Jutta Pribil: How I got a job in Denmark

Jutta Pribil from Germany, now Project Manager at Coloplast, speaks about her experiences with getting a job in Denmark…

How was it to find a job in Denmark?

Easy, difficult? Different than you expected?

It was certainly different than expected. There are many vacancies posted, but you must be aware that you are in direct concurrence with internal applicants. That’s why the chance to get rejected can be quite high. So don’t get frustrated!

Three things different to my home country are, to make sure that you have an up-to-date LinkedIn profile, to contact the hiring manager before you send your application and don’t wait until the application deadline. The job might be already taken by then.

Why and with whom did you travel to Denmark?

With my husband who got a job in Copenhagen. I was pregnant at that time and followed him.

What were your expectations for the Danish labor market (getting a job) before your arrival?

I thought, there would be no difference to the German labor market.

Which firm does your partner work in?

He is Associate Professor in Plant Molecular Biology at the Københavns Universitet (University of Copenhagen).

How did you handle the challenge with getting a job?

I started to create a Jobagent on Jobindex. I got help and instructions how to start my jobhunt in the International House in Copenhagen. I set-up my LinkedIn profile, started to follow interesting companies and tried to contact my network (that actually helped me to my 1st job interview).

How is the Danish employment culture different from what you were used to?

There is a tendency, that the employer wants to read and hear about your personality not only about your professional facts. Having kids is certainly ok! And questions about family and further family plans seem also to be ok during job interviews.

Please tell us about your Danish workplace! What is it like working there, do you like it etc.

I definitely like my current work at Coloplast.

There is a very collaborative work atmosphere. Decisions are rather agreed upon in common discussions.

You can work on flexible working hours which are not monitored. And everyone has access the right to do home office – of course, as long as this matches with your individual tasks.

Lunch is used to talk between colleagues about private things rather than about work.

What do you think about working in a Danish company?

I am proud to have this experience.

Do you have ambitions in Denmark?

I got a project manager position right now and I found that project manager certificates, like Prince II, are valued here and also in the English speaking countries a lot. That’s why I would aim to get such an additional education and to set the track for a senior manager position ;-)

Do you have good tips for other accompanying partners looking for a job?

Don’t describe in your motivation letter too much, that you followed your partner, and that’s the reason why you are here. … That was certainly one of my main mistakes at the beginning. Rather focus on, why you want to work for company “xy”.

THANKS SO MUCH, JUTTA!