How to find and attract international expertise

Supercharge your recruitment process

First identify what it is that you need. This will guide not only your choice of recruitment platform but also what sort of recruitment strategy to apply. No single method suits all needs, but the possibilities are endless! Technology is your best friend, and within this realm, LinkedIn stands out as the best alternative. It's the most well-known and effective tool at your disposal.

But why stop at just posting an ad? Take it a step further by directly contacting talent and positioning your company as a top player in the job market. If you’re hunting for tech-industry stars, spotlight what makes your workplace unique and exciting.

Make sure to mention in your job ads if Swedish language skills are necessary, and if you in any way can help with work permits and the move to Sweden. This could be the game-changer for international talents. You should also utilize information from Gateway Umeå, Visit Umeå and Move to Umeå to spotlight what makes Umeå a great place to work and live.

Showcasing what a life in Umeå offers is a great way to stand out in the job-ad market

Make your employer branding shine

Focus on employer branding and ask yourself, “Why would people choose to work here?” and “Why should we be their number one choice?” When targeting international talents, showcase your company’s culture and work-life perks. Highlight after-work activities, fika sessions (things that might be everyday for Swedes but new and exciting for international employees), and anything else that sets you apart.

Keep your website updated and appealing to both customers and potential employees. Offer your site and company presentations in relevant languages to widen your reach. Translating your website to English might be a great way to start attracting more international visitors. You can do so quickly and easily by utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT. This will also boost your SEO (search engine optimization) on search platforms like Google.

Utilize EURES

Looking to start in Europe? Eures, the European job mobility portal, is a fantastic resource. As an employer seeking global talent, you can register, search the CV bank, or get assistance to broadcast your needs widely. It’s free and designed to make the recruitment process smooth and easy. Check out more details on the Arbetsförmedlingen or Eures websites.

Assistance with work permit and relocation are key to getting the best international talent

Work permit considerations

Remember that no work permits are needed for EU citizens. For expertise from other parts of the world, you must apply for a work permit, but the process hinges on your company’s labor needs, not bureaucratic red tape. Dive into more details at Migrationsverket.

Pro recruiting tips

• Link your company’s skill requirements with ambitions to reach new markets. This adds immense value to your recruitment process.

• Referrals are gold! Ask colleagues and your network for candidate recommendations. Remote interviews make for a cost-effective first step.

• Once you’ve found the right candidate, involve a colleague early on to support the newcomer’s transition to Sweden.

• Expect the international recruitment process to take longer than a national recruitment. Set the right expectations and plan ahead.

• Encourage employees to share candidate tips and tap into their networks—a cost-effective strategy.

• Attend career and university fairs, both in Sweden and abroad, to find top talent.

• If you lack time or skills, consider hiring a recruitment agency or search company to streamline the process.

Apply all or some of this knowledge to your recruitment processes, and get ready to finally reach global talent!