If you’re reading this, you’re probably like many out there – unemployed and trying to find a job in Sweden without experience but feeling like you’re swimming against the current.

Well, the bad news are that Sweden has its unique set of challenges (don’t worry, we’ll discuss them later).

And those challenges get increasingly complicated if you factor in the lack of experience.

So… the point to this article is to offer you some real, practical solutions so you can deal with this situation if you’re an inexperienced job seeker.

Let’s do it!

Challenges in Sweden for Job Seekers With no Experience

Welcome to Sweden, where the job hunt to earn a salary can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re just starting out (and even trickier if you want what’s considered a “good salary“).

Wondering about what kind of “issues” I’m talking about?

Well, here’s some of them:

The “Hidden” Job Market in Sweden

The “Hidden” Job Market in Sweden is a significant aspect of the country’s employment landscape.

So… what is the “hidden” job market? Well, the thing is that in Sweden, lots of jobs aren’t advertised.

With about 70% of jobs not publicly advertised, these positions are often filled through personal connections or direct inquiries to companies which can be a bit inconvenient for foreign job seekers that are just settling up in Sweden.

This happens due to many reasons, such as the existence of a strong employer’s network that remove the necessity of them seeking candidates “outside”.

I mean, I’d go as far as to say that if you don’t know the right people, you’ll surely miss these hidden job opportunities.

Nepotism

Sometimes, jobs in Sweden go to friends or family, it’s not fair, but it’s just the way it is.

I don’t know if you are aware but Swedish culture values ‘lagom,’ a concept that emphasizes balance and not going to extremes. This cultural trait could lead to employers preferring candidates within their existing social or professional circles, as it’s seen as a ‘safer’ or more balanced choice.

Yes.. another way of calling that is nepotism which is where jobs are reserved for Swedish relatives or friends. While not widespread, it does happen in Sweden, and it can be frustrating if you’re on the outside looking in.

Not All Industries Are Equal

In Sweden, as in many places, the field of study you chose for your education can significantly impact your job prospects.

I mean, if your studies were in fields like arts or social sciences, the path to landing a job without experience might not be as straightforward as in other fields (such as IT).

These areas, while incredibly valuable, don’t always have the same level of demand in the Swedish job market.

Don’t get me wrong, this doesn’t mean that jobs aren’t available, but it may require more effort and creativity to find suitable positions.

Language Barrier

Knowing Swedish is a big deal for many jobs, especially if you need to get a job without job experience.

Without prior work experience, your language skills often become a key factor in demonstrating your readiness to integrate into the Swedish workplace.

Employers view proficiency in Swedish not just as a communication skill during working hours, but as a sign of commitment to adapting to the local culture and work environment.

So… I’d say that not speaking Swedish can be a significant as it limits access to a wider range of job opportunities and can hinder full participation in many professional settings.

Networking to Overcome the “Hidden Swedish Job Market”

Okay, suppose you’ve decided to relocate to Sweden, whether as an EU citizen or by pursuing a work visa.

In either scenario, securing a job is a necessity.

So.. what do you do?

In this scenario of a “hidden” job market where job offers are only shared with family and friends networking becomes essential.

I mean, how else are you supposed to pierce through the “hidden” Swedish job market?

In a market where jobs are shared through personal connections, your network essentially becomes your radar for new opportunities. Think it of as the flashlight that guides you through the darkness.

So, the stronger and wider your network, the more likely you are to catch one of these “hidden” jobs, regardless of your past job experience.

How to Build a Network in Sweden

Unless you want to not rely in Swedish businesses and instead earn money as a freelancer in Sweden (that is, with the proper self employed visa active), you’ve got to get to the point where you ask yourself:

How would I approach building my own network in Sweden?

Well, this is what I’d do:

1. Start with LinkedIn: Ensure your profile is up-to-date and engaging. Connect with professionals in your desired industry and actively participate in discussions. Your job experience doesn’t matter, just try to provide value
2. Attend Industry Events: Join conferences, seminars, and workshops. These are goldmines for meeting people who can open doors to new opportunities regardless of your job experience
3. Volunteer or Intern: Engaging in volunteer work or internships in your field can be a great way to meet professionals and prove your skills to hopefully end up with a job in Sweden
4. Leverage Alumni Networks: If you studied in Sweden or even abroad, your alumni network can be a valuable resource, don’t underestimate it!

