Finding a job
Looking for work in Sweden? Here are some starting points.
Job listings
There are many different starting points for finding a job in Sweden. The Swedish Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen) offers support to people looking for work. It offers information, advice and support.
Many people also use privately run job sites to find a job in Sweden. These websites usually include job listings (often in Swedish) and functions where you can upload your CV.
EURES – the European network for finding a job
Another good starting point for finding a job is the EURES portal, a collection of public and private job listings from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland. It is the European Labour Authority that runs this portal to encourage labour mobility and facilitate the free movement of workers. Citizens of EU/EEA countries or Switzerland can turn to a EURES advisor for help when looking for a job in Sweden. You can also make use of the EURES Targeted Mobility Scheme, which offers financial support when moving to another country for work.
You can get in touch with a EURES advisor at any organisation that is part of the EURES network – please see this list of EURES members.
Finding a job in a sector looking for talent
The Swedish Migration Agency together with the Public Employment Service regularly put together a list of occupations that are in high demand in Sweden, the labour shortage list (pdf, only in Swedish). Check it out – because if an employer offers you a job in a highly demanded occupation (i.e. one on this list), you can apply for a work permit from Sweden instead of having to return to your home country to apply. (Unfortunately, the list is only available in Swedish, so you may need to paste the link above into a web translation tool.)
Direct contact with a company
If you want to work at a specific company, it may be a good idea to apply for a job with them directly. Many companies include information on available positions on their websites. If you don’t find career information on a company’s website, you can contact them directly to ask if they can accept an open application.
Work experience/internships and fast tracks
Another way to get into the Swedish workforce is to participate in work experience/get an internship at a workplace. This gives you vocational experience, vocational orientation or experience in working life, which could give you a head start when applying for a proper job later on.
Korta vägen (‘the short cut’ – link to Folkuniversitetet, one of the educational associations involved) is a nationwide programme offering foreign academics a fast track to the Swedish employment market. The programme is available through the Swedish Public Employment Service.
