Tips when you are looking for work in the cultural sector in Denmark
This information is for EU/EEA citizens only
Be active!
There is fierce competition for the jobs that exist and you must create the opportunities yourself. The trend is fewer employments and more people are instead hired as freelancers, so investigate what is required to freelance. You need to create a wide network of contacts within your professional area and often actively contact potential employers yourself.
Search on a broad front
It is very common for companies and organisations in the cultural sector to advertise vacancies on their websites, so one tip is to visit them regularly, follow them on social media or submit an unsolicited job application.
Tips on websites in the cultural sector that can be worth visiting:
jobscenen.dk -- vacancies in the field of culture
dmf.dk- Danish Musicians’ Union
At our information center in Malmö you can also meet employment consultants who can offer you guidance on the Danish labour market.
Apply spontaneously
One common approach is the unsolicited job application, or “uopfordret ansøgning”, to use the Danish term. Many jobs are filled without being advertised at all. To have a chance of getting that specific job you always dreamed of, it’s a good idea to submit an application even if no vacancies are being advertised at the moment. You can also decide to “knock on the door”. In industries that have plenty of customer contact, you can try visiting the workplace with an up-to-date CV and letter in your hand.
Tips for your CV
There’s no shortage of advice out there on how to write the perfect application and get your dream job. Much of this advice is pretty universal: state why you want that particular job, don’t write too much, enclose a detailed CV, and so on. There are many Danish websites, Jobindex.dk for example, that offer tips and advice when it comes to career choices and writing a CV. You can also pick up tips and find support in your job search at Øresunddirekt’s Information Center.
Examine the conditions of employment
The Danish and Swedish labour markets do differ somewhat, but it can be difficult to appreciate how different they are. It’s important to bear in mind that there are fewer workplaces with collective bargaining agreements in Denmark, instead it’s often the case that an individual agreement is negotiated between you and your prospective employer.
More information regarding conditions of employment
Work permits
If you come from a Nordic country, you are free to travel to Denmark to live or work. If you are a citizen of another EU/EEA country, you are free to remain in Denmark for six months to look for work. If you are a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA, there are several factors that determine whether you are entitled to a residence permit and work permit in Denmark.
