What's most frustrating about Job Hunting in Norway?

Member since 09 July 2015

Davina DMember13 July 2015 08:23:24

What are some of the roadblocks you face searching for jobs here in Norway? How different (or similar) is it to job searching in another country?

I lived in the UK for 2 yrs, from 2009 - 2011, and I find it intriguing that I got several interviews and 2 job offers within a month of starting the job hunting process. And I was in London, where the population (& resulting competition) is at least 3x that of the largest cities in Norway. I had no such luck in Norway.

The major difference I could personally identify is that I wasn't met with as much suspicion as I often am in Norway. Then again I have a very English sounding name. I don't know if people with names like Mohammed Saqid or Gokul Ramarasandaran are just as lucky.

I would be most appreciative if the community could share its thoughts.

See also

Working in Norway - Guide
What are the best & worst things about Norway? - 2 Replies
What are the dos and don'ts of finding a job in Norway? - 9 Replies
What do you like the most in Norway? - 5 Replies
Whats Your Favorite Thing About Living In Norway? :) - 6 Replies
The impact of artificial intelligence on the Norway job market - 0 Reply
Norway deportatation - 1 Reply

fornight Serial expat

Member since 29 February 2012

fornightSerial expat13 July 2015 10:57:02

395

The companies in norway prefer norwegian speaking candidates. There are not a lot of international companies...even if you applied for one, the department head might prefer norwegian speaking candidates....

Bhavna Team

Member since 01 June 2015

BhavnaTeam14 July 2015 04:57:57

43034

Hi Davina D,

You can also read the following thread to have an overview of jobhunts in Norway :

- Tips for getting your first job in Norway

Best of luck,
Bhavna

Davina D Member

Member since 09 July 2015

Davina DMember22 July 2015 17:35:03

Thank you very much fornight and Bhavna!

KAVI0165 Member

Member since 04 August 2015

KAVI0165Member04 August 2015 13:40:27

Hallo!

I have lived in this country for many years and i think that here people are suspicious of people they don´t know well. They normally give jobs to those they know and that is why many jobs are not advertised. The most used method of getting jobs is through nav and it means that one has to go through job trainning for some months inorder for them to get to know you better . After the job trainning, If lucky, one can get the job

Davina D Member

Member since 09 July 2015

Davina DMember06 August 2015 21:15:42

KAVI0165 wrote:
Hallo!

I have lived in this country for many years and i think that here people are suspicious of people they don´t know well. They normally give jobs to those they know and that is why many jobs are not advertised. The most used method of getting jobs is through nav and it means that one has to go through job trainning for some months inorder for them to get to know you better . After the job trainning, If lucky, one can get the job

Thanks a lot for your input, KAV! Much appreciated!

Nadkiz007 Active member

Member since 28 December 2010

Nadkiz007Active member12 August 2015 08:18:42

Its true the Norwegians are bit suspicious of people whom they dont know. When I visited Norway in 2008 for the first time to visit my girl friend (she is from Myanmar but now norwegian citizen and I am from India), her norwegian native friends didnt like me. Some even advised her not to continue.During the course of time we got engaged and now got married this July. But I tell u now some of her Norwegian native friends are my best friends too.

Now God willing we are trying to apply for family reunion and hope we will be able to live together soon there. Also hope I will get a job there. btw I can speak little bit of Norsk now.

KAVI0165 Member

Member since 04 August 2015

KAVI0165Member12 August 2015 12:41:59

Thanks for your contribution sebikulu. I agree with you

steven_uren Member

Member since 20 August 2015

steven_urenMember21 August 2015 14:39:13

Living in the UK and working for a major firm, I find that I get at least one phone call a day from agencies or companies asking about my availability without even applying for any jobs. They just find my CV online and enquire.

However I have been painstakingly applying for 4/5 jobs a day in Norway and havent had so much as a phone call/email for further information. It all seems quite an ignorant process, and if you are unlucky in applying you very rarely find out!

Hopefully someone will give me an opportunity and I can move over to Oslo asap, all I can be is positive!

Eleda79 Guest

Eleda79Guest12 August 2016 16:00:01

#10

I have the same problem
Hope you speak Norwegian....that may give you a fighting chance
I am now learning the language and I can feel your frustration
Do you have a" D "number yet