Familia

A to Z for intercultural couples

A - Adaptation

31/3/2020

 
​Sometimes seen as a skill, sometimes seen as a challenge, adaptation is always a factor in intercultural families. Adapting to your partner’s culture, adapting to Finland as a new country, adapting to the Finnish job market… But also adapting to the new you that emerges in this new context. Adapting to frustration, sadness, excitement, uncertainty. In Partner’s Path and Familia, we do not consider that adaptation is a necessary step to take to be able to go forward. Adaptation is a process and takes time. Adaptation doesn’t mean that you have transformed into something different from who you are. Adaptation means that you are at peace with who you are, in your new environment. You learn how to navigate new spaces, cultures and representations and can work towards your best interest.  Adaptability is your ability to changing conditions and be flexible.

One of the most significant things that we have been discussing extensively with our participants, is the fact that adapting is not a straight line. You might adapt to some things faster than others; you might feel that you’ve adapted and realize at some point that you didn’t. You might also have an easier time to adapt to certain aspects (cultural differences at home) and less to other (the Finnish work culture for example). The key work that we have been doing with our participants regarding adaptation, has been in two steps: why do you want to adapt and how can we support you to do so. The most important part is the ability to do some self-reflection work and look inside yourself: which parts of my values, beliefs, culture, behaviors, expectations are interacting everyday with my environment?

In your intercultural family, communicating about changes and what is new for you is a very important step to take. What may seem obvious to you might not be for your partner, and verbalizing your questions or simple comments might help tremendously your partner in understanding how to support you.
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How to adapt better? 
  • Adaptation is also a skill that we encourage you to valorize in your job-hunting process. Moving to a new country, learning its language, building a new life here, are all proofs of your ability to join and be part of a new team and a new company.  
  • Be flexible and don’t expect to control everything. Accept the idea that things might take longer than you first thought, that new challenges or needs might appear on the way.  
  • Be consistent. Adapting to new conditions in Finland doesn’t mean that you have to give up on your plans, dreams and ambitions. Changing the plan, changing the path, doesn’t mean that the end destination must be changed too. By knowing clearly where you want to go, adapting, ceasing opportunities, opening new doors will be easier.

b - Basics of the Finnish job market

31/3/2020

 
Throughout the years, we have realized that a few basics of the Finnish job market were sometimes unclear to many of our participants. As this document may age, we haven’t written down specific information and encourage you to look for the most updated details. Nevertheless, here are a few essentials for you to know!

Degrees, certification, past contracts and proof

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In Finland, it is quite common to be asked to give proof of any degree or certification that you claim having. When moving to Finland, make sure to have copies of your diplomas, courses certificates, diplomas etc. You will probably be asked to provide them to your employment counselor, as well as by your potential employer. Another important point is that in Finland, quite differently than in many other EU countries, lower skilled jobs very often require you to have a certificate, a specific training or an official document, even though you have experience from abroad. For example, if you want to work with food or hospitality in general, you will be required to have your hygieniapassi (Hygiene passport). This tests costs around 40 euros and proves that you know the basics of food safety. If you plan to work with children, you will be asked to prove that you don’t have any criminal record, and might probably also be required a Hygiene pass. Other very common certifications are the alcohol passport, the work safety card, and the security officer passport. If you are planning to apply to a lower skilled job, we highly recommend passing these tests and have these documents as a proof that you are ready to work immediately in these fields in Finland. Lastly, remember that the rule is that you should be able to provide a proof of everything that is on your resume. Very paper counts! 

​TE-toimisto
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Our participants have often had trouble to understand the role played by TE-office in their job-hunting process. First, to benefit from TE-toimisto’s services, you need to register as an unemployed job seeker at one of their offices or online. If you are an EU citizen, you can do so immediately. This registration can also open rights for you to receive certain benefits, only if you have a Finnish social security number. In TE- toimisto, you will then be assigned a counselor, who will build up with you an integration plan. Depending on your needs and wishes, this integration plan can include education, language courses, work trials or integration courses. Make sure to ask questions and to state clearly what your goals are, to make sure to have a plan that is as relevant for you as possible. We encourage you to not solely rely on TE-toimisto for job hunting, and to very quickly diversify your job hunt by networking, mentorship programs, peer-support groups and other kind of events.

