Norway
- About Norway
- Working conditions
- Sectors and companies that are recruiting
- Applying for a job
- Major recruitment pointers
- Recruitment Resources and networks
1. About Norway
Two centuries of Viking raids into Europe tapered off following the adoption of Christianity by King Olav TRYGGVASON in 994. Conversion of the Norwegian kingdom occurred over the next several decades. In 1397, Norway was absorbed into a union with Denmark that lasted more than four centuries. In 1814, Norwegians resisted the cession of their country to Sweden and adopted a new constitution. Sweden then invaded Norway but agreed to let Norway keep its constitution in return for accepting the union under a Swedish king. Rising nationalism throughout the 19th century led to a 1905 referendum granting Norway independence. Although Norway remained neutral in World War I, it suffered heavy losses to its shipping. Norway proclaimed its neutrality at the outset of World War II, but was nonetheless occupied for five years by Nazi Germany (1940-45). In 1949, neutrality was abandoned and Norway became a member of NATO. Discovery of oil and gas in adjacent waters in the late 1960s boosted Norway’s economic fortunes. In referenda held in 1972 and 1994, Norway rejected joining the EU. Key domestic issues include immigration and integration of ethnic minorities, maintaining the country’s extensive social safety net with an aging population, and preserving economic competitiveness.
Population: 4.7
GDP per inhabitant (2009): USD 54.600,-
Unemployment rate (02/11): 3.6%
2. Working conditions
The Norwegians subtly blend coolness with warmth. First contact is established by a handshake rather than exchanging names. Titles or company positions tend to be disregarded. Punctuality is a major rule and the weather’s no excuse: you have to take it into account.
Legal working hours : Your working hours must not exceed nine hours a day, or 40 hours a week, in accordance with the Norwegian Working Environment Act.
Length of trial / notice period: 6 months
Employment formalities: While Norway is not a member of the European Common Market, its extensive trade agreements with EC countries tie it to the community. The nation also has agreements with the EC that allow free work rights for EC citizens in Norway.
3. Sectors that are recruiting
Qualified workers in the IT and Internet industries are still very much in demand, particularly as Norwegian industries become ever more automated. In addition to these industries, the sectors most in need
of qualified employees are health care, construction, and engineering. Salespeople and financial and management consultants are also in demand, as are upper-level management personnel.
The oil industry has traditionally been one of Norway’s most important, and the international nature of the sector has meant that the official language of many oil companies is English. Recent higher oil prices have brought more job opportunities in this industry, as has the prediction of a shortage of skilled workers in the future.
4. Applying for a job
Application documents: Since most Norwegians speak English, you may write your cover letter and resume in English, unless you are fluent in Norwegian.
Advice regarding the CV: At the top of the resume, place your name, address, place and date of birth, marital status and contact information. Then, under “Education,” list schools you attended, starting with high (secondary) school, and continuing with college and university training, giving dates of attendance, study emphases, diplomas and degrees. Include honors, relevant extracurricular activities, foreign travel, and additional courses or training in specialized areas, such as languages, or IT. In the third section, “Work Experience,” should be listed in reverse-chronological order, with complete information about the companies for whom you have worked; their location, the dates of your employment, your title(s), and responsibilities-emphasizing areas relevant to the position for which you are applying. Conclude by citing recognitions, promotions, professional affiliations, military and volunteer service, and hobbies. At the end of the resume, list references, preferably managers familiar with your work. Provide their names, titles and contact information. Enclose your resume with a one-page cover letter, and small photo. If requested, enclose certified copies of grades, diplomas, and recommendations.
5. Major recruitment pointers
Business Etiquette/knowing how to behave during interviews: Before applying for a job, research the company. Learn something about its history, its current operation, and plans for the future. Your knowledge will enable you to match your skills to the company’s needs, and to ask relevant questions. For most jobs in Norway, knowledge of the language is a prerequisite, although there are exceptions within some technical areas and in the tourism industry. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that municipalities offer free Norwegian language classes for those who have received job offers. Business attire in Norway may be somewhat casual, but you should dress conservatively for the interview. Suits and ties are appropriate for men and tailored suits for women. The meeting generally starts with introductions, handshakes, and perhaps a bit of small talk. Be careful to address each person by title (Dr., Mr., Mrs., or Miss), and by last name. During the interview, be respectful; avoid bragging and familiarity. The Norwegians are well educated, and they will expect you to be knowledgeable, competent and well-spoken.
Languages you must be able to speak: Bokmål (most commonly used) and English
Flagship training: Technical degrees from NTNU (previously NTH) and business degrees from NHH and BI.
Compensation&Benefits / Taxes: Taxes are generally high in Norway. Benefits will vary greatly. However benefits will be added to the income and taxed.
6. Recruitment resources and networks
Important business networking sites: Amcham, LinkedIn, Nettby, Facebook
Best sites for jobs: www.stepstone.no, www.monster.no, www.matchwork.no, www.eujobsly.no, www.myspace.com, www.learn4good.com, www.indeed.no, www.resumegator.no, www.tiptopjob.no, www.eujobsly.no, www.jobsinworld.no, www.aetat.no, www.dagbladet.no, www.helsinginsanomat.fi, www.europa.eu.int
Where to network: Networking and personal recommendations lead to many jobs for Norwegians, which can make it difficult for foreigners with few connections to penetrate the job market. This seeming disadvantage can be overcome, however, through the use of online resources and networking organizations. Many companies are relying on online job sites to help them recruit workers, especially those in the IT and health care industries, which are experiencing a shortage of qualified employees. Many positions in Norway, particularly temporary ones, are never advertised through official channels, so a foreign job-seeker may have luck by simply sending resumes/CVs directly to companies. In many sectors, companies have also begun to use staffing agencies and executive recruiters. There are also government-sponsored employment offices, staffing agencies, recruiting firms, and other resources. The Labor Market Association has a website at aetat.no which contains Norways largest database of vacant positions. This site also has selected information for international job seekers. Foreign job-seekers may also have luck looking through the job advertisements in Norway’s newspapers, such as Dagens Neringsliv. The European Eures network (European employment services) provides information on vacancies within the European Union and the E FTA countries (including Norway): europa.eu.int/eures – Norwegian Labour and Welfare Organisation: www.nav.no (freephone number: (00 47 23) 800 33 166).
