A recruiter’s view: why it matters

Leslea Petersen breaks down how recruiter insight reveals the unwritten rules of the Danish hiring process - and why it can make all the difference.

Photograph: Pexels: Cottonbro Studio

Text: Leslea Petersen

If you’ve been sending out dozens of job applications in Denmark and heard nothing back, you’re not alone. Many internationals find job seeking in Denmark challenging, to say the least, especially when they’re new to the country or still learning the ‘unwritten rules’. This is why it’s super important to get professional feedback on your application from someone who knows exactly what recruiters look for.

Getting a recruiter or hiring manager’s view on your application or a career coach working in the Danish labour market can genuinely make all the difference.

Understanding the Danish hiring mindset helps

Do some research on the Danish labour market before you ask for advice or send off your next application. You need to understand how hiring works in Denmark and why it differs from what you have previously encountered in your home country. For example, Danish employers value trust, teamwork, and cultural fit just as much as skills and experience. They often look for signs that you’ll integrate well into the workplace, communicate clearly, and take initiative.

This means your CV and cover letter need to do more than list what you have done. They need to tell a story about who you are, what you delivered in previous roles, and why you’d fit into the team.

Unfortunately, many internationals launch into the job search without finding out the cultural differences. They end up frustrated after sending out very complicated, long CVs and ‘bragging’ about their accomplishments, which really don’t fit with the Danish preference for simplicity and clarity.

That’s why getting a professional perspective is so valuable.

What a recruiter sees that will help you

Recruiters review hundreds of applications every week. They can instantly spot what works and what doesn’t. When you ask a recruiter to review your application, you’re getting insight into how your application will be perceived in real hiring situations.

Here’s what they often notice:

• Formatting and structure: Is your CV easy to scan? Danish recruiters prefer short, clear layouts with bullet points and concise descriptions.

• Relevance: Are you tailoring your application to the specific job? Generic applications rarely make it to the first round. If your CV does not fit any role you are applying for, then it’s not good enough.

  
  

• Tone and language: Does your cover letter sound confident but not overly formal? Recruiters can help you strike the right balance.

  
  

• Cultural cues: Are you showing that you understand the Danish workplace culture and values, such as collaboration and teamwork?

Connecting can be a challenge, though

If you are new to Denmark, your first step is to connect on LinkedIn with hiring managers or recruiters, send them your CV, and ask for advice. You will probably get zero response as they don’t have time. Plus, each organisation has clearly stated how to apply for a job, and they want you to follow the rules.

Here’s how to do it effectively

Use networking opportunities, such as job fairs and career events, to gain face-to-face access to hiring teams. Sign up or follow all the organisations where you think you would be a great fit, and go to any events or gatherings where their team will be available. Here’s your opportunity to gain feedback. A recruiter might suggest reordering your CV, simplifying your language, or guiding you in your personal summary that highlights your motivation in working for them specifically.

At English Job Denmark, we have many recruiters and hiring managers in our network who understand both the Danish job market and the challenges of being new to the country. We listen to what they advise, and they often come to our events to talk. Networking on these occasions really does help you get answers to some of those difficult questions. You are left with a clearer understanding of what Danish employers expect and how to present yourself more effectively.

Last plea!

I speak to so many internationals who have been job searching for 6+ months, some for years, and have never asked for professional guidance. I can’t stress it enough: get help at the beginning so you start your job hunt with confidence and well-trusted knowledge from professionals who will help you get to an interview.