IDA career HANDBOOK how to find a job in Denmark
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intro
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2016 CV CREATE AN OVERVIEW – WHAT ARE YOUR ASSETS?........................................................................... Side 06 IDA HELPS YOU PUT TOGETHER YOUR CV............................................................................................... Side 07 WHEN THE COMPANY READS YOUR CV................................................................................................... Side 08 The application GET ON TOP OF THE PILE................................................................................................................................. Side 12 SHOW MOTIVATION – MATCH YOUR BACKGROUND WITH THE COMPANY´S..................... Side 13 SAMPLE APPLICATION FOR ADVERTISED JOB........................................................................................ Side 14 UNSOLICITED APPLICATIONS! – Seize the initiative and make yourself visible................. Side 15 SAMPLE UNSOLICITED APPLICATION......................................................................................................... Side 16 The Job Interview PREPARE FOR THE JOB INTERVIEW!............................................................................................................ Side 18 ENSURE A PROPER INTERVIEW COURSE................................................................................................... Side 20 HOW COMPANIES ASSESS YOU..................................................................................................................... Side 22 CASE – NNE PHARMAPLAN.............................................................................................................................. Side 24 Networking THE INTERNET PAVES THE WAY...................................................................................................................... Side 26 PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS ........................................................................................................................... Side 28 ORGANISED NETWORKS................................................................................................................................... Side 29 OTHER PLACES TO FIND A JOB...................................................................................................................... Side 31 The Danish labour market NEW TO THE DANISH LABOUR MARKET.................................................................................................. Side 32 WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY?............................................................................................................................. Side 34 WORKPLACE CULTURE........................................................................................................................................ Side 35 ALL THE OTHER RULES........................................................................................................................................ Side 37
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Generel intro
4–5
YOU ARE ON YOUR WAY YOU HAVE CHOSEN TO STUDY IN DENMARK, AND THIS LIKELY MEANS THAT YOU WILL DO AN INTERNSHIP AT A DANISH COMPANY DURING YOUR STUDIES. WHILE STUDYING YOU WOULD ALSO LIKE TO MAKE SOME MONEY WORKING IN A RELEVANT STUDENT ASSISTANT POSITION, AND AFTER YOUR GRADUATION YOU MAY DECIDE TO LOOK FOR A JOB IN DENMARK. But how do you land an internship, a student assistant position or a full-time job in Denmark? How do you present your competences and strengths to an employer – and is it necessary to speak Danish? This booklet from IDA will help you find out. It contains tools that will facilitate your entry into the Danish labour market. You will get tips and tricks as to how you apply for jobs or internships and learn about the differences that may differentiate job hunting in Denmark from the labour market you are used to back home. Included is a guide to how 4 | IDA
you should act during a job interview and information about networking as well as an introduction to the Danish labour market. A Relevant Student Position Matters A relevant student job is not only a source of income – it is a learning process and a sound investment in your own future! It is a great opportunity to get a taste of what reality looks like on the labour market and a chance to build a professional network that can help you find a job after your graduation. According to a study made by the Danish recruitment consultancy Ballisager, 73 per cent of companies state that having a relevant student job is the most important thing you can do, in order to enhance your chances of finding work after graduation. Moreover, many graduates find their first full-time position in a company or organisation, where they did an internship or worked as a student assistant. Therefore, it is highly recommendable that you start your professional career already while studying.
A guide to the Danish labour market Whether you are looking for a student job, an internship or a full-time position, your CV, your application and the job interview are crucial elements. This how-to guide will explain how you make yourself attractive to a Danish company, and you will be introduced to a large Danish corporation’s view on international candidates. At IDA we help students all the time – Danes as well as internationals. Hence, you can look for assistance at our homepage; English.ida.dk where we will guide you to the best opportunities as a student or a job seeker. Here you can also read more about the many network groups, about the salary level for your student job, and how you get hold of one of our career consultants or lawyers. You can also watch this clip in which some of IDA’s consultants talk about finding work in Denmark: IDA Video: How and where to find a job You are part of a community As an IDA member you are part of a community counting 100,000 others with the same type of education. They are students, recent graduates, working for small or large companies, managers or self-employed. At IDA they meet and network across age, work and nationality, and they share their experiences for the benefit of all.
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The CV
6–11
CREATE AN OVERVIEW – WHAT ARE YOUR ASSETS? As you enter the job market it is important that you are able to define the job that you would be most comfortable with, that you are aware what you can contribute, and that you market yourself in the best possible manner.
Make a competency profile In order to find out what types of jobs that would fit you it might be a good idea to make an initial competency profile. A competency profile is your personal overview of your competences. You may use it to strengthen your CV, including all your relevant competences.
The competency profile provides you with an initial overview of the job market. Use the internet and the many job databases to match your competences with your preferred jobs. Job hunting is a demanding discipline if you aim for the right match. That is why it pays off to put a lot of effort into the first steps.
The competency profile lists your professional qualifications as well as what makes you particularly fit to solve specific tasks.
