Preparing for a job interview in Finland especially if you are from a collective society or continent requires a blend of understanding Finnish work culture and adapting your communication style to align with local expectations. This means that you need to take time to understand the Finnish environment. This can be done through immersion and your ability to know yourself.

Here are some tailored tips that might help guide you in achieving a successful interview:

1. Understand Finnish Work Culture: Finnish work culture is rooted in equality, independence, and efficiency. Workplaces have flat hierarchies where everyone’s contributions are valued, regardless of their title. Employees are expected to take initiative and work independently, while collaboration is encouraged in team settings. Because of this, most of the Finnish job ads often use the word "PROACTIVE". My definition of being proactive is your ability to observe and take action without being asked or told to do something in the workplace. This to me is the best way to contribute collaboratively and demonstrate your team player abilities.

Punctuality is highly regarded, as it reflects respect for others’ time. Direct and concise communication is the norm, with minimal small talk, and professionalism is prioritized over personal connections. However, not in all cases as companies in Finland have different work cultures which could be open or closed. This depends on the relationship dynamics among the colleagues. Work-life balance is a cornerstone, with employers promoting flexible schedules and respecting personal time. Understanding and adapting to these values can help you thrive in Finnish workplaces.

2. Adapt Your Communication Style: Cultural differences can heavily influence communication styles, so adapting yours to fit Finnish norms is important:

• Be Direct and Concise: Finnish communication is straightforward. Avoid overly elaborate explanations or ambiguous answers. Stick to clear, concise, and well-structured responses that directly address the question.
• Professionalism Over Personal Connections: In Finland, job interviews are formal and focused on your qualifications. While collective societies often emphasize relationships and personal rapport, Finnish employers are more interested in your professional skills and how they align with the job requirements.
• Confidence with Modesty: While showcasing your achievements is essential, boasting or exaggeration can be off-putting. Strive for a balance: share your accomplishments confidently but remain humble.

3. Research and Prepare Thoroughly: Preparation is crucial for a successful job interview in Finland. You can start by researching the company’s mission, values, and recent projects through its website and social media. Understand the role by carefully reviewing the job description and identifying key skills and responsibilities. Prepare examples from your experience that align with these requirements, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. Another technique that can be used is the CARL method proposed by my dear friend Aleksandra Durand-Mac. The method CARL stands for Content, Action, Result and Learning. Feel free to use any of the methods as they can help you approach answering effectively.

Anticipate common interview questions and practice clear, concise answers. Tailoring your preparation for the company and role demonstrates your professionalism and commitment, making a strong impression on potential employers. If you lack direct experience in a Finnish context, focus on transferable skills. These could include:

• Cross-cultural communication
• Team collaboration in diverse environments
• Problem-solving and adaptability

Share examples of how you’ve applied these skills in your previous roles, especially in ways that align with Finnish work values.

4. Demonstrate Willingness to Integrate: One of the biggest concerns employers may have about international candidates is their ability to integrate into Finnish work culture. Address this proactively:

• Language Skills
  While English is widely spoken in Finland, learning Finnish shows commitment to integration. Even if you’re not fluent, mention any Finnish courses you’re taking or your plans to learn. Finns are not expecting you to speak perfect Finnish. Rather, your willingness to show your interest in the language can go a long way. As for me, I sometimes, speak Finglish. Don't laugh, I know 😄.
• Cultural Awareness
  Show that you understand Finnish workplace norms. Discuss how you appreciate Finland’s emphasis on work-life balance, equality, and collaboration.

5. Practice Common Interview Questions: Being well-prepared for common interview questions is key to presenting yourself confidently and effectively. Finnish employers typically ask open-ended questions that allow you to showcase your skills, experiences, and how you align with the role. Here's a deeper dive into how to prepare:

1. Start with the Basics: Questions like “Tell us about yourself” are common and serve as an icebreaker. This is your chance to briefly highlight your professional background, key achievements, and what motivates you. Keep your response structured and concise, focusing on what’s relevant to the role.
2. Know Why You’re Interested in the Role: Employers want to see your enthusiasm and alignment with their company. Particularly, your personality and how it fits the company's culture. For “Why are you interested in this role/company?” research their mission, values, and recent projects. Connect these to your skills and aspirations to show genuine interest.
3. Show Problem-Solving Skills: Behavioral questions like “How do you handle challenges or conflicts?” are designed to assess how you approach difficulties. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide a structured and clear example of how you effectively resolved an issue.
4. Demonstrate Your Value: Questions such as “What value can you bring to our team?” allow you to directly connect your skills and experiences to the job requirements. Focus on key skills or experiences that set you apart, and provide specific examples to support your claims.
5. Anticipate Role-Specific Questions: Depending on the position, prepare for technical or industry-specific questions. Review the job description and think of examples that demonstrate your expertise and how you have applied it in past roles.
6. Practice Answering Aloud: Practicing aloud helps you refine your delivery and identify areas to improve. Focus on being concise, confident, and clear, avoiding filler words or overly detailed responses.
7. Be Honest and Authentic: Finnish employers value authenticity and straightforwardness. Avoid exaggerating your accomplishments or giving overly rehearsed answers. Instead, aim for honest responses that reflect your skills and character.

By dedicating time to practising and refining your responses, you’ll feel more confident and ready to communicate your value effectively during the interview. Practise and remember to use the STAR or CARL methods to structure your responses, focusing on specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills. Practice delivering your answers concisely and confidently. Remember, Finnish employers value direct communication, so avoid overexplaining. Preparing thoroughly ensures you can present yourself as a strong and capable candidate.

NOTE: After all is said, make sure to avoid asking about salary or benefits in the initial interview unless the interviewer brings it up.

Good luck and reach out for a free consultation!