Here are some of the tips to help you kick-start your international career in Denmark:

  • Participate in a workshop or a seminar on workplace culture in Denmark. These are often run by International House in Copenhagen, or private unions such as IDA. They can be very helpful in understanding what the Danish workplace is like, which is likely to also help you navigate the interview.
  • Volunteer if you don’t find a job straight away. Do as the Danes do - volunteering is extremely common in Denmark and is a good way to both gain experience and expand your network. Volunteer work will be seen positively by future employers; it shows you are proactive and have good social skills. It might also help you to practice Danish!
  • Figure out what your strong selling points are. Don’t be afraid to highlight your international profile and work experience – it may be what makes you stand out in comparison with Danish candidates.
  • Be creative. Being focused on specific job titles can be limiting and counter-productive. Expand your range of job possibilities by thinking about your skills and how/where they can be applied instead of being fixated only on narrow options. Ask yourself how your skills be applied across different industries?
  • Having a network is crucial. Having a network and using it is very important for finding a job in Denmark. Building a good network can be done through having a good social and/or academic network, and by actively visiting career fairs and company visits. Keep up good communication habits with people who can help you (former employers, friends, professors, new contacts…). Show interest in what people do, and be keep in touch with Danes who you studied with – they may have contacts in their networks who can help you too.
  • Participate, participate, participate. Networks can also be built through volunteering and participating in club activities. Danes are very active in both arenas, and so should you be if you want to have the best chance at creating a good network. Some examples of networks are Expat in Denmark, Meetup, USG, and you should also certainly try joining a local Danish sports or interest club.
  • Use LinkedIn. It is common to use LinkedIn in Denmark so keeping it updated and professional is a good idea. You can also use it to maintain your network and as a search tool to look for jobs.
  • Don’t wait until you are graduated to start the job search. If there are companies you are interested in, make contact with them ahead of time. There may well be job opportunities coming up that haven’t yet been advertised. Try things like searching for companies who have export activities in your country, you could be a valuable resource for their activities. Thinking about doing your thesis together with a Danish company is a good idea too.
  • Contact companies even if they have no current job openings. You never know when they plan to start looking, and you might just contact them at the right time. Explain to them why you are interested in them and what you have to offer.