Read more about the competency profile and create one for yourself by clicking this link: IDA competency profile
CV
List the projects and courses you have completed during your studies, and map the competences accumulated. They may have helped you specialise in a certain direction and obtain certain knowledge potentially relevant to select companies. Consider what role you have played in project groups, and what your strengths are as regards problem solving. Match yourself with the job A competency profile gives you a good overview of your skills and qualifications, and based on that you can start picturing what types of jobs or internships you match. There may be more than you thought.
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IDA HELPS YOU PUT TOGETHER YOUR CV As an IDA member you will get the help you need to write a good CV CV stands for Curriculum Vitae, which means course of life. Similar to that of your application, the purpose of your CV is to land you an interview. Hence, it is an important document which you must write very carefully.
A CV should be neatly arranged, informative and inviting. The employer should be able to get an idea of your competences and the sources of your knowledge and experience. The CV is not a standard document, but ought to be tailored towards every single job you apply for. What kind of company is it? What are the job functions? What are the most important required competences? A CV should focus on your educational and professional trajectory and describe what you have learned and what competences you have used, but it must be tailored to describe the competences, knowledge and experience that are relevant to the job you are applying for.
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Tell a good story A CV should primarily present your professional competences, but your extra-curricular activities might also be relevant to the company. It says something about you as a leader and initiator if you have been a scout leader or a soccer coach. Include activities in your CV that make you stand out from other people, but choose with care, telling the good but also relevant story about yourself. Bartending or pushing pastries at
the bakery may not speak volumes about your professional qualifications, but it shows that you are used to being serviceminded and customer-oriented. Get an IDA counsellor IDA has developed standard templates for CVs which will help you compose your own tailored CV, you will find them at our homepage or by clicking here: IDA CV templates. As a student and an IDA member you are eligible for our CV writing assistance. Send your CV to IDA’s career counsellors and ask for their comments and last-minute advice. The career counsellors will help you assess what goes into the CV, and how you introduce yourself and your competences in the best way possible. The counsellors have in-depth knowledge about the technical/scientific labour market, and you can always contact IDA by using our contact sheet (IDA contact sheet)
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WHEN THE COMPANY READS YOUR CV Companies have only a few minutes available to sort through the applications. Many start with the CV and only read the application if the CV is interesting.
As a student your CV may seem a little scanty as far as work experience goes, but student assistant jobs are about selling your knowledge and ability to learn something new. Hence, it is a good idea to describe your education at the beginning of the CV. Generally, it is the knowledge gained through your studies that makes you an interesting applicant. Describing your professional skills acquired through projects and relevant courses will lend you a competitive edge. Quick sorting Again, many companies will read the CV before the application. If the CV matches their requirements they will read the application as well. The people assessing your CV have only very limited time to sort through the often many applications. Hence, the company will check whether the CV matches the profile they have in mind, professionally as well as personally. Typically, they will be looking for a short summary listing the sum of your competences. When you ask employers about their assessment of applicant CVs, a vast majority of both private and public companies will
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report that relevant examples of professional and personal competences are given more weight than concrete results in the CV. Make your CV easy to read Make sure your CV has an easy-to-read layout. At first impression, the CV should seem easy to read. Moreover, it should look appealing and appetizing. The reader will be looking for relevant keywords by skimming the pages. A good layout is very helpful.
A CV FOCUSING ON COMPETENCES When a company selects applicants for an interview, they will go for CVs showing relevant professional competences. Hence, your CV must be sharp and targeted.
86 per cent of all companies prefer a CV of 2–3 pages. This may mean that you have to prioritise carefully when selecting what to include and what to leave out.
Under education, list your degree, graduation year and school. Do not forget to mention the most significant and relevant courses. Also, describe your projects.
There are no fixed answers to what a CV should look like, and you may compose it in different ways. A very popular method is to build a CV that starts out by focusing on the competences you can offer the company, proceeding to delineate your education and work experience chrono logically.
If you have work experience, please list the relevant workplaces, including employer, year and job title. Always start with the most recent position. For every position you should describe the most significant assignments, areas of responsibility and results.
Start with your contact info: Name, address, telephone number and email address. Finding out how to get in touch with you should be easy. You may also insert a good portrait of yourself.
Then follow other courses, language skills, IT competences, publications and stays abroad (if applicable) and finally hobbies. As for the rest of the CV, you should only include the most relevant information so that it does not get too long.
Then make a summary. It should briefly sum up those experiences and professional competences that are relevant to the job you are applying for. The reader needs a quick overview of your strengths, and it is important that you carefully select what you want to include in the CV, targeting it towards the job in question.
You must be ready to provide references when you apply for jobs. That means former bosses, co-workers, advisers or others who can testify how you work. You should either mention the references (name, company, position and contact info) in the CV or write that you will be happy to provide them if need be.
If the job involves tasks with which you have no experience, but which you have the competences to take on, you may mention these, too.
