2. HOW TO APPLY FOR A JOB IN DENMARK Heidi Ås – Kristi Johvik

3. Programme 15.00 – 15.15Welcome and Workindenmark 15.15 – 15.40Danish working places 15.40 – 16.00Tips for your job search 16.00 – 16.10 – Break – 16.10 – 16.50A Danish CV 16.50 – 17.00– Break – 17.00 – 17.10“Back on track” 17.10 – 17.40A Danish motivation letter 17.40 – 18.00 A Danish job interview

4. www.workindenmark.dk

5. Create your profile and CV

7. Highly skilled professionals

8. Search jobs in the job bank

9. What about today and in the future? Unemployment rate:,5,8% (Gross) Many companies are still stand-by Denmark will continue to lack skilled employees in the future (due to the demography, the labour force will shrink henceforward)

10. Danish working places http://www.nyidanmark.dk/en- us/Integration/online_danish/working_in_denmark/working_life_in_denmark/working_life_in_denmar k.htm#

11. Danes are reserved Danes are informal “du” Danes enjoy their work Humor Work life balance Social events and activities Independence and responsibility Flexible - flexible working hours Punctuality – be on time Culture of discussion - consensus

12. Tips for your job search

13. 1.What is your market value? 2.Find companies who could be interesting for you – and not least interested in you! 3.Think in broad terms: focus on possibilities, not only the job of your dreams! 4.Target your CV and cover letter 5.Sell yourself – be active!

14. Language skills Learn Danish English is important too Your own language is valuable

15. Networking http://www.piktogrammer.dk/upl/produkt_918.jpg Why networking? Types of network (friends,”foreninger”, etc.) Others

16. Be active: jobfairs, websites etc. Fairs: An excellent chance to meet the companies face-to-face! Research on the internet – keywords in Danish: Jobmesse (job fair), karrieremesse (career fair)

17. Use internet www.workindenmark.dk (jobs and CV-bank for foreigners - in English).www.workindenmark.dk www.top1000.dk/en (Danish top 1000 companies – in English)www.top1000.dk/en www.jobnet.dk (all professions – public and private – in Danish)www.jobnet.dk www.jobindex.dk (all professions – public and private – in Danish)www.jobindex.dk www.graduateguiden.dk (overview of companies hiring through graduate programmes – In Danish)www.graduateguiden.dk http://translate.google.com (translation)http://translate.google.com Et cetera….

19. CV How to write an effective CV?

20. A good CV: is like a product description has to show factual information about you should leave a good impression of you just by scanning it A CV is your own promotion and sales material!

21. Before writing a CV Make a profile of competences: = overview of all your working and education qualifications and personal characteristics (professional, social & personal) Make a long list with the duties you had in your former jobs Helps you to target your CV and delete less significant competences

22. Preparation for a targeted CV Read the advertisement Select the competences you want to highlight Target your CV to the specific job Danish or English Decide which type of CV you want to make

23. Two types of CV Skills-based: –Focus on skills and competences –Interesting when you have limited work experience or very different experience Chronological: –Focus on your specialised/targeted work history –Provides a good overview over time –In Denmark always the latest experience first

24. How to Structure your Chronological CV 1.Personal details 2.Personal profile 3.Work experience 4.Education 5.Skills 6.Interests 7.References

25. Personal profile = brief and targeted summary about yourself What are your main skills? What are your personal qualities? Think in keywords Target the content Keep it short and to the point

26. Work experience List your most recent experience first. Give the dates of employment, job title, name of company and your tasks and achievements. Well known companies in your country may not be known in DK Use an appropriate job title if the one you actually have is misleading. If your professional work experience is lacking, you can also mention any internships

27. Education Start with your most recent education first List the subject and where you studied If you have a degree please state the level and skills you achieved We also recommend listing any exams or diplomas that you have passed

28. Language skills UnderstandingSpeakingReadingWriting FrenchMother tongue EnglishExcellent SpanishGoodBasic Limited DanishBasicLimited IT skills Which IT programmes do you know (e.g. Microsoft Office, Lotus Notes, Acrobat Writer)

29. Interests Particularly relevant if you were involved in activities in which you had leadership responsibilities, or part of a team. Be precise, e.g. Reading [what exactly? i.e. 20th century fiction], Sport [which sports? i.e. tennis or squash]. If you have been involved in any type of volunteer work. Hobbies and interests can give a more comprehensive picture of the candidate.

30. References There are two options here: the generic statement 'References are available on request’. names and contact information of relevant references on the CV, if you have approval. 2-3 references is fine.

31. Points to remember Max 2 pages Use simple language Documentation: do not send documentation unless mentioned in the job ad Have someone read over your CV Do a spell check! (“I speak fluent Englesh, Inglish, Eniglish” does not really instill confidence) CV in Pdf. Print out your CV

33. The Elevator speech Turn to your neighbour (two and two) You have 2 minutes each (take turns): Present yourself to this potential employer ---------------------------------------------------------- Now turn to your other neighbour One of you present yourself for 30 seconds!

34. The Letter of Motivation

35. Preparing your letter of motivation Start by Researching the company well Reading over the job description thoroughly Preparing your letter by thinking about the following points; 1. Why do you think you are specifically suitable for the role? 2. What are the competences you possess that match the role? 3. Why would you want to work for that particular company?

36. Content of the letter of motivation A good application is future-oriented and directs itself to the tasks in the given job –Show that you have understood the job and how you can meet the demands –Stay focused on the tasks to be solved –Explain what special skills and qualities you can bring to the job –Show both your professional and personal competences –Demonstrate your knowledge of the company –Show your MOTIVATION

37. Some guidelines headline to present yourself – no Dear! Be brief and accurate Use examples Only one page Check for errors

38. Finally: The Interview

39. Job interview in Denmark Preparation is everything More than one interview More than one person present Tests could be involved (personal, practical etc.) You should be active and ask questions Informal atmosphere Dress code

40. Frequently asked questions How would your friends and family describe you? Describe a situation of conflict you have experienced. How did you solve it? Which role do you have in groups? Describe a good colleague and manager. Why this company? Mention 3 of your weak points / strong points.

41. Thank you for your attention