Career Services

How do I prepare best for the labour market?

Make sure to keep an eye on the labour market during your education. The easiest way is to simply read job ads. This will give you an idea of what different positions entail and what is in required both in terms of training and experience, but also personal qualities. Think about what kind of work tasks you find stimulating and challenging.

Obtain work experience:
Remember that all your work experience, extracurricular activities and commissions of trust and non-profit mission will give you valuable experience - even if it is not in the precise area you are studying. The important thing is that you can explain to an employer what you learned from your various commitments and how this is of use to your potential employer.

Expand your network:
Many jobs are mediated through contacts, and the larger your network is, the better. Investigate what kind of organisations and associations you can become involved in. Use social media in your job search, e.g.: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube etc. Remember that how you project yourself in your social network impacts how you will be perceived in your professional network.

The Swedish Labour Market

The Swedish labour market is known for combining business innovation, generous employment benefits and long-term job security.

Business culture

The Swedish workplace can best be described as informal; casual dress code, flexible work hours and open communication. In general, it is considered important to have a healthy balance between your work and your private life.

Swedish workers rely on teamwork and individual responsibility in the workplace. In Swedish culture, it’s also very important to be humble, respectful and always be on time. A specific example of this is the Swedish coffee break, called “fika” in Swedish. This is when employees and their managers meet and talk informally about their work and private lives. It gives colleagues the opportunity to discuss ideas freely and openly resolve conflicts.

Swedish trade unions

Swedish workers have some of the highest benefits in the world when it comes to vacation, health care, employer-paid education and training, and employment protection. The reason for this is the cooperation between trade unions and employers. Trade unions have influenced the Swedish labour market for over a century and nearly 70% of Swedish workers are members of a trade union.

Salary and standard of living

The Swedish welfare system can be described as providing lifetime benefits for all citizens. Salaries are comparable with other industrialized countries.