Specifics of the Finnish job market: 2 things to consider
Eszter Kiss
Career Coach
I moved to Finland about two and a half years ago. My name is Eszter, and I'm originally from Hungary. Right now I work at Haaga-Helia, a University of Applied Sciences. I work as a career coach helping international students.
One of the most important things that foreigners might not realize is how crucial trust is in Finland. In this small country, once you enter a certain field, you'll soon know people within your circle in a specific city.
“This also means that about 70-80 percent of the jobs in Finland are so-called hidden jobs”
Consequently, it becomes challenging to break into this circle from the outside because positions are often granted based on trust. Someone knows someone who can recommend a candidate. This also means that about 70-80 percent of the jobs in Finland are so-called hidden jobs—they are not advertised.
Positions are filled through personal recommendations rather than public advertisements. Understanding this cultural aspect is vital: trust and the hidden job market play significant roles.
“Finnish people may apologize for their English proficiency even when they speak it fluently.”
Another thing to keep in mind is that Finnish people tend to be a bit shy. They have a tendency to downplay their abilities, which is also a cultural trait. Therefore, when applying for a position, either through an open application or network connections, it's important to stay realistic. Rather than using overly positive adjectives, focus on presenting numbers and facts. For example, Finnish people may apologize for their English proficiency even when they speak it fluently. If you come from a culture where you talk a lot, it might be difficult to integrate into the Finnish culture.
Full interview with Eszter