Living and working in Sweden Elena Tornberg, EURES Adviser

Source: EMS kalender 2001/ ZAMG ( ) Some facts about Sweden -EU-member state since Sweden is the third largest country in the EU -9,7 million inhabitants - 85% live in the south and 85% live in cities -Population density: 21 people/km2 (Italy 198 p/km2) -Currency: Svenska kronor (Swedish Crown) SEK 100 = EUR 10, lakes -8,000 Italian citizens live in Sweden

km2 Stockholm Malmö Göteborg 1574 km Malmö-Kiruna: 1440 km Malmö-Milan: 1160 km Kiruna Umeå Average temperatures JanuaryJuly Malmö-0,2 C+16,8 C Stockholm-2,8 C+17,2 C Kiruna-16,0 C+12,8 C Daylight January 1July 1 Malmö7 hours17 hours Stockholm6 hours18 hours Kiruna0 hours24 hours Geography and climate

Most jobs require good level of Swedish In some highly skilled jobs you can use English (still expected that you learn Swedish) Engineers IT-specialists Medical doctors, specialist nurses Few jobs for low skilled workers with no Swedish. Free basic swedish web course on Language skills

Unemployment rate, EUROSTAT, July 2015 EU28 10,2% Norway 3,8% Germany 4,9% Sweden 8 % Italy 12,6 % Spain 24,5% Greece 27,2% Labour Market Statistics

Labour market shortages Engineering and IT - Power Systems Engineers - Electrical Engineers - Automation Engineers - Mechanical Engineers - Software Developer - System Developer - IT Architects - Software Test Engineer - Mining and Metallurgy Engineers - HVAC Engineers - Civil Engineers Linkedin Eures Sweden -Eures Sweden ICT -Eures Sweden Enginering Professions

Labour market shortages Other professions Physicians Surgical Nurses Nurses, psychiatric care Nurses in emergency care Geriatric Nurses Chefs Preschool teachers Car Mechanics, heavy vehicles

Full time, 40 hours per week Minimum 25 days vacation per year No national minimum wage Collective agreements between trade unions and employers Working in Sweden

All EU/EEA or Swiss citizens have the right to work in Sweden Citizens of a non-EU country - need a work permit

Universitets- och Högskolerådet The Swedish Higher Education Authority The National Board for Health and Welfare licences for regulated health care professions Recognition of foreign diplomas

Public Employment Services Many links to other major job websites EURES Swedish newspapers Jobs in English Finding a job

Applying via web site, online or Applications should be typewritten in Swedish or English. An application consists of: Cover letter (1 page) CV (1-2 pages) Applying for a job in Sweden

Cover Letter Should be a ”bridge” that shows employer how your CV meets his or her vacancy ad’s requirements Don’t repeat information that’s in your CV - explain what you’ve learned, what you can offer them, give an example showing how you work or deal with customers

The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. Mention the position you are applying for and where you found the job listing. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. Middle Paragraph(s); The next section should describe what you have to offer the employer. Mention specifically how your qualifications match the job you are applying for. Remember, you are interpreting your resume, not repeating it. Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow-up. Cover Letter

should contain information on: why the company interests you; why your skills and experience would be an asset to the company; also provide information on how you can be contacted if the company is interested in following up with you. Letters of Interest - also known as prospecting letters

CV Simple, attractive layout — think about how it looks! You can start with either your education or work experience Reverse time order — the latest is first We write dates: YY-MM-DD Don ’ t go back too far in time (except certain education) Skip short courses, apprenticeships if they ’ re not relevant

After sending the application… Positive with telephone contact Have some intelligent questions ;-) An extra chance to market yourself and stand out!

Job interview Be on time! Adaped your dress to your position Be prepared 3 most common interview questions: - Tell us a little bit about yourself. -Tell us about your strengths and limitations. -Where do you see yourself in five years?

Flat organisations Team work and consensus - Swedes tend to avoid conflicts ”Du” – first name basis – informality! Gender equality Strong trade unions Swedish work place culture

Municipal tax between %, depending on where you live Most people pay only municipal tax State tax is paid on taxable incomes above 420,800 SEK – 20% above 602,600 SEK – 25 % (2014) Income Tax

Social Insurance Sickness Parental leave (paid for 480 days) Dental care Pensions

Is not a part of the Social Insurance scheme Basic insurance: No membership requirement, max 320 SEK/day Voluntary insurance: For members of an unemployment insurance fund, max 680 SEK/day 300 days, 5 days per week. Tax will be deducted. Unemployment insurance

Rent an apartment or house (cooker, fridge and freezer included) 1 bedroom apartment, average rent 500 EURO/month, 68 m 2 (heating included) Buy a condominium Buy a house Accommodation costs vary greatly Housing

Your first EURES job financial assistance for young people Your first EURES job can make it easier for you to come to Sweden for a job interview or to start working here. You should be: aged citizen of an EU country legally resident in an EU country Information and application

Mailbox EURES Sweden: Chat with EURES Sweden - Fridays, 10-15: eures.europa.eu Want to know more…..?

Grazie!