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​A to Z for Intercultural Couples

P - (FINNISH) PARTNER

15/7/2021

 
In Puolison polku - Partner's Path, we have been working extensively with foreigners who have a Finnish spouse, but also with these Finnish spouses directly.

Having a spouse or partner often plays quite an important part in one’s emotional well-being. Finnish or not, your partner will give you support that some immigrants, who are alone, might lack. This is an important resource, as emotional and physical well-being is a crucial part of any integration process.

Your Finnish partner will bring you all kid of support, especially in terms of networks, language and culture sensitivity.

When you move here for a Finnish partner, or when you meet a Finnish partner here, as you become a couple, his or her family and friends become yours. You will have a direct access to Finnish society and people, that might be more difficult to get for other foreigners. This can cause a lot of guilt, dependence and isolation for you and your partner (see “couple relationship”). In the case of your job hunt, we encourage you to mention to everyone you meet through your partner’s networks that you are looking for a job. Ask questions about someone’s industry, go for coffees, expand your networks. Friends and family are an important circle of trust and we encourage you to make the best out of it!

A Finnish partner can be a great support in learning Finnish and more generally speaking in dealing with Finnish language. Many Finnish partners translate paperwork, help with writing a resume or a cover letter, help to read job offers. Even though your partner is offering this help, remember that he or she is not responsible for your learning. Practicing Finnish with your partner can be very tricky, especially if you have a common language.
​

Make your home a safe space where you can practice Finnish, without making your partner a language teacher, and without forcing yourself.

Having a Finnish partner gives you a direct access to Finnish culture and habits. We have encouraged our participants to enjoy this opportunity to learn “from inside” about the behaviors, the traditions, the cultural references. This will come as a very precious support for your own general well-being and to build up a feeling of belonging. However, many participants have also mentioned that they have felt like they were “disappearing”. Make sure to discuss openly with your Finnish partner about your own identity and culture. Reserve some time for your own food, music or movies, speak your own language with your friends and family.

You will slowly build up a third culture in your home, in which you will feel safe and confident. Two feelings that will be extremely important on your path to employment.

O - OPEN APPLICATION

15/7/2021

 
In Finland, open applications are quite common. Sending open applications is of course a way to maybe get an interview, but it is also an efficient way to get acquainted with the market.

To make an open application, you need to study the industry and the company you’re applying to, get informed about the current state of business and read the news about the field. Developing a network is an important part of sending efficient open application, since that’s how you will most probably get to hear about good opportunities or good timings to send your resume and cover letter. Discussing with your networks is also very important if you want to better understand the kind of skills needed for a certain position or company, as well as their current challenges.  

It usually works better to send an open application to someone you have already met, or to a company you’ve already been in contact with somehow.  

Open applications work the same way in Finland as in other countries. You can send an email to get a confirmation that they’ve received your resume about a week after having sent the first one. Calling is always a bit sensitive in Finland, unless you already know the person or have at least already met somehow.  

Open applications can also be a bit unformal, at least for a first contact. LinkedIn is a very good tool to let people know that you are interested in their company or product.  
​

An open application should contain who you are, what you are able to do, how this skill set relates to the company challenges or needs and why they should consider you. This can be done in a very concise and clear way, in an email, a cover letter and a resume.

N - NETWORKING

15/7/2021

 
Networking is a way to get in contact, develop relationships with people and build networks. In one’s own home country, networks are built since childhood. Networks come from your family, your family’s friends, school, hobbies that you’ve had growing up, local community’s activities etc. In your home country you also have developed, on top of that social network, a professional network. Colleagues, partners, people working in your sector that you met at professional events. You have direct networks (people that you know personally) and indirect networks (friends of friends for example). In both these networks, you have developed different kinds of relationships, based on shared interests, and mutual help and support. You knew who could help you with something, and people would turn to you for other topics.

When moving to Finland, most of our participants have to start all over again. Your partner and sometimes his friends and family become your only network. This can create a lot of stress and anxiety for both the foreign and the Finnish partner. Unwanted power dynamics in the couple, isolation and loss of self-esteem may develop, and hinder both the couple’s relationship and the job hunting and integration process.

