One of the biggest obstacles that international job seekers in Finland face is the Finnish language barrier (Korhonen, 2014). Being the third hardest language in the world, Finnish sure made it challenging for many educated immigrants and students to follow through the learning curve. While words like “internationalization” and “diversity” have been frequently included by institutions and corporations, the reality is often disappointing.

The Challenges

International talents spend at least 3 years studying full-time to get a degree to qualify for the job market. There’s hardly enough time left to brush up the Finnish language to professional working proficiency. While the beginner’s language courses are compulsory, it still requires a significant amount of effort to take it to the next level. 

At the same time, they lack the professional network that would have otherwise led to many hidden jobs. These unadvertised vacancies account for an astonishing 75% amount of jobs, according to TEK and the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra. 

For international students, they are on a time limit of 1 year after graduation to find a job. It may not be too short a period, but it may cause them to lower their standards just to get any job. In terms of career and self-actualization, this could be damaging in the long run, but that’s a story for another time. All in all, these factors can stack up and cause significant stress.

In the Finnish recruiting scene, everything matters. Yes. Even your name. In an experiment done recently, 5000 equivalent job applications by 5 applicants were sent under different names. The callback rates for applicants of Finnish names (39%) were significantly higher than non-Finnish names (27% for English names and less for others) (Ahmad, 2020).

In an ideal society with equality of opportunity, this shouldn’t happen. But when it is less than ideal, we still have to deal with it.

One way that international job seekers in Finland have been using to bypass the language barrier is to go to a place where Finnish isn’t needed, the tech industry. As the world is trending toward digitalization, the demand for good coders has exploded. If you know a programming language well enough, there are plenty of opportunities in software development positions globally, Finland included.

But what are your chances outside the tech bubble? When the job is not about dealing with codes and servers, it almost certainly requires fluency in Finnish, at least conversationally. Are there no other choices than to jump into a coding camp and learn how to code? 

The Workaround

Before you decide to sign up for an intensive programming bootcamp, there are alternatives. Many members of VPF are experienced professionals across different industries. We interviewed how these expats got their jobs without initially speaking Finnish (Some of them still don’t!). The answers have been compiled into a list of ways for international job seekers to get hired without the need to first master Finnish within a year.

Find Finnish companies serving English-speaking clients or your native language

Instead of fixating on your language deficiency, focus on your language proficiency. When a Finnish company needs to branch out, your skills in English or your native language can be an asset. This works especially well in consulting, sales and marketing jobs.

A VPF member, G.L. found her current company, a Finnish-based global firm, through a business case competition. During the interview, she intrigued the interviewer with her prior expertise in the South East Asian market. Incidentally, the company was planning to expand to Malaysia. Seeing the fit in competence and values, she has since worked for the company and been promoted to manager.

A.D. works as a marketing manager in a small tech company. Although the company’s language was English, it employed only Finnish people a year before A.D. was hired. Since it sells products outside of Finland, the marketing and sales team could employ non-Finnish speakers.

Find international companies with headquarters/offices in Finland

Oftentimes, local branches of international firms expect to hire locals, but it is not always the case. However, what you lack in Finnish language, you need to compensate with an excellent academic & extracurricular background. 

For example, big consulting firms often do not expect Finnish language from the candidates, but rather a top GPA and a great attitude. Several core members of VPF hold a position in global firms such as BCG, Bain, PwC and Accenture because of their outstanding profiles, not their Finnish.

Join graduate or trainee programs in big Finnish corporations

For recent graduates, trainee and graduate programs are perfect opportunities to gain working experience. Simultaneously, they would have the chance to network with people who can potentially open many new doors.

Before T.N works as an Admin in her current tech company, she participated in a graduate program at a large Finnish firm. This later turned into an extended contract, in which she gained great experiences and references for her future career.

Similarly, another VPF member, M.N. made a direct call to the hiring manager of a large research company about a Master’s thesis worker position. She used the information from the call to pass the interview with flying colors.

Find start-ups that have intentions to go international

For jobseekers with less experience, it may be difficult to land a job immediately in a big Finnish company. However, they could find work in smaller companies and start-ups with an international goal. In these organizations, processes are not yet established. Employers prioritize eagerness to learn and willingness to innovate. Great experiences can be gained and used for future references if one decides to exit.

In his second year of university, A.H. was struggling with job hunting due to lack of experience and Finnish language to apply for menial jobs. However, he successfully joined a Finance technology start-up with a global mission. The opportunity arose in a partner program, where he demonstrated his willingness to impress.

Also, there’s always a chance that the start-up will make it big. Then, you will benefit handsomely for helping in the early days! (Just remember to get the stock options!) 

Conclusion

So, do you need Finnish language to get a job in Finland? Like any answer to a complicated question, it’s yes and no. Yes, if the company only conducts its businesses locally and you cannot code. No, if you can code. No, if you follow one of the advices given above. 

It should be noted, however, that the lack of Finnish language is not the only common theme in the stories above. These individuals advanced into their current position because their qualifications made them excellent candidates for the positions, so much that the need for Finnish was outweighed.

Finally, this article should be taken only as a short-term fix. If you start seeing Finland as your home in the long term, dedicate some time to mastering the language. After all, knowing the local language is important for a long and prosperous career and life in any country.

Main author: An Hai Ta; Contributors: Le Thuy, Thien Ngoc Nguyen, Giao Le