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CV – NAME CONTACT INFO
Profile: I am a student of geography and geoinformatics specialising within climate, environment and hydrology combined with GIS and hydraulic modelling. Through my studies I have gained a lot of experience with project and fieldwork, in Denmark as well as in arctic and tropical climates. My dream job would lend me the opportunity to immerse myself in data while at the same time communicating results pertaining to geographical issues. Professional competences Hydrology • Groundwater mapping • Creation and interpretation of geological and hydrogeological models • Hydraulic modelling of streams in Mike11 Environment • … Education 2013: Enrolled at Geography and Geoinformatics at the University of Copenhagen • Project title and description (mark xx) (describe...) • Relevant courses and projects (describe...) Work experience Sep 2014 to the present: Student assistant at name of company, department of xxxx IT • ArcGIS: High proficiency • MapInfo: High proficiency • MATLAB: User level Volunteer work 2008 – 2010: Scout leader of 12 to 16-year-olds for the Duckburg Scouts Association • Planning and execution of training and motivation of teenagers Languages Danish, first language – English, fluent – French, written and spoken communication A bit about me I have been a scout since I was 8 years old because I like the community, being out in nature and taking on the mental and physical challenges of an adventure hike. I can…
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The application
12–17
GET ON TOP OF THE PILE How do you write a good application that will make the employer place you at the top of the pile and call you in for an interview? At IDA, we know the job market for the technical and scientific degrees better than anyone else. Hence, we can advise and instruct you on how to make it to the top of the applicant pile.
Capture the reader’s interest – harmonise your expectations The purpose of an application is to land you an interview with your future employer. Hence, your application must be sharp and targeted. The application should be based on the company and its needs, so it will not do to reuse an application from a previous job hunt. At the end of the day, those who put a lot of effort into their application do stand a better chance of getting through to the employer. Investigate what exactly the company is looking for. Do not settle for the requirements listed in the ad, but call and inquire about the company’s more specific expectations. Companies prefer that you call them up with relevant questions instead of sending an application that you might as well have sent to one of their competitors. Do not forget that those who select applicants for an interview often spend only a few minutes on each application during the primary sorting process, so be precise and to the point in order to capture the reader’s attention right away.
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Avoid annoying job-seeking behaviour – as seen from the employer’s perspective In our experience, which is well backed by various analyses, you should first and foremost avoid: • Standardised communication • Appearing unprepared • Writing way too comprehensively or too briefly • Focusing too much on your own gain In addition, it is of course important that you weed out all spelling mistakes, and that your language matches the company and the job. Proof-read your application, and mind the language. Some companies are more formal than others, but be aware that old-fashioned expressions such as, “I hereby take the liberty of applying…” are unpopular today.
SHOW MOTIVATION – MATCH YOUR BACKGROUND WITH THE COMPANY´S Show commitment and motivation in your application.
Start by referring to the telephone conversation you had with the company’s contact, or use other points of entrance such as a job fair, the recommendation of an adviser or something similar through which you have acquired knowledge about the company. Demonstrating curiosity, common sense and courage to understand company needs will get you a lot more job invitations. Moreover, it grants you the opportunity to go from assumptions about the company’s wishes to concrete knowledge. This will help target your application towards the job. Analyses underscore that motivation for the job function at hand is of utmost importance. A description of how you will contribute value as an applicant is also very important. Your contribution in terms of value depends on your knowledge of your own professional and personal competences. See the section Match your competences. Answering a job posting – harmonising expectations Generally, it is somewhat easier to apply for a position that has been advertised: You can read what the job involves. However, we always recommend that you call and talk to the company contact. Only rarely are the assignments and competences listed
in order of priority. Hence, you may guess wrong. You minimise that risk by calling and asking clarifying questions concerning the priorities and main functions of the job. After hanging up you are now capable of fashioning your application according to the recipient’s expectations rather than your own conjecture. This is absolutely essential. Addressing the individual requirements – principal rules when applying for advertised jobs • Map the professional, communicative and personal requirements in the job posting. • Introduction and motivation. After speaking to the contact... I am applying for the job as… • Brief presentation of yourself, education, relevant courses and projects, etc. • In order of priority, address the professi- onal, communicative and personal requirements of the job (what did the contact tell you?) • Conclude with enthusiasm. This is why you should pick me. • Max. 1 page.
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SAMPLE APPLICATION FOR ADVERTISED JOB
Company Address Postal code, City Att.: Name, job title XX.XX.XX
As agreed upon with your product development manager, XXXXXXXXXX, I am forwarding a motivated application for the job as student assistant/intern at XXXXXXXX. I am applying for the position because I see a good match between the focus areas and core values in your development process and the competences I have accumulated during my XXXXX studies and projects in collaboration with XXXXXXXX. Based on this I would like to emphasise the following key competences and experiences that are relevant to the job as a student assistant in the development department: • Find the relevant competences in your competency profile and list them here: • Competence 1 • Competence 2 • Xxxxxxxxxxxx • Xxxxxxxxxxxx I have honed my ability to apply and communicate my skills and involve users as colleagues in development processes in many different contexts. Through my project I have gained considerable experience with end-user involvement in the development process, and I also have teaching experience on a university level. Personality-wise, I am extroverted, action-oriented and hard-working with a lot of will power. I look forward to a personal interview and a rewarding cooperation in the future.
