3 ways to increase your job opportunities in Sweden and integrate into society

Written by Chia May

Congratulations! So you’re moving to Sweden 🙂 and you have a million questions on your mind. Here 3 ways to increase your job opportunities in Sweden and integrate into the Swedish society.

After 2 years of discussing and planning, I finally received my residence permit card.  My mind went into a slight panic and anxious mode, on top of being super ecstatic and excited.  What should I do next? I had so many questions  and since information is so scattered, I didn’t know which information was the best to take.

So I was glad that I stumbled upon the courses offered by Newbie Learn. As a newcomer, these courses might interest you, as you prepare to start a new life in Sweden.  The Newbie Learn courses covers questions that you’ll have on personal life, work-life, and your pets as well!

Here are the top 3 ways to find job opportunities in Sweden and to integrate yourself into Swedish society

1. Options when learning the Swedish Language

Learning the language of the country where you are moving, is generally encouraged.  Not only does it help increase your job opportunities, it will also help you integrate into the new city that you’ll be living and working. You’ve probably heard about SFI (Swedish for Immigrants). But did you know that there are several options for you on your pathway to learning the Swedish language?

In the beginning,  I did not know about the options available and assumed that a most language classes are the same and for everyone.  It was a wrong assumption! In the course from Newbie Learn I learned about the different requirements you need to fulfill for different types of Swedish education. And that some professions such as doctors, architects or engineers have Swedish Language classes that are tailored for them!

It opened my eyes to the options that are available for me, as I would like to broaden and improve my Swedish to help me integrate for both my personal life and job opportunities in Sweden. Think about all the new adventures – and of course having the courage to speak a new language (embrace it! I know you’ll be doing great! ). Hopefully, from this course, you will be able to make an educated study choice.  Even though the course is not a language course per se, it tells you the steps and options that you have when it comes to HOW to best learn the Swedish language.

2. Understanding the Swedish working culture

I took this course out of curiosity. Every country has its own way of doing things and everyone’s culture is unique. Obviously, the Swedish culture is bigger than just the Fika culture (haha!), but I had no idea how the working culture is in Sweden. Usually one can have an idea of how this works from a TV show or in movies, perhaps, but I’ve never watched a Swedish TV show or movie before! You have to know that it’s fine that you are completely clueless ( like me! hi friend! ).

As I like to be prepared and do my research before starting something new, I thought this particular course was a lifesaver.  Personally, this has been great navigational advice in the workplace for newcomers like me. Taking this course from the perspective of a newcomer,  it was interesting to see the explanations of the Swedish ways. Cultural and behavioral insights are elaborated here, and also the formal workplace law and regulations.  I can’t wait to experience this all when I start my new job!

3. Getting the salary that you deserve

This was a rather interesting subject for me. To start with, I would definitely need a job, but second, how do I negotiate for the pay that I deserve? Especially when I’m new to Sweden?  It was a rather technical question and something that one should ponder before agreeing to the job and the salary that it offers.  I would recommend that you search for the median salary of your profession, and from there, you can use the course.  This course explains why and how negotiating your salary works in a Swedish workplace.  It was a great insight for me to understand the technicalities of how a company determines your increment as well.  Hopefully, that knowledge allows you to think ahead when you’re in the interview discussing your salary with your employer. 

Going through these courses has made me feel like I’ve learned something new about the country that I’ll be moving to.  I’ve had such an eye-opening experience reading and I can’t wait to experience all of these in real life!  I’m looking forward to my new Swedish life and I hope all of you are too!

About the Author

Hi! I’m Chia May. Born and bred in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, I moved to Sweden at the end of 2020. My background is in Architecture, and my passions are exploring new cities and literally looking at it’s building, people watching, trying out new restaurants, listening to a good story shared by a stranger and petting all the cats and dogs that I can while taking a walk. Since I’m new in this city I can’t wait to share my perspective as a Newbie! I hope you’ll enjoy my post.