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Regularly voted as one of the best places to live, this Scandinavian country benefits from a thriving economy and low unemployment rate. Discover more about working in Norway. Author: Jemma Smith, Editor

There are a couple of things that you can do to increase your chances of finding work in Norway. The first is learning the Norwegian language. While English is widely spoken, Norwegian is used in many organisations. Getting to grips with the language will open a variety of opportunities and will also help you to settle into your new home.

The second is to network. Job opportunities are often advertised through word of mouth and gained by knowing the right people. Taking on summer, temporary or part-time work is great way to build contacts and expand your professional network.

Norway is a country of great natural beauty and outside of working hours you'll be free to explore the mountains, forests and fjords. You'll have the best of both worlds, with open contrysides and metropolitan cities.

Jobs in Norway

Foreign workers may find it difficult to secure a job in the country. Norwegian employers are often reluctant to hire international workers, preferring to give jobs to able nationals.

However, opportunities are available for skilled international workers, as long as they know where to look.

POPULAR GRADUATE JOBS

Energy

Finance

Healthcare

Oil and gas

Telecommunications

The services sector forms a large part of the Norwegian economy and major industries include:

agriculture

chemicals

fishing

food processing

metals

mining

paper products

petroleum and gas

shipping

textiles.

Large companies include:

Aker Solutions

ExxonMobil

NorgesGruppen

Norsk Hydro

Orkla

Statoil

Telenor Group

Total E&P Norge

Yara International.

Look for vacancies at:

Finn Jobb

JobbDirekte

StepStone Norway

Shortage occupations

Foreign workers may have more luck securing a job if their skills are in demand. Workers are need in the following sectors:

building and construction

education

engineering

healthcare and nursing

IT

manufacturing

retail and sales

tourism.

How to get a job in Norway

As previously mentioned, employers tend to favour Norwegian workers - to ingratiate yourself into Norwegian society and to increase your chances of finding work you'll need to learn the language.

Most jobs are advertised on the internet and many newspapers, including Aftenposten, Dagbladet.

Networking and making use of contacts often yields positive results and speculative applications are welcomed.

The method of applying for jobs in Norway is similar to that in the UK. You'll submit a two-page CV and cover letter, to which you'll attach copies of your references and qualifications, before attending an interview. Each application should be tailored to the role and CVs and cover letters should be submitted in Norwegian, unless otherwise stated.

When it comes to interviews, make sure you're on time - Norwegians pride themselves on their punctuality.

Summer jobs

Seasonal work and casual jobs are widely available for international employees in sectors including:

agriculture and horticulture

fish processing

forestry

hospitality

tourism.

You could also try cleaning, fruit picking, becoming an au pair, or working in a warehouse or factory.

Seasonal workers can be granted a special residence permit if they're going to do a job that can only be done at a certain time of year.

The European Voluntary Service (EVS), funded by the European Commission (EC), is a scheme aimed at people aged 18 to 30 wishing to volunteer abroad. It offers young people the chance to volunteer for up to 12 months in a number of countries. Opportunities vary from placements concerned with sport and culture to those focused on social care and the environment. Accommodation, travel, food and insurance are all covered by a European grant, and you’ll even receive a personal allowance each month.

You can also find summer jobs, seasonal work, gap year or volunteering opportunities at:

Atlantis Exchange

GoAbroad.com

OneWorld365

Teaching jobs

English is widely spoken throughout Norway so opportunities to teach English as a foreign language may be limited in cities such as Oslo and Bergen.

However, opportunities of this nature still exist. Public and private schools, international schools and language institutions are likely places of employment.

You don't need to be fluent in Norwegian but a working knowledge of the language will certainly help you gain a position. As will relevant experience, a TEFL qualification and in some cases a degree.

View a list of language schools at ESL Base, and find TEFL opportunities at Learn4Good.

Internships

Internships and work placements can be an effective way for foreign workers to get their foot in the door of the Norwegian job market. Opportunities are available at a number of organisations in a variety of locations.

Internships and summer work placements for students can be arranged by:

AIESEC UK

Atlantis Exchange

IAESTE UK

Norwegian visas

While Norway isn't a member of the European Union (EU), it is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA).

All EU/EEA citizens are allowed to live and work in Norway without a visa for three months before having to register with the police. Jobseekers who fail to find employment after six months must leave the country, before starting the process again.

EU/EEA citizens are automatically eligible for permanent residence after five years.

Non-EEA nationals, however, must contact their Norwegian embassy to apply for a residence permit, and must apply for permanent residence after three years.

For more information, visit the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).

Language requirements

Many well-educated Norwegians can speak English fluently, and some larger companies have English as their working language. However, most jobs require workers to have fluent knowledge of Norwegian. Regardless, learning it will greatly increase your options and potentially lead to better salaries. Norwegian language courses are available in the UK.

How to explain your qualifications to employers

UK qualifications are generally recognised and comparable to their Norwegian counterparts due to the Bologna process, but check with the employer before applying. Certain professions will require you to become authorised; see the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT) or ENIC-NARIC for more information.

What it's like to work in Norway

Norwegian working conditions are good; satisfaction and salary levels are well above the European average, while employees usually receive 25 days of annual leave per year. Public holidays include:

New Years' Day

Maundy Thursday

Good Friday

Easter Sunday

Easter Monday

Labour Day

Ascention Day

Constitution Day

Whit Sunday

Whit Monday

Christmas Day

St Stephen's Day.

The working week is around 40 hours in length. Anything above this is legally defined as overtime, which is often paid at time and a half. Working hours are generally from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.

The work culture is characterised by a flat structure in which employees are empowered to work autonomously, with decisions typically made democratically. The dress code is often informal.

 

 

 

 

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