TES (työehtosopimus, or collective agreement)

In Finland, each industry follows a specific collective agreement, that specify the minimum wages for the branch, benefits, leaves and other rules and rights of the worker. To have an idea of your rights and obligations as a worker, read the TES of your industry. You can find them online, most of the time in Finnish. You can ask help from 
a union to get them translated. In a TES you will most of the time find information on the general rights and obligations of the worker and the employer regarding salaries, holidays, different kind of leaves, types of contracts, benefits. ​

C - Cover letter

31/3/2020

 
In Finland, a cover letter should not be longer than one page. Your cover letter should especially describe your concrete achievements, with numbers and figures if possible. Regarding the format of the cover letter, we have often observed with our participants at Familia, that the words chosen were sometimes not exactly fitting in a Finnish context. When in most countries, the cover letter is used to sell oneself, in Finland it is more used to give facts. We have therefore often advised to avoid the use of too many superlatives of “strong” words. Instead of “Loving”a sector, you might want to write that you are “passionate” about it. Instead of you being “extremely talented” you might want to describe the very good results you got and let them speak by themselves. Our participants have also often asked if they should write their cover letter or resume in Finnish or in English. If the job opening is in English, you can write in English freely. If you have the choice between the two languages, you can also write in English without a doubt. If you are answering to a job offer in Finnish or sending an open application, we would advise you to send a resume and a cover letter that you are able to write by yourself. Of course, you can have someone spellcheck it. But we would advise you to make sure not to give a false image of your abilities, especially when it comes to high skilled jobs.

The content of your cover letter should include your motivation to apply to this specific position, your specific skills and results, and how you and the company could benefit from each other.

You can ask your Finnish spouse to spellcheck it or read it through, but remember that this might feel like being responsible for a partner’s job-hunt and might cause a lot of stress for your partner. There are solutions for it: CV clinic are offered by several NGO's free of charge.

D - Discrimination

31/3/2020

 
Recruitment and work life in Finland can be subjected to discrimination. Race and gender are often understood and perceived as discriminatory factors. But your age, religion, gender, sexual orientation and other factors can also be discriminative.

In Finland, it is illegal to ask for certain personal information such as your family situation, whether you have children or planning to have some, your age etc. These are personal information that you are not expected to disclose. You are of course allowed to do so if you consider that they might be relevant for your application.
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If you face or suspect to face discrimination during a hiring process or at your workplace, contact the non-discrimination Ombudsman.
Discrimination and racism may be difficult topics to discuss about with your partner, who might have had very different experiences from you. Open dialogue is very important for you to feel supported and not isolated, and several NGOs organize peer support groups for you to meet people who share similar experiences.

e - entering the Finnish job market

31/3/2020

 
During our 3 years in Partner’s Path, we have realized that entering the Finnish job market, putting your foot in the door by getting your first opportunity is often one of the hardest steps towards employment. Here are therefore the main entry doors to the Finnish job markets for foreigners with a Finnish spouse. As we mentioned earlier, one of the key factors on the Finnish job market and to be hired in Finland is trust building. As we explain more in our article on the resume, references are extremely important in Finland. When you haven’t had work experience, these can also be difficult to get.
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Here are therefore ways to start understanding Finnish work culture, develop your networks, build genuine relationships with people who could become your references and gain professional experience in Finland.  
  • Internship/traineeship
    • ​Internship and traineeship are very common in Finland and are one of the main ways to enter the job market, for Finns and for foreigners. Traineeships programs are often advertised on the companies websites, as well as by TE-toimisto who has regularly different kind of offers. These are interesting because they can give you access to some paid subsidy from KELA.  As most of the positions in Finland, internships and traineeships are not necessarily advertised We would therefore encourage you to send open applications via email or to directly ask for an internship or a traineeship. The clearer your idea on what you want for yourself out of that traineeship or internship, the easier it is for your future employer to picture you joining the team. Most internships and traineeships in Finland are paid.  
  • Language training
    • ​When joining the intensive integration course offered by TE-toimisto, you will have to do language placements. The idea is for you to go to a workplace and practice your Finnish as much as you can when discovering a new work environment at the same time. Our advice would be for you to pick carefully the place where you want to do your language practice. We would encourage you to try to apply to companies or organizations within your field. That way, you could practice Finnish, but at the same time develop networks and showcase your ability to adapt and improve in a Finnish speaking environment, even though you are still working. Carefully picked language training places have been the gateway to employment with tome of our participants! 
  • Mentorship
    • ​Several organizations have mentorship programs, where one professional becomes a mentor and gives advice and support to a mentee. These mentorship programs may be quite committing, but they allow you to really build a genuine, one-on-one relationship. This kind of trust is a very precious thing to build here in Finland in your work environment, and we strongly recommend you join a mentorship program. The other advantage of mentorship programs is that they allow you to have individual time with someone from your field. You can discuss about specific industry related issues, your specific career plan and your unique traits.  
  • Networking 
  • Peer-support groups
    • ​Peer-support groups might not, at first sight, seem like an entry door to the Finnish job market. But they actually can be. Well-being and mental health are key elements to a sustainable job hunt and a sustainable integration. In a peer-support group, you will meet like-minded people, discuss about specific topics and get to realize that you are not alone. In our peer support groups, our participants have supported each other, give each other advice and tips, shared job offers, contacts from their networks… Directly or indirectly, peer-support groups are a very efficient way to help you integrate and process everything that you are going through. And therefore, to enter the Finnish job market more peacefully.  
  • Volunteering
    • ​This is one of the pieces of advice that we have given the most to our participants! Volunteer! Volunteering is a very easy and accessible way to Finnish society, Finnish workplaces, new friends, colleagues and networks. Do you feel that you need to practice more Finnish? Volunteer in Finnish! Do you feel that you need to know a field better? Volunteer at some big event in your sector! Do you need new connections? Volunteer on a topic where you will meet like-minded people!
    • By volunteering, you will also feel useful and part of the society. Both are crucial elements for you to feel integrated, active, seen and useful. 
  • Work trials (työkokeilut)
    • ​Work trials are specifically arranged with TE toimisto. They can vary in length and give you access to a smaller pay but supported by KELA.  Work trials often don’t end up in a position but are an excellent way for you to approach workplaces that might be reluctant to take trainees or interns. Our tip, regarding work trial, is to look for the place where you would like to do it, and then present very clearly to the company what it is that you could do for them. These work trial positions are often ad hoc, which means that the more precise you are in describing what you would like to do, how you would like to contribute, the more likely you are to get the trial. This is especially appropriate if you want to work on a specific skill that you have, or in a field that you know well.
    • ​Once you have found a trial company, submit it to TE and start your trial!