Kind regards, yyyyyyyyyyy
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UNSOLICITED APPLICATION – SEIZ THE INITIATIVE AND MAKE YOURSELF VISIBLE Applying for advertised student assistant positions is crucial, but be sure to send out unsolicited applications and seize the initiative as well. Many people get a job this way.
In many respects, the same principles apply to unsolicited applications as to answering job postings: You should demonstrate motivation for this particular company and whet their appetite for inviting you to meet with them based on the competences and initiative of which the company could make good use – in fact cannot do without! Preliminary preparations Before you write your application you should work on a few points. • Find out whether anyone in your network knows the company or even works there, and use them as a lever to get through to the right person in the company. For an unsolicited application to be truly successful it must come across as personal, i.e. addressing a specific person rather than the company generically. • Familiarise yourself with the company situation. What tasks and challenges do you think the company is currently facing that might make your background particularly attractive?
• The contact is personal – the application addresses a specific person. • Motivation. The reason why I contact you (specifically) is that… • Brief presentation of yourself. • Based on your background, what do you think the company might be interested in? As a principal rule, you should start by listing your professional key compe tences. They will give the company an impression of what you have to offer and arouse the necessary curiosity to make them invite you in to supply more details. • Conclusion. Briefly account for something about your person that is relevant for the job. Be proactive. You will follow up on your application with a view to landing a personal interview. You might write that you intend to get in touch in the near future for a noncommittal meeting. • Enclose your CV like you would in a regular job-seeking situation. End your application by stating that you will call the person in question.
What do you have to offer – make an appetiser – rules of thumb for unsolicited applications When you are ready to write your application you may fine-tune it observing the following rules:
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SAMPLE UNSOLICITED APPLICATION
Louis Poulsen Lighting Att.: Henrik Christensen 2015
Copenhagen, 8 October
Development engineer focusing on user-centred design, specialising in lighting In the spring I met with Anne Bay in your development department at Gammel Strand. Based on this interesting conversation I believe that my competences as a product developer with a specialisation in lighting may contribute to your development department. Hence, I would like to apply for a job with your company. I have a degree in Design Engineering, and during recent years I have worked with lighting, partly in the Le Klint development department, and partly during my bachelor project. On these occasions I have gained experience with: • Prototype manufacture in different materials • Test of light quality • Considerations about material and production – often in close collaboration with the production unit • Studies of lighting, basic knowledge about sources of light, fittings design, technical requirements, standards, etc. • User need and market research and analyses • Preparation of design brief – including technical product requirements • Test of material samples • Product development from concept to implementation • Collaboration and communication with external designers My background as a design engineer makes me a bit of a “Gyro Gearloose”, thinking creatively and out of the box. I do not hesitate to grab the screwdriver and work my way towards a prototype in order to explore the potential of an idea. As an industrial designer and construction engineer I can take active part on all levels of a development project. Lighting is my passion! I look forward to a personal interview. I will call to make arrangements in the near future. Kind regards, yyyyyyyyyyy
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The Job Interview
18–23
PREPARE FOR THE JOB INTERVIEW! When you get invited to a job interview it means that the company is interested in you specifically as a potential candidate for the student assistant position or internship. Hence, it is important that you are well-prepared so that you can convince the company’s employees that they made the right decision.
No two job interviews are the same Job interviews differ widely, so it is important to check how your job interview will play out. Who will participate, and how many? If it does not say so in your invitation you should get in touch with the company and ask. It is perfectly fine to call the company and inquire about the job and the course of the interview to help you get ready. This also goes to prove your interest in the job, and that you are trying to prepare as best you can. In addition, ask whether there is something in particular that you ought to prepare for, and whether the interview will involve any tests. This allows you to prepare in the best possible manner and organise your time most expediently on the day of the actual interview. Often a job interview will include one or more of your future co-workers as well as a management representative. Do some research Gather as much information about the company and the job as possible through the media, your network and Google. Familiarise yourself with their products and core services so that you can talk to the representatives about what they do. Moreover, your knowledge demonstrates your interest in this company specifically. 18 | IDA
Searching for information about the people you will be meeting at the job interview is also a good idea, e.g. on LinkedIn. Check whether they share your area of specialisation or not. This is crucial to the extent to which you may use technical terms during the interview. Spot your strengths and weaknesses Your research will also help you analyse your way to your three most important professional respectively personal strengths in relation to the job. Identify success stories that confirm these strengths from your academic projects, student jobs, volunteer work or similar settings. It may be situations/assignments during which you achieved good results and/or received positive feedback. Use this template for inspiration in order to facilitate your preparations: Problem: What was the problem/the assignment/the situation? Handling: What did you do to solve the problem? What was the solution? What role did you play? Result: What was the result? What did your results yield, and to what effect? Consider whether this scenario may be used in your presentation. Rehearse your presentation During most interviews the company will ask you to briefly talk about yourself. So
rehearse a brief presentation of up to a couple of minutes. Build up your presentation around your professional and personal strengths in relation to the job. Avoid going into detail about family, travels, primary school and other things that are not immediately relevant to the execution of the job.
(if applicable), etc. Your references should be able to talk about you as an employee and a colleague – make sure you choose the ones who will speak highly of you. • Make a list of questions to ask during the interview. This will also allow you to demonstrate your interest in the job.
