Applying for a job
E-mailing your CV with a cover letter is usually step 1 when applying for a job in Sweden.
The application process
Applying for a job in Sweden is probably not that different from applying for a job in any other country. First, send of your curriculum vitae, CV, together with a cover letter. The CV should show your professional background; the cover letter (personligt brev) should outline why you are the right person for the job.
Other documents required?
Some fields of work may require other types of documents or samples of work, such as a portfolio or certification. If you are not sure what the company or organisation asks for, you can either contact the employer directly to ask for a clarification or contact the relevant union for advice.
Links to Swedish unions
How to prepare for an interview
The company will review your documents and contact you if you have gone forward to the interview (intervju) stage of the recruitment process. The employer already knows your basic qualifications; during the interview, you have the chance to show your enthusiasm for the job at hand and give the employer a sense of who you are as a person.
Be prepared for some questions that are not directly work-related – the employer might ask about your family and what you do in your spare time.
Check your visa situation!
If you apply for a job in Sweden from abroad, your first interview may take place via phone or video conference (e.g. Teams or Zoom). If the employer invites you to come to Sweden for an interview, bear in mind that citizens of certain countries may need a visa. See the Migration Agency’s website for details.
During the interview, the employer should let you know what the rest of the recruitment process will look like. Depending on the field and type of position, you may attend several interviews or complete a test.
What happens next?
After your interview, the employer will contact you to let you know if they have selected you for the job. Once you have a job offer, your country of citizenship will determine your next steps.
Read about work permits to learn about the process for citizens of your particular country.
