Written for future social work job seekers in Helsinki area in Finland
Guidebook to Employment
A project by: Asmara Riaz Kanchan Gurung
Guidebook to Employment
1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................... 2 2 FINNISH WORK LIFE ............................................... 3 3 ASSESS YOUR SKILLS .............................................. 4 COMMUNICATION SKILLS:............................................... 4 NETWORKING SKILLS: .................................................... 5 SOME OTHER SKILLS: ..................................................... 6 4 TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES ....................................... 7 JOB ADVERTISEMENT ..................................................... 7 APPLICATION/COVER LETTER........................................... 8 WRITING CV ............................................................... 9 INTERVIEW ................................................................ 11 5 USEFUL TIPS......................................................... 12 IN INTERVIEWS YOU CAN AVOID QUERIES REGARDING: ......... 13 KNOW YOUR RIGHTS:................................................... 13 VISIT: ...................................................................... 14 REFERENCES ........................................................... 15
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Guidebook to Employment
1 INTRODUCTION Every year there are more than 2,000 international students graduating in Finland. What is happening to them after graduation is a growing concern. This guidebook is targeted for readers who are first and second year students of Bachelors in Social Services from Finnish universities of applied sciences, to enhance their employment prospects. Despite the overall competitive labor market situation, health and social sector in Finland provides comparatively better opportunities because of increase of elderly population and retirement of post-World War II baby boomers. Consequently, there will be a need to fill vacant slots left by retirees in the labor market and more staff to take care of elderly. Research shows that Social Services, Health and Sports are the most outstanding field where 68% of international students are employed. We will guide you through all the necessary things you should keep in mind while looking for a job in Finnish labor market. We are hoping that this guidebook will help you to know Finnish work life better and also help you to improve your employability skills. 2
Guidebook to Employment
2 FINNISH WORK LIFE Bachelors in Social Service from University of Applied Sciences (UAS) students have extensive scope. Typical working areas for them include o o o o o o o
services for elderly and disabled people mental health work adult social care working with children and families substance abuse welfare probation and aftercare immigrant services.
Finnish work culture is not different than others however there are some things Finns put more emphasis on, like o o o o o
Approaching Employers In Finland taking initiation to contact employers about any available vacancies by phone call or email is a common way to approach employer.
Straightforwardness Punctuality Equality (gender, religion, race, etc) Honesty (don’t like bragging about their achievements) Independent work style(so if there is something that you don’t understand, you should ask for clarification)
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Guidebook to Employment
3 Assess your Skills Employability is a wide term which deals with searching jobs and enhancing skills, knowledge, attitudes and abilities. Before start looking for job, realistically enlist your strengths and weaknesses. Make a list of your skills to mention in your interview and CV.
Communication Skills: Communication skills include verbal, listening, writing and technological communication skills (computers, smart phones, social media, etc.) In order to utilize these skills better in Finland knowledge of Finnish language is a must. Helsinki area has lots of places for Finnish language courses which can be easily found on Internet. Some are mentioned below o Helsinki Summer University: kesayliopistohki.fi o Finnish Courses for allLevels: Eira:eira.fi/peruskoulu/ maahanmuuttajan_ opinnot/suomen_kurssit
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Guidebook to Employment
Networking Skills: Must have heard this word quite much? if not then it is right time to think about it. In Finland and in social service sector networking plays a crucial role in increasing employment opportunities. Sometimes vacancies go unadvertised and vacant positions are already filled through word of mouth. How can we increase our networks? o
o
o o
o
Networking through practice placement is a very common way of improving employment opportunities. It is wise to be in contact with employers and staffs from placement organizations. For Diak students fronter.com/diak has all detail of placements or you can consult your teachers. Attend social gatherings, job fairs, events or seminars: check more details on the websites of moniheli, Finnish red cross, Jollydragon, Bridge Luckan, etc. Join social websites like LinkedIn, Facebook groups, Yahoo groups. Do voluntary work. It, not only gives you work experience but also an exposure to new or potential employers. Some organizations where you can look for voluntary work are KalliolanSetlementti, Polliry, Helsinki Human Rights, NMKY, Suvantory, etc Don’t hesitate to meet new people, be very active and open to meet explore and make new contacts in order to build social network.
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Guidebook to Employment
Some Other Skills: Teambuilding Skills: In Social sector, you cannot work alone; employers generally seek a person who can work efficiently with people from different ethnicities, personalities and roles. Time management Skills: Multitasking and organization of time to New to Finland? increase productivity are always If you are new to Finland and don’t sought-after abilities in an know much how employee. It can out-perform to make tax card anyone among their peers. or need Leadership Skills: Having inspiring information about working hours as action which provoke, motivate a student, then and increase efficiency of overall visit work are traits of a leader. http://www.studyi Creative Skills: There is a thin line nfinland.fi/living_i n_finland/before_ between being creative and having your_arrival ideas. Creativity enables you to develop the ideas to life with strategic and technical support. Now ask yourself which of these skills best describe you professionally and which you have marked for further professional development. Think of your achievements on the basis of your strengths to prove you are right candidate for the job.
