Sweden is currently in a recession, with unemployment hitting particularly hard among foreign-born workers.

With the unemployment rate for people aged 15-74 standing at 8.3 percent, and major companies announcing significant layoffs earlier this year, job security has become a pressing concern for many.

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Non-European Union citizens working in Sweden on a work permit have an added layer of stress, as the country’s regulations grant a three-month grace period to secure new employment and apply for a new work permit if you lose your job.

But whether you’re a recent immigrant or someone looking to make a career change, although finding a job in Sweden within three months is difficult even for native Swedes, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

The Local has put together some of our top strategies for landing a job in Sweden in three months, even in this economy.

Leverage the power of networking

In Sweden, networking is often the key to unlocking job opportunities.

Saaya Sorrells-Weatherford, co-founder of the relocation consultancy Emigreat, told The Local that keeping your CV updated and actively participating in networking events is critical to landing a job in the country.

“Keep your CV updated and never stop attending networking events or creating contacts. You never know when you may be laid off, and your situation is more critical if your ability to stay in Sweden is based on employment. Finding employment through networking is incredibly strong in Sweden,” she said.

Networking can often lead to job opportunities before they are even advertised, making it a powerful tool in your job search arsenal – especially if you need to find a new job within a set deadline.

Take direct action and reach out to companies

Don’t hesitate to take direct action if you have your sights set on a specific company.

Many Swedish companies list job openings on their websites, but even if you don’t find anything listed, it’s worth reaching out with an open application.

If you’ve prepared diligently before reaching out, this proactive approach shows initiative and can make you stand out in a competitive market.

So, polish up your CV and cover letter, and check whether you meet the company’s requirements for comparable job listings.

Psst! The Local has a guide on how to write the perfect Swedish CV and cover letter.

Monitor Sweden’s occupational shortages

Keeping an eye on Sweden’s list of occupational shortages can significantly boost your chances of securing a job.

The Swedish Migration Agency, in collaboration with the Public Employment Service, regularly publishes a list of occupations in high demand.

If you land a job in one of these fields (typically, the jobs are within IT, engineering, healthcare, and accounting), you may be able to apply for a work permit from within Sweden rather than having to return to your home country.

“Even when your job is secure, I recommend looking at the annual government list of occupational shortages. These are job positions that the government says we don’t have enough local competence to fulfil,” Saaya Sorrells-Weatherford said.

“Go through the list and see if any of them are adjacent to the work you already do or are educated for,” she added.

READ MORE:

• What happens to your Swedish work permit if you lose your job?

Stay on top of job listings

The Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen) is a must-visit site for anyone job hunting in Sweden.

Their offices offer support, from career programmes to personalised job search assistance.

If you’re willing to wait in line, you’ll gain access to services like CV mentoring, cover letter guidance, and interview preparation.

The Swedish Public Employment Service also has a digital job portal, named Platsbanken, which had over 70,000 job listings at the time of writing. It’s one of the largest and most widely used job boards in Sweden.

For English-language positions, platforms like The Local’s job section and LinkedIn Jobs are essential.

The Local alone lists thousands of openings in Stockholm, Uppsala, Örebro, or elsewhere in Sweden.

Another excellent resource for finding a job in Sweden is the EURES portal, which aggregates public and private job listings from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland.

If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you can use this portal to search for job opportunities in Sweden and connect with a EURES advisor.

Furthermore, you should also take the time to explore some of the primarily Swedish job sites, despite these platforms not catering specifically to English-language jobs.

Consider checking out websites such as JobbSafari, Monster, and Blocket Jobb.

Consider engaging a recruiter

Engaging a recruiter can be a valuable strategy in your job search, particularly if your industry is known for relying on such agencies to facilitate employment.

Recruiters can help you with various aspects of the job-hunting process, such as polishing your resume, writing cover letters, preparing for interviews, and providing insights into a company’s culture.

In Sweden, you can choose from multiple well-respected recruitment agencies.

Adecco, for instance, specialises in placing professionals in a wide range of positions, but you must speak Swedish to work with them.

Academic Work focuses on students, recent graduates, and young professionals, offering services in English.

Another option is Incluso, which caters to professionals across various industries, including those who do not speak Swedish.

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It can be challenging – don’t give up

Finding a job in Sweden can be challenging, especially for foreign residents.

The Local has reported on several occasions about the struggles faced by international job seekers trying to get a foothold in the Swedish job market.

Common hurdles include employers’ unfamiliarity with international degrees, subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) discrimination, and the lack of a local network, which is often crucial in gaining access to job opportunities.

Even highly qualified candidates can find themselves in frustrating situations, sending out hundreds of applications to companies of all sizes only to hear nothing in return.

The silence can be disheartening, but it’s important to stay persistent. Keep looking, and remain open-minded about the opportunities that come your way.

Sometimes, the path to your desired job may involve taking a less direct route, such as accepting a position that isn’t an exact match for your qualifications but can help you build a local network or gain valuable experience.

Remember, Sweden isn’t an easy market to break into, but perseverance pays off.

Further reading

If you’re a non-EU foreigner on a work permit in Sweden and get laid off, you technically have three months to find a new job and apply for a new permit. However, in reality, you often have less time. Here’s what you need to know if you find yourself in this situation.

Are you facing a layoff and wondering how it might impact your work permit and career in Sweden? Take a look at this in-depth explainer.

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• ‘I think about my salary all the time’: Foreign workers risk losing right to stay in Sweden