Rehearse the difficult questions Do not bring up your weaknesses during the job interview, but brace yourself that the selection board may inquire about them. During an interview at a Danish company it is perfectly normal to talk about weaknesses – for example to show that you learn from your mistakes. They may also ask, “Why are your marks in a certain course so poor?” or, “What is your motivation to work with us specifically?” Consider in advance what the worst thing they could ask about would be, and prepare your answer. Please bear in mind that searching questions may be a sign of interest. • • •
What would be your ideal monthly wage? At some point they will ask you. Contact IDA if you need to know the market price of student assistants. Bring along your diplomas, recommen- dations and statements, if applicable. Make a reference list, for instance with co-workers and managers from a pre- vious position/student job, internship IDA | 19
ENSURE A PROPER INTERVIEW COURSE Once the selection board has selected you for an interview, it is a sign that they consider you professionally qualified.
Once the selection board has selected you for an interview, it is a sign that they consider you professionally qualified. However, your professional qualifications will only be decisive for a successful outcome in 20 per cent of the interviews. As far as the majority of interviews go, you will be selected because of your personality, that the manager likes you, and that you fit into the department. Hence, a good job interview is also about making a good impression. Even though no two job interviews are the same, they often play out in four phases. However, the order may vary, so it is important to listen and be well-prepared for all the phases. The contact phase The selection board has often read your application and CV in advance and already then tried to form an impression of you. This impression will be confirmed or disproven during the interview. Hence, it is crucial that you confirm their positive impression of you from the start by establishing a good atmosphere. Analyses show that we typically hire people similar to us. Browse the company website for hints as to how the company presents itself. Is their style more laid back or formal? Adapt your appearance to their style on the day of the interview and make sure that you do not
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overdress. This way you will already look like their future co-worker. Start out by cordially greeting the selection board, and be obliging to a bit of small-talk. The initial talk helps establish mutual trust, but after that you typically cut to the chase. The information phase The selection board will often present the company, the department and the job as they go. Pay attention to what they choose to emphasise. Inquire into details about the job. What assignments carry most significance? What challenges and goals will the company be facing during the year to come? As a candidate it is considered quite normal to ask questions and be proactive. This shows that you understand what the job entails. The purpose of this phase is to give you as much information about the job as possible. This information will make it easier for you to communicate in an appropriate and goal-oriented manner and to later argue that you are the one they are looking for. The argumentation phase The company wants to know how you can contribute value in your position. This is where you will need the good arguments that you have been rehearsing beforehand. They will probe into whether you have understood the job and are self-aware.
You have to render probable that you are the right person for the job, that you are motivated and interested and have the necessary competences – or that you are capable of achieving them. Do not “oversell” yourself, but refrain from being too humble during the interview, too. Emphasise how the job will also help you advance your career, and how your knowledge may benefit the company. During the interview, the company representatives will ask you many questions in order to clarify your attitude towards the job. They might ask you how you feel about putting in overtime, or how you handle defeat. Consider your responses, and be positive, but honest.
the selection board – it is not disrespectful, but rather the opposite. It will make a positive impression if you for instance suggest an improvement that your professional skills would enable you to implement. Concluding the interview We tend to remember highlights and conclusions, so consider what you would like to be remembered by as you leave. Show your continued interest in the job, and inquire about the subsequent process. Another option is to leave a pamphlet or an info sheet on yourself – presented in a nice manner that makes you stand out. You may also ask directly what they think of you as a candidate for the job. This will lend you an idea whether your presentation came across the way you intended it to.
They will also deliberate how you fit into the team. With whom would you be a good match? What is your favourite role? Show them that you are skilled and complement the group well. Seize the initiative During a job interview at a Danish company they will appreciate you seizing the initiative rather than passively waiting until you are asked. You will score points on demonstrating commitment and asking questions. It is okay to “challenge” the members of
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HOW COMPANIES ASSESS YOU The company decides whether you are the right person for the job during the interview.
Of course several factors are at play – professional as well as personal, but it is as much a question of how you present yourself and your motivation for seeking the job. In a survey conducted by the consultancy Ballisager on company recruitment trends, 70 per cent state that motivation for the job is the most significant asset. In addition, a number of factors influence the job interview. The most important thing is “that the candidate is able to communicate what they may contribute” (50 per cent) and “that the candidate seems open and obliging” (45 per cent).
IDA The Ballisager survey is available at www.ida.dk
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NNE Pharmaplan MEET THE COMPANY FACE TO FACE NNE Pharmaplan is an international consulting engineering company specialised in the pharmaceutical industry. Every year, the company hires many international and Danish students.
