Job Search & Recruitment in Denmark (2025)
Find English-friendly roles, navigate portals and agencies, tailor a Danish-style CV, and understand what trips up internationals. Plus: salary snapshot and FAQs.
Overview: how hiring works in Denmark
📄 Danish-style CV
2 pages, concrete achievements, short profile, relevant links. Photo optional.
🗓️ Timelines
Expect 2–8 weeks from application to offer; slower in July & late Dec/Jan.
🗣️ Language
English-only roles exist, but basic Danish multiplies options and helps at work.
Job market & trends (2025)
📉 Low unemployment
Overall unemployment around ~4% in 2025; demand steady in IT, engineering, pharma.
🧪 Positive List
Shortage roles include IT specialists, engineers, healthcare, teachers, skilled trades.
🏙️ Where the jobs are
Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, Aalborg lead—clustered around tech, life science, logistics.
Best job portals
🧭 Jobindex
jobindex.dk — largest aggregator; filter for “English”.
🏛️ Jobnet
jobnet.dk — official national portal across sectors.
🧑🔬 WorkinDenmark
workindenmark.dk — English-friendly vacancies and guidance.
🏢 StepStone
stepstone.dk — white-collar & international roles.
🚀 The Hub
thehub.io — startups; many English roles.
🎓 DTU/Uni hubs
DTU Career Hub & other university boards.
Recruitment agencies (general & temp)
🤝 Randstad
🧩 Adecco
⏱️ TEMP-TEAM
📆 Moment
🧭 WorkinDenmark
State services, fairs & guidance for internationals.
🧠 Niche headhunters
IT/engineering specialists often source via LinkedIn—keep your profile sharp.
English-speaking roles
💻 Strongest sectors
IT, engineering, pharma/life science, and finance—especially in Copenhagen & Aarhus.
🏢 Global employers
Novo Nordisk, Maersk, Vestas, LEGO, Microsoft, etc. often hire in English.
🔎 Search tactics
Use keywords “English”, “international”, “global”. Short cover letters tailored to the ad.
🧹 Entry routes
Hospitality, logistics, cleaning sometimes accept non-Danish speakers for urgent roles.
How to apply: CV, cover letter & interview basics
📄 CV
Max 2 pages; quantify results; reorder for relevance. Include brief profile & key skills.
✉️ Cover letter
1 page: what you’ll deliver, not your life story. Mirror the ad’s language & priorities.
📞 References
Line up 2–3 references; note availability/time zones. Attach certificates if requested.
🗣️ Interview
Expect direct questions, teamwork focus, and cultural fit. Be specific and modest.
Salary snapshot (monthly gross, DKK)
💾 IT & Tech
~53,500
🛠️ Engineering
~49,200
🧬 Pharma/Life Sci
~51,400
💼 Finance
~55,700
🏥 Healthcare
~47,800
🍽️ Hospitality
~32,100
Indicative levels; seniority, union agreements, and location vary.
Related on exploringdenmark
🛂 Work visas
🧑🏫 Language
📋 Contracts
💶 Salaries
Frequently asked questions
🌍 Can I get hired from abroad?
Yes, but competition is high. Remote interviews are common; local address/CPR helps.
🗣️ Are interviews in English?
For English roles, usually—but expect some Danish small talk or a quick test.
📜 Work before permit?
No. You must hold a valid permit before starting paid work.
⏱️ Hiring timeline?
Often 2–8 weeks; slower during summer and winter holidays.
🔎 Sponsor-friendly firms?
Search “international”/“sponsor” on portals; check SIRI guidance for permit types.
🇩🇰 Do I need Danish?
Not always—IT/science/global firms hire in English. Basic Danish expands options fast.
Want a quick CV review or a recruiter shortlist?
Tell us your field and city—we’ll suggest portals, 3–5 agencies, and a CV tweak checklist.