
How can we educate job-seekers to get a decent job?
The truth is, there's no such thing as figuring out a job market. You don't need to learn the XYZ way of doing business. Believe me, business practices don't differ that much globally.
I've been seeing slogans, webinars, and titles like these for some time now:
"30 Mistakes to Avoid While Looking for a Job in XYZ"
"Non-XYZish-Speaker’s Guide to Job Search in XYZ"
"You recently moved to XYZ and are trying to figure out the job market."
"Even if you've been living in XYZ for a long time, there will be something you didn't know—tips and tricks that will help you find the right job."
"How can we educate/improve job-seekers to get a decent job on the market?"
The truth is, there's no such thing as figuring out a job market. You don't need to learn the XYZ way of doing business. Believe me, business practices don't differ that much globally.
For professionals and experienced individuals, there's no need to learn new ways or educate yourself on "job searching".
There are job vacancies and suitable candidates among the applicants. Simple as that.
I've met many foreigners here without any Finnish language skills, working high-end jobs. Some didn't even have perfect English. There are companies that hire suitable candidates for specific positions, regardless of their location. Some applied from abroad and got the job, while others were headhunted while still in their home countries.
On the other hand, some companies play it extremely safe. If a job requires English, locals already have a high level of proficiency and speak Finnish as their native language. They graduated from top local colleges and are immersed in the culture. I understand why these companies prefer local candidates.
However, you can't convince companies that play it safe by merely educating job seekers. You should educate and motivate these companies to take risks and grow. They need to grow, not just to hire foreigners, but for the sake of the country's progress.
Meanwhile, we need to find a way to redirect valuable professionals already in the country to companies willing to hire them. Inform job seekers about major vacancies and guide them to pivot their talents accordingly.
Moreover, everyone should remember that we are in an age of significant shifts and technological advancements. Job descriptions are changing, some jobs are vanishing, new jobs are appearing, and some existing jobs are evolving into more advanced versions, requiring new skills.
Companies globally have started reducing hiring and even mass layoffs due to these advancements. It's not an easy time for anyone, whether foreign or local.