NETWORKS AND WELL-BEING

Before talking more about the importance of networks in job hunting in Finland, it is important to understand the importance of networks for one’s well-being, mental and physical health. Isolation, depression and anxiety are extremely common among foreign partners. Making friends (of your own), feeling useful, heard and supported is extremely important. Peer support groups, hobbies and volunteering are three ways of making friends. Many of our participants have also met friends at their language courses. Do not neglect the importance of friends and social life, as your mental health and well being are the foundation of a well-functioning job hunt. 

NETWORKS AND JOB HUNTING


​Networks, especially in Finland, are the key to find a job. 7 to 8 jobs out of 10 (in Spring 2020) are not advertised, and most people find their jobs through their networks and personal contacts.

Networking requires you to put yourself in contact with strangers and might feel a bot uncomfortable and scary. You can participate to fairs, go to events from your own industry and go to actual networking events. But other ways also exist to expand your professional networks:
  • Volunteering is a very efficient way to build up social and professional networks at once, develop your skills and showcase your abilities in a professional context. 
  • Networking can be done through LinkedIn, especially in Finland. It is quite common here to approach other professionals on LinkedIn, especially if you have met before. If you haven’t met before, it is perfectly fine to approach someone to know more about their story and experiences, or specific topics related to your sector. It is also quite common in Finland to go for a coffee with people you are connected with on LinkedIn. 
  • Find a mentor. Many different programs exist nowadays in Finland, that pair a mentor and a mentee. A mentor is a person that has an already existing network and who is willing to introduce you to it. Mentors are a great way to build up trust with a professional. You can receive some precious insights, support and tips from someone working in your field, which can really work as an accelerator for your job-hunting process. 
  • Let people know that you are looking for a job. When meeting a new person, regardless of their background or position, make sure to mention who you are, what you can do and what you are looking for. Contacts and opportunities often come from people you were not expecting. Mentioning that you are looking for a work opportunity is a constant part of your job-hunting process.
  • Networking works best when it is based on genuine relationships and trust. Make sure to be ready to listen to other people, and approach networks building by wondering what you could have to offer to others first.

M - MOTIVATION

15/7/2021

 
​One of the main questions that we’ve received has been on how to keep motivated/be motivated. Motivation is a double dynamic, that comes from will and from results. Wanting something can motivate you to take actions. Getting or achieving something can also make you motivated to keep going.

We therefore encourage you to be able to define your goals, but also to develop gratitude. Where do I want to go and what do I have now?
​

Motivation is like a motor and participating to events or group meetings where you get to hear other people experiences helps you to build motivation. Sharing experiences is also a powerful reminder that your motivation doesn’t always have to be at its best, that you don’t have to feel guilty about not being motivated, and that your mental and physical health and well-being are condition sine qua non for your motivation level. 
  • In our networking and peer support groups, we have been working on exercises to determine what our participants’ values were. What is it, inside you, that keeps you going forward? The integration and job-hunting processes might be straining, the more you rely on external factors to keep you motivated, the more you might at times feel that things are completely out of your hands. Working on your own values and priorities might be very helpful for you to stay motivated when events that you can’t control will slow down or interrupt your integration or your job hunt. 
  • Talking about your inner values and priorities in life with others, especially your partner, will help them to support you more effectively. Mentioning them in your peer support group or to your mentor is also a very powerful way to remind to yourself from time to time why you are in the middle of these long and difficult processes. 
  • Accountability and external factors are also important to consider helping you stay motivated. Communicating your goals, hopes and plans makes you more accountable for them. Peer support groups are very effective to help each member to feel motivated by other people’s help and support. 
  • Make a list of the things that keep you motivated and then list the things that depend on your actions. Speak Finnish at the cashier? Send a LinkedIn invitation? Swim for one hour? Wake up earlier than usual? Motivation is a whole and can build up from many different factors. Being motivated in your job hunt process doesn’t necessarily depends on how successful the job hunt actually is. It depends on how you manage your motivation level, as a whole. Take time to divide your bigger goals in smaller ones, in order to be able to feel satisfaction regularly. If your goal is to network in Finnish, can you see how saying two sentences in Finnish at the supermarket or daring to send an invitation on LinkedIn are small but concrete steps?

