There are many different ways to look for a job. The trick is to structure your job search so that you benefit as much as possible. Here are a few tips for places where you can find job vacancies.
Contacts and Networks - Take advantage of your contacts and your social network when looking for a job. Tell people that you are trying to find a job and ask them to make enquiries in their own networks. Many positions are not advertised but are filled by members of the company’s network. Don’t hesitate to contact employers you would like to work for and tell them you are interested. However, always make sure that you are familiar with their company before you contact them.
Websites - Many employers have websites that advertise job vacancies. Some big companies devote separate web pages to providing students and recent graduates with information about what they have to offer.
Social and professional networks - Don’t underestimate the potential of networks like Facebook and LinkedIn to open new doors to employment. If you use online networks, be careful about how you express yourself. While it’s helpful to reach many people at once, it can work to your disadvantage if you use it the wrong way. If a business conducts an online search, you want them to get the impression that you are a serious person. In other words, what you say and how you say it requires a good deal of thought. The same thing is true if you are one of the many people these days that have their own websites and blogs. Be Internet-smart and make sure to enjoy the benefits it offers.
Student unions and the departments - Some of our student unions have bulletin boards on which businesses can advertise job openings. Our departments may also have boards where jobs or traineeships can be advertised. Go ahead and check them out whenever you happen to be passing by.
Labour market days, traineeships and degree projects - You will have many opportunities to make new contacts and prepare yourself for working life while you are still in school. Use labour market days to expand your network and find out more about companies you may be interested in working for. Traineeships and degree projects can lead to employment if you actively choose businesses that match your profile.
Apply for jobs even if they haven’t been advertised - If you run across a company that you would like to work for, you can send them your CV even if no vacancies have been advertised. Companies don’t always advertise job openings, so your application might pay off. Be aware that such applications present an extra challenge. You’ll need to attract the attention of your prospective employer and explain why they should hire you and nobody else. Follow up the application with a phone call for the purpose of scheduling an interview.
Apply for a traineeship - A traineeship is a good way to start a career, and a smart strategy for getting your foot in the door at a company if you are a recent graduate. Trainee programmes differ from one employer to the next, but they generally alternate between theory and practical experience. Usually you circulate among various departments, and occasionally you are offered the chance to work abroad. Before accepting a traineeship, check out the terms of employment and make sure that you are being guaranteed a job after completing the programme.
Staffing and recruitment agencies - Some staffing and recruitment agencies specialise in students. You can often register yourself and your CV on their website, and sometimes you can sign up for job tracking. This is a good way of quickly finding out about job vacancies that may match your particular profile.
Public Employment Service - The website of the Swedish Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen) lists jobs in many different areas throughout Sweden. Vacancies in other countries are often listed as well. The agency also publishes a magazine titled Platsjournalen that advertises job openings. You can subscribe to it online fairly inexpensively. If you don’t find a job as soon as you graduate, you should register with Arbetsförmedlingen. Read more about it on the page “Between Studies and Employment.”
Newspapers - Many job vacancies are advertised in daily, local, trade, union and other newspapers. Most of the newspapers are available at the library, or online if you prefer.