A job seeker’s guide to autumn

Leslea Petersen explores why autumn is one of the best times to look for a job in Denmark and shares key strategies to make the most of this busy hiring season.

Photographs: Unsplash

Text: Leslea Petersen

If you’re thinking about finding a new job in Denmark, there’s good news! Autumn, specifically September, is one of the most active hiring seasons of the year. After the summer holidays, Danish companies return to full speed, with new budgets, fresh projects, and a renewed focus on filling vacancies before the year's end.

Plus, there’s lots of movement as people return from their long summer break looking for a new job or a change in company. For job seekers, this means opportunity, but also competition. Here are my top tips for positioning yourself well in the job market.

Autumn is prime hiring time

From September to the start of November is a peak period for recruitment in Denmark for several key reasons. Managers return from holiday ready to tackle pending projects and aware that they need to fill budgets before year-end. This is a perfect time to see who is out there in the job market and why they would be a good fit - all the while thinking ahead to quarter one, considering what is in the pipeline, and how they can fulfil it with the best team so they can plan accordingly.

By October/November, things slow down slightly, but it is prime time for graduates! Graduate programmes often launch during this period, so being aware of this helps you time your applications strategically. (Check out all the organisations on your targeted list while you are still studying to see when they will be launching their graduate opportunities. It can be a long process, and you don’t want to be worrying about landing a job while you are studying for your finals, so do your research early.

Now is the time to benefit from those connections & tap into the ‘hidden’ job market

In Denmark, a large percentage of jobs are never publicly advertised. Networking really is key.

Reach out to your network and let them know you’re looking, what type of role or industry and how they can help. Ask them to refer you for a role, share your posts or comment and make those introductions to help you get a foot in the door.

Attend industry meetups, conferences, and events, and, if your budget allows, join professional associations or local business networks. Even informal coffee chats can lead to referrals. Maximise every opportunity and embrace small talk!

“Autumn is Denmark’s prime hiring season - don’t miss the window of opportunity.”

Polish your LinkedIn and review your CV

Where can you tweak your LinkedIn profile? What can you update or improve? The algorithms love it, so keep reading through your profile and see where you can add/delete content that is going to really tell your story.

Always tailor your CV to the company and the role. Your LinkedIn is tailored to the type of role you are looking for and can’t be company-specific.

Generic applications rarely work in Denmark’s highly selective job market, so never send the same CV to every company. Instead, highlight specific skills that match the job posting and show you have done your research by clearly showing an understanding of the company’s culture and values. Danish employers value cultural fit almost as much as skills.

Stay persistent but patient

While autumn is busy, hiring processes can still take weeks or months, so don’t rely on a few applications; try to stay visible. Keep applying for other opportunities and continue to network even if you have promising leads.

I always recommend you follow up politely after interviews, as well as send a thank-you note for the interview and time spent. If you don’t hear back after the deadline, it is fine to reach out and ask how the hiring process is coming along.

Persistence is essential, but so is patience, and it can be difficult when you are desperately in need of a job.

Use seasonal trends to your advantage

Are there any project-based contracts starting in this final quarter? Can you offer your skills and expertise for the short term? By reaching out to your connections, you can talk about a short contract to get your work over the final part of the year.

Which industries have increased demand in this season? Do your research to see where the best opportunities are and which organisations have recently posted good results. By doing your research, you can improve your chances of landing a role.

Here’s hoping that this autumn hiring season offers numerous new roles, as I know there is hesitation out there. However, suppose you prepare by refreshing your application materials, being intentional about networking, and applying early. In that case, you can stand out in one of the most competitive yet rewarding recruitment windows of the year.