Workshop for Cities on Job Search

The bigger picture for Cities

75% of resumes are rejected by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) before they even reach a human recruiter.

Most training programs don’t address the specific reasons ATS algorithms filter out candidates—reasons like missing keywords, improper formatting, or lack of local relevance.

Since 2005, we’ve been decoding the recruitment process, and we’ve identified the critical gaps that keep even highly skilled immigrants from landing interviews.

Your city’s residents will learn to out-smart the ATS and start landing interviews

Why Cities purchase this workshop

Proven Impact: Our workshops deliver measurable outcomes—from resume updates to job interviews secured—helping cities demonstrate ROI on integration programs.

Scalable Solutions: Designed for groups of 50, our workshops can be tailored to meet the unique needs of your city’s immigrant population.

Data-Driven Insights: Post-workshop surveys provide cities with actionable data to refine their integration strategies and close systemic gaps.

Overview

Write resumes that get noticed: Learn how to structure your resume to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and appeal to Finnish employers.

Learn to Network like a pro: Discover how to build local connections and leverage networking events to uncover hidden job opportunities.

Create your own 30-day action plan: Leave with a clear, step-by-step roadmap to secure interviews and references.

Who would benefit

This workshop is designed for immigrants in Finland who are struggling to find jobs despite their skills and qualifications. Many talented individuals miss opportunities because they lack the tools to navigate Finland’s unique job market. Here’s who will benefit most:

1. Students

Recent graduates often lack local work experience or professional networks. This workshop teaches how to frame education and internships to appeal to Finnish employers and build connections from scratch.

2. Spouses of Working Professionals

For those relocating for a partner’s career, the workshop provides strategies to translate international experience into Finnish job market success while balancing family responsibilities.

3. Those Who Have Been Laid Off

For individuals rebuilding their careers, the workshop offers tools to reframe experience, rebuild confidence, and tap into Finland’s hidden job market through networking.

4. Graduates of Skills Training Programs

Despite upskilling, many struggle to land jobs. This workshop focuses on optimizing resumes to highlight certifications and connecting with employers who value newly acquired skills.

5. Career Switchers

For those pivoting to new industries, the workshop identifies transferable skills and provides strategies to build networks in target sectors.

What will you learn

1. Teaching Residents to Craft Employer-Ready Resumes

Employers in Finland spend an average of 6 seconds scanning a resume. Yet, many immigrants—despite their qualifications—struggle to land interviews because their resumes don’t align with local expectations.

Our workshop teaches residents to:

Structure resumes the Finnish way: Highlighting certifications, work experience (“työkokemus”), and local keywords that employers look for.
Showcase transferable skills: Framing international experience in ways that resonate with Finnish hiring managers.
Peer-review for impact: Residents leave with a polished, employer-ready resume—no guesswork required.

The Result: In pilot programs, 85% of participants updated their resumes immediately, and 40% secured interviews within two weeks.

2. Unlocking the Power of Networking

In Finland, up to 80% of jobs are filled through referrals or hidden networks. Yet, many immigrants lack the confidence or know-how to build professional connections.

Our workshop empowers residents to:

Master the 30-second pitch: Learn how to introduce themselves confidently and concisely in Finnish or English.
Navigate networking events: From Meetups to industry conferences, we teach residents how to identify and attend events that matter.
Build local references: Through volunteer work, freelance gigs, and strategic LinkedIn engagement, residents create a professional footprint in Finland.

The Result: Participants report a 50% increase in meaningful professional connections within 30 days, with many securing references for full-time roles.

Workshop Structure & Exercises

Workshop Structure

Duration: 4 hours
Format: Interactive, with a mix of presentations, group activities, and individual exercises.
Deliverables:

A Finnish-optimized resume.
A personalized 30-day action plan.
Networking and reference-building strategies.

Detailed Agenda

1. Welcome & Goal Setting

Objective: Set the tone and align on workshop goals.
Exercise: Participants share their name, background, and one career goal.
Outcome: A clear understanding of what success looks like for each participant.

2. Market Condition Awareness

Objective: Help participants understand Finland’s job market dynamics.
Exercise: “Reality Check” Group Analysis
- Groups analyze real labor market data (e.g., unemployment rates, in-demand sectors).
- Brainstorm strategies to overcome their biggest challenge (e.g., language barriers).
Outcome: Participants leave with actionable strategies tailored to Finland’s market.

3. Resume Optimization Lab

Objective: Teach participants to create ATS-friendly, employer-ready resumes.
Exercise: “Finnish-Proof Your Resume”
- Step 1: Demo of a Finnish-style CV (emphasis on brevity, certifications, and keywords).
- Step 2: Participants use AI-powered tools to draft and refine their resumes.
- Step 3: Peer review using a checklist (e.g., “Does your resume include a Finnish phone number?”).
Outcome: A polished, Finnish-optimized resume ready for submission.

4. Job Search Techniques (30 mins)

Objective: Equip participants with tools to navigate Finnish job portals.
Exercise: “Job Portal Scavenger Hunt”
- Live demo of popular Finnish job platforms.
- Participants find one role matching their skills and extract 3 keywords from the job description.
Outcome: Participants learn to tailor applications using employer-specific keywords.

5. Networking & References

Objective: Teach participants to build professional networks and secure references.
Exercise 1: “Role-Play Networking”
- Participants practice a 30-second elevator pitch and receive feedback.
Exercise 2: “Reference-Building Action Plan”
- Draft a message to a potential reference (e.g., former colleague, volunteer supervisor) using a template.
Outcome: Confidence to network effectively and a strategy to build local references.

6. Action Planning & Commitments

Objective: Help participants create a clear, actionable roadmap for the next 30 days.
Exercise: “30-Day Sprint Plan”
- Participants use AI tools to draft a personalized plan with:
  - 1 urgent step (e.g., enroll in a free Finnish course).
  - 1 networking action (e.g., attend a Meetup event).
  - 1 resume update (e.g., add Finnish certifications).
- Share plans with a partner for accountability.
Outcome: A concrete, AI-assisted 30-day action plan to secure interviews and references.

Why This Works

Hands-On Learning: Every exercise is designed for immediate application.
AI Integration: Participants learn to leverage AI tools for resume writing and action planning, saving time and increasing precision.
Measurable Outcomes: 85% of participants update their resumes immediately; 40% secure interviews within two weeks.

This is a proven pathway to transform your job search

Benefits to the learners

Beat the Bots with a Killer Resume.
Create your 30-Day Blueprint to Success.
Turn plans into progress.
Unlock the Hidden Job Market.
Open doors that were once closed.
Crack Finland’s Job Search Code
Stop guessing. Start winning.
Work Smarter with AI
Save hours. Gain momentum.
Track Your Progress, See Your Results
Turn frustration into forward motion

Why choose this workshop

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FAQs