Discovering Finland's Hidden Job Market

Perhaps it goes without saying, but we’re saying it anyway – optimizing your LinkedIn profile is an essential step in your job search process, especially when searching for unannounced jobs. 

To make the most of LinkedIn, make sure your profile is complete and up to date. Highlight your skills and experience relevant to the job market and industry of interest in Finland. Recruiters and hiring managers use LinkedIn to search for candidates, and they will often check your profile when you connect with them or apply for a job. If you need help with LinkedIn, there are several online courses available to assist you.  

Include relevant industry-specific keywords in your profile to optimize your search ranking and boost your visibility on LinkedIn. This helps increase your chances of catching the attention of recruiters looking for talent in Finland. 

In addition, you can use hashtags to find opportunities not published on job boards. In Finland, popular job-related hashtags include #rekry and #rekrytointi. By following these hashtags, you can stay up-to-date with opportunities and connect with recruiters, employers, and job seekers in your field.  

You can join for example: Finland Young Professionals 

Social media remains an essential tool for networking and career advancement. To increase your visibility and showcase your skills and experience, keep your social media profiles updated with relevant information. 

Follow or connect with companies that interest you and regularly engage with their social media posts to show your interest. This activity can get you noticed by key employees and lead to potential opportunities when they see your work expertise. What’s more, nowadays it’s easier than ever to identify key employees and build rapport with them via social media.  

Furthermore, staying active on social media can also help you stay up-to-date with news and information about working in Finland.  Follow, for example, Work in Finland's LinkedIn account for that.  

And remember, LinkedIn is not the only relevant platform for job seekers. Many companies are also active on other social media platforms, with job openings also found on Facebook as well! 

Start by researching the companies you are interested in and looking for their "open application" section on their website. Uploading your CV here allows the company to store your information for future job opportunities if nothing is currently available. Tailor your CV to highlight your experience, skills, and qualifications that fit your interested position. Ensure that you also demonstrate the details the company is looking for while capturing your unique experience and achievements in a concise manner.  

If you are unable to find a dedicated career website or recruitment portal for a company, you can still explore other avenues to learn about potential job openings. Check the company's website for an email address or contact form and send a message expressing your interest in working for the company. You can also follow the company on LinkedIn, Facebook, or other social media platforms to stay updated on any job postings. 

Many companies use recruitment agencies and headhunters to find candidates for hidden jobs. These professionals have vast networks of contacts, including many companies across a broad range of industries, which allows them to fill these job openings. 

Start by researching companies in Finland that specialize in your industry. Once you have identified an agency or headhunter, find where to upload your CV and other information. If not, you can always contact them by sending a brief email or message via LinkedIn detailing your career goals and the roles you are interested in. As with company recruiters, it's also good practice to seek permission before sending your CV or resume to headhunters.  

When contacting recruiters, personalize your message, emphasizing your qualifications, experience, and aspirations. Always follow up with a friendly message and show respect for their time.  

Remember also to make a job applicant profile in Job Market Finland to get job postings that are right for you. Start by logging in here.  

Become active in networking groups related to your geographic area or profession. These groups are a great resource to make new connections through regular meetings or networking events, which often serve as a forum to share job hunting advice and experiences. Other professionals in your networking group may also hear about hidden job openings outside of their areas of interest that they can share with you. Actively participate in these groups and build relationships, even after landing a new job yourself.  

For those already living in Finland, exploring networking groups such as Expat-Finland, Finland Forum, The International English Speakers’ Association of Finland IESAF, and Women in Tech can provide an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and expand your network. In addition, you can find a list of many associations in Finland related to sports, culture, friendship, religion, and more on InfoFinland's website. 

If you're not living in Finland, it's worth checking for any associations related to Finland abroad. You can do this by contacting the Finnish embassy or searching online.  

Attending industry and career boosting events can be a great way to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in your industry or profession. Many companies and industry associations offer online events such as webinars and virtual conferences that are often free and easy to attend online from anywhere in the world. 

Physical events such as conferences, exhibitions, trade shows, or other events related to your industry or profession can also be valuable resources. Be sure to check for the events in your country, where Finnish companies may attend.  

Recruitment events, such as job fairs and webinars, are becoming increasingly common. They offer job seekers the chance to interact directly with recruiters and hiring managers and learn about job openings and career prospects in their field of interest. Remember that networking is key at these events, so be sure to prepare beforehand by researching the attendees and companies in advance. You can also make the most of these events by asking insightful questions during panel discussions, participating in breakout sessions, or by following up with fellow attendees after the event is over. 