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Guidebook to Employment
4 Tools and Techniques Like any other employer Finnish employers are also looking for candidates who can increase the profitability and productivity of their organization. Are you ready to sell yourself? Below you will find some information how best you can prepare yourself.
Job Advertisement
Crisis and Family assistant worker Finnish We Care Youth Shelter, Helsinki The job is temporary period 04.20.2015 31.12.2015. Employee may, however, still continue even after this. We expect the crisis and family worker for at least a college-level training in social work, field. We look forward to the experience of family work and project management. We appreciate your cooperation skills, experience of volunteering initiatives and knowledge of both Finnish and English languages. Shift work includes individual and family in addition to the work with volunteers, as well as a safe house maintenance tasks.Freeform applications and CV 12/04/2015 by: The We Care Emergency Youth Shelter, Fred Antilla, 901 Rubertinkatu 01001 Helsinki, or
[email protected]
Kriisi- ja perhe avustaja työntekijä SuomenWeCareNuorten turvatalo, Helsinki Työsuhde on määräaikainen ajalle 20.4.2015 - 31.12.2015. Työsuhde saattaa kuitenkin jatkua vielä tämänkin jälkeen.. Edellytämme kriisija perhetyöntekijältä vähintään opistotasoista koulutusta sosiaalityönalalta. Odotamme kokemusta perhetyöstä ja projektinhallinta. Arvostamme yhteistyökykyä, kokemusta vapaaehtoistyön aloitteita ja tietoa sekä suomeksi ja Englanti kielellä. Vuorotyöhön kuuluu yksilö- ja perhetyön lisäksi työ vapaaehtoisten kanssa sekä turvatalon ylläpitoon kuuluvia tehtäviä. Vapaamuotoiset hakemukset ja CV 12.4.2015 mennessä:: The WeCareNuorten turvatalo, Fred Antilla, 901 Rubertinkatu 01001 Helsinki, tai
[email protected] 7
Guidebook to Employment
Cover letter is very important in Finland and it is your first communication with company.
Application/Cover Letter Harry L. Jones 123 Main Street, Apt. 101 Helsinki, 10001 Finland, (358) 202-555-1234
[email protected] March 25, 2015
Mr. Fred Antilla Manager We Care 901 Rubertinkatu Helsinki, 01001 do not use same template for every job
Dear Mr. Antilla: I was pleased to see your advertisement for a Crisis and Family Assistant worker at We Care in the March 20 edition of Helsinki Sanomat. I will be obtaining my bachelors degree in social services (DSS) at the end of May. Use key words from job advertisement During my studies I have done my work placement in organizations focusing on family work due to my keen interest in the field. I have cooperative nature and an analytical mind. In addition to that I have done volunteering work in the same field. My knowledge of Finnish and English language is another strength that I intend to use while working for We Care. I will call you soon to see about arranging a meeting with you. Thank you for your time and consideration. Regards, (Signature) Harry L. Jones Enc: Resume
State clearly your ACTIONS in cover letters; by briefly describing your future plans
Cover letters should not be longer than one page and should establish a connection between you and reader. Be direct specially in Finland it is more appreciated.
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Guidebook to Employment
Writing CV First and foremost thing while writing CV is to remember it is your marketing tool – so market and showcase your abilities, also remember being international can give you edge so use it smartly. Your CV should elaborate and outline all the essential information at a glance to reader. Hence it should be easy to read and visually presentable. Use action words like I made plan, I organized, I evaluated, I started, I observed, etc. Examine your CV through lens of your employer and your target job. o o o
o o
Your CV should not be more than 1 page for entry level and preferably 2 pages for higher level. Before finalizing your CV, share it with a friend or mentor to get feedback. There are different types of CV: Chronological CVs; focus on work experiences and responsibilities. Functional CV; focus on strengths and highlights the skills. Combination CV; which is more flexible. Be persistent and follow-up after you send your CV to employers. Apart from your CV, you can make your e-portfolio; you can have photographs, project details, publications, writings or anything in it. E-portfolios are getting popular nowadays in Finland you can make one for yourself easily through several websites like kyvyt.fi,
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Guidebook to Employment
Always use work email address and avoid fancy named emails like
[email protected], etc
HARRY L. JONES 123 Main Street, Apt. 101 Helsinki, 10001 Finland Mobile: 202-555-1234
[email protected] 25.03.2015
Finnish employers prefer picture
PROFESSIONAL STATEMENT Summarize your work experience and strengths here and what to expect next. CORE COMPETENCIES Mention your core competencies according to target field and your skills and strengths; i.e, project management, family work EDUCATION Bachelor of Social Services, May 2015 Diaconia University of Applied Sciences, Helsinki, Finland Courses included: On entry level, these are your valuable assets Youth & Community Development so show them correctly Project Management and Development EXPERIENCE Show your accomplishments with examples Personal Assistant, May 2014-Aug 2014 however don’t brag as it is not a Finnish way Helsinki Kaupunki, Helsinki, Organized a care plan with client and her mother. Assist in monitoring health related issues. Mention your publications, LANGUAGE SKILLS certifications, licenses English (Expert), Finnish (Intermediate), French (Native) ACTIVITIES Volunteer Red Cross crisis and family shelter, 2014-15 Produced documentary about Nigerian street children(link) Placements; Refugee shelter home, Youth worker, family work First aid 1&2 courses, 2013-18 INTERESTS Depict your personality or your Book Reading, Travelling skills through your interests REFERENCES
Shows you have a reputation in your field and possible networks through references
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Guidebook to Employment
Interview Now you get the interview call so gear yourself up and prepare before appearing for interview. Take all the necessary information about organization via internet or brochures, magazines, etc. Remember to: o o o o o o
o o o
Go through your strengths before going Go through advertisement again. Check the location before& be on time. Choose professional apparel. Be confident, smile and initiate handshake. Your body language should be relaxed but not too casual – maintain your posture and maintain eye contact throughout the interview. Appear interested all the time what has been said. Do not interrupt and do not criticize Finns are straightforward: if you do not understand a question, ask again and try to be honest.
