Where to find available jobs in Oslo

For international job seekers, there can be a host of challenges when finding a job. The key to overcoming these challenges goes beyond research and preparation, with a key focus on networking and knowing the right places to look. Networking is an integral part of finding a job in Oslo, and there are several ways this can be done.

How to find job adverts in Oslo

The majority of jobs advertised in Oslo will be posted on one or more of the three main sites listed below, but job adverts can also be found on smaller Norwegian sites, international sites, and more targeted sites for specific industries and work sectors.

The same job ads will often be duplicated across several sites, but they often link back to the three main sites to complete the application process, or the company's website directly. LinkedIn and Facebook groups are often used to spread job ads within certain professions or areas. If you find a company you would like to work for, check the company websitesfor their job listings. You can also send an open application to present yourself and show interest in the company.

Many cafes and restaurants in Oslo lack labour, and it is fairly easy to get a job without any Norwegian language skills. Many of these jobs are not advertised on the main job listing sites, but are advertised in Facebook groups for jobs in Oslo, or in the café or restaurants. You can approach a place directly if you would like to work there, and we advise that you bring a CV with you.

Job ads in Norwegian and English

Depending on where you are looking for job ads, they will likely be in a mix of English or Norwegian - sometimes both! Regardless of the language requirements stated in the ad, it is always best to contact the company or recruiter if you believe you are a good candidate. At worst, you will get an answer as to why they only want fluent Norwegian speakers. There are cases of people applying to jobs requiring Norwegian and getting interviews and offers despite not meeting the language requirements, but these depend on the individual companies and circumstances.

Main Norwegian job listing sites

The three main job listing sites in Norway are not industry specific, but have a wide set of filters to narrow down your search. You will need to have learned the relevant keywords for your relevant job types, though, as the navigation and filtering are only in Norwegian.

Here are some keywords to look out for:

  • Job: jobb
  • Position: stilling
  • Job ads, job listings: stillingsannonser, jobbannonser
  • Available positions, available jobs: ledige stillinger, ledige jobber
  • Job seeker: jobbsøker
  • Employer: arbeidsgiver

Nav.no - Arbeidsplassen

On the website for the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV), there is a section called “Arbeidsplassen” (the workplace). Here, you will find jobs within all industries across the whole country. When you log in, you can create lists and save your searches, and most importantly, you can create a CV that is searchable for employers looking for your skill sets.
Go to Arbeidsplassen at nav.no (in Norwegian)

Nav has a lot of relevant information about writing applications, CVs and help preparing interviews in their guide for job seekers.
Go to Jobbsøkertips at nav.no (in Norwegian)

The section in English has information directed specifically for non-Norwegian speakers.
Go to the English frontpage at nav.no

Finn.no - Jobb

This is Norway's largest site for all kinds of ads. Go to the section called "Jobb". Here, you can filter down to jobs in Oslo. As with the NAV services, you can create lists, save your filtered searches and receive an email with summaries of new ads matching your preferences. It is possible to filter by working language (Arbeidsspråk) English or Norwegian. If you are looking for English choose Engelsk.
Go to Jobb at finn.no (in Norwegian)

The City of Oslo

Oslo Municipality is a major employer within health, education, public administration and other publicly run services.
Go to ledige stillinger at oslo.kommune.no (in Norwegian)

Thehub.io

A recruitment platform where you can find career opportunites in the startup scene.

Go to thehub.io

Oslopolitan

You can also check out Oslopolitans job board where you can find openings posted by employers in the greater Oslo region.

Go to oslopolitan.karrierestart.no

Odd jobs (småjobber)

Be vigilant when you are looking for odd jobs. There are unprofessional services on the market both online and offline, as there are few control mechanisms.

Before you agree to do occasional or regular paid jobs for private people, learn about your tax obligations.

Go to Skatteetaten.no to learn about odd jobs and services

Nabohjelp

An app where people in your neighborhood can ask for help or offer their services. Developed by OBOS, which is a reputable real estate developer in Oslo.

Go to OBOS’ information page about Nabohjelp (in Norwegian)

Luado

Register as a helper to do odd jobs for private households. Make sure you read the information about payments and taxes.

Go to luado.no/helper (in Norwegian)

MinSmåjobb

Register as a helper to do odd jobs for private households.

Go to minsmåjobb.no (in Norwegian)

Job listings for the startup community

Norway has a growing startup scene, especially in the tech sector, and is ranked one of the top 30 startup ecosystems globally. So it is worth looking for startup opportunities who are often looking for international talent.

The Hub

A Scandinavian platform connecting startups, applicants and investors.

Go to the Hub’s list of jobs in Oslo

Startupmatcher

A Scandinavian platform for recruitment to the startup community.

Go to startupmatcher.com

Startuplab

Startuplab is an incubator and early stage investor for technology startups in Norway, and they often have job ads posted regularly for their different startups.

Go to startuplab.no/jobs

International platforms

Be aware of international platforms that duplicate Norwegian job ads and translate them to English, which can sometimes be more confusing than helpful. It is always good to check if you can find where the job was initially posted, as well as the language requirements for it.

LinkedIn

A lot of companies use LinkedIn both to find candidates and to spread job ads.
Go to linkedin.com

Eures

Portal run by the European Comission. Publishes job vacancies and information about the Norwegian labor market and working conditions.
Go to eures.eu

Europass

Portal run by the Euroean Union. A platform with tools for finding work or studies in Europe.
Go to Europass at europa.eu

For researchers and PhD candidates

Euraxess

Find a PhD degree or a job in the Higher education sector

Go to Euraxess.com

Recruitment agencies

Norwegian: rekrutteringsbyrå

Going to a professional recruiter could be a great way into the job market. There are many agencies, ranging both in size, target industries and professions. Do some research to find ones that are a good fit for you and contact them all – it doesn’t hurt to have several dialogues going at the same time.

You can go to gulesider.no (yellow pages, or the online phone book) or google international recruitment, overseas recruitment, recruitment foreign workers Oslo. Some will have English pages on their website, which is a good indication that they have expertise in recruitment and staffing of international candidates.

Here is a list of recruitment firms that are attractive for English speakers, feel free to contact us if you know of others that we should include.

Adecco

Recruits skilled workers within construction, engineering, auto mechanics and hospitality.

Go to Adecco.no to see their information about working in Norway

Manpower

One of the largest recruitment agencies.

Go to the English frontpage at manpower.no

Collettsearch

Recruits specialist and executive roles.

Go to colletsearch.no

Avant Garde Search

Recruitment specialist for technology companies

Go to avantgardeserach.no

Amby

Recruitment specialist for technology companies

Go to amby.com

Networking

Networking plays a key role in finding a job in Norway, and alongside applying to jobs, networking provides an opportunity to meet like-minded people, make friends, and even find your next job. And even when you secure a job, networking still plays an important role in Norwegian work culture. Even if you are new to Oslo, there are networking opportunities, depending on your needs and field of work. You can always contact companies directly to let them know you are available and interested in their work. There are also meetups and conferences in a lot of professions and industries. Another useful suggestion would be to contact individuals and ask to speak with them over a coffee - this simple action can often be a good way to meet people in the field of work you are looking for and is a great way to build your network here in Oslo.

Language cafes, language courses and volunteer organisations are also good places to network find people who can help you with proofreading and translating application letters, alongside helping with other aspects of the job searching process.

Other helpful links