First of all, if you graduate from VIA, make use of our Career Centre. The Career Centre offers guidance in relation to your CV and the Danish job market, as well as workshops, events in collaboration with local businesses and post vacant positions regularly. All students and graduates of VIA get free access to the services offered by the Career Centre.
Here are some general tips on how to find a full-time job in Denmark:
Researching the job market in Denmark
Before starting you job hunt, it is a good idea to research the Danish job market and the industry that you are interested in working in. This could be as simple as googling which companies offer positions in your field of interest in the area that you live in or are willing to move to. Make a list of possible employers, keep an eye on open positions on their websites and perhaps send them an unsolicited application.
It is also a good idea to keep an eye on job portals such as LinkedIn and Jobindex and make a profile and make sure your CV is up-to-date. If you are not fluent in Danish, check out the Work in Denmark portal, which gathers vacant positions in Denmark in English (and get started on your Danish lessons!) – the Work in Denmark portal also has many great tips on how to find a job in Denmark as a foreigner.
Consider joining a professional association. Most Danes are members of a professional association, which offers access to e.g. courses and continuing education and networking events.
How to make the perfect resumé
When looking for a full-time job in Denmark, make sure that your CV and cover letter is updated with information relevant to the position you are applying to. Leave out any experience, education or skills that are not relevant to the position in question. You can find templates for both CV and cover letter online, but try to personalise the layout a little bit to help you stand out from the crowd.
It is a good idea to scan through job advertisements in the industry you are applying to to find the key words and lingo used by recruiters. Make sure to include these in your documents.
Recruiters in Denmark place great value on your personal qualities and social skills, because Danish workplaces are often organised in teams and offer a high level of autonomy, so they want someone that fits into the existing team. Therefore, make sure that your personality shines through – for example by adding a few lines about who you are as a person to your CV.
VIA’s Career Centre offers advice on how to write a CV and cover letter adapted to the Danish job market, a range of online tools and reoccurring webinars. Services are available to all VIA students and graduates. Learn more about the services offered by VIA Career Centre here.
Networking in Denmark
Having a great industry-relevant network can increase your chances of landing the dream job. You can start building a network already during your studies – for example by taking an industry relevant student job or internship. Meet Tereza, a software technology engineering student at VIA, who has a student job with the LEGO Group or Justas, also studying Software Technology Engineering, and an intern at the Danish manufacturing company LINAK. Find more information on how to get a student job here.
You can also join a professional organisation. They often host networking events.
Applying for jobs in Denmark
In Denmark, most job positions are still filled through the traditional job post, application, 1-2 interviews process, however, an increasing amount (20-30% of vacancies) are filled via network, so make sure to use the networking tips above.
Also, make sure that your Visa/residence and work permits are in order. Go to the Visa and residence permit page to learn more [LINK].
When you are getting ready to apply for a job, it could be a good idea to contact the employer before sending your application. This will allow you to ask any questions you may have and target your cover letter to the specific position. In addition, it is a chance for you to give the employer a personal impression of you.
If you get invited for a job interview, make sure to prepare well. Study the company and prepare a few questions, e.g. about specific tasks, work environment and the like. Compared to other countries, Danish job interviews tend to be quite informal – reflecting the general environment in Danish workplaces.
Go to Work in Denmark for information on norms and unwritten rules at job interviews in Denmark.
What jobs are in demand in Denmark?
Unemployment rates in Denmark are currently very low, which means that candidates are in high demand in most sectors. Especially the engineering and construction sectors (Software Technology Engineering, Climate and Supply Engineering and Architectural Technology and Construction Management) need highly skilled employees.