Kindergarten Manager Present yourself well, clean and tidy. Have a clear opinion about the job/field from which you are seeking. Answer all questions confidently, do not hesitate. Be calm, friendly.. Be confident in your knowledge, show initiative. Ask questions too but don’t be too pushy, employers don’t appreciate arrogance. Have mock interviews with friends Finnish language is very important, not in all work places a must but it certainly gives you an added advantage over other applicants. Plus it will enable quicker growth in the company if you are not restricted by language
Interviews can make everyone nervous so stay calm and enunciate (speak clearly). If you are not fluent in Finnish, tell your employer straightforward however in between if you can use your knowledge of Finnish it will make good impact.
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Guidebook to Employment
Below are some sample questions.
o o o o o o o o o o o o
Tell us something about yourself? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What do you know about us? Why are you suitable for this position? What are your accomplishments? In which type of environment you work best? Are you a team player? What are your hobbies? Can you work independently? Are you able to handle pressure? Puhutko suomea? Do you have any questions for us? (Show your interest by asking something about the company or about developmental chances in case you are hired)
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Guidebook to Employment
5 Useful Tips You have right to say no to queries regarding: o o o o o o o
Relationships Intentions to have children Sexual orientation Religion and political affiliation Health, Illness and disability Ethnic background Completion of military or civil service
Know your rights: Finland is one of those countries where law has major role in every field of life. Check below to know more about your work rights. o o o o o o
working hours (tyoaikalaki 605/1996) annual holidays family leaves like maternity, paternity, etc study leave occupational safety terms of notice
For more details: www.infopankki.fi/en-gb/home/ expat-finland.com/ www.tyosuojelu.fi/fi/workingfinland/
Former international DSS Student Well, study placements have been really productive at least for me in order for creating network in general. However, in terms of getting job, placement did not help much because of my choices to go in such places where getting job within Finland had least chance (because of Finnish language as well as being myself overambitious). Therefore I suggest students to select such placement places where little Finnish language is enough and jobs are easily available such as institutional care homes for people with disabilities, elderly care homes etc.
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Guidebook to Employment
Visit: o Trade unions: are available all over
the Finland and works mainly for the job security and employee benefits. Ask from your colleagues or friends about their experiences and then choose wisely for yourself. Social services students and employees can get more information from talentia.fi o Job search engines: Also be updated and become member on job searching websites like
http://www.aarresaari.net/ http://www.te-palvelut.fi/te/fi/ http://www.monster.fi/ http://www.seure.fi http://www.uranus.fi
o Entrepreneurs: With valid business plan you can seek assistance from Finnvera.fi for early stage investment. Also check pages of thinkhelsinkithink.com and share your innovative ideas.
Visa graduation
after
Non-EU international students can apply for an additional residence permit after their graduation to search for work. This can be granted as an extended residence permit for up to one year. Please refer to the Finnish Immigration Service (MIGRI) pages and the website of the Finnish Police www.poliisi.fi f or detailed residence permit extension informatio n for foreign students.
o Eures: EEA nationals can visit advisor office of eures or visit their pages to know more about their services.
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Guidebook to Employment
References Aarresaari.nethttps://www.aarresaari.net/file.php?fid=7 Cimo.fihttp://www.cimo.fi/instancedata/prime_product_ju lkaisu/cimo/embeds/cimowwwstructure/32343_1._UTO_tot al2001-2013.pdf
E-learning and social networking handbook, resources for higher education, Mason, Robin & Frank Rennie Finnvera.fihttp://www.finnvera.fi/eng/Starting-a-Business Immigration.govt.nzhttp://www.immigration.govt.nz/N R/rdonlyres/B0CFAB36-6547-46D5-AE0960FD21AD8FD5/0/INZ1031April2013.pdf Issuu.comhttp://issuu.com/akava/docs/ready_for_workin g_life_guide_for_students/1 Studyinfinland.fihttp://www.studyinfinland.fi/living_in_fi nland/working/after_studies Studyinfo.fi https://studyinfo.fi/wp2/en/highereducation/polytechnics-universities-of-appliedsciences/fields-of-polytechnics-uas/social-services-healthand-sports/ Ultimate CV, Third edition: Martin John Yate, Koganpage publishers, Pentonville road London
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