L - LANGUAGE

15/7/2021

 
If moving to Finland and being able to speak English makes the process somehow easier, it would be wrong to say that English is enough to always get by. As always, in some individual cases, English is enough. But for most of our participants, language is if not the most, one of the most important topics related to their job search.  Because your partner and his family speak Finnish, because of your kids, to make new friends, to have more options for work… Finnish language is present everywhere. When integrating, it may be the cause of a lot of stress and anxiety, for both the partners. How long will it take me to learn Finnish? Do I need Finnish to find a job? How can I help my partner learning Finnish?

Learning Finnish often becomes at least a preoccupation, and is very often lived as a constant challenge, present in every aspect of one’s life. 
  • Where to start? Some practicalities. 
    • Most of our participants have started to learn Finnish as part of their integration plan. As per now (Spring 2020), TE-toimisto organizes integration courses, where you can receive intensive Finnish language courses, while receiving benefits. To enter these courses, you need to be a client of TE-toimisto, pass a placement test, and wait to be put in a suitable course. 
    • If you don’t plan on doing the integration course, or if you are waiting for a spot, you can register for courses. Their prices and schedules vary a lot, depending on where you live and your availabilities. You can look for courses online, and most of the them are registered on ilmonet.fi. 
    • Several NGOs also organize Finnish language courses. As for the private ones, the registrations are usually at specific dates. Make sure to have a clear view on your own timetable, priorities and schedule. 
    • You can practice your Finnish in different places. Some of the most common are conversation groups (kielikerho) and language cafes (kielikahvila). A lot of social events are also organized to meet Finnish speakers and practice your conversation skills. 
    • Online resources in Finnish are also available. We strongly recommend resources from YLE, that has a good compilation of practice exercises for beginners (especially news and articles). 
    • Having a hobby or volunteering are also efficient ways to learn and practice your language skills.
  • Learning Finnish with your partner.
    • For our participants, who have a Finnish partner, the first resource for the language is at home. We have been giving workshops and support to intercultural couples, to help them navigate better the learning process together. Our main tips are​
      • Remember to communicate about your needs and limits.
      • Be aware of the good and bad emotions that are born from this learning process, for both the partners. 
      • Have specific moments and topics that you are going to use to speak Finnish. 
      • Don’t expect your partner to be a teacher / a student. Your role as partners is to build up a safe space, where trust allows you to speak Finnish without being judged or corrected. 
  • Do I need Finnish to work? 
    • Language requirements depend on your sector, your field, your own expertise and your goals. Generally, we would say that in most of the cases, you need to speak some Finnish to enter the job market. When meeting with clients, we usually like to compare to their home country. “Could you do this job in another language than the official one in your country”?
If you want to read more about “fluent Finnish” and how much Finnish is necessary to be employed in Finland, read our article “Fluent Finnish required”.

K - KELA

15/7/2021

 
"Kela manages social security services and benefits, such as the national pension, child benefit, basic unemployment security, sickness and parenthood allowance, income support and rehabilitation. Kela also provides health care benefits paid for private health care.” https://www.infofinland.fi/en/living-in-finland/settling-in-finland/finnish-social-security

​The system might be difficult to understand when you just move to Finland, especially if your partner never really has had to deal with it. One thing that is quite unclear for many foreigners is the link between KELA and TE-toimisto. As of when we are writing this article (Spring 2020), KELA and TE are two different entities. Being a client of TE-toimisto (the agency that helps you look for a job) doesn’t entitle you to any benefits from KELA. Benefits depend on your own personal situation, and we strongly advise you to not base your plans on what you’ve heard or read online when it comes to money, benefits and support that you could or couldn’t receive from KELA.

