By Karin Björkman Tendijck – Founder & Recruitment Partner at Beyondo
Sweden is known for its innovation, quality of life, and progressive work culture. But for international job seekers, landing a job here can be both exciting and challenging. And for companies, hiring international talent requires cultural awareness and a flexible mindset.
This post is for both professionals seeking work in Sweden and employers looking to hire them. Based on my talk at La French Tech Stockholm, I share insights on navigating the Swedish labour market, building your personal brand, and bridging cultural gaps in recruitment.
My journey back to Sweden
After 25 years abroad – 5 in Switzerland and 20 in the Netherlands – I returned to Sweden with international experience in hotel management and recruitment. Repatriating was the hardest move. Luckily, I had my previous employer behind me and launched Beyondo after five years as a franchisee for Undutchables.
Today, I help companies in Sweden and international candidates connect across cultures with insight, structure, and a human approach to hiring. As well as assisting international companies entering the Swedish market.
The Swedish Labour Market – A Reality Check (October 2025)
- Unemployment among Swedish-born (Q2 2025): 3.6%
- Unemployment among foreign-born: 13.1%
- Youth unemployment (15–24 years): 24.4%
- Over 50% of young people are not in work (SCB, Q2 2025)
→ Source: Statistics Sweden (SCB), Labour Force Survey Q2 2025
And here’s the kicker: 23% of jobs go unadvertised. Many roles are filled through networking, referrals, and internal mobility. Public sector jobs must be advertised, but private companies are free to recruit through informal channels.
→ Source: SCB Job Openings and Recruitment Needs Q2 2025
The Swedish Paradox: Modesty vs. Unicorns
Swedish workplace culture values flat hierarchies, consensus, and modesty. Yet job ads often ask for “unicorns” – perfect candidates with a long list of skills. So, how do you promote yourself just enough?
This is where personal branding becomes essential – especially for foreign professionals who may not be familiar with Swedish norms.
Industries Hiring English-Speaking Talent
If you’re looking for English-speaking jobs in Sweden, focus on:
- Tech & IT (software development, AI, cybersecurity)
- Finance & Fintech (analysts, controllers, compliance)
- Healthcare & Life Sciences (private clinics, labs)
- Engineering (energy, infrastructure, R&D)
- Customer Support & Sales (global clients, SaaS)
- Gaming & Media (Spotify, King, Paradox Interactive)
These sectors often operate in English and value international experience.
Departments Most Likely to Hire Internationals
Companies in Sweden often hire international talent into:
- IT & Software Development
- Engineering & R&D
- Finance & Compliance
- Marketing & Communications
- Customer Experience
- Project Management & Consulting
These departments are typically more open to English-speaking professionals and appreciate global perspectives.
How to Stand Out – Tips That Actually Work
Whether you're applying for jobs or trying to attract talent, visibility matters. Here are proven strategies:
- Ask for LinkedIn recommendations from professors, colleagues, or supervisors
- Spread the word – let your network know you’re available
- Join LinkedIn groups and engage with content
- Attend career fairs, webinars, and industry meetups
- Take short courses or certifications to show commitment
- Reach out directly to companies – even without a job ad
How Beyondo Bridges the Gap Between Talent and Employers
At Beyondo, we understand that hiring across cultures isn’t just about matching skills—it’s about understanding expectations, communication styles, and workplace norms.
For Companies:
Cultural translation: We help Swedish employers understand the mindset and motivations of international candidates.
Tailored recruitment: We design hiring processes that are inclusive, clear, and aligned with both Swedish and global standards.
Employer branding support: We advise on how to position your company to attract international professionals.
Onboarding guidance: We support smoother integration of international hires into Swedish teams.
For Candidates:
Realistic guidance: We offer honest advice about the Swedish job market and cultural expectations.
Brand-building support: We help candidates present themselves authentically and effectively.
Network access: We connect job seekers with companies open to hiring international talent.
Application coaching: We guide candidates on how to approach Swedish employers—even when jobs aren’t advertised.
Be You and Do
Here is a summary of key takeaways:
Sweden values soft skills and cultural fit as much as technical expertise — understanding local norms like Jantelagen can make a big difference.
Personal branding is essential, especially for international candidates. Being visible and clear about your strengths helps you stand out.
Employers benefit from international talent by gaining fresh perspectives, language skills, and global experience — but need to adapt onboarding and communication.
Recruitment in Sweden is often indirect — networking, referrals, and subtle self-promotion are more effective than aggressive applications.
Work-life balance and well-being matter — burnout is real, and both candidates and companies should prioritise sustainable work cultures.
Beyondo supports both sides — helping candidates navigate the Swedish job market and guiding employers to recruit and retain international talent effectively.
Job hunting in Sweden is rarely straightforward—especially for international professionals. It’s not just about meeting formal criteria, but about navigating cultural expectations, understanding unwritten rules, and finding your place in a system that values both individuality and consensus. Your brand is not a performance; it’s a reflection of your experience, your values, and your potential. Own it, share it, and let it guide your next step.
Whether you're hiring or job hunting, Beyondo is here to help.
