Finding a Job In Sweden: Advice from Chris

Finding a job in Sweden as an international student can feel like a challenge. Where do you start? Do you need to know Swedish? And what’s the best way to land a part-time job while studying?

At our Study in Sweden meet-up this February, Arina and I (you can read about her and her Uppsala journey here!) sat down with Chris, a second-year international student studying at Jönköping University, who successfully navigated the job market and landed a part-time job in Sweden. He shared how he found his job, the biggest surprises about working in Sweden, and his top tips for anyone looking for work.

If you’re searching for a part-time job, summer job, or planning for post-graduation employment, keep reading—this guide is packed with insights to help you find a job in Sweden!

Meet Chris: A Digital Marketing Assistant

Chris works part-time as a Digital Marketing Assistant at a higher education marketing agency, based in Stockholm. He works in managing social media posts, emails, and marketing materials. But he didn’t just stumble into the job—he worked his way in through an internship during his studies.

“I found my job through doing an internship during my degree because I wanted to get more professional experience. And after, I was offered a part time job at the same company.”

But how did he land the internship in the first place? Unlike the usual LinkedIn searches or career fair applications, Chris took a more direct approach—he simply reached out!

“I had the email of someone who was working at the company, and I wasn’t really sure if they had internships or job offers. But, I sent her an email with my profile and resume and asked if there were any available positions at the company. Luckily, there were, so honestly, it was a random occurrence of events that led up to this!”

That one email turned into an internship, which later led to a part-time job. His story is a great example of how taking initiative can open doors—sometimes, the best opportunities come from simply reaching out!

Chris’ Advice for Finding a Part-time Job in Sweden

Chris believes the job-search journey can vary depending on the person, but here are some key tips that worked for him:

• Apply for internships: “Internships are a great way to get a jumpstart in the job market in Sweden.” They help you gain practical experience and can often lead to full-time positions once you’ve gained some valuable work experience.
• Build a network: In Chris’ words, “Talking to your professors, talking to your peers at our university, and really trying to create meaningful connections” can go a long way. Sweden places great importance on personal connections, so take time to build relationships with professors, classmates, and professionals in your field. These connections can often lead to job opportunities you might not find through job boards.
• Be proactive: If Chris’ story proves anything, it’s that sending out an email and actively seeking opportunities can pay off. Sometimes the best way to find a job is by actively seeking it out. Don’t wait for listings to come to you—reach out directly to companies, even if they don’t have any advertised openings. You never know what might happen!

These tips can help you get started on the right track toward landing a job in Sweden!

Biggest Culture Shock in the Swedish Workplace?

During our conversation Arina asked a very interesting question: “And have you experienced anything that was shocking for you in the Swedish work culture, and how is it different from Greece?”

“I think the main culture shock I had working here was how open everyone was to learning. During my internship, at first, I found myself not knowing how to do a lot of things because I didn’t have the experience. But my manager and everyone at the company was super open to tell me that it’s totally fine to make mistakes. And that kinda followed through even when I actually got a job there. It’s still the same. It’s fine if you do something wrong- it’s always seen as a learning rather than a mistake.”

This supportive work culture is something many international students appreciate in Sweden. You’re not expected to be perfect from day one—learning and growing on the job is totally normal!

Job Interviews in Sweden: How to prepare

If job interviews stress you out (which, let’s be honest, they do for most of us), Chris has some reassuring advice:

• 💡 Practice helps!– The more you prepare, the more confident you’ll feel.
• 💡 Treat it as a conversation – Swedish interviews are laid-back and casual, so try to relax.
• 💡 Remember: They already like your profile!– If you got an interview, it means they see potential in you. “The person interviewing you is just another person who saw your profile and thinks you’re capable of doing the job. Be as relaxed and laid-back”

While it might feel tough, shifting your mindset to view the interview as a two-way conversation can make a huge difference. Focus on the opportunity to learn more about the company, and trust that they’re already interested in what you have to offer.

Final Thoughts: Take That First Step

Chris’ journey shows that there’s no single way to land a job in Sweden—but the key is to take action. Whether it’s through internships, networking, or even sending a bold email, putting yourself out there can lead to surprising opportunities. So, if you’re looking for a job in Sweden, take Chris’ advice and go for it. You never know what might happen!

Also, I would recommend reading Annamaria’s post on “How to get a part time job in Sweden.” There, she takes you through her experience and tips in getting a part time job.

Have any job-hunting stories of your own? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear them!