Job Searching Advice
To this page we have gathered general information about job searching in Kuopio area.
Job searching in Finland might differ greatly from the customs of your own country. This is why it is important to familiarize yourself with Finnish formalities in job searching to make sure you succeed. Let’s remember, it’s not a sprint – it’s a marathon and the as long as you keep doing – you will end up at the finish line eventually! Good luck!
General information in job searching in Finland
There are many places where you can find adds for open postions and most of them are posted online. Below you can find some of the websites that gather open positions. You can also contact interesting companies through their website – especially if they have an opportunity for you to send an open application. To find interesting companies in your field you can try to search through Taloustutka. It’s a free resource for the 10 biggest companies. Try it here: Taloustutka
Remember that most of the open positions are hidden and not posted online at all. This is why networking is absolutely crucial part of success in landing a position. As hard as it may be in a new county – you have to stay vocal about your future plans and the fact you’re searching for a job. How to do that? For example through LinkedIn! We’re added some LinkedIn -tips at the end of this page to help you network.
Start with analysing your current situation: are you a student? How many hours per week are you able to work? Are you looking for a full time or part time position? What is your preferred field or are you open to anything? If so, what are the preferred tasks, what are you able to do and what do you still need help with? Do you have a car – can you work somewhere further away from your home?
Start looking for open positions and maintain your job searching documents and keep them up to date. Modify them when needed and try different appoaches. Listen to podcasts and read articles, educate yourself as much as you can.
Remember that mindset is everything! Stay hopeful, stay active and remember to enjoy the process – even though sometimes it might seem hard. Your input and your effort will be rewarded.
Good luck with your job searching endevours!
-
- Työmarkkinatori This link will open to a new tab
- Duunitori This link will open to a new tab
- Oikotie -työpaikat This link will open to a new tab
- Jobly This link will open to a new tab
- Kuntarekry – The municipalities open positions This link will open to a new tab
- Valtiolle – the Finnish Governments open positions This link will open to a new tab
- LinkedIn This link will open to a new tab
-
CV – Curriculum Vitae (In Finnish: Ansioluettelo)
- One page
- Includes a clear picture (recommended)
- Work history – starting with the newest
- Education – starting with the newest
- Language skills
- Contact information – phone number and email are enough
Highlight your key competences and your future plans and make sure your CV is modified to the position you’re applying!
Do not include:
- Your social security number
- Your address
Pro tip: You can find many free resources and templates online to make your CV stand out visually!
Cover letter (In Finnish: Saatekirje)
Cover letter is your actual job application. This letter is your chance to highlight why you think you should be hired to the position.
Make sure you read the job add carefully and in a way “reply” to the job add with your application. For example, start with mentioning where you saw the add and why you decided to apply – what peaked your interest and why you think you would succeed in the role?
Highlight parts from your work history and education which suit the specific tasks and make sure you iterate how you would see yourself succeeding in the role. You can also mention your thoughts about this role developing in the future.
Research the company to familiriaze yourself with what they do in order to help you write an application that stands out.
Tips
- Make sure the cover letter fits on one page
- Make sure it has your contact information to make it easy to call you back
- You can let your personality show a little bit
- You can even make it visually match your CV
Read this blog arcticle on Indeed.com for more tips and advice! The link opens in a new tab.
-
Start networking!
Networking is very important – not only does it increase your sense of belonging and community, but it helps you with your job search. You never know when someone’s in a need of a helping hand and they might think of you!
Start with local events and happenings, search for organisations that organize smaller events locally. In Kuopio in addition to International House for example Kompassi Puijola and the Red Cross organizes events for internationals.
Online you can start with LinkedIn! LinkedIn is a social media for professionals, companies and it’s theme is highly wrapped around the working life. Recruiters hire people and job seekers highligh their competence. Start with starting a profile and updating your information there. There is a LinkedIn Quick Guide below that you can also download to help you get started. Find other internationals in Kuopio area from LinkedIn, get connected and share information with each other.
There are also many groups on Facebook where you can connect with other internationals and share experiences and best practices. Join local groups also the ones in finnish to learn the language quicker! You can find a list of language learning opportunities here: Finnish Language Studies
- Join events you find on Facebook, LinkedIn and on The event calendars of Kuopio
- Search for comminity happenings
- If you’re a student – join groups including also finnish students and
- Keep an eye on events at Savonia and UEF
- Keep an eye on Events at International House Kuopio
-
TyöNavigaattori organizes an event called “Duunitorstai” every thursday at TyöNavigaattori offices at Asemakatu 7 (starting from 11.11.2024). At the event you can meet an employer – the representative employer changes every week.
More information here: Digiparkki and Duunitorstai
ForeAmmatti is a digital tool used by Kuopio Employement Service. Once you have acquired your personal login information you can access a free compatence mapping tool, which can help you in writing about your skills while looking for a job!
Claned is a platform used by Kuopio Employment Service and it includes a free online course for drafting your CV and searching for jobs! You can access Claned once your have applied for login info for ForeAmmatti.
You can apply for ForeAmmatti login information here: ForeAmmatti
Navigate to a New Career is a free of charge career coaching service for Kuopio residents. Read more about career coaching and make an appointment here: Career Coaching at TyöNavigaattori
More resourcecs coming soon as the website is developed forward. Stay tuned!
