As a job seeker with an international background, you bring valuable skills and perspectives to the Finnish job market. Finding a position that matches your expertise in a new country can, however, take time and effort. Many job seekers find it helpful to complement their existing competence by learning more about Finnish working culture and the labour market, developing their Finnish language skills and becoming familiar with local job search practices.
There is a wide range of information, services and opportunities available to support you. Metropolia’s career coaches have collected resources that can help you navigate your job search and career planning in Finland. Through the links below, you can explore different ways to strengthen your position in the Finnish job market.
On this page:
Finnish work culture and job markets
Finnish work culture and job markets
Working life in Finland may differ from what you are used to, for example in how organisations are structured and how work is planned and managed. Hierarchies are often relatively low, and employees are expected to take responsibility for their own work and to communicate actively with colleagues and supervisors.
Recruitment can also look different. In addition to formal criteria, there are many unwritten rules and expectations that are not always explained. It is helpful to learn the “hidden language” of recruitment: how to describe your skills in a way that matches Finnish job ads, what kind of tone is expected in applications and how to present yourself in interviews.
According to a study by Duunitori, one key factor in recruitment decisions is how well a candidate fits the workplace culture (cultural fit). Understanding how decisions are made, how people usually communicate and what is expected from employees helps you present your strengths in a way that works in Finnish workplaces.
Networks also play an important role. Many vacancies are shared through professional and personal contacts and never reach public job portals.
By getting to know the local labour market, you can see in which fields there are more open positions, what kinds of skills are needed and how strong the competition is. This helps you to target your job search and to make more informed decisions about your career plans.
- Navigating Finnish Working Life (MOOC): This free online course is open to everyone, regardless of your educational background. You do not need to be a degree student to enroll.
- Work–life balance in Finland (by Work in Finland)
- Adapting to Finnish work culture (by TEK)
- This is Finland (Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland) – information about Finnish culture, society and everyday life
- Työvoimabarometri – Labour force barometer (by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment) – employment outlooks in different professions in Finland
- Employment outlook, workforce availability and open positions by occupation (by JobMarket Finland) – regional information on labour demand and labour market mismatch
- The labour market forecast – summer 2026 (by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment) – forecasts of future employment developments in Finland
- The Employment statistics section of the Job Market Finland page – statistics on unemployment, open job vacancies and employment service developments
Finnish language and employment
It may be possible to find a job in some sectors and companies without Finnish language skills. However, in many workplaces you are expected to know at least the basics of Finnish. It is recommended to start learning Finnish as soon as possible, as language skills open more opportunities and make everyday life in Finland easier. In general, it is often easier to build up strong language skills earlier in life, so investing time in learning Finnish sooner rather than later usually pays off.
Different sectors and companies in Finland are at very different stages of internationalisation and in how open they are to hiring English‑speaking employees. The openness of employers depends on factors such as how international the company is, the industry, the language used with customers and where the company operates. At one end of the job market there are multinational companies and startups that work mainly in English. At the other end there are the public sector and many small and medium‑sized companies that operate mostly in national languages. Technical fields use English more often as a working language, but even there Finnish is usually a clear advantage.
It is also good not to believe all the myths about Finnish being “impossible” to learn. Finnish is one of many natural languages, and there are already plenty of international professionals who speak it well and use it at work. Learning takes time and practice, but it is definitely possible. At the same time, in Finland many services are automated and used online. This means you may not get much spontaneous everyday practice in Finnish unless you actively look for it yourself. It is therefore important to create opportunities to use the language – for example through language and other courses, hobbies, associations, volunteering or other groups where people meet and talk face to face.
Learning Finnish helps you understand how people communicate and work together, build your networks and feel more at home in Finland. In addition to opening more job opportunities, language skills support your long‑term plans and help you navigate everyday situations more independently.
You can find tips from Metropolia’s Finnish teachers on how to make learning easier for you in the Various Variables blog posts “Five Effective Ways to Learn Finnish” and “Find your way to become a Finnish speaker”. You can also find more detailed information on Finnish and other language studies on our FAQ page under the question “Where can I study Finnish or other languages (such as Swedish or English)?”.
Here you can find Finnish language courses offered by Metropolia and other institutions.
- Finnish language courses and conversation groups in Metropolia UAS
Courses organised by Metropolia for different levels and needs. - Finnish learning resources | Student's Guide
A comprehensive collection of free resources and materials for Finnish language learning. - Other open universities or UAS in Finland
For example, Savonia UAS offers many Finnish language courses online. - Finnishcourses.fi service
A search service for Finnish and Swedish language courses in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, Turku, Tampere and Oulu, as well as online courses.
These sites offer free materials and tools for practising Finnish independently.
