Relocating to a new country often comes with a mix of excitement and challenges, and one of the most significant hurdles for newcomers is finding employment.
For many, career opportunities are a primary motivation for moving, and Denmark stands out as an attractive destination due to its relatively high wages, strong work-life balance, and robust worker rights.
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However, the journey to landing a job can be daunting, especially in a foreign environment with an unfamiliar job market and often a language you haven't mastered yet.
If you have moved to Denmark without securing a position beforehand, familiarising yourself with key tools and resources to support you in your job search process is critical.
Start by learning about the Danish job market
The best approach when you start to look for a job in Denmark is to learn how the job market works, Pernille Lund Thomsen, a recruitment consultant and Eures adviser at Work In Denmark - the national public employment service for international candidates looking for a job in the country - told The Local.
"Beginning a job search journey when arriving in a new country can seem like a big and daunting task. I therefore recommend that jobseekers start by understanding their new job market," Thomsen said.
"On workindenmark.dk, jobseekers can find tips and useful information in English about the Danish labour market, job searching, and life in Denmark. Work In Denmark also hosts free webinars every month about jobs and job searching in Denmark, which might offer inspiration for the jobseeker's journey," she added.
Direct guidance and local support
International job seekers in Denmark can access various resources designed to help them navigate the local job market.
Thomsen highlighted the importance of reaching out for guidance.
"International job seekers are always welcome to contact Work In Denmark directly for guidance," she said, adding that their service provides personalised assistance to support newcomers with tailored advice on securing employment.
For those who prefer local support, Thomsen recommended connecting with nearby resources.
"If job seekers are looking for local support or guidance, they can contact the nearest international house, newcomer service, international community, or other expat organisations. Most of them offer inspiration related to job searching or host events for job seekers," she said.
In addition to these resources, she noted that local municipalities might provide further assistance.
"Depending on the area, the municipality might also offer assistance related to job search through their job centre or a relocation consultant. They typically have a big local network and know about local career opportunities."
This local knowledge can be especially beneficial for job seekers looking to connect with employers in specific regions.
It's (mostly) about networking
In Denmark, networking plays a crucial role in the job search process.
Thomsen explained that a significant portion of the Danish job market is "invisible," meaning many positions are not advertised publicly but are instead filled through personal connections and networking.
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By connecting and engaging with the right people on LinkedIn, job seekers can tap into this hidden job market, Work In Denmark's recruitment consultant said.
Søren Hjorth Lee, the Nordic market director at the recruitment company Nigel Wright Group, echoed Thomsen's point, noting that leveraging personal and professional networks can be invaluable, as referrals often play a significant role in securing job opportunities in the country.
He told The Local that job portals such as Jobindex, Work in Denmark, and StepStone are all popular platforms for finding job listings across various industries.
In addition to these, he agreed with Thomsen that LinkedIn plays a crucial role in networking and job searching in Denmark. Therefore, Lee advised job seekers to ensure their LinkedIn profiles are well-optimised to attract potential employers.
Recruitment agencies are another valuable resource, offering personalised assistance and access to a wide range of job opportunities. Lee also highlighted the importance of checking company websites directly, as many Danish companies post job openings on their own sites.
Furthermore, he recommended joining industry-specific associations and attending local networking events, which can help job seekers connect with potential employers and expand their professional networks.
Finding English-language jobs
For international job seekers looking for English-language opportunities in Denmark, dedicated resources are available to simplify the search.
"Workindenmark.dk has a job portal with jobs available exclusively in English," Thomsen said, adding that this portal consistently lists over 3,000 vacant positions, providing a good starting point for those who are not yet fluent in Danish.
In addition to Workindenmark.dk, Thomsen recommended exploring the European job portal, EURES.
Lee advised job seekers to focus on international companies based in Denmark, as many of these global firms use English as their working language and actively seek international talent to fill their positions.
Another avenue to explore is international organisations operating in Denmark, such as the United Nations or EU institutions, where English is often the primary language of communication.
The recruitment consultancy director also recommended utilising specialised job portals designed for English speakers.
"Websites like EnglishJobs.dk and The Local Denmark feature listings specifically for roles that require English," he said, noting that, in addition to these resources, networking remains a crucial element of the job hunt.
"Engage with expat communities and professional groups, whether through platforms like Meetup or LinkedIn groups focused on English-speaking professionals," he said.
Other tips for foreign job seekers
Along with leveraging the tools and resources listed beforehand, Lee recommended that international job seekers learn Danish to improve their job prospects and better integrate into Danish society.
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"While many positions are available in English, proficiency in Danish can significantly enhance your opportunities," he said, adding that it was also quite important to tailor your CV and cover letter to meet Danish standards so that they highlight your relevant experience and skills.
"Understanding Danish work culture is essential for a successful job search," Lee said, advising people looking for a job to familiarise themselves with workplace norms, such as flat hierarchies and the strong emphasis on work-life balance, which are vital aspects of the Danish professional environment.
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