Many jobs in Norway are advertised online. Here is a list of some of the websites you can use to find job vacancies:

• Arbeidsplassen.no - Alle ledige jobber, samlet på én plass
• Jobb - FINN.no
• Search for vacant positions in Norway | Jobbnorge.no
• LinkedIn: Logg på eller registrer deg
• Ledige stillinger i Gjesdal kommune

Some employers also accept open applications, even when they do not have a job advertisement. In some cases, it can help to contact the employer directly, introduce yourself, and show interest in working there. You may also find job opportunities through:

• recruitment and staffing agencies such as Manpower, Adecco, Jobzone, and Personalhuset
• local employers’ websites 
• student career services, if you are a student

In Norway, many job opportunities are also found through personal networks. Getting to know people can help you learn about job openings and the local work culture. You can build your network by:

• taking part in local events, courses, or professional meetups 
• contacting people in your field for an informal conversation (often called a “coffee chat”) 
• joining language cafés, volunteer activities, or community groups 
• using platforms like LinkedIn to connect with others and follow companies 

Building a network takes time, but even small steps can open new opportunities.

How you apply for a job in Norway may be different from what you are used to in other countries. Here, it is common to send both a CV and a cover letter (jobbsøknad). Your CV should clearly show:

• your education 
• your work experience 
• your language skills 
• other relevant skills or certificates 

It is important to describe all relevant experience, even if it is from another country. You can include paid work, internships, volunteer work, and other experiences. 

In your cover letter, you should explain why you are interested in the job and why you think you are a good fit. Keep your text clear, honest, and relevant to the position.

Another part of applying for a job is the work interview (jobbintervju). Work interviews in Norway are often less formal than in some other countries. You are encouraged to: 

• take part in a dialogue, show interest and ask questions
• maintain eye contact
• be honest and be yourself

Understanding these expectations can help you feel more confident and make a good impression.

You can find useful tips about job applications here:

• Slik skriv du ein god CV | Arbeidsplassen.no
• Tips til jobbsøknaden | Arbeidsplassen.no
• Career Guidance | Karriereveiledning.no
• The Norwegian Job Interview | NLS Norway Relocation Group

If you have education from another country, you may need to have it recognized in Norway before you can use it when applying for jobs. This is especially important for some regulated professions (for example in the healthcare, judicial and educational sectors).

Information about foreign education recognition is now handled by HK-dir, which took over this responsibility from NOKUT in 2023. On their website, you can check whether your education needs recognition and how to apply digitally: Recognition of foreign education - to work in Norway | HK-dir

These applications can take a long time, so it is recommended that you apply as early as possible.

If you want to work in Norway, you may need a work-related residence permit. In many cases, you must first find a job before you apply. Which permit you need depends on your background, qualifications, and the type of work you will do.

You can find official information about work immigration and residence permits here.

Other useful links:

• The Service Centre for Foreign Workers | SUA
• Work and residence permits in Norway | Nordic cooperation
• Altinn - The European Professional Card (EPC)

If you need help finding work, there are public services that can support you.

If you register as a job seeker in NAV , you may be able to receive support with your job search, depending on your situation. For example, those who are between the ages of 16 and 30 may be entitled to extra support to complete their education or find a job. You can read more about this here.

Otherwise, you can contact NAV if you are unsure what support is available to you. 

You can also get free career guidance through Karrieresenter Rogaland. The service is available to residents aged 19 and older and offers guidance related to education and work. You can book an appointment here.

In addition, Karriereveiledning.no offers free drop-in career guidance by chat or phone. You can read more here.  

Work culture in Norway is often based on trust, cooperation, and equality. Many workplaces have a fairly flat structure (nonhierarchical), which means that employees are often encouraged to share ideas, ask questions, and take initiative. It is also common to value:

• punctuality 
• reliability 
• teamwork 
• respectful communication 
• work-life balance 

This video explains Norwegian work culture in more detail. It is made by Oslo Municipality, but the key points apply to workplaces across Norway.

In Norway, every employee must have a written employment contract, whether the job is temporary or permanent. The employer is responsible for making sure this contract is in place. It is very important that you read your employment contract carefully before signing. Check things such as your work tasks, salary, work hours, probation, and work conditions. Do not sign the contract if you do not understand it. Ask questions or get help before signing.

All employees in Norway are also covered by mandatory work insurance through their employer. This insurance helps protect you if you are injured at work, for example. You can find more information about work insurance here. 

You can also read more about your rights, contracts, and working conditions on the website of Arbeidstilsynet (The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority).

Trade unions are an important part of the Norwegian working life, and it is common to be a member. These unions are for employees that are usually within the same profession or sector, and they work to: 

• protect your rights at work 
• improve working conditions 
• support members in workplace situations 
• take part in salary negotiations 

Membership is voluntary, and you can choose to keep your membership private from your employer if you prefer. You can read more about trade unions here.

In Norway, discrimination, harassment, and racism are not allowed. There are laws in place to protect everyone and to ensure equal treatment in the workplace and in society. This includes discrimination based on, for example:

• gender 
• ethnicity or national background 
• religion or beliefs 
• disability 
• sexual orientation 
• age 

If you experience any form of discrimination, it is important to speak up. You can talk to your employer, contact your union representative (tillitsvalgt)/safety representative (verneombud), or seek advice from external service providers such as LDO - Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombud. You can ask for advice even if you are unsure whether what you experienced is discrimination. 

You can also visit Rasismeveileder.no for useful tips and information about your rights. 

Arbeidsavtale
Employment contract - A written agreement between you and your employer. It should include your job tasks, salary, working hours, and other conditions.

Arbeidserfaring
Work experience - Experience from previous work. This can include jobs, internships, volunteer work, or other relevant activities.

Arbeidsgiver 
Employer

Arbeidsmiljø
Work environment - How you experience your workplace, including safety, cooperation with colleagues, and how you are treated at work.

Arbeidstid
Working hours - The number of hours you work. A full-time job in Norway is usually around 37.5 hours per week

CV 
Résumé / CV - A document that shows your education, work experience, skills, and qualifications.

Fagforening
Trade union - An organization for employees that works to protect workers’ rights, pay, and working conditions. 

Fast stilling
Permanent position - A job without an end date. It does not necessarily mean full-time (100%) – you can have a permanent position in a part-time role.

Jobbannonse / stillingsannonse
Job advertisement

Jobbsøker
Job seeker 

Ledige stillinger
Vacant positions / job openings 

Lønn

Salary / pay

Midlertidig stilling
Temporary position - A job with a fixed end date or limited duration. The contract usually states how long the employment will last.

Prøvetid
Probation period - A trial period at the start of a job, usually up to 6 months, where both you and the employer can end the employment more easily.

Referanser
References - People (for example former employers, teachers or supervisors) who can say something about your work and experience.

Søknad
Job application / cover letter - A short text where you explain why you are applying for a job and why you are a good fit.

Tillitsvalgt
Union representative - A person elected by employees to represent them at the workplace. They can support you in work-related issues and communicate with the employer on behalf of employees.

Turnus
Shift schedule / rotating schedule

Verneombud 
Safety representative - A person at the workplace who focuses on health, safety, and working conditions. You can contact them if you have concerns about your work environment. For more information: Safety Representative

Åpen søknad
Open application - An application you send to an employer even if they have not advertised a position.

Work | Ny i Norge

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