NNE Pharmaplan has around 2,000 employees and engagements all over the world, making it very popular with many students looking for a job, an internship or a partner for their final thesis. This also means that the company receives many applications annually from Danish or international students who wish to spend some time with the company to improve their skills. “We would like to attract the talented students, and we do not distinguish between the Danish and the international ones. We are a very international company employing people from many countries”, says Jens Olesen, Vice President, Facility Design. He feels that many international students are so eager to merely get a job that they send out standardised applications and CVs, but that is not the way to get on board with NNE Pharmaplan, he emphasises. Standard applications – no thanks “If it looks like a copy-paste application it is of no interest to us, but if you target your application towards our business, telling us why you want to work for NNE Pharmaplan and what you have to offer, it is a different matter. The best thing, however, is to meet in person”, says Jens Olesen. Hence, he encourages international stu-
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dents to show up for education and job fairs at DTU, IDA or other settings where companies and students have a chance to get acquainted. Here you can meet the company and their employees and have a chat before you apply for a position with them. “It is an advantage to have met us and gotten a sense of what we work with and that we are not as ‘formal’ as at least some international students expect. As a rule, it pays off – also at the job interview – to lay it on the line and brace yourself that we will inquire into your strengths, but also your weaknesses. No one masters it all”, Jens Olesen emphasises. Learn some Danish In an internationally oriented company like NNE Pharmaplan a lot of communication is in English. Even so, Jens Olesen recommends that the international candidates learn some Danish. Partly because it signals interest and commitment, and partly because the ability to strike up a conversation with clients or co-workers in the canteen may be beneficial. In other respects an international background is only a plus. “Operating all over the world as we do, it is an advantage that our employees speak
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We would like to attract the talented students, and we do not distinguish between the Danish and the international ones. We are a very international company employing people from many countries” Vice President, Facility Design, Jens Olesen
the language and understand the culture. It lends you that extra competitive edge on top of your professional competences which of course are still the main thing. And with so many nationalities in one company you will always feel welcome, and we can all learn from each other”, says Jens Olesen. He likes to encourage students to contact NNE Pharmaplan if for instance the topic of their final thesis may be relevant to the company.
Good advice from NNE Pharmaplan: • Familiarise yourself with our company. Investigate whether we would be a good match. • Target your job-seeking efforts. Why would you like to work for us specifically – what do you have to offer, and vice versa? • Make an appearance at job and educa- tion fairs.
“Work out a thesis statement to see whether it might be a suitable match for us. We are always open to young people with good ideas and a knack for spotting market trends – for example within new areas such as new technologies, social media, etc.” Finally, Jens Olesen points out that a great deal of the company’s recruitment for general positions happens among former student assistants and interns. Many of those who have done an internship or worked at NNE Pharmaplan during their studies will later be offered a permanent position.
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Networking 26–31 THE INTERNET PAVES THE WAY Social media and search engines such as Google, LinkedIn and Facebook are extremely important players within the job market.
A comprehensive survey of company recruitment trends by the consultancy Ballisager in September 2015 reveals an explosive tendency to recruit via networks and social media. LinkedIn especially is widely used for recruitment; both when companies post jobs on LinkedIn and when they look for suitable candidates. Here you can also engage in active job seeking and let the companies know that you are looking for a job. According to the survey, companies also use social media and search engines to research into their future employee once they have found a candidate. 43 per cent of private enterprises said that they Google people, 55 per cent were on LinkedIn, and 29 per cent would look for a prospective colleague on Facebook. Stay updated LinkedIn is a social business media. Staying updated and active is the key. This is where you network, where businesses can find you, and where you can expand your professional skills and maybe find a new employer. Perhaps you are already on LinkedIn, and that is a good start. The best way to proceed is to know the power of a good online profile and use LinkedIn correctly. Many
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new networks are formed here, and new career opportunities may emerge. In other words, there are very good reasons to be active on platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook and participate in professional networks when you are job hunting. This is exactly what IDA’s career counsellors recommend: • Create a profile on LinkedIn and/or Facebook, continuously updating it to include all your competences and rele vant activities. • Make yourself visible by thinking crea tively and selling yourself as a job-se- eking candidate in new ways. • Join relevant groups to stay posted within specific fields and track compa- nies that you would like to work for in order to follow their development. • Consider what words you use to de- scribe yourself in your profile. When an enterprise is looking for a candidate on LinkedIn, they often search for key words. • Maintain your profiles during your stu- dies and make sure that there is activity on them. • Try to link up to as many professionally relevant people as possible – teachers and counsellors from your school, people employed with interesting companies, etc.
• Asking how you may contribute or be of service is a good approach to a new contact. Networking is ‘give to get’. Read more about networks and find good advice on job seeking on social media at the english.ida.dk. IDA has a LinkedIn group for international engineers and natural science majors – also students – who are based in Denmark. Here you can find news about science and engineering, coaching on living and working in Denmark and information about work-related and social events. Sign up for the group here: IDA Engineering Society – Internationals in Denmark Profile yourself on Facebook Facebook is a more private platform than LinkedIn. However, some businesses use Facebook professionally. Even so you can utilise it for job seeking by profiling yourself professionally on Facebook and using your network there to share your job quest. You may opt for a private profile only visible to your friends and a professional profile open to everyone. Always consider carefully what you post on Facebook, assuming that a potential employer will see it. For instance, it does not look good if you post party pictures
every weekend or write negatively about your current employer or school. Online you must be the best version of yourself. Tell the world about your talents without exaggerating. Do not forget that job seeking is a selling situation in which your network may be of great help. Sell yourself on Google You can take for granted that the selection board will check you out on Google and other media. Test what comes up when you Google yourself. By profiling yourself online you are to a large extent able to control what hits a Google search on your name will yield. Consider what search terms a company would use if it were to look for a candidate like you, or what keywords would be listed in an ad that you might respond to. Make sure that those words figure in your profiles or on your own website. Like on the other social media platforms you can profile yourself on your own website, link to your projects, post examples of your work and use technical terms to describe your areas of expertise – in Danish, English or both. There are more ways to optimise the search terms, but those you typically have to pay for.