- Kielibuusti platform
Information platform and resource bank for learning Finnish, including self‑study material and tips. Produced with support from the Ministry of Education and Culture. - Selkomedia
News in easy Finnish for foreign speakers and others who need easier language. - Suomi Taskussa video portal
Short videos that help you learn and practise Finnish. - Lingvis
A free learning app for those who want to study Finnish or Swedish using up‑to‑date media content.
Job searching in Finland
Finding a job in Finland can require a lot of initiative and perseverance. It is often not enough to react only to advertised vacancies – you need to look for opportunities actively, create them, and be prepared to contact employers directly. Many people first find part‑time work, temporary jobs, freelance assignments or roles that are not exactly their ideal job, and later move towards positions that fit their goals better.
Before you start preparing your application documents, it is useful to identify your skills and competences and think about how your international qualifications fit into the Finnish labour market. If you need support in assessing the suitability of your qualification, you can read more about recognition of qualifications on our website or book a personal guidance discussion.
Proactive approach is needed when looking for work in Finland
Being proactive can mean taking small steps that gradually open new options: updating your CV, talking with people in your field, trying short-term work or volunteering, or asking employers about opportunities even when there is no open position advertised.
- Find out what a typical CV and motivation letter look like in Finland.
- Metropolia Career Guide | Student's Guide – Metropolia's own comprehensive guide for career planning and job searching.
- TEK Workbook – Useful materials on CV and cover letter drafting and interview preparation.
- Use LinkedIn as a source of information about the labour market in your field, find events to attend and connect with other professionals. You can read more about how to use LinkedIn as a jobseeker in the Various Variables blog post Crafting a Compelling LinkedIn Profile for Jobseekers in Finland.
- Find your own way to network. Use LinkedIn, attend events and look for situations where you can meet people in your field. Talking openly about your skills and what you are looking for can help others think of opportunities for you. The Various Variables blog post The art of networking – where to start if you don’t know anyone in Finland gives practical tips.
- Work experience in Finland, whether paid or unpaid, is often valued. References are also commonly used. Think about who could describe your skills and way of working. Depending on your field, signing up with a recruitment agency can also be useful.
In Finland it is common and acceptable to contact employers directly, for example by email, phone or LinkedIn. When you reach out, briefly introduce who you are, what kind of roles you are interested in and how your skills could be useful for that organisation. You can then ask whether it would be possible to discuss opportunities or send an open application.
Learn more about LinkedIn and networks in Finland
In the video "LinkedIn: Path to Employment" you can learn about different ways to use LinkedIn when looking for work in Finland. The focus is especially on how job seekers could benefit from using the platform.
Hosts: Oscar Smart (Career Coach at Metropolia UAS), Iida Panula (Recruitment Advisor at Get Work Vantaa project) and Timo Avdo (Entrepreneur).
Hosts: Oscar Smart (Career Coach at Metropolia UAS), Iida Panula (Recruitment Advisor at Get Work Vantaa project) and Timo Avdo (Entrepreneur).
Applying for open positions is the most typical way of looking for work in Finland. However, research shows that networks also play a very important role. According to a study by Sitra, only about 25% of professionals found their job by applying to an advertised open position. The rest of them found their position through the “hidden job market” and, for example, via their networks.
Networks can start to form already at an early career stage, for example at school, through studies, hobbies and of course later in working life. Networks build on trust, so they take time to develop.
Even though professional networks are important, all personal networks also matter. It can sometimes be easier to start with social networks outside work – for example hobbies, neighbours or other communities – and later connect these to professional opportunities. Everyone you meet has their own personal and professional networks, and you never know who they might be able to connect you with.
Here are a few good readings about hidden job markets and the importance of networks in Finland:
Where to get support on finding work in Finland?
Unemployed job seekers can get support for job search and career planning from the employment services of their municipality of residence. In the capital region, for example Helsinki Employment Services, Vantaa Employment Services and Espoo Employment Services can help you.
If you are under 30 years old, you can also get support from Ohjaamo, a one‑stop guidance centre where you can get help in matters related to work, education and everyday life. If you have arrived in Finland as a spouse, check what the Spouse programme could offer you.
Here are some additional guides and services where you can get support for job searching in Finland:
- Career webinars for immigrants | Metropolia UAS: These webinars are open to all and cover topics designed to help you navigate study options and develop career prospects.
