Denmark
- About Denmark
- Working conditions
- Sectors and companies that are recruiting
- Applying for a job
- Major recruitment pointers
- Recruitment Resources and networks
1. About Denmark
This thoroughly modern market economy features a high-tech agricultural sector, state-of-the-art industry with world-leading firms in pharmaceuticals, maritime shipping and renewable energy, and a high dependence on foreign trade. Denmark is a member of the European Union (EU); Danish legislation and regulations conform to EU standards on almost all issues. Danes enjoy among the highest standards of living in the world and the Danish economy is characterized by extensive government welfare measures and an equitable distribution of income. Denmark is a net exporter of food and energy and enjoys a comfortable balance of payments surplus, but depends on imports of raw materials for the manufacturing sector. Within the EU, Denmark is among the strongest supporters of trade liberalization. After a long consumption-driven upswing, Denmark’s economy began slowing in 2007 with the end of a housing boom. Housing prices dropped markedly in 2008-09. The global financial crisis has exacerbated this cyclical slowdown through increased borrowing costs and lower export demand, consumer confidence, and investment. The global financial crises cut Danish GDP by 0.9% in 2008 and 5.2% in 2009. Historically low levels of unemployment rose sharply with the recession but remain below 5%, based on the national measure, about half the level of the EU; harmonized to OECD standards the unemployment rate was about 8% at the end of 2010. Denmark made a modest recovery in 2010 in part because of increased government spending. An impending decline in the ratio of workers to retirees will be a major long-term issue. Denmark maintained a healthy budget surplus for many years up to 2008, but the budget balance swung into deficit during 2009-10. Nonetheless, Denmark’s fiscal position remains among the strongest in the EU. Despite previously meeting the criteria to join the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), so far Denmark has decided not to join, although the Danish krone remains pegged to the euro.
Read more: Information about the Denmark at www.cia.gov
Population (07/2011): 5.5 million
GDP per inhabitant (2010): USD 36.443,-
Unemployment rate (12/2011): 6.0%
2. Working conditions
Employees in Denmark generally enjoy high-quality working conditions, decent pay, generous holiday allowances and the opportunity to enhance their future career prospects with further training and education. The working conditions in Denmark are generally very good, with companies happy to invest in modern facilities and equipment of the highest quality. Many employees are given the chance to progress further in their field. This often comes in the form of continuous training and education offered by the workplace.
Danish working mentality
The vast majority of Danish workplaces have a horizontal structure and prefer to operate around teamwork rather than giving instructions to subordinates. Workers are encouraged to contribute their ideas and to be pro-active in their participation. You will find a lot of open dialogue between management and employees too, which may explain why many Danes take a great interest in their work and come across as highly motivated and committed to the task. The egalitarian nature of the Danish working culture means people are expected to be humble. While in some countries it is normal to project yourself positively at work, Danes generally respond better to modesty and politeness. Everybody wants to make an immediate impression in a new job but, in Denmark, showing off your knowledge and skills is not the way to achieve this! The Danes would much rather see that you are there to help the team.
If you move between jobs in Denmark, you take your paid holiday entitlement with you. Your former employer has to work out how much holiday allowance you have remaining, and can then either transfer it or provide you with a holiday card. In any case, the employee will receive any due payments at a later date when the holiday has been taken. If you move to a new job in a different country, the money can be paid before you leave.
Read more: Information about Working conditions in Denmark from justlanded.com
Legal working hours : 37.0 hours per week.
Length of trial / notice period: Three months in general.
Employment formalities: A work permit is no longer required. As a Member of the EU, this country subscribes to the free movement of citizens within the Union. Contact the nearest “job centre”. For regulated professions, see the Danish Recognition Centre’s foreign qualifications centre website: wwwcvuu.dk
3. Sectors that are recruiting
Shipping, Energy, Professional Services incl. Consulting and the Public Sector.
Companies that are recruiting: Vestas Wind Power, A. P. Møller Mærsk, and a number of other internationally oriented companies.
4. Applying for a job
Application documents: Application and resume in either Danish or English.
Advice regarding the CV: In general, a short and precise CV is recommended.
5. Major recruitment pointers
Business etiquette/knowing how to behave during interviews: Dress properly for business meetings. For some professions, the style would be rather informal, but we recommend a proper business attire.
Languages you must be able to speak: Danish and English. In some parts of Denmark, knowledge of German will be expected. The Nordic languages are widely understood in most parts of Denmark.
Flagship training: Copenhagen Business School and Scandinavian International Management Institute have very fine general business and MBA programmes. The Danish Technical University and Aalborg University are specialized in respectively sustainable energy and telecoms.
Compensation & Benefits / Taxes: Denmark is known for having very high taxes on personal income. Company car would be advantageous in some situations, and is quite common as part as the remuneration package.
6. Recruitment resources and networks
Important business networking sites:
www.linkedIn.com
www.jobindex.dk
Where to network:
N/a.
