Where Do You Begin a Job Hunt?

[Suzanne]

As part of my planning for a move, I know that I have to start now as far as attempting to find work. Per started by checking with his consulting company but what he got is that they have nothing.

I know of some recruiters out there and there is the "http://www.expatsinsweden.com" but I'm not sure if that is worth signing up for.

I have a bachelor's degree in accounting and business management and a special post graduation certificate in computer programming. My fear is that because I don't speak Swedish. If I could search in Stockholm, I would have great odds of finding a job in my field, which is Reinsurance Accounting. Unfortunately, there aren't many of these reinsurance companies located in Gothenburg.

I don't expect to hire in anywhere in a high position or anywhere near my current salary. Does anyone have any suggested on how to get started (besides working on my Swedish)? I plan to make learning Swedish one of my top priorities within the next year.

[Carolyn]

Wish I could be more helpful to you, but right now, there are a LOT of people, Swedes with multiple languages, degrees, etc., who are looking for work as well. The unemployment office won't even talk to you until you can provide them with a certificate showing you have passed at least SFI, showing a very basic competency in Swedish. You can, however, sign up and use their computers to search for jobs and you can put your qualifications on their computers for anyone searching for someone with your specialty.

Most people in Sweden tend to find jobs through friends and family, that sort of referral. And I'm not real familiar with the part of the country you're moving to, so maybe Sandy here can give you some advice, since you'll be closer to her.

[Sandy]

My experience has been: it's not what you know, but who you know. Networking is all important. The seeds for my job were laid at a Taco Buffet two weeks after I arrived in Sweden, it just took 3 years to come to full fruition. ;D