Looking for work & help/info needed...

[GregJ]

To all that might read:

I currently live in Durban, South Africa (I have a UK passport, from what I read a UK passport is sufficient to get a Working Visa / Permit).

My goal is to live and work in Finland (and also try to learn the language).

I am a Web Developer/Designer with skills in PHP, ASP.NET, CSS, HTML / DHTML / XHTML / XML, Javascript (and Photoshop for the design part).
Also, I am currently learning C++ & DirectX in my spare time
My skills also include 3D Animation & Design (3D Studio Max, V-Ray, and others) but only as a hobby (no work experience).

However, I am quite unsure where to look for jobs online. Most are in Finnish so I assume they are only looking for people with Finnish language skills.
In Finland, do they usually hire people who do not speak the language?

Thanks to all whom have taken the time to read this!

P.S If you want to email me, get me here: sora.pokute(-at-)gmail.com



****EDIT: Hope I have not broken any rules by posting this. If so, Admin/Mods, please feel free to edit or remove post.***

[Hank W.]

Find your "magic words" in the adverts. The main MOL website has only a Finnish interface, but say other places like Monster.fi speak. Might put up your CV there too. Your set of skills might fit the new gaming niche that seems to have geotten a start. I actually just saw an ad on the bog.. Espoo and something starting with C... http://www.g-cluster.com

And as for learning a useless language with an idea to get a job in some remote place ... denk u ek hët 'n groot perversie mit die taal to geleer? (well it was plan B idea back then)

[GregJ]

Thanks for the lightning-fast reply Hank W.

Taking a look at those sites you listed (Good thing I can partially read Japanese... )
Magic Words huh? Looks like I will have a long, long game in finding these magic words. So, I just email the people whom have posted the job advert in Finnish, in English? Do most Finnish (term..?) people speaketh the English?

So I really need not learn the language? Interesting, I feel that I might do so should I get a job, just for good measure (can't hurt and might prove usefull).

[Tiwaz]

Thanks for the lightning-fast reply Hank W.

Taking a look at those sites you listed (Good thing I can partially read Japanese... )
Magic Words huh? Looks like I will have a long, long game in finding these magic words. So, I just email the people whom have posted the job advert in Finnish, in English? Do most Finnish (term..?) people speaketh the English?

So I really need not learn the language? Interesting, I feel that I might do so should I get a job, just for good measure (can't hurt and might prove usefull).

Most do speak english. And "magic words" are your IT skills. PHP at least was big thing when I was looking for a job. They will list desired skills so you should have some idea on your suitability for job.

Lack of finnish does not hurt you as much in IT fields as it does on most others. But don't get hopes too high.


Here...
http://jobsearch.monster.co.uk/european.aspx

Just stick to region "Finland" and add your skills on keywords. Should work, I think.

[GregJ]

Thanks Tiwaz!

Checking out the EuroMosnter now.

I am not getting my hopes up too much. After wading through the forum and reading other peoples opinions on the job market for forigners in Finland, I think I have better start making myself out of steel

Anyway, I will push through this seemingly infinite barrier and get my goal eventually!

[Hank W.]

Well, lets say English rather than Afrikaans ... computer geeks speak Java anyways.

[shrecher]

PHP is not considered here as very demanded skill. Mostly it is a hobby
C++ is the hardcore. It is highly demanded (see Nokia for example). It is better to emphasize the long experience in programming and C++ as the main skill. Another option to have multiple CV published: PHP and C++. Don't expect the quick response. Normally it could take few weeks to proceed your CV.

[GregJ]

shrecher:
Point taken. I will certainly stress the C++ aspect more than PHP. I actually will do some more programming in C++, maybe even try push out a small game/demo quickly to show some skills.
Yes, I have noticed the responce times... I am still waiting on these "interested" potential employees.

Hank W.:
Afrikaans is most certainly not my strong point. Learnt just enough to pass school with

[raamv]

Dont be surprised that you dont get a reply. Very rare to make people respond to people who are not selected for jobs.
( Hint : Ask them to reply even if you are not selected... Sometimes This line works wonders.. These are like things that no one tells you but everybody knows)..
Another route for you would be through UK as there are plentiful available there and you are closer (EU) than SA.
I am suspecting that you have a case of HBS..so might as well be closer to that someone.,.

[GregJ]

raamv:
Thanks, yeah I also use that "please keep me posted" type thing. Most amazingly it does seem to work, especially so if I already have caught their interest.

I have read most the the Finnish "do and do not" articles regarding job hunting/application/interviews, and I generally do it like that anyway.

Well, doing it through the UK is my second option but still an option.

HBS? What's that? I'm not doing this to be closer to anyone, just for myself

I have decided to use this topic as my story of getting a job in Finland. People can (and are encouraged to) give me advice and tell me what to do
I have done quite a few applications now, and have got a few responses.
Mostly just the "thanks for mailing us" stuff.

I have been looking at the EuroMonster, but I need some more. Where is this "MOL" website Hank W.

Thanks again guys. Real helpful getting tips from people that have already done it!

Will keep you guys posted on how it goes.

[raamv]

HBS? What's that? I'm not doing this to be closer to anyone, just for myself

Hot Blonde syndrome!! ( THe inner blonde) of the opposite sex makes a strange connection with foreigners and entraps them here to eternity!!
If you are doing it for yourself... Why Finland??
and Hank is a Finn!! He has been secretly sent by the virtual god of Finland to make those( who are entrapped )foreigners assimilate here into the culture

[Hank W.]

[ He has been secretly sent by the virtual god of Finland to make those( who are entrapped )foreigners assimilate here into the culture

Goedverdoemme.. ek sal gaan mit die ierste job in die mines. Upi lo bar?

[GregJ]

Hank W.:
I have no clue what

Goedverdoemme.. ek sal gaan mit die ierste job in die mines. Upi lo bar?

means
Care to translate for myslef and the rest?
I can hardly make out something about first job in the mines...?

raamv:

Why Finland??

I really haven't the slightest idea. It just creeped into mind one day and has since made itself at home, and told all logic to !@#$ off. It's beyond me.

Hot Blonde syndrome!! ( THe inner blonde) of the opposite sex makes a strange connection with foreigners and entraps them here to eternity!!

Hmm, just a bonus!

I will be applying for jobs non-stop today.
Will let you know if anything happens.

Oh yeah, I sent a load last night, all missing my C.V so now I feel a right idiot...

[Hank W.]

I can hardly make out something about first job in the mines...?

Well, its a more pleasant option than HBS

[rinso]

I really haven't the slightest idea. It just creeped into mind one day and has since made itself at home, and told all logic to !@#$ off. It's beyond me.

Either you're incredible stupid, in that case; welcome to the loony farm, or
you have a very unconventional approach to life that may very well let you succeed.
Anyway, good luck.