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PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS In addition to the virtual networks there is a wide range of in-person networks where you can assert yourself and meet people who match you professionally. It is a very good idea to participate in some of those, knowing that a lot of recruitment happens by way of networking.
In many companies it is customary to ask around among the employees whether they know of a suitable candidate for the vacancy before it is posted in newspapers, on LinkedIn, etc. Or the manager learns through one of his networks that a colleague in a different company has recently been in touch with someone who matches the sought-after profile exactly. As a student in Denmark you already have a network by way of your educational institution, but you may also benefit from these articles on English.ida.dk where experienced consultants talk about the best ways to get started: • IDA Why network • IDA How to network in Denmark Read more about IDA Young Professionals at Englisg.ida.dk or by using this link: English.ida.dk
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ORGANISED NETWORKS It may seem random, but very often networking is fairly systematised.
In addition to the loose networks of friends, family, fellow students and co-workers there is a plethora of possibilities to engage in more organised networking. IDA facilitates more than 40 professional networks and over 100 regional networks. And new ones are established all the time, so you will always find one that fits your needs. There are networks for young people as well as for math, biotechnology, work environment, concrete, polymers, aeronautics and many other fields. In short, there is a network for everyone. You can find and read more about the networks on English.ida.dk or by using this link. IDA networks In the professional networks you will meet professionals from universities and businesses that are deeply committed to their areas of expertise, but also decision makers from the big industries come here to meet their peers. This is an opportunity to informally socialise with students, staff and managers from various companies, which is Danish routine. Not all network events are in English, but even if one happens to be in Danish show up anyway. Often your network affiliates are able to answer many of the questions that you may have as an international student in Denmark, hence new to the Danish labour market. And most of IDA’s members are used to conversing in English.
Networks – for generalists and nerds The networks are autonomous with a board of volunteers who organise the activities such as conferences, company visits, talks and social events. Most of those activities are in Danish, but everyone is welcome regardless of language skills. Among other things, IDA has a Youth Council that advises IDA on developing offers for IDA’s young members through networks targeting young people. IDA Young Professionals is such a network targeting young members – students as well as recent graduates – and the network organises conferences, courses, after-work meetings, company visits, excursions, talks and many other activities all over the country. The activities are e.g. organised in cooperation with universities, corporations and IDA’s other networks, and participation is free of charge. The IDA Young Professionals activities often focus on topics such as communication, selling techniques, skill development and executive training – topics which transcend the strictly professional qualifications. Here you can also learn to deliver a good presentation that will sell you and your ideas to the companies.
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YOUR OWN PRE-GRADUATE NETWORK During your final years of school you can sign up for a lot of networks that may be advantageous to you after you graduate. IDA Event consists of regional networks organising interesting events, lectures and activities at the technical and natural scientific educational institutions in Denmark, and it is up to you as a student to decide what the contents should be. IDA Event is supported by IDA, but is operated by students exclusively. And the activities are typically free for members. Read more on English.ida.dk or by using this link: IDA Event
OTHER PLACES TO FIND A JOB Apart from your chances of finding a job by way of your networks there are other options that you should stay updated about. Often student assistant positions or internships will be announced on the website of your educational institution, some jobs will be posted in newspapers and trade journals such as IDA’s own Ingeniøren, and finally you may also have a look at the homepages listed below • Work in Denmark: www.workindenmark.dk • Jobfinder: www.jobfinder.dk/en-gb • Jobindex: www.jobindex.dk/english
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The Danish labour market
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NEW TO THE DANISH LABOUR MARKET The codes can be tough to crack when you are trying to get a foothold in the Danish labour market as a foreigner.
It is hard enough to settle into a foreign country, but it may be even harder to decode the written and the unwritten rules governing the labour market. At the same time, the workplace is also where you meet Danes on an equal footing and truly get the opportunity to become part of Danish society, learn the language, etc. The Danish labour market is to a great extent regulated by agreements entered into by its various players rather than legislation: Employers and trade unions negotiate about salaries, working conditions and many other basic things without the intervention of the government. Hence, you must inform yourself about the individual conditions under which you are employed. This is what we call “The Danish Model”. At the same time you are eligible to collect unemployment benefits if you lose your job. This, however, requires membership of an unemployment insurance fund (“Akasse”).
This link provides information about IDA and the benefits your membership entails. You will also get a brief introduction to the Danish labour market and some additional info about “The Danish Model”. IDA Ipaper, Welcome to IDA Your trade union may also advise you on your wage demands when applying for a student assistant position or a full-time job. Statistics of earnings that show you the average wage level for your job or what you can expect to start earning as a recent graduate are available at english.ida.dk.
