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CONTENTS
Introduction | 3
South savo – at a glance | 4
Finnish working culture | 5
Permits and taxation | 6
Where to look for jobs? | 8
How to get a job?| 10
Helpful links | 12
Student practical experiences | 14
INTRODUCTION
This is a guidebook giving you information of the Finnish working life. It was
written for international students studying in South-Savo. The objective of this
guidebook is to assist you in finding and applying for jobs and practical training
places.
This guide contains information on the regulations and culture of the Finnish
working life. In most cases additional information sources are given as links to the
webpages.
When applying for a practical training place, it is important to be active and show
your interest and initiative to the companies. Set your goals and continue persistently
to reach them!
SOUTH SAVO – at a glance
The region of South Savo
(Etelä-Savo) is home to some
170 000 people. It is located
in the southeastern Finland.
South-Savo region is situated
by the Lake Saimaa with the
most beautiful lake scenery.
Good connections to eastern,
southern and central Finland
give great opportunities to
local business and travelling. It
is a combination of interesting
history and traditions, active
business, high education and
research, culture, nature and
internationality.
Pieksämäki
Savonlinna
SOUTH SAVO
Mikkeli
Mikkeli is the largest city in
the region. Savonlinna and Pieksämäki are cities within an hour’s drive from Mikkeli.
The city and the neighboring municipalities of Ristiina, Mäntyharju, Kangasniemi,
Puumala, Hirvensalmi and Pertunmaa comprise a larger employment and economic
area.
In South Savo the local population is Finnish-speaking. Today the population of Mikkeli
is about 50,000, of which 2% are immigrants. There are immigrants from about 50
countries living in Mikkeli, which is an increasingly international city.
Forestry and metal industry are the main employers. Modern printing works and
electronics industry further add to the well being in this province. Numerous advanced
enterprises in the fields of environmental technology and specialist industries are world
leaders. Moreover, the province is known for research and production of organic foods.
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FINNISH WORKING CULTURE
Finnish working culture is based on equality. Values like diligence, initiative, and
individuality are respected. Following contracts and strict observance of schedules is
needed in working life. Employment relationship between the employer and employee
is regulated by different agreements and acts (Labour Legislation).
In Finland the working atmosphere is quite informal, open, positive, and relaxed.
Hierarchies are quite flat, and communication is straightforward and not very smooth in
terms of small talk. Being polite and observing the organizational culture is important.
The co-workers and superiors are usually addressed by their first name. It is easy to get
to know the colleagues and get along with them.
Working life is well-organized and disciplined. Punctuality and efficiency is highly
respected and therefore the work productivity is high. Finnish people tend to keep their
promises and finish what they have started. At the beginning of one’s work career salaries
are usually modest. Short-term contracts are popular also for people with a university
degree.
The official languages in Finland are Finnish and Swedish but many Finns also speak
English. To help your chances of getting a job you should learn Finnish Language. While
the knowledge of Finnish is not always required, it is an advantage. Finns do not expect
all foreign employees to speak good Finnish right in the beginning. Foreign employees
should not be afraid to use the language.
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PERMITS AND TAXATION
Europeans
Residence permit is not needed for a maximum stay of 3 months by nationals of the EU
countries, Lichtenstein and Switzerland, or for a maximum stay of 6 months by nationals
of the Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Denmark or Island). Neither of these groups
needs a work permit. After the given time limit, they have to register their residence
permit. All the citizens of the EU member states have the right to work in another member
state. Work is governed by the legislation of the country where the work is performed.
Non-Europeans
Students from other countries are allowed to do a limited amount of paid work under
their residence permit issued for studies. The work can be part of the studies: practical
training or thesis research or maximum 25 hours of paid work/week during the study
period. During holidays and vacations, there is no limitation on full time work.
Employment contract
Employment contract in writing is a document that gives many benefits to both parties
– it can be used to prove what has been agreed upon. Employer and employees should
draw up the written employment contract.
Taxation
In Finland, taxes must be paid for all income earned. Your tax percentage depends on
how long you stay for six months or longer, and on how much you earn.
