The Ultimate Guide to Finding a Job in Denmark
Looking for a job in Denmark as a non-Danish speaker can be quite overwhelming. Having been through this process multiple times and now working as a hiring manager, I've learned a thing or two to make the process easier.
Whether you are job hunting from within Denmark or from abroad, this guide will help smooth the process of landing a job, including those that can qualify you for getting a work permit in Denmark.
The Danish Job Market
Many companies in Denmark prefer to hire employees who speak Danish. However, you should not let this discourage you. There is huge demand for qualified labour across many industries in Denmark, so more and more companies are hiring non-Danish speakers than before.
In other words, because companies are having a hard time finding highly skilled workers, they do away with their wishes for employees to speak Danish (and this then becomes a great opportunity for highly skilled individuals).
At JobsinEnglish.dk we focus on jobs where Danish is not required. However, when reading job descriptions for the job posts we post, you can still see some jobs with phrases like: "Danish is an advantage".
Our advice: don't be put off by that. Apply anyway.
There are always exceptions, and if you have the right skills and/or experience, companies will forgo of their Danish fluency wishes.
For jobs where you need to interact with the general public, I dare to say that Danish is essential. Some sectors where we have seen fewer opportunities are:
- Teachers/Educators: (an exception here could be in higher education, where a university professor would teach their class entirely in English, for example).
- Nurses/Dentists: while there is high demand all over Denmark, communicating with Danish-speaking patients is essential. I have heard some Danish regions provide language support and fast-track opportunities for those coming from abroad wanting to give it a try.
- Receptionists: this role often requires Danish for customer-facing tasks.
- Plumbers/Electricians: these jobs usually require Danish to communicate with local clients and understand codes, standards, and local regulations. There could be exceptions here, but it would be dependant on so many other factors.
Salaries in Denmark
Salaries in Denmark are quite competitive and can be quite high for highly skilled workers, however, so can the cost of living.
There are several factors that can influence salaries, like industry, worker experience, and location. Below are some salaries for popular industries:
- Technology/IT: Starting at DKK 550.000
- Engineering: Starting at DKK 650.000
Keep in mind that while salaries are high, taxes and overall cost of living is also high in Denmark.
How to Get a Work Permit/Visa in Denmark
Navigating work permits in Denmark can be tricky.
The good thing is, there are tons of official sites providing what, in my opinion, is really detailed information on the process.
Here's overview of the most common types of permits:
- The Pay Limit Scheme: for those with a job offer and a salary above DKK 487.000 annually (the pay limit amount is regulated every year on 1 January).
- The Fast Track Scheme: for those with a job offer from a company certified by SIRI (other conditions apply).
- The Positive List: for professions in demand in Denmark. Each region in Denmark has their own list (in Danish only).
- The Researcher Scheme: for researchers and academics.
There are more permit types, but these are the most common ones. Be sure to consult official sources of information or immigration professionals if in doubt.
While some job postings may specifically require you to have a work permit beforehand, others do not mention this explicitly.
Takeaway: If a job doesn’t mention the requirement for a work permit in the job description, apply. Companies are sometimes willing to sponsor not just your visa, but also relocation support for your family!
Jobs for English Speakers in Denmark
You're already in the right place. JobsInEnglish.dk the only place on the internet where you can exclusively find English jobs in Denmark that don't require Danish.
However, if you want to expand your search (and spend an inordinate amount of time reading each job description to figure out if a job requires Danish or not), here are other sites:
- LinkedIn: Many companies post their jobs exclusively here, while others repost for reach. Make sure your profile is updated.
- Jobindex.dk: there are some jobs in English posted here from time to time. It's popular for Danes.
- Workindenmark.dk: this is a government-backed platform.
- Company websites: this is always a good idea, as jobs are first posted on company websites. However, it can be hard and time consuming to monitor many companies at once.
Applying for Jobs in Denmark
This is where all the fun happens. But going into this without a plan and wanting to standout in a competitive market, is at best, wishful thinking.
In the Danish job market, particularly as a non-Danish speaker, being methodical can make all the difference.
Here are some important things to keep in mind before you even start applying:
- Finding a job is a job in itself: Approach your job search like a full-time project. Structure and organisation will help you stay on track and prevent burnout.
- It's a numbers game: The more jobs you apply to, the better your chances of landing interviews. Even if you feel overqualified or under-qualified, you’ll never know unless you try.
