JOB SEARCH IN DENMARK. CBS March 2015 Line Rauff Greisen & Gert Peuliche

Programme Workindenmark Danish labour market Danish working place Tips for your job search CV & Danish Cover letter

Workindenmark

The Danish Labour Market Flexicurity Flexibility + Security = Flexicurity ”Hire and fire” combined with social security Result: dynamic job market ( vacancies every year) Work Flexibility Social Security ALMP 30% job changes every year

The Danish Labour Market Trade unions Employer's organisations and trade unions negotiate salaries and employment terms Minimum wages not regulated by law Trade union representatives on most work places (da. tillidsrepræsentant) Consider a membership

Unemployment Insurance You are not automatically insured against unemployment (it is voluntary) Unemployment insurance fund = "A-kasse“ Most unemployment insurance funds are affiliated with specific trade unions Consider if you want to insure yourself against unemployment

The Danish Labour Market Shortages Engineers IT-specialists Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Medical Specialist Technical…….

Danish working place

Danes are reserved Danes are informal “du” Danes enjoy their work Humor Work life balance Social events and activities Independence and responsibility Flexible - flexible working hours Punctuality – be on time Culture of discussion - consensus Danish working place

Tips for your job search

What is your market value? Identify your competences, experience, demands Which enterprises could be interesting for you – and interested in you? What are your qualifications? Do you have special skills?

1.Find companies who could be interesting for you – and not least interested in you! 2.Think in broad terms: focus on possibilities, not only the job of your dreams! 3.Target your CV and cover letter 4.Sell yourself – be active!

Language skills Learn Danish English is important too Your own language is valuable

Networking Why networking? Types of network (friends,”foreninger”, etc.) Business card Others:

Be active: jobfairs, websites etc. Fairs: An excellent chance to meet the companies face-to-face! Research on the internet – keywords in Danish: Jobmesse (job fair), karrieremesse (career fair)

CV How to write an effective CV?

A good CV: is like a product description has to show factual information about you should leave a good impression of you just by glimpsing it Your CV is your promotion and sales material!

Before writing a CV Make a profile of competences: = overview of all your working and education qualifications and personal characteristics (professional, social & personal) Make a long list with the tasks you had in your former jobs Helps you to target your CV and delete less significant competences

Preparation for a concrete CV Read the advertisement Select the competences you want to highlight Target your CV Danish or English Decide which type of CV you want to make – skill-based or chronological?

How to structure your chronological CV 1.Personal details 2.Personal profile 3.Work experience 4.Education 5.Language Skills 6.IT Skills 7.Interests 8.References

Two types of CV Skills-based: –Focus on skills and competences –Interesting when you have been working in few enterprises, have limited work experience or very different experience Chronological: –Focus on your specialised/targeted work history –Provides a good overview over time –In Denmark always the latest experience first

References There are two options here: the generic statement 'References are available on request’. names and contact information of relevant references on the CV, if you have approval. 2-3 references is fine.

Points to remember Max 2 pages Use simple language Documentation: do not send documentation unless mentioned in the job ad Have someone read over your CV Do a spell check! (“I speak fluent Englesh, Inglish, Eniglish” does not really instill confidence) CV in Pdf. Print out your CV

The letter of motivation

The main goal of a motivation letter: To get an interview

Preparing your letter of motivation Start by Researching the company well Reading over the job description thoroughly Preparing your letter by thinking about the following points; 1. Why do you think you are specifically suitable for the role? 2. What are the competences you possess that match the role? 3. Why would you want to work for that particular company?

Content of the letter of motivation A good application is future-oriented and directs itself to the tasks in the given job –Show that you have understood the job and how you can meet the demands –Stay focused on the tasks to be solved –Explain what special skills and qualities you can bring to the job –Show both your professional and personal competences –Demonstrate your knowledge of the company –Show your MOTIVATION

Some guidelines headline to present yourself – no Dear! Be brief and accurate Use examples Only one page Check for errors

Thank you for your attention