Persons staying in Finland longer than 6 months
If you stay in Finland over six months, your income is taxed at a progressive rate. The
tax rate is approximately 20 % for an annual income up to 12,000 €. For higher incomes,
the rate is higher. Before starting your employment you have to apply for a tax card at
the local tax office. In order to get the tax card you need to have your Finnish personal ID
number by registering at Register Office (Maistraatti). The local tax office will help you
to get more information.
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Persons staying in Finland for a maximum of 6 months
Finnish employers collect a final 35-percent tax at source on the pay of a foreign employee
who stays in the country for six months or less. The tax rate is the same for all amounts of
income, including small amounts. If the tax office gives you a tax-at-source card marked
with an exemption of 510 € per month or 17 € per day, the employer can pay this amount
with no withholding (2012). No other deductions are possible. You have to apply for an
ID number and a tax-at-source card at the tax office.
www.vero.fi > English > Tax Guide
Mikkeli Region Tax Office
Mikkelin seudun verotoimisto
Raatihuoneenkatu 5
50101 Mikkeli
Tel: 015-35621
Maistraatti office
Raatihuoneenkatu 5 B, 1.krs
PO box 293
50101 Mikkeli
Tel: 071 875 0261
www.maistraatti.fi
e-mail: info.etela-savo@maistraatti.fi
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WHERE TO LOOK FOR JOBS?
Employment offices and job recruiting agencies offer employment services. The links in
this guidebook include addresses of Internet sites with job listings.
Employment office
As a client of an Employment Office, you receive individual guidance in job hunting
and information about the labor market. Employment Offices have an electronic “Vacant
positions” service, which includes all open positions that have been reported to the
agency. You can place a job application in the “CV net” service where employers look for
suitable candidates.
Mikkelin Työvoimatoimisto (Employment Office)
Porrassalmenkatu 29, 50100 Mikkeli
Tel: 010 60 40158
www.mol.fi
Includes all vacancies reported to Employment Offices and information about labor
market training. The same listings can be found at an Employment Office.
Job listings
Newspapers have a lot of job listings, especially on Sundays. Vacancies can be tracked
down quickly and easily with the help of the Internet. Many Internet addresses allow
you to fill in a job application form and to enclose your CV. You can look for listings in
a specific area (municipality, region) or a special field for vacancies and part-time work.
Eniro job search www.tyopaikat.eniro.fi
Uranus career & recruitment service www.uranus.fi
For more links go to
www.oikotie.fi
Listings published in the newspaper and on the Internet
www.job.fi > työpaikkatietokannat
A collection of nearly all Finnish employment and training-related sites, including
recruiting agencies
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Other links:
www.jobstep.fi (University of Applied Sciences recruitment services)
www.aarresaari.net (Academic recruitment services)
www.monster.fi
www.uratie.net
www.tyopaikat.com
www.careerjet.fi
Labor leasing
Employers sometimes hire staff from special labor leasing agencies. You can register
as a jobseeker with a labor leasing agency at any time. The employer and the leasing
agency sign a contract that specifies the duration of the employment and the duties of the
employee. At its shortest, the job can last for a few hours or a few days. However, these
employment opportunities may be much longer and may last as long as several months.
A temporary employment contract may lead to a permanent job.
Links to labor leasing:
www.staffpoint.fi
www.varamiespalvelu.fi
www.vps.fi
www.eilakaisla.fi/home
www.go-on.fi
www.job.fi > rekrytointi- ja henkilöstöpalveluyritykset
Hidden jobs
Finding a job in Finland is more or less similar to other countries. However, many
vacancies exist in what is called “hidden jobs”. These are jobs that are not openly
advertised.
How do you find these hidden jobs? You can hear about jobs and open positions from
relatives, friends, and people you share a hobby with. Keep your eyes and ears open. One
way of finding a hidden job is the practical training or a project involving companies.
During the training or project, the employer has a chance to get to know you as a person
and to evaluate your skills.
