Useful job search and networking resources and tips for expats and job seekers in Denmark, especially those residing in Copenhagen. The presentation was created for the "Get Your Dream Job (Copenhagen)" Meetup group (https://www.meetup.com/get-your-dream-job/) that aims in helping job seekers in Denmark find a job, ideally their dream job.

1. Finding a job & building a
future in Denmark
By Tonia Michalopoulou
Culture Analyst | Intercultural Communications &
Experience Facilitator
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/toniamichalopoulou/
Email: c.a.michalopoulou@gmail.com

2. About me...
• My name is Tonia and I am from Athens, Greece.
• I moved to Copenhagen in April 2016 to create a new life with my
Danish boyfriend.
• I have studied & worked in 5 different countries/ cultures (incl.
Denmark).
• I am an... information “junkie” and naturally curious about what
makes people tick.
• I mainly work in the fields of cultural research and analysis,
customer experience and intercultural communications.
• I still haven’t found my dream job...
• ...but I don’t give up!

3. Ideas/ tips to keep in mind...
• Coming to a new country means that you get to make a fresh start.
• So try to look at your new situation from a new, positive
perspective – leave your pre-assumptions behind!
• Your background (studies, work experience, values etc.) makes you
who you are and can help you in your job search but you need to be
competitive in the new environment, so learn more about the
environment and the people and try to adjust and blend in!
• Learn the language*
• Look for an internship
• Look for a job as an unskilled worker (e.g. at a restaurant)**
• Network
• Be proactive!

4. Things are
not always
what they
seem...

5. Cultural Intelligence (CQ)
“Cultural intelligence (CQ) is the capability to relate and work
effectively in culturally diverse situations. It goes beyond existing
notions of cultural sensitivity and awareness to highlight a
theoretically-based set of capabilities needed to successfully and
respectfully accomplish your objectives in culturally diverse settings.
[...] Awareness is the first step, but it’s not enough. A culturally
intelligent individual is not only aware but can also effectively work
and relate with people and projects across different cultural contexts.”
Source: Cultural Intelligence Center

6. Lose your “cultural” glasses!
Article: “Looking Another Culture in the Eye” by Erin Meyer

7. Speaking of leaving pre-
assumptions behind...
>> NemCV!
• Creators: Franco Soldera and Zubair Quraishi
• A different approach to writing a Cover Letter and making a point
about why you should be hired by a company
• Interview: http://cbslife.dk/interview-with-nemcv-how-to-get-
more-job-interviews
• “Get Your Dream Job” Meetup group
• >> Why not share your personal experience with the group?
Connect with other expats and get feedback. Also, help the group
grow and help others!

8. Useful job search resources provided
by Κøbenhavns Kommune I
First Job Copenhagen
http://www.forstejob.dk/
Copenhagen Host Program
http://ihcph.kk.dk/artikel/copenhagen-
host-program

9. Useful job search resources provided
by Κøbenhavns Kommune II
International House Copenhagen
https://ihcph.kk.dk/events/grid
• Welcome Reception Spring
• Leisure Guidance and Networking
• Volunteer Fair Spring
• Danish Workplace Culture!!!
• Etc.

10. “Work in Denmark”
• https://www.workindenmark.dk/Find-a-job
• https://www.workindenmark.dk/About-Workindenmark/Our-
services/Jobsearch-seminars
• >> Next seminar on March 7th (09.00-14.00)

11. Here are some links to help you
look for a job, but...
• https://www.workindenmark.dk/
• https://www.jobindex.dk/
• http://www.thelocal.dk/jobs/Denmark/
• http://www.jobsincopenhagen.com/
• https://www.jobfinder.dk/en-gb/ (for engineering and IT)
• https://www.glassdoor.co.uk
• http://gastrojob.dk/ledige-stillinger/
• LinkedIn Jobs
• Plus >> Vikarbureauer i København*
• Video: Welcome to Denmark by www.ida.dk

12. ...Building a network is very
important!
• In Denmark, a great amount of jobs are not advertised!
• More likely to find a job if someone recommends you
• Networking can help you find the job of your choice... >> if you
meet people strategically!

13. Networking tips I
Events
• Join groups of interest at www.meetup.com
• Facebook events & groups
• ...such as: “Expats in Copenhagen”
• Internations Copenhagen
• Eventbrite>> https://www.eventbrite.com/
• Places like: Space10 >> https://www.space10.io/
• Different co-working spaces e.g. Rocket Labs
• Your own language school (they can also help with
one-to-one tips)
• Your own union
• Volunteer! (Voluntering.dk: The largest portal for
volunteer jobs in Denmark
http://frivilligjob.dk/volunteeringdk/volunteeringdk)
LinkedIn
• Join groups of interest
(search with keywords)
• Follow companies and
people in your sector
• Post regularly
• Comment on posts >>
start a discussion & get
noticed
• Strategically ask people
to connect (always leave
a personal note with the
invitation!)
• Follow up with
interesting links that
your contacts might like

14. Networking tips II
Create your own Meetup group!
• You can choose to either teach or simply host the events and be
the one to bring people together under a theme of your choice
• >> Network with people in your sector
• >> Learn new things
• >> Explore the market
• >> Establish yourself as an event organizer in your sector/ area of
expertise

15. Networking tips III
Create your own Blog!
• You can write about your... Meetup group OR
• ...about your area of expertise OR
• ...about a topic that you want to become an expert in (if you want
to change careers)
>> Get noticed by showing your work
>> Gather followers
>> Establish yourself in the market

16. Keep learning!
• MOOC courses e.g. Coursera, EdX etc.
• Evening courses = Aftenskole >> e.g. FOF
• Københavns Biblioteker
• Different types of events... Keep your eyes open!

17. When things go ‘wrong’ I
• Issue: Low income and/ or weird working hours >> difficult to
‘build’ relationships by going out for coffee on a regular basis
• Solution: Go to as many free networking events as possible and
a) follow up with new acquaintances,
b) be honest with the people you would be interested in building a
friendly relationship with (you can meet at a house for coffee!)

18. When things go ‘wrong’ II
• Issue: No Green Card/ CPR
• Solution:
a) Go to as many free networking events as possible
b) Free language courses at Bethesda church in Nørreport (check out
this link)
c) Look for an internship
d) Network with other people who are in Denmark working on a Green
Card scheme: http://fitfordenmark.dk/

19. Don’t give up!!!
“A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.”
- Albert Einstein
“If ‘Plan A’ didn’t work, the alphabet has 25 more letters.”
- Unknown
“Just don’t give up trying to do what your really want to do. When
there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.”
- Ella Fitzgerald

20. Feel free to connect with me
Tonia Michalopoulou
Culture Analyst | Communications & Experience
Facilitator
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/toniamichalopoulou/
Email: c.a.michalopoulou@gmail.com