the Swedish job market? Don’t underestimate the value of volunteer work! Today is International Volunteer Day! 🎉 And while volunteering may not be realistic for everyone, it’s definitely something to consider if you do have the time, energy, and means. There are lots of benefits, especially for jobseekers in Sweden. We asked some of Working in Sweden’s own team members about how volunteering can help, and here's what they said… 1️⃣ “It can broaden your network and give you new references for your job search. Making Swedish connections early on could open career doors later.“ 2️⃣ “You can improve your existing skills and even develop new ones. This strengthens your profile — and could reveal brand new career paths to take!” 3️⃣ “You learn more about yourself! This helps you enhance your values, gain confidence, and build empathy.“ 4️⃣ “It can provide something vital for the ups and downs of the job search: a sense of community!“ Interested in volunteering? Here are four organizations in Sweden that are open to internationals: • Röda Korset • Volontärbyrån • PeaceWorks Sweden • Globalportalen What other organizations should we add to the list? Let us know in the comments! 💡 #Volunteering #Networking #JobSearch

“How do I know if I should stay in Sweden?” Sometimes we hear from newcomers who are struggling with whether they want to stay here long-term. Scott Couper — our Wellbeing Specialist at New to Sweden — shares valuable tools and advice in his latest blog post, “Should I stay or should I go?”. Dive in for supportive insights to help you find clarity and take the next step with confidence.🌟

Feeling a bit homesick this holiday season? You’re not alone! 💙 The winter holidays are a time of joy and connection, but if you’re new to Sweden and far from home, this season can bring a sense of homesickness. Whether you're missing loved ones, familiar traditions, or the warmth of home, it’s important to take care of your wellbeing. Here are a few tips to help you manage and embrace the season in Sweden: 1️⃣ Embrace traditions. Explore Swedish customs like Lucia or Julbord, or share your own traditions with new friends. Joining local festivities is a great way to bond, or you might plan a digital fika with family and friends back home. For example, you could bake lussekatter while chatting with loved ones online. 2️⃣ Stay active and explore. Discover what’s open during the holidays, like museums, gyms, or cozy cafés. Sweden’s beautiful landscapes are perfect for winter activities. Try ice skating, a peaceful walk through a snowy park, or even a city stroll to enjoy the lights. 3️⃣ Create your own festivities. Blend old and new by starting your own holiday traditions. Cook a dish from home, decorate in a way that brings you joy, or try crafting holiday cards with Swedish flair. Remember that it’s also okay to simply relax — this season is about recharging in ways that feel meaningful to you. 4️⃣ It’s okay to feel homesick. Missing home is normal. Acknowledge those feelings and practice self-compassion. It’s a strength to honor your emotions while finding ways to cope. Consider starting small rituals to ground yourself, like lighting candles, journaling, or indulging in a favorite holiday movie. 5️⃣ Seek support when needed. If homesickness feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to talk to a friend, counselor, or even a support group. Many people feel similar during the holidays, and sharing your thoughts can help lighten the emotional load. What helps you feel at home when you’re far away? Share your tips in the comments below! ⬇️ #Wellbeing #Homesickness #Internationals

You’ve landed an interview — grattis! But how can you show you’re the best person for the job? 🤔 One factor that’s crucial to help you stand out: genuine motivation. In today's competitive job market, many organizations prioritize candidates who are not only skilled, but enthusiastic and passionate about joining their team. Here are some tips: 1️⃣ Do your research. Review the company’s mission and values, but go further than that. Look at recent news, events, and projects. Use what you find to tailor your responses — and plan some insightful questions — for this particular company. 2️⃣ Review the job description. Remind yourself about the specific responsibilities and the requirements they’re looking for. By giving answers that tie back to the company’s needs, you show you’re focused on this specific role. This also makes it easier for the interviewer to connect your past experience to your future at the company. 3️⃣ Be enthusiastic! Speak confidently and let your genuine passion shine. Maintain good eye contact and use positive body language and active listening methods to show your engagement and interest. With these strategies, you can effectively convey your motivation and increase your chances of landing your dream job. ✨ Do you have any other tips to add? #WorkingInSweden #JobSearch #Interview

