Information regarding part time jobs in Norway
Dear International students!
Most of Norwegian employers require Norwegian speaking skills. It is therefore very difficult finding a job if you do not speak Norwegian.
In addition, students who stay less than 6 months are unfortunately not as attractive as employees compared to (often Norwegian) students who are staying for several years. The competition is i.e. very hard.
If you wish to give it a shot, here is our advice for you:
It is unqualified jobs where you don’t need to interact with Norwegian customers that is most likely to be relevant for English-speaking students. This could for example be in hotels/bars/restaurants, laundries, newspaper delivery, and so on.
It's somewhat seldom that Norwegian employers advertises available part time jobs, this is mostly because both Norwegian and exchange students usually approaches them asking to work for them. They therefore often do not need to advertise open positions.
The employers that choose to advertise usually do this in Norwegian. It is not common advertising part time jobs in any other language.
So, it is up to you and your creativity. You have to promote yourself to them. In other words: do your “homework” and research on where the different companies are located. The Yellow pages, www.gulesider.no, could be a nice place to start.
Then print out a batch of your CV, dress up in a presentable outfit and pay the different employers a visit. Ask to speak with the manager and present yourself in a nice and polite way.
In Norway, the employers valid flexibility (the ability to step in for work at short notice and working both daytime and evenings), efficiency and a happy mood. So meet up with a big smile and positive attitude!
If you wish to, we can help you adjust your CV to the Norwegian standard. We have Drop In-hours for this every Monday and Wednesday between 12.30 and 15.00. You don't need any appointment, just show up at our office at the Student Centre, 3rd floor.
Best of luck,
The Career Centre in Bergen
