Entering the Swedish workforce as someone new to the country can feel both inspiring and uncertain. In a recent “New to Sweden” session, job seekers shared their most common questions and challenges. We've gathered the most valuable insights and turned them into a helpful Q&A for anyone looking to build a career in Sweden.
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In many industries, work is manageable without Swedish, especially in international environments. However, a large number of employers still require Swedish skills, especially for roles involving local clients or internal communication.
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Yes, many job seekers feel that connections play a big role. Networking is often key to finding opportunities – and that can be a challenge if you're new to the country.
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Social and professional circles in Sweden tend to be quite closed. Building trust and relationships takes time, but they’re often essential for accessing the job market.
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Yes, it’s highly recommended. Unions play a central role in the Swedish labor market. Many offer valuable services like career advice, CV reviews and legal support.
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Yes – your resume and cover letter should always be adapted to the specific role. Your LinkedIn profile can stay more general, but make sure it reflects the kind of roles you’re targeting.
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It depends. Some professions are fairly universal, but others may require recognition or topping up with local courses. Adding a Swedish qualification can improve your chances.
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It can be more challenging, as some employers prefer candidates who already have the right to work in Sweden. However, this varies by industry and role.
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It’s increasingly common to leave out the photo to avoid unconscious bias. Focus on your skills and experience instead.
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It refers to the unpredictable nature of hiring – companies may post jobs or engage with candidates to explore the market without being fully ready to hire.
Additional questions from the New to Sweden session
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It’s best to tailor your CV to the job you’re applying for. Focus on relevant experience, but if your CV feels too empty, it’s okay to include other roles. Just keep them brief and clearly separated from the main experience section.
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Start with your most relevant experience at the top. Use a clean layout and avoid unnecessary details. Swedish employers appreciate clarity, transparency and logic in how your background fits the role.
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You’re not alone – many newcomers share this experience. Internships help build local experience, but some employers may lean toward candidates with full-time Swedish experience. Combine internships with strategic networking and connect with recruiters who understand international profiles.
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Highlight your transferable skills and relevant experience. For example, if you worked as a nutritionist and want to become a care assistant, emphasize your client-facing and caregiving skills.
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Yes, it’s a shared experience for many. Keep refining your approach, and consider networking or connecting with support organizations for international talent in Sweden.
And most importantly – be kind to yourself during the process. It’s a journey