Hej Swedish learners, check out Swedish Conversation Club! This free digital språkcafe — organized by ONLINE SWEDISH — is open to all language levels. ✨ Sessions are held Wednesdays at 12:00 and Saturdays at 19:00, both on Microsoft Teams. All that’s required is a one-time registration, and then you’ll be notified via email about any upcoming sessions that you can join. (Always good to check your spam folder just in case!) Each session starts with a fun warm-up quiz game, followed by small-group discussions in breakout rooms. Each group gets to decide what they want to chat about, but there are suggested topics and an online Swedish language game if you'd like some inspiration to get started. Ready to practice Swedish in a welcoming digital environment? Learn more and register here: https://lnkd.in/dvSNhi5c #Svenska #Swedish #LearnSwedish

We’ve talked about the benefits of mentorship, but how can you find a mentor? One effective way to make these connections is to reach out to inspiring professionals in your field through LinkedIn or email. Networking events can also be fantastic opportunities to meet potential mentors. 🤝 And Sweden offers lots of resources in the mentorship arena! If you're seeking guidance, networking opportunities, or simply a friendly ear, there are many organizations offering mentorship programs. Here are some to consider: 1️⃣ Yrkesdörren (Sweden): Connects immigrants with established Swedish professionals for invaluable insights. 2️⃣ Mitt Liv (Major cities in Sweden): Promotes diversity and inclusion by matching mentors with foreign-born jobseekers to foster professional growth. Note that some mentorship programs may have specific application periods. 3️⃣ Öppet Hus (Gothenburg): Connects newcomers aged 35 or under with locals to foster cultural understanding and provide essential networking support, focusing on building equal, non-hierarchical relationships. 4️⃣ Nema Problema (Stockholm): Connects newcomers with experienced professionals to support their integration and career development in Sweden. 5️⃣ Or if you want to start your own business, you can connect with an organization that offers mentorship and other resources for entrepreneurs navigating the Swedish business landscape. Some examples are Start-Up Stockholm, Hetch (Helsingborg), Ideon Science Park (Lund), and Minc (Malmö). However you find your mentor, it’s important to understand what to do — and what to avoid. 💡 Keep these tips in mind: • Approach mentorship with curiosity. Your broader aim may be a job, but focus on gaining insights rather than asking for jobs! • Be genuine and clear about your goals. Mentors appreciate sincerity and a proactive attitude. • Build a relationship. Remember that mentorship is a two-way street; be open to learning and willing to give back when the time comes. • Stay persistent. Not everyone will respond positively, but sometimes all it takes is one great mentor to open doors. Know of any other great mentorship programs or tips? Drop them in the comments to share with the community. Let’s empower each other on this journey! 💛 #Mentorship #Networking #AQuickLookAt

Calling all Ready to Work participants! 😄 Our New to Sweden team and our wonderful partners at IBM really enjoyed connecting with you and learning more about your journeys as international jobseekers. We were blown away by the warmth and talent among the group — all 130+ of you! And because it can be a challenge for newcomers to build a network in Sweden, this post is a place where all the participants can come together to network and connect. Everyone’s welcome, whether you joined our most recent courses or whether you were with us during any previous Ready to Work session. Comment or react to this post if you'd like to connect with others here, and feel free to share a little about your industry or background as well. 💛 #Networking #ReadyToWork #WorkingInSweden

Getting a rejection after a job interview is never fun, especially if it seemed like the interview went well. And whether you get that message by phone or by email, you might feel too disappointed in the moment to ask for feedback. 😞 But if you're handed a “no,” make sure to take the opportunity to get some personal feedback! That could make all the difference in the next recruitment process. If you get the news by phone, it's best to ask your interviewer right away. Keep it friendly and positive: "Thanks so much for taking the time to meet with me about this opportunity. Is there something I could do differently in the future to strengthen my profile?" Take a similar approach if you get the unhappy news by email: respond within 24 hours to express gratitude and ask a polite question or two on what you might do differently in the future. Whatever feedback you get, avoid any defensive responses! The recruitment process is often stressful, and it's best to give yourself some time to feel frustrated or disappointed before you reflect on feedback. Then, you'll be another step closer to nailing the next interview! 💙 #Jobseekers #JobSearch #Feedback