J- JOB HUNTING PROCESS

15/7/2021

 
Why do we talk about a “process”?
  • A process is “a series of actions which are carried out in order to achieve a particular result.” Job hunting implies action verbs: search, plan, think, do, write, speak, send. When you look for a job, you are active, and taking several actions, sometimes at the same time. This is an aspect that we have been discussing quite a lot with our participants, especially in our peer support groups, and that we hope you will have clear. Looking for a job requires to take action, to prioritize and organize. Job hunting is also a process because the result is clear: getting a job and sign a contract.  
But once this is said, it is important to remember that:
  • Job hunting is an iterative process. It means that it requires you to take actions, analyze the results, and adapt your next action based on this. Sending an open application is an email. Sending a follow up email, asking for feedback, creating a list of the places where you’ve sent your resume… All this is iteration or constant feedback and adaptation. This can be overwhelming and difficult to do alone, and we encourage you to find support with your friends, family or networks. Peer support groups are a very important space, where you can get inspired by other people’s methods, failures and successes. 
  • Talking about job hunting as a process is very important for you and your partner. Looking for a job takes time and energy. It has its ups and downs, it requires to take action, but it also depends a lot of aspects that you can’t control. Understanding the word “process” also means that you and your partner understand that job hunting will take time. Due to your own actions or to external factors, things might have to be put on hold, last longer than expected or go backwards. It might also go faster, based on unexpected events or opportunities. 
  • Job hunting process takes time and is a 24/7 series of actions. Be ready to network, talk about the fact that you’re looking for a job to new people that you meet. Have your resumes ready to send. Look for the constructive aspects of the situation you are in regarding your goals. 
  • Job hunting as a process is a state of mind. Many of our participants have had to break down in smaller pieces their goals and ambitions. Picking a momentary job, changing sector for a while, be a stay at home parent, study something new. All this will require you to have a clear goal in mind and be able to link it to your present actions. “I am doing this part time job now because my priority is to make a bit of money”, “I am studying Finnish now because I need the language to do the job that I want to do”.
  • One of the first thing to do is to set clear goals and priorities. What do you want to achieve? What do you want to have in 1 year from now? And 5? And 10? What are your life priorities? What are your current priorities? It is important that you have a clear idea of what you want to head for. Priorities are a very important topic, that we encourage you to think about and discuss with your partner. Do you want to focus on your family? Do you need to make more money? Do you want to explore a new field?  There are no wrong and right answers, but it might be overwhelming to try to define it. Family, friends and network can help. Think also about mentoring programs and peer support groups, where hearing other people’s experiences, choices and decisions, might really help you to see things clearer. 
  • The actions you are going to take depend on your goals. Job hunting is a process that will affect you, but also your partner, your family, your friends and your networks. Focusing on smaller actions, breaking down tasks in smaller ones can make it easier, especially as you are undergoing this at the same time as your integration process. Having your resume and cover letters reviewed and making lists of places where you can look for open positions or networking opportunities are simple, low threshold actions, that are useful and concrete. 
  • Some concrete things might make the process easier. 
    • Have your resume ready to be sent. You can then adapt minor details based on the position that you are applying to, but having it prepared will boost your confidence. 
    • Administrative issues can be a terrible challenge and hold you back from doing anything. Take time to sort your administrative issues and don’t hesitate to ask for help from organizations and social workers. Some basic papers such as degrees for example need translation or Finnish recognition. You can find more information about this on the Finnish national agency for education’s website. 
    • Do some research, ask questions, make sure to be explicit when things are unclear for you. 
    • Communicate with your partner and take time to balance your job hunting and personal life. Your Finnish partner might have a vision and understanding of the job market that is influenced by his or her own experience as a Finnish person in Finland. Talking about your own experience and challenges is important, because some aspects that are obvious for him or her might not be relevant and/or known to you.

I - INTERVIEW

15/7/2021

 
Getting an interview is already a challenge for many foreigners looking for a job in Finland. Of course, like everywhere, a good CV and cover letter, answering to a job offer are essential to catch the recruiter’s interest. But there are a few other tips or situations that can help you to get an interview more easily.  
  • Send targeted open applications. Answering to a job offer puts you directly in competition with your direct “competitors” on the job market. Sending an open application will make you stand out.  
  • Meet as many people in person. In Finland, most of the work culture is based on trust. This translates, for example, in the importance given to personal connections and references in the application processes. See networking. 
  • Call and talk to the recruiter in person. Very often you will notice that Finnish job offers mention a day and time at which the recruiter can be called. We encourage you to call, on time, if you have something relevant to say or a specific question. This can be a good time to ask questions about the language requirements, and what they encompass concretely. This is a good way to make the recruiter remember you… for better or worse! 
 