You can also apply for a hidden job by sending the company an “open job application”
that is not specific for any open position. Wait a while and start calling! Without personal
contact to the companies, they probably won’t take you seriously. Thus market yourself
actively!
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HOW TO GET A JOB?
EThere are different ways to look for a job in Finland. You can look for open vacancies
in newspapers, company websites, magazines, professional publications, private
recruitment agencies and so forth. Networking in studies, with local people and friends,
social networks, at work and in hobbies are important when you are looking for a job in
Finland.
Job application
The job application (cover letter) is a response to the job advertisement. In the application,
you should explain why you are interested in this particular job and why you are the
most suitable candidate for the position. The application must be short (no longer than
one page), and a curriculum vitae (CV) should be attached to the application. There is no
need for the application to repeat the information contained in the CV. Concentrate on
skills and experience that are related to the job you are applying for.
Carefully consider how the personal characteristics mentioned in the advertisement may
be relevant to your case. It is good to give examples of situations in which you taken
advantage of these characteristics, such as previous jobs or hobbies. Even though you
know that you are “service-oriented” and like to work with people, you must be able
to explain how this is expressed in your work. You should mention at the end of the
application that you would be happy to tell more about yourself in person.
Curriculum vitae (CV)
CV is like a brochure presenting your experience, competence and interests. At its best, a
CV is rather short and does not exceed one or two pages. Include everything relevant to
the job you are applying for – and leave out everything else. The purpose of the CV is to
provide information about you and your competence. Also, it is important for employer
to know what type of skills and experience the candidates have. The CV should include
at least your contact information, education and possible work experience.
Open job application
An open job application letter is not for any specific vacant position. In a marketing
letter you state why you are looking for a job in this particular organization, and you
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provide a short description of your skills and characteristics. To be able to write an open
job application letter, you need to know whom you are applying to. To whom do you
address the letter? What type of an organization is it? What types of jobs do they have?
You also need to think about how your skills would benefit the employer. It is a good
idea to attach a CV to the marketing letter. After sending an open application, you need
to phone the employer 1-2 days later.
Phone call
A phone call can be used as a job seeking method. You can make a phone call and ask
for further information before writing the application. Or you can market your skills and
agree on an interview.
Job interview
Before going to the interview find out enough information about the company and think
about your motives. You can review the typical interview questions from the sources
mentioned above. It is important that you arrive to the interview on the agreed time – in
Finland it is better to be early than late. Prepare to describe your personal characteristics
briefly and come up with questions you can ask. Dress as appropriate for the position
and take your CV, certificates and other references with you.
In Finland an official situation often starts with shaking hands (both men and women).
Introduce yourself to everyone and look people in the eyes when shaking hands. This
short eye contact will increase your credibility. Honest and quite direct answers are
appreciated in Finland. At the end of the interview you may ask your own questions.
Concentrate on positive things - there is no point in giving negative information about
your previous employment. At the end of the interview, thank everyone for their time
and find out what you need to do next.
Personality evaluation test
Sometimes employers require testing before hiring, in order to judge the suitability of
the candidate. Tests are usually carried out after the first round of interviews, and may
include IQ tests, personality evaluations, learning ability tests and post-test discussion
sessions. You can’t really prepare to the test in advance. A good night sleep is the best
preparation.
You cannot always succeed
In Finland it is alright to ask for feedback from the recruitment process. It shows that you
are interested in developing yourself. You might not be the right person for this position
but there could be other opportunities in the future. You should practice applying –
practice makes perfect! It becomes easier to talk about yourself and your skills when you
have experience in job interviews.
