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Finding a job in Sweden only with English

is it possible

Zaprin Geguskov
post 27.Jun.2017, 08:33 AM
Post #1
Joined: 27.Jun.2017

Hello, everybody my name is Zaprin!

I'm about to move to Sweden /in 4-5months/, but i dont speak any Swedish at all. I'm 26 years old and i want to move to different country. I spoke to friend of mine in Denmark and he suggested me to find a job in Sweden, because it's more friendly than Denmark.

Right now i'm working as Video operator for TV News for about a year. I worked in Call center, also worked as Support IT for few months.

I also have around 8 years of Photography experience i have my own camera and lenses. I do wedding, sport and interior photography. But the problem is i don't speak Swedish and i'm almost fluent in English. My girlfriend is currently working for Ikea in Bulgaria.

Will it be possible for me to find a decent job, or i will have trouble finding a decent one?

Usually for those kind of jobs im seeking /my opinion/ i dont think Swedish language is necessary.
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Barcaloni911
post 27.Jun.2017, 11:40 AM
Post #2
Joined: 15.Feb.2017

most of Swedes in major cities at least speak perfect English, so in my opinion it is difficult, plus take in consideration that in any country around the globe, a local language always prefered to be spoken rather than a foreign one, so speaking English in Sweden is not an advantage, however, if your line of work is in high demand you might find a job but you have to look for it otherwise your chances are slim to none and that's only based on my experience and my opinion only, i could be right and i could be wrong
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Bsmith
post 27.Jun.2017, 12:01 PM
Post #3
Joined: 25.Jun.2009

It is difficult to find work in Sweden even if you did speak Swedish.
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havreguard
post 27.Jun.2017, 02:32 PM
Post #4
Joined: 9.May.2017

Not sure Sweden is friendlier than Denmark. Don't get me wrong, I love life in Sweden but whenever I've visited Denmark, it's felt a bit more relaxed and closer to the UK for example.

Truth is, it's always going to be hard to get work if you don't speak the language. It's true that some companies use English as a working language but not speaking Swedish is naturally always going to put you at a disadvantage compared to someone who does as it would in any country.
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the_austrian
post 28.Jun.2017, 07:22 AM
Post #5
Joined: 3.Jan.2016

Hi, you have absolutely nothing to worry about in my opinion. I found a job instantly with only English, and from then onwards to can build up your Swedish to become more employable. However, be prepared that most jobs that you will find will be project management jobs or Sales. If you are willing to do this for a while until you are settled in Swedish, this should not be a problem. If you speak any other European languages in addition to Swedish, that will be more of an advantage for you too.
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Mistress_Of_Doom
post 28.Jun.2017, 11:31 PM
Post #6
Joined: 14.Mar.2016

It might be harder, but absolutely possible. I'm only fluent in English and I found a job in Sweden.
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Zaprin Geguskov
post 29.Jun.2017, 07:30 AM
Post #7
Joined: 27.Jun.2017

Thanks guys! I will start studying Swedish as soon as i get there and of course find a job. I have Bachelor degree IT, but i didn't like the education system and i don't remember a lot.

I speak English, Bulgarian and Deutsch a little bit. I want to work the jobs i listed in my first comment /Video Operator, Photographer or Support IT/ . I know its going to be hard to find a job, since all swedes speak also English and Swedish, but at least for photography job i can provide a portfolio and i think this might help me.

A friend of mine told me for those kind of jobs its better to go to Norway, but i've heard that its harder to find a job there and more expensive to live than Sweden.
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Svedallas
post 29.Jun.2017, 08:52 AM
Post #8
Joined: 21.Apr.2016

QUOTE (Zaprin Geguskov @ 27.Jun.2017, 09:33 AM) *
Hello, everybody my name is Zaprin! I'm about to move to Sweden /in 4-5months/, but i dont speak any Swedish at all. I'm 26 years old and i want to move to differe ... (show full quote)


You're moving because of what your friend told you?!

Have you even been to Sweden? Sweden is certainly not for everyone.
How can you compare it to Denmark?
To many, Denmark is far more friendlier than Sweden. But then your friend advised you not to move to Denmark?!

This sounds very poorly researched.
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Zaprin Geguskov
post 29.Jun.2017, 11:19 AM
Post #9
Joined: 27.Jun.2017

Well he lived in Sweden and Denmark and he said that Sweden was better place for newcomers, he lives in Denmark, because of family reasons. Also i was thinking to move out long time ago... was saving money for a fresh new start.

Im still on a crossroad thats why im asking smile.gif
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Svedallas
post 29.Jun.2017, 11:50 AM
Post #10
Joined: 21.Apr.2016

QUOTE (Zaprin Geguskov @ 29.Jun.2017, 12:19 PM) *
Well he lived in Sweden and Denmark and he said that Sweden was better place for newcomers, he lives in Denmark, because of family reasons. Also i was thinking to move out lon ... (show full quote)


So you have never actually been to either countries.
You are just taking a whim?

Boy, I wish you luck...
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BhuBhuKaZoo
post 29.Jun.2017, 02:04 PM
Post #11
Location: Uppsala
Joined: 29.Jun.2017

Hey Zaprin!

Well, It's not easy but I think you will find a role but like someone said earlier - jobs are mainly based in sales, project management and IT. So it maybe a bit difficult as (understandably), employers tend to employ those that speak both English and Swedish.

Think about it. Maybe move over for a few weeks - see how the country feels? Summer is the worst time though to search for a job as everyone is off work FYI! Best luck will be end of August I would say and Easter!
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intrepidfox
post 21.Oct.2017, 06:49 PM
Post #12
Location: Gothenburg
Joined: 18.Jul.2012

QUOTE (just_a_stranger @ 21.Oct.2017, 04:50 PM) *
Be ready to face lots of racism and discrimination. Swedish people don't like foreigners, and especially people from outside EU / US.


What a load of crap. The Swedes are probably the most tolerant people in the world but when their country is swamped with illiterate Somalians and fanatic arab muslims that just sponge of the state and cause trouble then you can understand that they are fed up
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flaneur
post 23.Oct.2017, 08:14 PM
Post #13
Location: Stockholm
Joined: 19.Aug.2017

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Bsmith
post 23.Oct.2017, 08:58 PM
Post #14
Joined: 25.Jun.2009

So true. But, then some don't really want a job.
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Cheeseroller
post 25.Oct.2017, 07:47 AM
Post #15
Location: Germany
Joined: 10.Apr.2007

If you already speak some German, why not consider Germany? It's easier to find an apartment, apartment rent is lower, food prices are 30% less, taxes are lower and you have the option to drive to Bulgaria to visit relatives rather than fly. Lots of work for people with IT skills, but also other jobs as well.

Compared to Sweden, it seems to me there are many more photo studio's in Germany - especially those that focus on portraits, events etc. There are two photographers in our village of 10,000 population. Of course, IKEA is also in Germany so perhaps your girlfriend can get a transfer - although she should have basic fluency in German first.

You will both need to learn a language whether you move to Sweden or Germany - but with 80M population and it's strong economy, there are more opportunities in Germany long term. If being among friendly people is important, the people in the North Rhine-Westphalia region are said to be the friendliest in Germany and we have had a very positive experience here.
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