Applying for a job

Before you start looking for a job, consider the following:

• What can you do already? What could you do? What are you interested in? What are you good at? What would you like to learn?
• Which town or city can you work in?
• Do you know anyone who might be able to help you find work?
• Would you prefer full-time or part-time work, or something else?
• Could you work as a self-employed person or an entrepreneur?
• Do you only want to work for one employer, or could you have more than one?

Where can you look for jobs?

Find work via different channels:

• Online job search websites, for example, työmarkkinatori.fi, duunitori.fi (in Finnish), kuntarekry.fi (municipal and wellbeing services county jobs) and valtiolle.fi (government jobs). Employers use these pages to post job openings that they need filled. You can subscribe to receive alerts about job openings by email.
• Specialists from municipal employment services can help you plan your job search, identify your skills and apply for education or training. You can book an appointment for career guidance by telephone or videoconference.
• If you become unemployed, you can ask your municipal or regional employment services for help with your job search and career coaching. For example, job search coaching helps you get started with your job search. Career coaching, on the other hand, helps you identify your career choices and options, apply for training and develop your job skills.
• Check newspapers and various online services for job postings. Keep in mind that many job openings are not advertised publicly at all. Often, employers invite people they already know to job interviews.
• Use your own networks: tell people you know that you’re looking for a job. Ask them to tell you, if they hear about job openings.
• Call or message employers you are interested in. Tell them you are looking for a job. If you have ever taken part in an employer’s job interview in the past, you can now ask whether new jobs are available.
• You can use many company websites to submit open applications. Even if a company doesn’t have job openings at the moment, it may have some later. In this case, employers may choose a suitable candidate from people who have submitted open applications.
• Job advertisements often mention someone you can call to ask for more information. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call. This also gives you a chance to make a good impression on your potential employer.

Prepare a CV or resume

• A curriculum vitae (CV) is a document that lists your education and work experience, including details such as when and where you studied and worked.
• You can easily find instructions and templates for creating a CV online.
• If you want, you can also make a video or portfolio to introduce yourself.
• Check what information about you is available online.
• Check your public social media profiles and consider how they look to potential employers. It may be useful for you to create a profile on a professional network, such as LinkedIn.

Submit a brief job application

The purpose of a job application is to tell potential employers why you are the right person for the job. A written job application can be up to one page long, but you can also submit a video, for example.

State the following briefly in your job application:

• how old you are, what kind of person you are, what you’re interested in or enthusiastic about (e.g., sociable, quick learner, interested in the restaurant industry)
• your work experience (what kind of work you have done)
• your education (what you have studied, whether you have finished comprehensive school, upper secondary school or have a vocational degree)
• something about your current situation (for example, why you are looking for work).

The Duunikoutsi (Job Coach) app will help you identify your skills and prepare your job application and CV.

Prepare for your job interview ahead of time

Once a potential employer has received your job application and CV, you may be invited to a job interview.

During a job interview, the employer wants to find out how well you fit the job you applied for and what your motivation for it is.

If you prepare well for the interview, you can relax and be yourself. Being a little nervous is fine.

A positive first impression is important when people meet each other for the first time:

• Think about how you should dress.
• Bring your application, work and school certificates and any portfolio.
• Don’t be late!

Which questions do you not need to answer in a job interview?

The employer can’t just ask you anything. During a job interview, the interviewer may ask questions that are relevant to the job. You do not have to answer questions that are related to, for example:

• religion
• family relationships
• sexual orientation
• political convictions.

Learn more about applying for jobs and preparing for job interviews

Job Market Finland