Once you’re called in for the interview, how to do well? 
  • The general rules, like everywhere in the world, apply also in Finland. 
    • Prepare your interview by doing a bit of research on the company and the position. Have some questions about the tasks, the team and the company ready. You can also prepare for the very common interview questions such as tell about yourself, explain why you are the best suited candidate, your strengths and weaknesses or your expected salary. 
    • Arrive on time to the interview. Plan your journey ahead and check on a map where the interview is going to be. Being 10 to 5 minutes early will help you be less stressed. 
    • Dress for the occasion and be careful about your clothes and accessories. Your hygiene should be impeccable when going to an interview. 
    • When preparing for the interview, write down a few questions that you could ask. This will help you to feel more confident. Don’t hesitate to also ask questions about what your interviewers are presenting to you. For a first interview, focus your questions on the tasks, the position, the team, the company and the sector
  • Interviews in Finland have a few, concrete practical aspects that are not obvious for many foreigners. Here are the main points: 
    • Preparing an interview in Finland might require you more time than in your home country. Remember to devote enough time for your research, as some information might take longer to access. You might also need to rely on your networks to get some insights, such as sector trends or companies specifics, especially if you don’t speak Finnish. Don’t assume that the way things work in your country are the ways things work here and take time to actually look at Finnish specifics (in terms of products, markets, management styles, companies history, socio-economic environment). Interviews in Finland are also prepared simply by attending events and becoming part of a community. Make sure to have enough time for that.
    • Be on time for real. When in many countries being 5 to 10 minutes late means being on time, it is not the case in Finland. Don’t come too early either, being at the interview place 10 minutes early is a maximum. On time in Finland means that you can start at the given time. If you have an interview at 11, the recruiters will expect you to be ready to start the interview at 11 sharp, not that you’ll arrive by that time. If you see that you are going to be late (not able to start the interview at 11 sharp), always call to inform the interviewer. Give a clear and concise explanation and an accurate estimate of how late you will be. 
    • Dress code for an interview might be a bit surprising for foreigners in Finland. “business casual” is usually the general dress code, but you will notice that people might seem a bit under dressed compared to other countries. High heels and suits are not that common, and it all really depends on the sector you are working in. To know how to dress, you can ask to your friends, networks and partner. You can also check how people dress up at the company (on their social media or by going to one of their events for example). 
Another specificity in Finland is that wearing strong perfume is often avoided, especially if you’re going to be in a small closed room for a while. In many countries, wearing perfume or cologne/aftershave is a sign of hygiene and respect. Not here!
  • Ask questions but avoid chit chat.  Follow the lead of the recruiter to engage in small talk but try to keep it concise. People are very comfortable with silence in Finland, and you don’t have to fill the gaps. Long pauses and silence during an interview do not necessarily mean that it is going wrong! 
Compliments, especially on outfit or looks are to avoid as much as possible. In many countries, it is polite or at least normal and common to comment on someone’s skirt, haircut, glasses etc. In Finland, it will, most of the time, make people feel uncomfortable. Questions about someone’s personal life could also be avoided, especially if it is not relevant to the interview and just a small talk topic. 
  • Lastly, the language of an interview is also a specific to Finland. Depending on your language skills and the position, you might know already of the interview will be conducted in English, Finnish, Swedish or another language. If the position is fully in English and English is the company language, you will probably do the interview in English as well. If the position might require both Finnish and English, be prepared to do an interview in both languages. Based on the skill levels that you have, you may be expected to speak more or less English or Finnish during the interview. If you mentioned that you are a beginner in Finnish, you still might be greeted in Finnish, or asked very simple questions. Part of your preparation should be at least to greet, thanks and maybe introduce yourself in Finnish. An advice that we gave to many of our participants was to learn how to ask to switch a conversation to English. (“Voidaanko vaihtaa Englantiin?”, “Could we switch to English please?”)​ This is a very simple way to stop speaking Finnish if you’re uncomfortable, by still being respectful of your recruiter. ​
 