- International Jobseekers Guide
A guide that offers information about Finnish working culture, looking for work in Finland, becoming an entrepreneur and advice on how to kick‑start your job search. - IHH Employment coaching
International House Helsinki provides international professionals with early‑stage personalised employment coaching designed to fit their individual needs. - InfoFinland
Tips and links for job search and for drafting a job application and CV. - Work in Finland
Shares general information about work and life in Finland, provides information about vacancies and facilitates the job search and relocation process. - Luckan integration
Offers individual counselling and guidance, mentorship and networking programmes, workshops and social gatherings. Also provides information and guidance on Swedish‑language integration in Finland. - Herizon
Drives the Nordic tech ecosystem forward by leveraging international talent already in the region, including spouses and students. Offers fast‑track training, mentorship and job opportunities.
Check also Metropolia’s Career Webinars and our Various Variables blog for more tips on job searching and finding work in Finland.
Where to look for open positions?
You can search for job vacancies on many different job portals as well as on company websites. Jobs are also advertised on social media, especially on LinkedIn, which is one of the most important tools for professional job hunting in Finland.
- Work in Finland
Job portal for English‑speaking professionals. You can find vacancies targeted at international talent in different fields. - JobMarket Finland (Työmarkkinatori)
National service that lists open vacancies and provides information and services related to employment. - Finland Jobs – Jobs in English (by Duunitori)
English‑language job portal provided by Duunitori (one of the biggest recruitment media in Finland). The content is automatically updated using Duunitori’s search engine. - The Hub
Job portal focusing on career opportunities in startups, especially in the tech and growth company ecosystem. - Jobly
A large Finnish job portal with vacancies in many different fields across Finland.
- International House Helsinki (IHH)
Offers services for immigrants who are settling in the Helsinki region and need advice on work, pensions, taxation and other practical matters. - InfoFinland
Provides extensive information about life, work and opportunities in Finland in 12 languages. The service is maintained by the City of Helsinki. - SAK's ABC of the working world
Advises employees of foreign origin and young employees who have questions or problems related to their employment, such as employment contracts, wages and working hours.
Entrepreneurship
If you are interested in starting a business in Finland, there are many services and networks that can support you. In the Helsinki region, you can get advice on how to set up a business, take part in trainings and events and meet other entrepreneurs and people interested in entrepreneurship.
Services and networks for entrepreneurs
You have plenty of services available in the Helsinki region. You can start by exploring the following:
- Business Helsinki
Advice, services and trainings on setting up a business, free of charge. - Business Espoo
Services, networks and events for businesses, entrepreneurs and those interested in entrepreneurship in Espoo. - Business Vantaa
Services, networks and events for businesses, entrepreneurs and those interested in entrepreneurship in Vantaa. - Business Finland
Information and tips for setting up a start‑up and for growing an international business. - Metropolia and several other higher education institutions also offer courses on entrepreneurship. You can find options in open universities and open universities of applied sciences, for example through Metropolia’s own courses and the national Opin.fi search service.
- Read also the Metropolia Various Variables blog post with tips for new entrepreneurs.
The Helsinki region is one of the growing start‑up hubs in the world. You can start building your networks, for example, in:
- Maria 01
Start‑up campus and community. - Slush
One of the biggest start‑up events in the world, connecting start‑up minded people in many activities around the event. Tickets can be expensive, but you can also apply to volunteer at Slush, which is a way to take part in the event, meet people and build your network. - Check also the services and events of Business Helsinki, Business Espoo and Business Vantaa, which regularly organise networking events for entrepreneurs.
- Read also the Metropolia Various Variables blog post on networking as a new entrepreneur.
- Metropolia’s Turbiini incubator
Metropolia’s own incubator for people who want to develop their business ideas and start a company. - Guide to starting a business (Uusyrityskeskus)
A practical guide that walks you through the main steps of starting a business in Finland (available in several languages). - Employment services for entrepreneurs and trainings
Public employment services offer different services and trainings for people who are starting or developing a business. You can find information about these options through their service manual or on the Job Market Finland website's Labour Market Trainings page.
Explore our other services
Services to immigrants
What kind of services and what opportunities do international professionals and future talents have with us? We help you find your study and career path in Finland.
Career Guidance for immigrants
A one-to-one discussion with a Career Coach helps you to map your competences and identify suitable study and career paths in Finland.
Career Webinars
Career webinars are open to all immigrants interested in the topic. The topics are selected to help you navigate your study options and develop your career prospects in Finland.
Recognition of competence
How can you get started with recognising your key competences? Metropolia also provides recognition of competence by a professional in selected fields of study and for limited target groups.
Higher education preparatory programme for immigrants
Do you wish to study for a degree in Finnish in a university of applied sciences? Metropolia provides studies to prepare you for this. The courses are taught in Finnish.
Study opportunities and developing competence
Are you interested to study Finnish or to develop your field-specific competence? Metropolia offers you a wide range of options from individual courses to tailored programmes and full degrees.