The Danish winter job-search survival guide

Career coach Leslea Petersen shares insight on how to utilise the winter season for job searching.

Photographs: Unsplash

Text: Leslea Petersen

If you’ve just landed in Denmark and you’re just starting your job search, you have probably noticed two things already - Danish job applications are very different to what you expected, and winter here is dark!

But don’t worry, invest in some winter boots and a good coat, and wait for the Christmas markets to buy a well-made, woolly hat. You can then be prepared for the long days and nights, allowing you to fully focus on the job hunt without feeling overwhelmed.

Think of this as your cosy guide to keeping warm, staying sane, and finding opportunities while the rest of the country hibernates with candles and, dare I say it, embracing the ‘hygge’.

The winter reality and why it feels so quiet

Between November and January, most companies in Denmark begin to slow down as they review budgets and prepare for the new year. December is filled with Christmas parties, office shutdowns, and a well-earned break to celebrate with family. If you send out ten applications in mid-December and don’t hear back until mid-January, that is normal and don’t take it personally.

But here’s the good news, while the hiring market is generally quiet, it’s not dead. You can still find seasonal or short-term roles, and more importantly, you can use this time to prepare for the wave of openings that pop up in February and March.

Seasonal work: your winter lifeline

If you’re open to it, seasonal jobs can be your best friend in the winter period. Even if you are looking for a professional role, a seasonal temporary job might tie you over financially so you can enjoy the holiday break. It’s not just about having an income, but it will also give you local experience and a chance to start speaking Danish. You can’t lose.

Some good winter options include:

• Hospitality: cafés, restaurants, and seasonal markets are open from mid-November. Tivoli at Christmas is magical and extremely busy, so take a look at the roles opening now so you can be among the first to apply.

• Logistics and deliveries: online shopping surges, so warehouses and couriers need help. Try Nemlig, Wolt and some of the larger supermarkets.

Don’t underestimate these opportunities. Many internationals get their first Danish job this way, and once you’re in, it’s easier to start planning to move into your field later, as you aren’t worrying about your finances.

Networking but Danish style

Now, here’s the real secret if you are a newcomer to Denmark, arrived with your partner and in the process of finding out how the job search works, you will have probably heard the word “networking”. This might sound intimidating, but it’s actually quite normal and expected that the most significant part of finding a job begins with having connections.

I talk a lot about this as it is about having authentic connections, creating your own network and it will often lead to opportunities you won’t find online. It also helps with not feeling alone, not just in your job search, but also in finding people with whom you click and naturally want to spend time.

Join professional or expat meetups, as there are many leading up to Christmas. Remember, you have purchased the gear to cope with all weathers now, so it is just about having the confidence to step out the door and meet people. In Denmark, networking is less about handing out business cards and more about building trust and relationships.

Beating the winter blues

Let’s be honest! Job searching is stressful enough without four hours of daylight and constant drizzle. I know only too well. I arrived on 3 November in one of the coldest winters I have ever experienced, and even as a Brit, the dark nights took a toll on my sense of humour.

Here are some survival hacks that I would tell my 2007 self:

• Get outside every day, and even a short walk helps fight the darkness.

• Job searching in libraries is a great option, as they are warm, free, and you will not feel alone.

• Stay active! Create your new routines, and until you know the area and what’s available, you don’t have to go that far (unless you’re brave), but moving your body really helps.

Look ahead

Winter job hunting in Denmark can feel slow and discouraging, but it’s not wasted time. Think of it as your preparation season, the dark nights won’t last forever, and before you know it, the busiest season for applications will be here. Use this winter season to expand your network and maybe take on a seasonal role. That way, when the spring hiring wave arrives, you’ll be ready.

So, grab your scarf, embrace a little hygge, and keep going. Spring will come, the job market will wake up, and all your winter efforts will have paid off.