Check out upcoming events listed on Work in Finland websites here.  

Volunteering isn't just a positive thing to do, it's also a great way to network and connect with like-minded people – and it may lead to work opportunities. Volunteering also helps to develop new skills and demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively with others. And who knows? You might even discover a new passion while doing something good for others. 

Interning and traineeships can be a valuable strategy for job seekers looking to break into the Finnish job market. An internship allows you to gain real-world experience, build your network, and demonstrate your skills and work ethic to potential employers. Internships can also help you learn more about the Finnish working culture and improve your Finnish language skills while you’re at it. 

To find internship opportunities, start by researching Finnish companies in your field and reaching out to them directly. You can also use online job boards, recruitment firms, and professional associations to search for internships matching your skillset.  

Read more about volunteering in Finland here, and about internships in Finland here. 

Your existing network can be a game-changer when it comes to your job search! This can include friends, family, colleagues, former colleagues, or other professionals who are located or have connections in the country where you wish to relocate. 

Start by sharing your job search goals with them and let them know what type of job you're looking for. This will help your connections identify potential job opportunities either at their firm or elsewhere. Interact with your professional contacts regularly but avoid spamming them with your CV or resume. 

Your contacts in Finland can provide insights into the job market and overall work culture in their home country. They may know of companies within your industry or other fields that are hiring. They can also connect you with other professionals or networks that can help you in your job search. 

Don't have contacts in Finland? That's okay. Here are some ways to leverage your network to broaden your job search: 

First, ask your existing contacts if they know someone who can help with your job search in Finland. They may have knowledge of the job market and work culture or know of potential job openings.  

Second, connect with professionals who have experience working in Finland. Utilize social media platforms to find and connect with professionals in your industry. Join online groups focused on or active in Finland to build new relationships with people who can provide insights and connections. 

Don't underestimate the power of networking and maintaining personal connections, and keep in mind that there's no shame in searching for new roles – everyone's doing it! 

Consider partnering with Finnish startups in your field. Many startups are looking for experienced and entrepreneurial talent to join them, even if they don't have any visible job openings. By working with a startup, you can gain valuable experience and possibly even create your own job. 

Explore Maria 01's comprehensive list of platforms and forums for start-up jobs in Finland. Maria 01 is a vibrant community of tech start-ups in Helsinki that has gathered a list of local and Nordic players to help retain talent and connect job seekers with exciting new opportunities.  

Start-up jobs can be found also at Work in Finland jobsite  

Check out also start-up ecosystem platforms like Dealroom, to find job opportunities and learn more about the start-up scene in Finland.   

Staying current with companies and developments in your industry can give you a competitive edge in finding hidden job opportunities in Finland. Keep your eyes open for companies that are planning to establish new units or investing heavily in areas where you have relevant skills and expertise. Look out for news about mergers or acquisitions that may indicate a need for professionals with your specific talents. Also, companies that have received significant investments may be ramping up their hiring needs and seeking professionals like you. If you identify a potential job opportunity, contact the company's HR department directly and offer your skills and expertise.  

For insights into working in specific industries such as ICT, Maritime, and Cleantech, check out articles by international talents on the Work in Finland website. In these articles you can also find links to companies in these industries that are hiring international talents.  

Check out also, for example, these English online newspapers: Helsinki Times, Good News From Finland, Foreigners in Finland and Daily Finland. There is a good list of Finnish news, magazines and podcasts in Expat Finland’s websites.  

Learning Finnish not only provides a competitive edge when searching for jobs in Finland but also a great opportunity to meet others who share an interest in Finland. By building relationships in your Finnish language classes, you might get help in finding a job from someone who has connections or knowledge in your desired industry. Building networks and contacts during the class and beyond can open up new opportunities and provide a deeper understanding of Finnish culture, which can be invaluable in the job search process.  

There are many Finnish courses at different levels available online. Take a look at, for example, Kielibuusti.fi , that offers a wide range of resources and advice to help you improve your Finnish or Swedish language skills. 

See also Finnishcourses.fi and InfoFinland. 

Reach out to the Finnish embassy in your home country and inquire about potential job opportunities or partnerships with Finnish companies in your industry. 

Finland's embassies, consulates general and honorary consulates by country can be found here.  

By implementing these tips and building a strong network, you can successfully increase your chances of finding job opportunities in Finland. Stay positive and focus on continuous growth and improvement. Even though the job search may seem challenging at times, remember that your next opportunity may be just around the corner.