How to find a job in English in Helsinki?
The good news is, there’s plenty of networking opportunities and jobs in English in Helsinki. Finns also speak English very well. We’ve gathered the best tips to help you slide into this city that looks cool but feels warm on the inside.
Not apart
A part
Would you like to work in the happiest capital in the world? Welcome to Helsinki. Here, work and leisure are in balance, your commute shouldn’t take longer than 30 minutes and holidays and parental leave are long. (The rumours are true: almost everyone is on holiday in July).
If your Finnish language skills still need work, don’t worry. People in Helsinki speak English, and Helsinki offers a wide range of jobs for internationals. Helsinki offers more jobs in English than any other city in Finland. A lot of companies are looking for English-speaking professionals, especially in the IT and marketing sectors. In the coming years, there will also be opportunities for nurses and early childhood education teachers in Helsinki. Job vacancies in Helsinki are often posted on LinkedIn and job search websites.
Great platforms for finding English-speaking roles include Helsinki Exposed, Work in Finland, Job Market Finland, Finland Jobs and Jobs in Helsinki. If your dream job isn’t advertised right now, why not take the initiative and contact companies directly? Showing genuine interest and highlighting how you can contribute might just spark the right opportunity.
What do Finnish employers value?
According to stereotypes, Finns are shy and quiet, but that is not the whole truth.
When the job search website Duunitori investigated (in Finnish) the demand for “soft” working life skills in Finland in 2020, it became clear that Finnish employers value interpersonal skills the most. Other highly valued qualities are the ability to search for information, investigate, lead and solve problems. But if you are an introvert, don’t worry: your expertise is appreciated here.
Finding work in a new country is easier when you know what employers expect from jobseekers.
Finnish recruiters often value clear and short applications. When applying for a job in Helsinki, keep your CV concise and think about the position you are applying for. What are your strengths for this job? Why would you be a good hire? Also tell them about your motivation: why do you want this specific job? Make the start of your job application memorable. Show that you know what position you are applying for and why. Forget about clichés, jargon and sharing irrelevant details.
The employer does not need to know your home address, marital status or all your previous summer jobs. Fun fact: In Finland, it is illegal to google a job applicant without their permission or to ask about family relationships, pregnancy, orientation or political opinions during an interview. And wait until you hear that most people have at least five weeks of holiday per year, paid parental leave and a 7.5-hour working day (not bad if we say so ourselves).
Networking opportunities in Helsinki
Networks can be very helpful when looking for a job in English in Helsinki. But it can feel frustrating—how do you network when you don’t know anyone? Don’t worry! You may not know anyone – yet – but Helsinki has many great networking opportunities for English speakers. Participate in recruitment events or working life fairs, be active on LinkedIn and tell people that you are looking for a job. Sometimes it’s best to forget about job-seeking for a moment and get to know new people just for fun – via hobbies, in parties or even at language courses. Remember that networking takes time. Ask for help and remember to offer it.
When you are friendly and interested in others, you will find like-minded people. Mentoring is a good way to network and get tips for job seeking. In Helsinki, you can get a personal mentor through various mentoring programmes, such as Luckan Integration.
Believe it or not: learning Finnish is possible
Although there are many jobs in English in Helsinki, knowledge of Finnish or Swedish can be an advantage when looking for work.
Väestöliitto, The Family Federation of Finland, organises career mentoring for educated women who have moved to Finland and who do not yet have a job corresponding to their education. The participants should know Finnish enough to be able to communicate with a mentor in Finnish. Finland has a reputation for being a difficult language, but it is possible to learn it. If you disagree, you can always study Swedish, the other official language of Finland, which contains more familiar words for English speakers.
You can easily find language courses here. And most importantly, if you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out—people in Helsinki are happy to assist. International House Helsinki is a great resource, offering support with practical matters for those who have recently moved or are planning to relocate to the city.
Good luck!