  








  • A TO Z FOR INTERCULTURAL COUPLES



    I - INTERVIEW31/3/2020


     



    • Getting an interview is already a challenge for many foreigners looking for a job in Finland. Of course, like everywhere, a good CV and cover letter, answering to a job offer are essential to catch the recruiter’s interest. But there are a few other tips or situations that can help you to get an interview more easily.  
      • Send targeted open applications. Answering to a job offer puts you directly in competition with your direct “competitors” on the job market. Sending an open application will make you stand out.  
      • Meet as many people in person. In Finland, most of the work culture is based on trust. This translates, for example, in the importance given to personal connections and references in the application processes. See networking. 
      • Call and talk to the recruiter in person. Very often you will notice that Finnish job offers mention a day and time at which the recruiter can be called. We encourage you to call, on time, if you have something relevant to say or a specific question. This can be a good time to ask questions about the language requirements, and what they encompass concretely. This is a good way to make the recruiter remember you… for better or worse! 
       
      Once you’re called in for the interview, how to do well? 
      • The general rules, like everywhere in the world, apply also in Finland. 
        • Prepare your interview by doing a bit of research on the company and the position. Have some questions about the tasks, the team and the company ready. You can also prepare for the very common interview questions such as tell about yourself, explain why you are the best suited candidate, your strengths and weaknesses or your expected salary. 
        • Arrive on time to the interview. Plan your journey ahead and check on a map where the interview is going to be. Being 10 to 5 minutes early will help you be less stressed. 
        • Dress for the occasion and be careful about your clothes and accessories. Your hygiene should be impeccable when going to an interview. 
        • When preparing for the interview, write down a few questions that you could ask. This will help you to feel more confident. Don’t hesitate to also ask questions about what your interviewers are presenting to you. For a first interview, focus your questions on the tasks, the position, the team, the company and the sector
      • Interviews in Finland have a few, concrete practical aspects that are not obvious for many foreigners. Here are the main points: 
        • Preparing an interview in Finland might require you more time than in your home country. Remember to devote enough time for your research, as some information might take longer to access. You might also need to rely on your networks to get some insights, such as sector trends or companies specifics, especially if you don’t speak Finnish. Don’t assume that the way things work in your country are the ways things work here and take time to actually look at Finnish specifics (in terms of products, markets, management styles, companies history, socio-economic environment). Interviews in Finland are also prepared simply by attending events and becoming part of a community. Make sure to have enough time for that.
        • Be on time for real. When in many countries being 5 to 10 minutes late means being on time, it is not the case in Finland. Don’t come too early either, being at the interview place 10 minutes early is a maximum. On time in Finland means that you can start at the given time. If you have an interview at 11, the recruiters will expect you to be ready to start the interview at 11 sharp, not that you’ll arrive by that time. If you see that you are going to be late (not able to start the interview at 11 sharp), always call to inform the interviewer. Give a clear and concise explanation and an accurate estimate of how late you will be. 
        • Dress code for an interview might be a bit surprising for foreigners in Finland. “business casual” is usually the general dress code, but you will notice that people might seem a bit under dressed compared to other countries. High heels and suits are not that common, and it all really depends on the sector you are working in. To know how to dress, you can ask to your friends, networks and partner. You can also check how people dress up at the company (on their social media or by going to one of their events for example). 
      Another specificity in Finland is that wearing strong perfume is often avoided, especially if you’re going to be in a small closed room for a while. In many countries, wearing perfume or cologne/aftershave is a sign of hygiene and respect. Not here!
      • Ask questions but avoid chit chat.  Follow the lead of the recruiter to engage in small talk but try to keep it concise. People are very comfortable with silence in Finland, and you don’t have to fill the gaps. Long pauses and silence during an interview do not necessarily mean that it is going wrong! 
      Compliments, especially on outfit or looks are to avoid as much as possible. In many countries, it is polite or at least normal and common to comment on someone’s skirt, haircut, glasses etc. In Finland, it will, most of the time, make people feel uncomfortable. Questions about someone’s personal life could also be avoided, especially if it is not relevant to the interview and just a small talk topic. 
      • Lastly, the language of an interview is also a specific to Finland. Depending on your language skills and the position, you might know already of the interview will be conducted in English, Finnish, Swedish or another language. If the position is fully in English and English is the company language, you will probably do the interview in English as well. If the position might require both Finnish and English, be prepared to do an interview in both languages. Based on the skill levels that you have, you may be expected to speak more or less English or Finnish during the interview. If you mentioned that you are a beginner in Finnish, you still might be greeted in Finnish, or asked very simple questions. Part of your preparation should be at least to greet, thanks and maybe introduce yourself in Finnish. An advice that we gave to many of our participants was to learn how to ask to switch a conversation to English. (“Voidaanko vaihtaa Englantiin?”, “Could we switch to English please?”)​ This is a very simple way to stop speaking Finnish if you’re uncomfortable, by still being respectful of your recruiter. ​










