Hello,

It is pretty difficult to find a job(without experience and education) in Sweden and I am still looking. I am studying at the university right now, but I want to work and take a break from school a year.

What is the most effective strategy for getting a job? Please share some advice.

Lurk job boards.
Apply, apply, apply.
Stay committed.
Ask friends if they know of openings where they work.
Do internships that can lead to jobs.

I don't know the corporate culture in Sweden so I can't give really thought out advice since I'm sure it's fairly different than US culture.

I'd recommend you not take a year long break though

Thanks Evun!

Its pretty diffrent, but I dont think the way for seeking a job is any diffrent.


I am thinking of studying for the swedish version of SAT so I can get higher score(which I can use to apply for the med.school) and work at the same time. I will probably have no social life, but I think it is worth the sacrifice.

You could try going through a temp agency, I'm not sure what kind of jobs (if any) they will be able to pair you with without any experience though.

TRY EVERYWHEREEEEEEEE I mean apply everywhere

I will do it. Thanks Misty!

There are jobs where you dont need experience and education(mcdonalds, cleaning jobs etc) but I think the competition is high and I need to differentiate myself from other 100:s applicants.

I'd agree with either internships or using your network to find open spots. Marketing, advertising, and promotions jobs would be a good possibility too

when you apply to one of those jobs with lots of competition, you have to make them think that you are the perfect person for the job. get as much information as you can about the company/position you're applying for to show them that you are thorough and attentive and you're not just looking for any job (even if you are). check what they put in the job description and tell them why you think that would be the right thing for you, what qualities you have that are useful for the job. show that you are friendly and polite, so they'll know you will be able to work well in a team and deal with customers appropriately. show common sense so they know you'll work responsibly and don't need instructions for every little thing.

depending on where you want to work, just go to stores and ask if they need someone or check their websites. a lot of companies prefer online applications these days anyway.

good luck!

Sounds great. I will just apply so much as I can, adjust my job application and CV to the particular job and we will see if I get an interview.

Thanks sis.

Just the kind of respond I was waiting for. Thank you Borntodie!

Apply for at least 5 jobs a day and don't think about the career you want because you'll transfer skills down the line,so just apply for anything, go crazy

Yeah, that was my plan. I will be happy if I get any job.

First network, always network. If you don't know anyone in life you'll never get anywhere.

Then try to search and never stop. Make yourself look good on your résumé.

Well I know people, but I dont know people who can offer me jobs. And to state that anyone cant get a job without network is a bit reaching, but network makes it absolutely easier.

I will do it. Thanks!

Have you considered one of those work abroad things? I think I wanna try one of those in US or Australia, and I guess it's much easier to get since they take pretty much anyone.

I'm from Denmark and I know how to tough it is to find a job in Scandinavia right now

Oh, nice to see someone from Scandinavia.

To be honest, I am not willing to leave the country(and I cant afford to) just to get a job. But I agree, it is pretty difficult to get a job here in scandinavia if you dont have work experience. I am not giving up. I am get a job within 2 months.

Try to make the best use of job search engines.

I used a site called JobRapido, it sent emails directly to me daily notifying me how many new part time & full time jobs were available in my area (Northern Ireland) not sure if it would be available where you are situated; but you can always give it a try.

Good luck, and I hope you find a job soon!