- Track, track, track: Keeping track of all your applications will prevent awkward situations and help you stay organised (and sane!).
- Speed matters: Applying as soon as a job is posted can significantly increase your chances of being noticed.
- Be flexible: You don’t need to check every box in the job description. Sometimes, what seems like a requirement is really just a "nice to have."
- Extra tip.
Let’s break those points down further.
Finding a job is a job in itself: It requires commitment, organisation, and strategic planning—just like any other job you take seriously. If you already have a job, it might be difficult to find the time to dedicate to this, and if you don't have a job, you have the whole world of pressure on you to find a job quickly. Some things you can do to lessen the burden:
- Create a schedule: dedicate blocks of time to searching, saving jobs to apply to, updating your CV and cover letters, and tracking your progress.
- Set goals: you can set daily or weekly goals for applying to a certain number of jobs or connecting with people in your network.
It's a numbers' game: You miss all the shots you don’t take. It’s that simple. The more jobs you apply to, the more likely you’ll get noticed and called for an interview. This concept might sound obvious, but it’s worth stressing because it applies especially in competitive markets like Denmark.
Consider this scenario:
Mary is a marketing manager determined to move to Denmark. She applies to three positions: Marketing Manager, Marketing Associate, and Marketing Coordinator, despite being overqualified for the latter two roles.
John, a marketing coordinator, applies only to the Marketing Coordinator role, believing that’s his best match.
Mary has given herself three opportunities to get noticed, while John has limited himself to just one.
The takeaway: Let others decide whether you’re a fit. Don’t exclude yourself by not applying. If you believe you can do the job, apply, even if you don’t meet every single requirement.
Track, track, track: If you are applying to many jobs (as you should!), keeping track of your applications is essential. The last thing you want is a recruiter calling you, and you have no memory of the position or the company!
You can use tools to organise your and keep track of your job search progress:
- Pen and Paper: if you prefer the old-fashioned way, that works!
- Google Sheets: for those that leverage the convenience of the digital world.
If you sign up for our newsletter below, you can download our Google Sheets job application tracker for FREE:
Speed Matters: The timing of your application can directly affect your chances. Jobs are normally reviewed on a rolling basis, this means that earlier applications are often prioritised. As a hiring manager, I can tell you from experience that early applicants get more attention.
If you need to apply to two jobs, prioritise the one that has been posted more recently.
The earlier you apply, the higher your chance of being noticed.
Be Flexible: Job descriptions can be intimidating, often listing every skill under the sun. Hiring managers write these as "wish lists" for the perfect candidate (which doesn't exist), so not everything is essential. The truth is, many requirements are "nice-to-haves" and not "must-haves".
You should apply, even if you don't meet every qualification!
Hiring managers expect flexibility. Most know they won’t find someone who checks every box. They are often open to considering candidates with the right potential, even if they lack a few specific skills.
You never know. More than one person has landed an interview or job offer for a position they didn’t think they’d get. Remember, the employer will make the final decision, so don’t count yourself out before you’ve even applied!
The more flexible you are, the more opportunities you’ll create to get your foot in the door.
Extra tip: this might make a lot of you uncomfortable, and it's easy to understand why. But for better or worse, one of the easiest ways to draw attention to your application is to call the hiring manager (hiring managers will hate me for this). In Denmark, it is customary to include the hiring manager's contact details (email and phone number) in the job ads. If you want to ensure your application is screened by a hiring manager, call them! Make sure you do your research before calling, as the only reason to call is to ask questions about the job itself. Use this power wisely. This can tip the odds in your favour (but it can also help you learn more about who you will be working for!).
Last words
Searching for a job can take weeks or even months, especially in competitive markets like Denmark’s. It can be a stressful process and if we are not careful, it can lead to burnout.
On the positive side of things, the longer you spend searching and applying, the more data you collect about what works and what doesn’t.
So it's important to take time to reflect and evaluate feedback. Assess whether your CV needs tweaking or if you are applying to the right roles.
Remember that like any other project, this requires persistence. You will face rejection and delays. It is all part of the process, but keep in mind that every application brings you one step closer to success.
If you feel this was helpful, please share with others, and if there are other areas you feel we left out, send us an email at hello [at] jobsinenglish [dot] dk
