Lapland has plenty of appeal for jobseekers: tranquility, nature, authenticity … Here’s our list of things to consider and tips when finding a job in Lapland.
Finding a job in Lapland might sound like a daunting task, but we’re here to help connect you with your dream job. With the help of Job Market Finland and Barona, we put together a list of tips to help you land your next job in Finnish Lapland. Let’s get started!
1. Don't Be Afraid of a Little Distance
Even though the North may feel a bit like ultima thule, the truth is that Lapland isn’t that far away. Not from southern Finland or from Europe and beyond. When it comes to comparing the distances you’ll travel to get here, and the distances you might travel around Lapland, Mikko Niemelä from Job Market Finland has this to say:
— Think about distances in time instead of kilometers.
What he means is that while it might take you 30 minutes to travel a few blocks in a traffic jam, you can drive dozens of kilometers in that same time period in Lapland. The difference to your wellbeing is unmistakable.
And if you’re considering seasonal work, the accommodation arranged by tourist centers is often quite close to your workplace itself, minimizing your daily commute.
2. Get Excited About Nature
Although Lapland has its fair share of urban atmosphere, you’re never far from nature. And that natural environment is well-represented in our labor market. In the northern forestry industry and bioeconomy, there are many major projects currently underway. And the clean, exotic and peaceful nature of Lapland attracts an increasing number of tourists year-round, from within Finland and abroad.
All that is to say, there are always new jobs popping up in industrial towns like Rovaniemi and Kemi, in tourism-driven centers like Levi and inari and in small villages and towns throughout Lapland.
When you consider nature in Lapland, it’s not just your job you should think about. How are you going to spend your free time? There’s a great wide world out there, and Lapland is an accessible and safe way to enjoy nature in your off-hours.
3. Timing is Everything
When should you apply for a job in Lapland? If your goal is spending winter in the Arctic, then the best months to find a job are usually summer and autumn. That’s when many companies are planning their next season and future employee needs.
In the quiet months following the busy season, employers do not usually immediately begin the hiring process. But being vigilant can pay off, as many agencies are looking for workers all year round. Even if your dream job isn’t available at the moment, by contacting and applying*, you can leave a good impression.
Also, while official recruitment services like Job Market Finland or Barona list many jobs available, some companies prefer word of mouth and social media to advertise their offerings.
* Many companies throughout Finland accept open applications. Here’s some tips for writing a great open application.
4. Prepare for e-Interviews
If there’s one small positive to the recent pandemic, it’s how companies shifted much of their communications online, taking advantage of new technologies to make things like remote work and interviews possible. This is especially true in the early stages of the job application process. For a jobseeker, little things can go a long way, from the technical stuff like lighting and high-quality video to practicing how you present yourself on camera.
Keeping your profiles up-to-date in jobseeker databases is also crucial, as employers peruse these looking for the perfect fit.
5. Attitude is Key
—In Lapland, the focus is on doing, and the reason is often practical. When distances are long, shared time must be used efficiently. This also effectively leaves everyone with more free time, says Jyry Lehtoniemi, service manager of HR company Barona Rovaniemi.
Finns value honesty and directness, so communication can also be very direct. That means employers value authenticity and employees that do not hide their personalities. Everyone likes to know who they’re dealing and working with.
Employers in Lapland expect a positive attitude, and since the pools of Lapland’s work life and human resources are relatively small, employers often wish for employees with many talents and skills, says Mikko Niemelä.
But both Niemelä and Lehtoniemi stress that the demand for expertise shouldn’t be alarming. The importance of attitude in the Lapland labor market has been highlighted as more and more employers seek out people who are honest about their skills and eager to try new things, in addition to those with experience and training.
6. Find Your Workplace in Lapland
Our new application Find Your Workplace in Lapland makes it easy to find the right municipality for you. Simply choose your wishes, both for work and life, and we’ll do the rest.
Help me find my workplace in Lapland!
BONUS TIP: Don’t Fear the Finnish Language!
Let’s be honest: Finnish isn’t exactly the easiest language in the world to learn. It’s not closely related to most other European languages, and it has a steep learning curve for most foreign jobseekers. But you shouldn’t let that deter you from seeking out jobs, even in Finnish language. Many job offering and job sites in Finland will use Finnish terms, even if the listing itself is in English. So we’ve gathered together some terms and phrases in Finnish to help you narrow down job listings, even if they’re not in English. (And if all else fails, Google Translate works pretty well!) Let’s go!
työ: work – maybe the most important word to learn
työpaikka/työpaikat: work place(s) – these are the actual positions being offered
ammatti: profession
työantaja: employer
sijainti: location – these can be narrow, like a specific town or village, or broad like across Lapland
kokoaikatyö: full-time work
osa-aikatyö: part-time work
kausityö: seasonal work – this is especially important for the busy winter season
työkieli: working language – what language is spoken at the workplace
Hopefully, these will at least help you find job opportunities that will welcome you to Lappi. Which means Lapland, of course.