How Do Danish Companies Recruit for Their Vacant Positions?

Point 1: Use different recruitment channels

The most commonly used recruitment channels in 2020 were posted positions, networking and LinkedIn. While the invisible job market (networking, unsolicited applications and such) is still relatively large in Denmark, the majority of positions are published. So, remember to look for published positions on job databases, such as Workindenmark.dk, Jobnet.dk and JobIndex.dk. Keep your LinkedIn profile up-to-date and reach out to people at companies, where you want to work to create a network.

You can learn about unsolicited applications here

Point 2: Tailor your CV

Because published positions play a large role on the Danish labour market, creating a good CV is a very important discipline to master. Danish companies usually read the CV first, and they initially notice the picture and the profile text. Many Danish companies prefer that the CV’s profile text is 5-8 lines and focuses on how the candidate matches the job (meaning it should focus on the future). Danish employers believe that a description of previous tasks/results are often lacking in CVs. When writing a CV for a Danish employer, be sure to include a professional picture, a description of your previous results/tasks, and a targeted profile text.

You can learn more about how to tailor you CV to a Danish employer here

Point 3: Tailor your cover letter

Even though Danish employers often read the CV first, the cover letter is still very important. Danish companies believe that the best cover letters are characterised by a well-written, personal motivation section and a description of how the applicant’s competencies matches the company and the position. When writing a cover letter for a Danish employer, be sure to reflect on why you want the particular position and what the company stands to gain, if they hire you.

You can learn more about cover letters here

Point 4: Be prepared and present at job interviews

In Denmark, preparation is key to successful job interviews, no matter if they are online or face-to-face. During the pandemic, Danish companies have increasingly used online interviews, which they will continue to do in the future. Online interviews also present some unique challenges that you can actually overcome with a little bit of preparation. Some companies believe that one of the most negative aspects related to online interview is the inability to get an impression of the candidate’s personality, so when you are being interviewed online, really try to let your personality shine through. For the companies, it is also an absolute no-go, if the candidate is experiencing technical difficulties, so fully charge your computer, check your sound and camera, and go online ahead of time before the meeting. Finally, remember to look at the camera, as if you are making eye contact with the person talking.

Overall, Danish companies believe that the most important aspects of a job interview is that the applicant seems motivated, contributes to the dialog, has prepared relevant questions and is aware of his/her challenges regarding the job. Danish companies believe that it reflects very poorly on the applicant, if they do not make eye contact, speaks ill of previous employers, displays a modest level of knowledge regarding the company and focuses on their own gain.

You can read more about job interviews in Denmark here

If you want to look at the newest analysis from Ballisager about how 2021 has shaped the Danish recruitment market so far, follow this link:

Kandidatanalysen(new tab, only available in Danish).

Happy job hunt!