7 real-life tips from a former international job-seeker in Norway
Finding a relevant job as an international in Norway isn’t always easy. In this article, we’ve talked to a former mentee in Sammen om en jobb, Nicholas Harris-Baxter. Today, Nick is an area and transport planner with Ringerike municipality. He shares his experience, insights, and tips on how to navigate the job-seeking process with other internationals.
Things That Held Me Back
“When I first moved here, I focused mostly on learning Norwegian”, says Nicholas. “I was only occasionally applying for jobs. I worried about wasting opportunities if my language wasn’t good enough. Looking back, I wish I had done more of both. Practicing interviews when I only understood 30% made it so much easier when I later understood 80%!”
Sammen om en jobb
“The Sammen om en jobb program changed my life”, he continues. “I remember attending my first info session, seeing the statistics of participants landing relevant full-time jobs, and hoping that could be me. A few months in, I felt less confident about my chances, but my biweekly check-ins with my mentor kept me going. They provided fresh perspectives, and gave me the support I needed to realign my focus”.
Tips for international job-seekers
From someone who has been there
CV
Nicholas is convinced the Sammen om en jobb program will help you improve your CV. His advice? Always write a personalized cover letter, and repeat the main points in your CV’s opening paragraph to catch HR’s attention. Be honest, talk about not having much relevant Norwegian work experience. While it might not make you the easy choice for the role, your non-Norwegian experience can still make you the most valuable choice. Here are a few examples from Nicholas’ experience:
“Har jeg relevant norsk arbeidserfaring? Nei, det har jeg ikke. Elsker jeg å lede, tilrettelegge og bidra til transportprosjekter? Ja, det gjør jeg. Vil jeg gjerne ha muligheten til å gjøre det her i Ringerike kommune? Selvfølgelig, for Norge er mitt nye hjem.”
Janteloven
Nicholas is familiar with Janteloven, the Norwegian social norm discouraging boasting. “It can be tricky to navigate in job applications. It’s hard to promote yourself if you’re not supposed to “brag.””, he shares. Instead, he suggests you highlight how you offer a unique perspective, bring new ideas, and have relevant experience without over-emphasizing personal achievements.
Not familiar with Janteloven? Here’s a great explainer: What Exactly is Janteloven? Norway's Unspoken Social Norms (lifeinnorway.net)
Take Any Opportunity and Job Hunting
“Don’t hesitate to take any opportunity, even if it feels like a step back in your career,” Nicholas advises. He explains that his current boss was impressed that he had worked as a Foodora bike courier and at a Circle K. Both roles helped him learn about the city layout and expanded his network. “Also, apply for jobs outside Oslo,” he adds. “You may find more flexible, varied roles in smaller cities like Hønefoss, where broader responsibilities can lead to unexpected growth.”
Apply for jobs outside Oslo. You may find more flexible, varied roles in smaller cities like Hønefoss, where broader responsibilities can lead to unexpected growth.
Networking
Networking is key! Nicholas recommends attending events, talks, and frokostmøter to learn the industry-specific language. Here are a few extra tips:
Add recent activities to your CV to show ongoing engagement—it’s a great conversation starter.
Bring a notebook to jot down unfamiliar terms, and start conversations with questions about the topic instead of the usual “where do you work?”
Cold Contacting
“Cold contacting can be nerve-wracking but rewarding,” says Nicholas. “My best success came from connecting with other immigrants or people with international experience in my field, especially those who understood the challenges of moving to Norway. LinkedIn is invaluable—use a Premium trial to research people’s backgrounds, and reach out for a coffee chat with those who might empathize with your journey.”
Be Yourselves
Nicholas’ take on authenticity is clear: “Embrace your unique background! You are all an incredible addition to Norway’s workplaces, so don’t be afraid to be yourselves.”
He follows up by explaining how he has a Sodastream at his desk at work, always says hi and tries to have a conversation in the hallways, has an Australian rules football as a stress ball, and probably overshares about his projects at home.
“Despite the odd comment about the Sodastream and a bit of dodged eye contact in the corridor, everybody loves it when the boblevann starts flowing in the afternoons! I have started to get to know some of my colleagues and I love trying to describe how we football back home in Melbourne.”
Take Care of Yourselves
We part with a few thoughts on the importance of mental health in a challenging process.
It will happen and you are in the best place
“Remember to take care of your mental health,” says Nicholas..“Share your highs and your lows with your mentor, share it with the others in your cohort here, and your friends. Ride the highs and acknowledge the lows but try not to let them ride you. I think “don’t give up / Ikke gi opp” was my most heard phrase. It got a little frustrating because sometimes all I wanted to do was give up. It is ok to give up for an afternoon, a couple of days, or a weekend. But don’t give up completely. It will happen and you are in the best place.”