The Role of Swedish Language Skills in Networking

While many Swedes speak English, in professional settings, Swedish often remains the preferred language particularly for building your social network.

I’d go as far as saying that in networking, the ability to communicate in the local language can be the difference between a polite nod and a meaningful conversation that could lead to your next job contract opportunity.

Enhancing Your Employability

There are a few tips I’d advice you to follow if you want to maximize your chances of getting your first job in Sweden without any experience and finally take advantage of those sweet benefits this country has to offer.

Let’s discuss them:

Make a Solid CV and Cover Letter

In Sweden’s “hidden” job market, your resume and cover letter are your first (and sometimes only) chance to make an impression on potential employers.

So, how do you ensure your CV and cover letter stand out?

They must be crafted to be engaging and reflective of your unique strengths. Also, they should present your story, emphasizing how your skills, education, and any relevant experiences align with what Swedish employers seek.

I actually made two articles on how to build your cv and cover letter to find a job in Sweden, you can check them out here:

You might be interested in: How to write a CV in Sweden?

You might be interested in: How to write a cover letter in Sweden?

The Importance of Interview Preparation

Interview preparation is crucial, especially if you’re aiming for your first job in Sweden with no experience, as it demonstrates your knowledge about the role and the company but also your commitment to integrate into the Swedish work culture effectively.

To achieve this, you should:

• Prepare your answers
• Understand the company’s business activities and culture
• Learn about specifics of the job
• Show yourself proactive and willing to do extra hours
• Memorize how your skills and experiences make you the ideal candidate

I made an article specifically designed to help you ace your job interview in Sweden, check it out:

You might be interested in: HR Interview Questions in Sweden

Swedish Job Boards to Find Job as Inexperienced Job Seeker

The first thing you hear when it comes to getting a job in Sweden without experience is to get help in the Swedish Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen).

This is a government agency that provides services like job listings, career counseling, and tools to improve job-hunting skills in Sweden. However, its role in actual job placement is somewhat limited, with a small percentage of jobs filled directly through its services.

So, I’d say that while it’s a useful starting point, many job seekers without experience also need to explore other job boards where they’ll find more job offers.

I made a list of such companies in Sweden, so you didn’t have to waste time at that:

• Incluso: Specializes in integrating foreign-born graduates into the Swedish labor market, covering various sectors​​.
• Ferrotaget: Focuses on staffing solutions for the hospitality industry​​.
• Säljpoolen: Offers recruitment services in leadership, sales, and market industry sectors​​.
• Autorekrytering: Specializes in the automotive industry​​.
• Kimm: Focuses on recruitment for marketing and communication roles​​ in international companies

You might be interested in: Recruitment agencies in Sweden

Leveraging Educational Background

I believe that the educational background a person without job experience has is a powerful asset in the Swedish job market as it’ll allow you to highlight your academic achievements and any projects that align with the job you’re targeting.

This demonstrates your foundational knowledge and potential to employers, which could benefit the chances of you getting that job, even if you can’t prove that with past work experience.

I’d also say you should try to frame your academic experience focusing on gained transferable skills (think of critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, etc…) as they are highly valued by Swedish employers and can make you an attractive candidate, even without extensive work experience.

Let’s discuss some examples:

• If you studied marketing, for example, your ability to analyze market trends (shown with a portfolio, for example) can be very appealing to employers.
• Similarly, if your background is in engineering, your problem-solving and analytical skills can be valuable in technology, manufacturing, or even project management roles (this can be shown with a university thesis).

Be Open to Any Type of Job

When you’re starting out in the Swedish job market without experience, it’s wise to be open to various types of jobs. This can be a strategic move, as it allows you to gain transferable skills that are valuable across many industries.

I’d say it doesn’t really matter what type of job you get at first… yes, I said it, any kind of job experience can be beneficial!

For instance, working as a cashier in a grocery store may not seem directly related to your desired career path, but it teaches customer service, money handling, and multitasking skills.

I mean, these roles can provide valuable insights into different work environments, instill essential professional skills, and at times, pave the way to more permanent positions that you can either accept or decline.

By being open to varied opportunities, you can build a diverse skill set that enhances your resume and prepares you for more specialized roles in the future after you decide to hand your resignation letter, quit and go looking for better jobs.

Also, think about exploring internships and utilizing staffing agencies.

While they may not offer substantial pay, they can lead you to roles more aligned with your field of study and provide the crucial experience needed to demonstrate to potential employers your capability for a full-time position.