Smart job searching: Find more jobs and avoid common mistakes
Practical tips for finding both advertised and hidden jobs, using Platsbanken effectively, and maintaining momentum in your search.
Job seekers in Sweden today face a challenging but exciting labor market. With the right strategy, you can significantly increase your chances – it's about being persistent, methodical, and creative.
This guide provides you with concrete tools to find more jobs, both visible and hidden. We'll go through how to use the Swedish Public Employment Service's Platsbanken in a smart way, maintain momentum in your search, and avoid the most common pitfalls.
How to efficiently find advertised jobs
Most job ads are online today, but many miss opportunities because they don't search the right way. Start by creating a structured search routine where you regularly check multiple sources. Besides Platsbanken, you can use industry-specific job portals, company websites, and social media.
Set up search alerts on your most important platforms to get notifications about new ads immediately. Use relevant keywords and filter smartly – remember that the same position can have different names in different industries.
The hidden job market – how to access it
An estimated 70% of all jobs are filled without ever being advertised. This 'hidden market' is your biggest opportunity if you know how to approach it.
Networking is key here. Talk to former colleagues, attend industry events, and be active in relevant online forums. Be clear about what you're looking for but don't let the conversation become just a job request – build relationships instead.
Contact companies you're interested in even if they don't have current openings
Be specific in your networking – ask for advice and contacts, not just jobs
Follow up with your contacts regularly without being pushy
How to use Platsbanken smartly
The Swedish Public Employment Service's Platsbank is a powerful resource that many don't fully utilize. Besides searching for jobs, you can use it to research the labor market and find new opportunities.
Create a detailed profile with your skills and interests. Use advanced search to find hidden gems – filter by profession, location, but also by employer and keywords. Save your searches to easily return to them later.
Common mistakes – and how to avoid them
Many job seekers make the same mistakes repeatedly without realizing it. One of the most common is sending out generic applications in large quantities. It's better to apply for fewer jobs but tailor each application.
Other common pitfalls include not following up on applications, being too passive, or searching too broadly. Focus on roles where you can truly contribute and be clear about what you're looking for and why.
Sending too many generic applications instead of fewer tailored ones
Forgetting to follow up on applications
Searching too broadly without a clear profile
Being too passive and waiting for jobs to find them
Maintain momentum – create a sustainable search strategy
Successful job searching is about endurance. Create a realistic weekly plan where you mix different activities: searching, networking, skill development, and rest.
Each week should include both structured tasks like applying for specific jobs and more open ones like building contacts. Celebrate small progress and be kind to yourself – a new job is often just a few right contacts or a well-written application away.
Remember that every 'no' brings you closer to a 'yes'. Keep moving forward, adjust your strategy when needed – and don't give up. Your right place is out there.