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HELPFUL LINKS
Plenty of information about benefits available in different life situations:
www.kela.fi
Information about taxation and tax rate calculator
www.vero.fi
Employment Office, also in English
www.mol.fi
Practice your Finnish skills
Community College of Mikkeli, e.g. Finnish language courses
www.mikkeli.fi/fi/kansalaisopisto
Extensive information about training opportunities in Finland, also in English
www.opintoluotsi.fi
Material of Supisuomea TV series (Finnish language course)
www.yle.fi/opinportti/supisuomea
Finnish language reading comprehension exercises
www.edu.fi/oppimateriaalit/ymmarrasuomea
Finnish language material, advanced level
www.cs.tut.fi/~jkorpela/suomi/indeksi.html
Free dictionary, translates Finnish words into several languages
www.ilmainensanakirja.fi
Dialang provides flexible support for anyone learning the language. You can test yourself
in reading, writing, listening, grammar and vocabulary. There are 14 different languages.
www.dialang.org
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Other links
Central Organization of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK)
www.sak.fi
Model documents for jobseekers, instructions and models (job application, CV)
www.aarresaari.net/asiakirjat.html
Working life certificate
The working life certificate is a certificate of competence covering major issues, related to
rules of working life in Finland and Finnish labor legislation. It aims to make employment
easier and to increase awareness, particularly among immigrants and foreign employees,
about the Finnish society.
www.amiedu.net/cofi/tyoelamasertifikaatti_en.pdf
Usuful links to learn about South Savo Region
Sout Savo Region www.esavo.fi
City of Mikkeli www.mikkeli.fi
Mikkeli for visitors www.visitmikkeli.fi
City of Savonlinna www.savonlinna.fi
Savonlinna for visitors www.savonlinna.travel
City of Pieksämäki www.pieksamaki.fi
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STUDENT PRACTICAL EXPERIENCES
CHRISTIAN SCHORR
My name is Christian Schorr and I studied environmental engineering in the last semester
when I visited Mikkeli for 4 months in the autumn 2011. Originally I studied at the
University of Applied Sciences Bingen in Germany and focused on emission reduction and
environmental laws.
I have always wanted to come to Finland, and now I encountered one professor in Bingen,
who visits MUAS (partner university of Bingen) once a year for some days as a guest
lecturer. So I got contacted with the responsible persons from the MUAS, and finally found
a traineeship at Miktech Ltd.
The work in the company was a great experience. Basically my job was to learn about the state
of development of a new bio-energy process that had not entered the market yet, but which
was attributed a great potential for the future energy supply in Europe. The additional task
of mine was to write a technology survey about the process, with a description of the project
itself, a detailed explanation of the process and its products, and to create a presentation of
technology for some project partners in a meeting which was eventually the highlight of my
occupational activities.
The work itself was very interesting. I not only learned a lot technically in the bioenergy
sector, I also could improve my English - especially the vocabulary of environmental and
energy engineering. In addition, the dealing with colleagues was respectful and professional,
yet also warmhearted all the time. There was a relaxed atmosphere and I was soon integrated
in to the team and became familiar with every one of the employees, and whenever I entered a
room they switched quite soon from Finnish to English.
Thanks to the internship I already found an institution in Germany to continue in this field
of engineering when I will go back there.
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HUYNH PHUONG VI
My name is Vi and I come from Vietnam. I have been studying Business Management in
Mikkeli since 2008. During the third year of my studies I found a professional training place
in Mikkeli. I completed my professional training period in a company called MHG Systems
Ltd.
MHG System Ltd is a Finnish company and mainly provides Enterprise Resource Planning
(ERP) solutions. MHG System Ltd is one of the leading ERP Bio-energy suppliers. The
company headquarters are located in Mikkeli, Finland. The company’s services specialize in
providing the end-users all kinds of Bioenergy ERP service designed for the electricity and
heat production, forest industry, and service companies.
I gained quite a lot of beneficial experiences during the practical training period of six months.
My main duty was to do a market research in Sweden, Japan and Vietnam. I worked as a
sales representative and kept in contact with foreign companies. For example I introduced
and explained how the systems work for the essential companies. Sometimes, I also helped the
CEO to compile contracts with business partners. During my professional training I needed
marketing, communication, negotiation and language skills.
I got the internship at MHG systems Ltd all on my own. At first, I received an e-mail from
Mikkeli University of Applied Sciences representative in which the company was introduced.
Then I looked for further information on the company website and got interested. The
application process was done independently.
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BE ACTIVE
IN JOB HUNTING!