f - friends and family

31/3/2020

 
One of the main topics that we have been discussing about with our participants has been the importance of friends and relationships in their job hunting and integration processes. If friends can be linked to networking, they are also very much linked to your own well-being and integration in Finland.

Loneliness impacts your general well-being and therefore your job-hunting process. Meeting new friends is often a big challenge for people who recently moved here. Our first advice is to get active and find a hobby or activity that will connect you to link minded people. Many NGO’s as well as city services offer free or very low-priced activities.

Having a Finnish spouse, you might feel like your friends are your partner’s friend, and that it is difficult for you to have your own circles. This feeling of being dependent on your partner might create a lot of frustrations for you and for your partner who will feel responsible and guilty. Having your own friends is an important part of having a balanced relationship.

Another issue that many of our participants have had has been into making Finnish friends. Not speaking Finnish might feel like a barrier to you, as well as some cultural differences. From our participants’ experiences, volunteering and hobbies are the most efficient way to meet new Finnish people. Don’t hesitate to ask them out for coffee!
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Integration is a process, and you will notice that at some times you are more ready to open up to Finnish friends, when at other times, you will feel like spending more time with people who speak your mother tongue or connect with your old friends back home. These phases are normal, and you shouldn’t feel guilty about it.

g - goals

31/3/2020

 
Setting goals has been one of the topics that we have discussed the most with our volunteers and participants. Though the task can feel stressful and overwhelming, especially when you feel that you’re not reaching them, we encourage you to work on your goals. This will give you a direction and a motivation. First, try to set realistic and measurable goals. Divide them into long term and short-term objectives, in order to stay motivated but also know “what to do next”. Once you have an idea on the direction you want to take, share these goals with people from your industry, your partner and peers that have the same experience as you ( people who just moved to Finland, mothers, people who are learning Finnish etc.). NGO workers and TE advisors will also be able to make comments and help you to decide what to do next.
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Goals go hand in hands with priorities, as we develop more in “motivation”.

H - health

31/3/2020

 
Multiple research all over Europe have shown how unemployment has a direct effect on people’s health. Both your physical and mental health are affected by unemployment and integration. Do not overlook the very basics of your health like sleep, nutrition or physical activity. Job hunting may become the only thing you want to focus on, but the lack of basic care might create a vicious circle making you less capable to look properly for a job, and therefore feeling more stressed and more inclined to neglect your sleep or other basic routines and so on. Don’t either overlook the consequences of your new Finnish environment on your health. The lack of sun and the climate directly affect your energy levels. Many Finns take vitamins and have a doctor following them when the autumn comes. Don’t hesitate to mention these to your doctor.
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Do not overlook either your own mental health. Changing country, going through major changes in your personal life such as a marriage or children, unemployment, integration process, all these things that are “normal” in your life are major stress factors. Anxiety, depression, stress are very common among immigrants, especially unemployed ones. Make plans, break down problems into smaller issues, spend time and share your experience with others. Don’t hesitate to get professional help, and to talk about your mental state with your doctor.  Some of our participants have expressed guilt and shame in feeling depressed or overwhelmed. “I should be happy to be here”, “the conditions here are way better than before” “this is a good place for my kids”. All these reflections are very common but can’t overtake how you actually feel. Being depressed, sad, angry, frustrated is a normal and common thing, and you have the right to have these feelings and emotions. Don’t reject them. 

