Opinion
Just say it as it is: Finding happiness at work
Leslea Petersen
May 27th, 2022
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This article is more than 2 years old.
Don’t ignore those red flags when job hunting (photo: Pixabay)
With so many jobseekers posting with excitement on LinkedIn about starting a new role, it always makes me think how others feel? Joy that some have found employment, but twinged with disappointment that it’s not them?
The freeze is over
I have always said that “Job seeking in Denmark as an international is not for the fainthearted!” It’s a tough gig: you can lose your confidence and wonder what you can still offer in the workplace.
In these, dare I say it too soon, post-COVID times, companies are more optimistic and filling roles that have been previously on hold.
If you have been job searching for a while, you might be wondering what it is that you need to do to land one of those jobs.
What gets you excited
Knowing what you can offer, along with what type of company you want to work for, takes time. Something you have aplenty as a jobseeker!
First, what is important to you? What is essential to your happiness when you think about your dream role? Is it working in an office or working remotely? Working within a team or on your own? Create a list about what you want and what you don’t want. You can then target companies that fit within your wish list.
Do you need to upskill? Do your job aspirations meet Danish requirements? Back in the UK, experience counts for a lot, but in Denmark all education is free so professional roles require a certain level of education. Keeping abreast of the latest technology to remain competitive might mean signing up for a course or going back to university.
What values drive you?
I recommend to some of my clients that they complete a ‘Values’ exercise in which they narrow down what it is that will bring them happiness in the workplace.
There’s no point in accepting a job offer that means in six months you are job searching again because you don’t like the company and you ignored those red flags. Understanding what drives and inspires you will help you to define the right role, and your excitement will be clear in your application.
If you have just started your job search or been looking for a while, spend some time deciding on what you want and where you will be the most content. You and your soon-to-be boss will thank you for it.
About
Leslea Petersen
A Brit married to a Viking who landed on Danish shores 14 years ago, Leslea is the CEO of English Job Denmark. With over 20 years’ communications experience in both the business & not-for-profit sectors, Leslea is passionate about coaching professionals & businesses in effective communication.
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