Most people are members of a trade union In Denmark, two out of three are members of a trade union such as IDA. Trade unions look after employees’ rights and negotiate salaries, benefits, working hours, etc., with employers. This also goes for academics and other high income earners – including managers. IDA | 33
WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY? A few aspects of the labour market are regulated by legislation. In an engineering or technical job you will typically be subject to the Act on Salaried Employees (“Funktionærloven”). Moreover, we have the Holiday Act (“Ferieloven”) and the Maternity Law (“Barselsloven”). They ensure your basic rights such as five weeks of vacation, the right to maternity leave as well as paid sick leave. What your wage should be, however, is not governed by law. In Denmark wage is negotiated, and there is a principle of freedom of contract, which means that you cannot claim the right to a minimum wage. IDA helps you negotiate your wage and advises you as to what wage level to expect. More information is available at IDAs homepage, English.ida. dk or by clicking on this link: IDA working in Denmark, terms and conditions.
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Check your contract When you get hired as a student assistant or for a full-time position you are entitled to an employment contract describing the applicable terms and conditions. Make sure that it includes a job description so that it is clear what you are hired to do. Also ensure that your salary and additional working conditions figure in the contract – for example that you are at liberty to take time off to attend exams, what your average working hours will be, etc. If you are a member of IDA you are welcome to forward your contract to us. We will go through the contract and give you feedback. You will hear from us the next business day at the latest. Send us your contract by entering IDAs homepage, English.ida.dk or by using this link: IDA contact sheet (https://kontakt. ida.dk/kontakt/emner/5?sprogkode=en)
WORKPLACE CULTURE Once the contractual issues has been sorted, you still need to acquaint yourself with the many aspects that are not written in the contract.
The company often has a number of policies – smoking policy, alcohol policy and other rules regulating staff interaction – that are stated in an employee booklet, on the company intranet or that are just tacitly implied. These “unwritten rules” are important, so study them and inquire whenever there is something that you do not understand. It is always a good idea to find someone who knows the culture and the unwritten rules from the inside and ask them if you are in doubt as to what is expected of you in different situations, be they social or professional, as well as how your behaviour in various contexts is interpreted. Flat hierarchy Danish workplaces typically have a very flat hierarchy. This means that everyone regardless of status within the hierarchy is perceived as equal. They may not actually be, but that is the general perception. In practice that means that communication across hierarchical levels is quite normal. If you are employed as a student assistant you may address both managers and coworkers for advice or in order to present relevant ideas and initiatives. It is the employer’s or manager’s right to manage and distribute the work assignments, but in
a Danish setting that does not mean that staff should merely obey orders. Challenging decisions if they seem irrational shows that you think independently. As opposed to in many other cultures a Danish manager will typically value such a move rather than interpret it as discrediting manager status. Usually, a Danish manager will delegate a task without many details. It is up to the employees to demonstrate the initiative and independent thought that are sufficient to complete the task. Generally speaking the manager will not check whether everything is going as planned. He or she will expect the employee to approach them with any doubts, questions or needs for coaching to solve the problem. The same is the case if a deadline is too tight. Danes are very punctual, so it is expected that deadlines are met. However, deadlines can be negotiable. Moreover, a Danish manager expects staff members to seize the initiative and take on the assignments that they find essential in order to move on rather than waiting for the manager to order the job done. But of course it is also expected that you meet your deadlines – in consideration of your
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WORKPLACE CULTURE, CONTINUED
manager and your co-workers. If you are unable to meet a deadline you are expected to bring it up with management. For more information on how you work with your Danish co-workers most efficiently you can attend this IDA webinar.
If you would like to learn more about Danish labour market culture as well as the problems and challenges facing foreigners and newcomers to Denmark you can benefit from this video which focuses on exactly that.
IDA Webinar; How to work efficiently with the Danes.
IDA Video; Welcome to Denmark
Get to know your co-workers Danish workplaces often host a number of social events. It could be communal breakfasts on Fridays, weekly cake days, outings, clubs, Christmas dinners, etc. It is a good idea to participate in these events to get to know your co-workers and create a network in the workplace. Expect that everyone talks to everyone regardless of hierarchical status. The tone is more informal, but you can still talk about work. These events provide a great opportunity to get Danish workplace culture under your skin. This is also where you may make new friends and build the trust in co-workers and managers that is common in Danish workplaces.
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ALL THE OTHER RULES
In addition to the rules within the Danish labour market there are other rules which international students or job seekers in Denmark must observe. This goes for rules pertaining to residence and work permits, the Greencard scheme, tax regulations, etc. The link below provides comprehensive information about rules applying to international job seekers, expats and students in Denmark: www.nyidanmark.dk
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ida career handbook
How to find a job in Denmark
5979 5979
Contact IDA The Danish Society of Engineers Kalvebod Brygge 31–33 DK-1780 Copenhagen V Tel: 33 18 48 48 Fax: 33 18 48 99
38Design | IDA and fotos: nord advertising / Print: PE offset / Published by the Society of Engineers , IDA / January 2016