i - interview

31/3/2020

 
Getting an interview is already a challenge for many foreigners looking for a job in Finland. Of course, like everywhere, a good CV and cover letter, answering to a job offer are essential to catch the recruiter’s interest. But there are a few other tips or situations that can help you to get an interview more easily.  
  • Send targeted open applications. Answering to a job offer puts you directly in competition with your direct “competitors” on the job market. Sending an open application will make you stand out.  
  • Meet as many people in person. In Finland, most of the work culture is based on trust. This translates, for example, in the importance given to personal connections and references in the application processes. See networking. 
  • Call and talk to the recruiter in person. Very often you will notice that Finnish job offers mention a day and time at which the recruiter can be called. We encourage you to call, on time, if you have something relevant to say or a specific question. This can be a good time to ask questions about the language requirements, and what they encompass concretely. This is a good way to make the recruiter remember you… for better or worse! 
 
Once you’re called in for the interview, how to do well? 
  • The general rules, like everywhere in the world, apply also in Finland. 
    • Prepare your interview by doing a bit of research on the company and the position. Have some questions about the tasks, the team and the company ready. You can also prepare for the very common interview questions such as tell about yourself, explain why you are the best suited candidate, your strengths and weaknesses or your expected salary. 
    • Arrive on time to the interview. Plan your journey ahead and check on a map where the interview is going to be. Being 10 to 5 minutes early will help you be less stressed. 
    • Dress for the occasion and be careful about your clothes and accessories. Your hygiene should be impeccable when going to an interview. 
    • When preparing for the interview, write down a few questions that you could ask. This will help you to feel more confident. Don’t hesitate to also ask questions about what your interviewers are presenting to you. For a first interview, focus your questions on the tasks, the position, the team, the company and the sector
  • Interviews in Finland have a few, concrete practical aspects that are not obvious for many foreigners. Here are the main points: 
    • Preparing an interview in Finland might require you more time than in your home country. Remember to devote enough time for your research, as some information might take longer to access. You might also need to rely on your networks to get some insights, such as sector trends or companies specifics, especially if you don’t speak Finnish. Don’t assume that the way things work in your country are the ways things work here and take time to actually look at Finnish specifics (in terms of products, markets, management styles, companies history, socio-economic environment). Interviews in Finland are also prepared simply by attending events and becoming part of a community. Make sure to have enough time for that.
    • Be on time for real. When in many countries being 5 to 10 minutes late means being on time, it is not the case in Finland. Don’t come too early either, being at the interview place 10 minutes early is a maximum. On time in Finland means that you can start at the given time. If you have an interview at 11, the recruiters will expect you to be ready to start the interview at 11 sharp, not that you’ll arrive by that time. If you see that you are going to be late (not able to start the interview at 11 sharp), always call to inform the interviewer. Give a clear and concise explanation and an accurate estimate of how late you will be. 
    • Dress code for an interview might be a bit surprising for foreigners in Finland. “business casual” is usually the general dress code, but you will notice that people might seem a bit under dressed compared to other countries. High heels and suits are not that common, and it all really depends on the sector you are working in. To know how to dress, you can ask to your friends, networks and partner. You can also check how people dress up at the company (on their social media or by going to one of their events for example). 
Another specificity in Finland is that wearing strong perfume is often avoided, especially if you’re going to be in a small closed room for a while. In many countries, wearing perfume or cologne/aftershave is a sign of hygiene and respect. Not here!
  • Ask questions but avoid chit chat.  Follow the lead of the recruiter to engage in small talk but try to keep it concise. People are very comfortable with silence in Finland, and you don’t have to fill the gaps. Long pauses and silence during an interview do not necessarily mean that it is going wrong! 
Compliments, especially on outfit or looks are to avoid as much as possible. In many countries, it is polite or at least normal and common to comment on someone’s skirt, haircut, glasses etc. In Finland, it will, most of the time, make people feel uncomfortable. Questions about someone’s personal life could also be avoided, especially if it is not relevant to the interview and just a small talk topic. 
  • Lastly, the language of an interview is also a specific to Finland. Depending on your language skills and the position, you might know already of the interview will be conducted in English, Finnish, Swedish or another language. If the position is fully in English and English is the company language, you will probably do the interview in English as well. If the position might require both Finnish and English, be prepared to do an interview in both languages. Based on the skill levels that you have, you may be expected to speak more or less English or Finnish during the interview. If you mentioned that you are a beginner in Finnish, you still might be greeted in Finnish, or asked very simple questions. Part of your preparation should be at least to greet, thanks and maybe introduce yourself in Finnish. An advice that we gave to many of our participants was to learn how to ask to switch a conversation to English. (“Voidaanko vaihtaa Englantiin?”, “Could we switch to English please?”)​ This is a very simple way to stop speaking Finnish if you’re uncomfortable, by still being respectful of your recruiter. ​

