Skip to main content
Move to Gothenburg
Visar Kuggen, röd spiralformad byggnad på Lindholmen

Find a job (post-arrival)

The Gothenburg region, West Sweden, has a thriving business environment and it's Sweden’s leading hub for business research and development. The region is home to global companies such as Volvo, AstraZeneca, SKF, CEVT, Polestar and Getinge; world-class universities and innovative start-ups. Key industries include automotive, life science, ICT, space, gaming and textiles. Here you can help develop everything from autonomous vehicles to life-changing medicines. And work with forward-thinking, creative and collaborative people from all over world.

Job Portal

Your best place to start your job search is to use Move to Gothenburg's job portal and talent pool.

Get weekly updates with job opportunities matching your saved searches by creating your own account.

Watch the videos below to learn about how to use the job portal and its unique features.

Job Portal

Where to start

You can also learn more about the key areas of opportunity for international professionals and researchers on Move to Gothenburg's opportunities page

Your next stop should be the Swedish Public Employment Agency (Arbetsförmedlingen) website, Sweden’s largest and most visited employment site. There, you’ll find vacancies in many different sectors and get advice and support concerning you job search.

  • To find jobs that match your skills, education and experience, you are welcome to submit your CV and create a jobseeker profile in a candidate bank, accessible for registered employers only. Learn more at: Create a profile on Swedish Public Employment Agency
  • Why not participate in a webinar? Arbetsförmedlingen offers a series of podcasts and webinars on how things work with jobs and education in Sweden, how to complete a good job application and how to prepare for a job interview? Learn more at: Swedish Public Employment Agency information pages

All services are free of charge.

Other employment sites

There are many employment websites in Sweden, and it can be a good idea to register your CV with a few of them. Some of the bigger ones include Jobb SafariStep StoneMonsterCareer Builder and Jobbland.

You will find that many of the job ads in Sweden are in Swedish, so web translation tools can be helpful. You should also learn key Swedish words for various positions and occupations you are interested in. Another tip is to search for jobs using English terms and names of professions, and event search the term “English”.

Staffing companies & social media

Temp agencies and recruiting companies such as Academic WorkManpowerRandstad and Adecco can also be a good way to find employment. Their sites also have job listings and allow you to register your CV.   

Another good option is the social networking site LinkedIn, where you can follow the companies that interest you and join groups relevant to your profession. The site is regularly used by recruiters, so put a lot of effort into your profile and keep it updated. It also has many job advertisements. 

English language news websites such as The Local have listings for jobs in Sweden in English, as does Jobs in Gothenburg and the blog English Jobs in Sweden.

Good to know

Finding a job without speaking Swedish is possible as many international companies use English as the working language, and if you are a specialist in your field a company may be willing to hire you based on your skills. At the same time, knowing Swedish will greatly improve your employment prospects.

 

Contact employers directly

It’s estimated that more than half of all jobs in Sweden are filled in other ways than via an advertisement. Don’t hesitate to contact employers - particularly smaller organisations - directly and market your skills. This method is frequently used in Sweden. Even if there is nothing immediately, it may lead to something in the future.

Build your network

Network, both in person and online, and not only with other internationals but with Swedes as well. Market your skills and let people know you are looking for work. Head along to job fairs and social meetups, join a club or group and chat with your neighbours or classmates. Again, even if it’s not fruitful immediately, it may lead to something in the future.

Work experience and internships

Whether it’s via your university, another education provider or your own private initiative, participating in some form of work experience or internship can be a good way to get into the Swedish workforce. It can provide you with relevant experience and contacts that can help you land a job.

 

International students

As an international student in Sweden, you have the right to work as much as you like during your studies. However, it is often difficult to find a part-time job without speaking Swedish. Once you have finished your studies, you can also extend your stay and launch your career here. 

Most universities have a careers service which provides free support and advice, organises seminars and workshops, and often has listings for job/thesis project opportunities. Don’t wait until the end of your studies to speak to them; do it early and start planning your career.

You can also find opportunities for students on platforms such as Meet a student and Manpower Student.

8 tips (from an international student) for finding work in Sweden 

Local labour market

Each quarter Business Region Göteborg publishes an economic outlook report for the Gothenburg region. The reports include up-to-date information about the local labour market. They also produce many other reports that can provide you with a very good understanding of the region's business environment. Invest in Gothenburg - Publications

Man i digitalt möte

Career support and advice

From webinars, and workshops to individual advisory sessions and career development programmes, we offer a wide range of activities to help you start and build your career in the region. Check out our calendar for more info

Build a career in Sweden

Peter Karancsi and Olof Person, recruitment specialists and advisors at EURES in Gothenburg offer their best tips for internationals who want to build a career in Sweden.