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  • A TO Z FOR INTERCULTURAL COUPLES



    I - INTERVIEW31/3/2020


     



    • Getting an interview is already a challenge for many foreigners looking for a job in Finland. Of course, like everywhere, a good CV and cover letter, answering to a job offer are essential to catch the recruiter’s interest. But there are a few other tips or situations that can help you to get an interview more easily.  
      • Send targeted open applications. Answering to a job offer puts you directly in competition with your direct “competitors” on the job market. Sending an open application will make you stand out.  
      • Meet as many people in person. In Finland, most of the work culture is based on trust. This translates, for example, in the importance given to personal connections and references in the application processes. See networking. 
      • Call and talk to the recruiter in person. Very often you will notice that Finnish job offers mention a day and time at which the recruiter can be called. We encourage you to call, on time, if you have something relevant to say or a specific question. This can be a good time to ask questions about the language requirements, and what they encompass concretely. This is a good way to make the recruiter remember you… for better or worse! 
       
      Once you’re called in for the interview, how to do well? 
      • The general rules, like everywhere in the world, apply also in Finland. 
        • Prepare your interview by doing a bit of research on the company and the position. Have some questions about the tasks, the team and the company ready. You can also prepare for the very common interview questions such as tell about yourself, explain why you are the best suited candidate, your strengths and weaknesses or your expected salary. 
        • Arrive on time to the interview. Plan your journey ahead and check on a map where the interview is going to be. Being 10 to 5 minutes early will help you be less stressed. 
        • Dress for the occasion and be careful about your clothes and accessories. Your hygiene should be impeccable when going to an interview. 
        • When preparing for the interview, write down a few questions that you could ask. This will help you to feel more confident. Don’t hesitate to also ask questions about what your interviewers are presenting to you. For a first interview, focus your questions on the tasks, the position, the team, the company and the sector
      • Interviews in Finland have a few, concrete practical aspects that are not obvious for many foreigners. Here are the main points: 
        • Preparing an interview in Finland might require you more time than in your home country. Remember to devote enough time for your research, as some information might take longer to access. You might also need to rely on your networks to get some insights, such as sector trends or companies specifics, especially if you don’t speak Finnish. Don’t assume that the way things work in your country are the ways things work here and take time to actually look at Finnish specifics (in terms of products, markets, management styles, companies history, socio-economic environment). Interviews in Finland are also prepared simply by attending events and becoming part of a community. Make sure to have enough time for that.
        • Be on time for real. When in many countries being 5 to 10 minutes late means being on time, it is not the case in Finland. Don’t come too early either, being at the interview place 10 minutes early is a maximum. On time in Finland means that you can start at the given time. If you have an interview at 11, the recruiters will expect you to be ready to start the interview at 11 sharp, not that you’ll arrive by that time. If you see that you are going to be late (not able to start the interview at 11 sharp), always call to inform the interviewer. Give a clear and concise explanation and an accurate estimate of how late you will be. 
        • Dress code for an interview might be a bit surprising for foreigners in Finland. “business casual” is usually the general dress code, but you will notice that people might seem a bit under dressed compared to other countries. High heels and suits are not that common, and it all really depends on the sector you are working in. To know how to dress, you can ask to your friends, networks and partner. You can also check how people dress up at the company (on their social media or by going to one of their events for example). 
      Another specificity in Finland is that wearing strong perfume is often avoided, especially if you’re going to be in a small closed room for a while. In many countries, wearing perfume or cologne/aftershave is a sign of hygiene and respect. Not here!
      • Ask questions but avoid chit chat.  Follow the lead of the recruiter to engage in small talk but try to keep it concise. People are very comfortable with silence in Finland, and you don’t have to fill the gaps. Long pauses and silence during an interview do not necessarily mean that it is going wrong! 
      Compliments, especially on outfit or looks are to avoid as much as possible. In many countries, it is polite or at least normal and common to comment on someone’s skirt, haircut, glasses etc. In Finland, it will, most of the time, make people feel uncomfortable. Questions about someone’s personal life could also be avoided, especially if it is not relevant to the interview and just a small talk topic. 
      • Lastly, the language of an interview is also a specific to Finland. Depending on your language skills and the position, you might know already of the interview will be conducted in English, Finnish, Swedish or another language. If the position is fully in English and English is the company language, you will probably do the interview in English as well. If the position might require both Finnish and English, be prepared to do an interview in both languages. Based on the skill levels that you have, you may be expected to speak more or less English or Finnish during the interview. If you mentioned that you are a beginner in Finnish, you still might be greeted in Finnish, or asked very simple questions. Part of your preparation should be at least to greet, thanks and maybe introduce yourself in Finnish. An advice that we gave to many of our participants was to learn how to ask to switch a conversation to English. (“Voidaanko vaihtaa Englantiin?”, “Could we switch to English please?”)​ This is a very simple way to stop speaking Finnish if you’re uncomfortable, by still being respectful of your recruiter. ​