j - Job hunting process

31/3/2020

 
Why do we talk about a “process”?
  • A process is “a series of actions which are carried out in order to achieve a particular result.” Job hunting implies action verbs: search, plan, think, do, write, speak, send. When you look for a job, you are active, and taking several actions, sometimes at the same time. This is an aspect that we have been discussing quite a lot with our participants, especially in our peer support groups, and that we hope you will have clear. Looking for a job requires to take action, to prioritize and organize. Job hunting is also a process because the result is clear: getting a job and sign a contract.  
But once this is said, it is important to remember that:
  • Job hunting is an iterative process. It means that it requires you to take actions, analyze the results, and adapt your next action based on this. Sending an open application is an email. Sending a follow up email, asking for feedback, creating a list of the places where you’ve sent your resume… All this is iteration or constant feedback and adaptation. This can be overwhelming and difficult to do alone, and we encourage you to find support with your friends, family or networks. Peer support groups are a very important space, where you can get inspired by other people’s methods, failures and successes. 
  • Talking about job hunting as a process is very important for you and your partner. Looking for a job takes time and energy. It has its ups and downs, it requires to take action, but it also depends a lot of aspects that you can’t control. Understanding the word “process” also means that you and your partner understand that job hunting will take time. Due to your own actions or to external factors, things might have to be put on hold, last longer than expected or go backwards. It might also go faster, based on unexpected events or opportunities. 
  • Job hunting process takes time and is a 24/7 series of actions. Be ready to network, talk about the fact that you’re looking for a job to new people that you meet. Have your resumes ready to send. Look for the constructive aspects of the situation you are in regarding your goals. 
  • Job hunting as a process is a state of mind. Many of our participants have had to break down in smaller pieces their goals and ambitions. Picking a momentary job, changing sector for a while, be a stay at home parent, study something new. All this will require you to have a clear goal in mind and be able to link it to your present actions. “I am doing this part time job now because my priority is to make a bit of money”, “I am studying Finnish now because I need the language to do the job that I want to do”.
  • One of the first thing to do is to set clear goals and priorities. What do you want to achieve? What do you want to have in 1 year from now? And 5? And 10? What are your life priorities? What are your current priorities? It is important that you have a clear idea of what you want to head for. Priorities are a very important topic, that we encourage you to think about and discuss with your partner. Do you want to focus on your family? Do you need to make more money? Do you want to explore a new field?  There are no wrong and right answers, but it might be overwhelming to try to define it. Family, friends and network can help. Think also about mentoring programs and peer support groups, where hearing other people’s experiences, choices and decisions, might really help you to see things clearer. 
  • The actions you are going to take depend on your goals. Job hunting is a process that will affect you, but also your partner, your family, your friends and your networks. Focusing on smaller actions, breaking down tasks in smaller ones can make it easier, especially as you are undergoing this at the same time as your integration process. Having your resume and cover letters reviewed and making lists of places where you can look for open positions or networking opportunities are simple, low threshold actions, that are useful and concrete. 
  • Some concrete things might make the process easier. 
    • Have your resume ready to be sent. You can then adapt minor details based on the position that you are applying to, but having it prepared will boost your confidence. 
    • Administrative issues can be a terrible challenge and hold you back from doing anything. Take time to sort your administrative issues and don’t hesitate to ask for help from organizations and social workers. Some basic papers such as degrees for example need translation or Finnish recognition. You can find more information about this on the Finnish national agency for education’s website. 
    • Do some research, ask questions, make sure to be explicit when things are unclear for you. 
    • Communicate with your partner and take time to balance your job hunting and personal life. Your Finnish partner might have a vision and understanding of the job market that is influenced by his or her own experience as a Finnish person in Finland. Talking about your own experience and challenges is important, because some aspects that are obvious for him or her might not be relevant and/or known to you.
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