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How NOT to apply for work in Denmark

How NOT to apply for work in Denmark

I am regularly getting applications from people who are looking for a job in Denmark. Here are today's examples on how NOT to apply. Writing such applications is not only a waste of your time. But it may even disqualify you for working as a well-educated professional. 

You can find other articles about how NOT to apply for work in Denmark.

In the book Business-Dances with Danes. Decoding Danish workplace culture you can find more information on how to apply for work in Denmark.

Business-Dances with Danes. Decoding Danish work culture

1.    Sending an application to a distribution list
When an employer receives such an email, they may not even look at your application, no matter how good and convincing it may be. They may fear that you may  communicate in a similar way with their customers. Sending an email to an open list of people who don't know each other is a big NO-NO anywhere in the world.
As mentioned in the hints and tips for applying for work in Denmark, you need to make your application targeted. By writing such an email you seem to not have done any research at all about the companies you have contacted. If you show so little abilities to do research, analysing and processing information you don’t seem fit at all for working in Denmark. Danish employees are expected to work independently and not to be guided closely. If you don’t show these abilities in your own matters, how can anybody trust that you will do it for a company.

2.    Basing your application on incorrect information
One of the applications I received was phrased something like: “I have come to know through reliable sources that you have a vacant position for a librarian”. Worktrotter has never posted a position for librarians, simply because our activities don’t have anything to do with this profession.
Don’t think that incorrect information is a good door-opener. It works much better if you describe why you’d like to work in a certain company and how you can support with your skills. “Sell” yourself into a job, make it easy for an employer to understand what you can help them with. Show them which of their pains you will be able to cure and how. This comes down to doing thorough research, which is time well spent.

3.    Writing an email with no text but only attachments.
First thought when receiving such an emai is: SPAM! OUT! DELETE!
However, they will not only delete the email without looking at you attachments but they may even black-list your email address. No matter if you later send proper applications, your message goes directly to the trash folder.
Writing an email without even a short text is very impolite. The receiver of your email may not see you fit at all to communicate with others. Considering that more and more communication happens via email, an employer needs to get the feeling that you are able to properly communicate with customers and colleagues. An email without text disqualifies you right away.

You can find another article about how NOT to apply for work in Denmark.


Find more information about how to apply for work in the Worktrotter-books.

Business-Dances with Danes. Decoding Danish work culture                                                             The Worktrotter's Guide to Denmark
Business-Dances with Danes.                                     The Worktrotter's Guide to Denmark
Decoding Danish workplace culture                             Step-by-step instructions for life in Denmark


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The Worktrotter books

Business-Dances with Danes. Decoding Danish work cultureBusiness-Dances with Danes

For those working with Danes and those trying to find work in Denmark.
This book is also aimed at those Danes who want to become conciously aware of the Danish workplace culture.

Find out how to decode Danish work culture, avoid pitfalls and know how you can bring your messages across when working with Danes. 


The Worktrotter's Guide to Denmark

For current and future newcomers to Denmark.

A practical step-by-step guide about living and working in Denmark. Save time, nerves and money. Be smart and do things right - right from the start.



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