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H - HEALTH

15/7/2021

 
Multiple research all over Europe have shown how unemployment has a direct effect on people’s health. Both your physical and mental health are affected by unemployment and integration. Do not overlook the very basics of your health like sleep, nutrition or physical activity. Job hunting may become the only thing you want to focus on, but the lack of basic care might create a vicious circle making you less capable to look properly for a job, and therefore feeling more stressed and more inclined to neglect your sleep or other basic routines and so on. Don’t either overlook the consequences of your new Finnish environment on your health. The lack of sun and the climate directly affect your energy levels. Many Finns take vitamins and have a doctor following them when the autumn comes. Don’t hesitate to mention these to your doctor.
​

Do not overlook either your own mental health. Changing country, going through major changes in your personal life such as a marriage or children, unemployment, integration process, all these things that are “normal” in your life are major stress factors. Anxiety, depression, stress are very common among immigrants, especially unemployed ones. Make plans, break down problems into smaller issues, spend time and share your experience with others. Don’t hesitate to get professional help, and to talk about your mental state with your doctor.  Some of our participants have expressed guilt and shame in feeling depressed or overwhelmed. “I should be happy to be here”, “the conditions here are way better than before” “this is a good place for my kids”. All these reflections are very common but can’t overtake how you actually feel. Being depressed, sad, angry, frustrated is a normal and common thing, and you have the right to have these feelings and emotions. Don’t reject them. ​

G - GOALS

15/7/2021

 
Setting goals has been one of the topics that we have discussed the most with our volunteers and participants. Though the task can feel stressful and overwhelming, especially when you feel that you’re not reaching them, we encourage you to work on your goals. This will give you a direction and a motivation. First, try to set realistic and measurable goals. Divide them into long term and short-term objectives, in order to stay motivated but also know “what to do next”. Once you have an idea on the direction you want to take, share these goals with people from your industry, your partner and peers that have the same experience as you ( people who just moved to Finland, mothers, people who are learning Finnish etc.). NGO workers and TE advisors will also be able to make comments and help you to decide what to do next.
​

Goals go hand in hands with priorities, as we develop more in “motivation”.
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