Helping international students land their first job in Denmark.
Honest, practical guidance written by internationals who figured it out the hard way. No corporate jargon, no recycled career-service tips.
First Steps
Hej! We're Thomas and Manuel.
We are two international students starting the second year of our Masters at Aarhus University. We built this project with one goal: helping both incoming & present international students land a student job in Denmark, through practical, hands-on advice.
We started our own journey in Denmark in August 2025. We arrived with the same doubts and uncertainty you might be feeling right now. Along the way we learned things the hard way. And we want to pass on that knowledge - to the point and actionable - in a way you simply can't find elsewhere.
It was obvious to us that many foreign students in Denmark are navigating this process blindly. They are not only unfamiliar with Danish work culture and intricacies, but also unsure how to interview, how to apply, where to even start. That's a gap we're trying to close.
You've likely already heard the phrases: 'flat hierarchy', 'informal work style' and 'call the CEO by first name'. But what does that actually mean for you? How does it change the way you should introduce yourself to the workforce? What are the practical implications for your job search and application strategy?
Here's the thing: Danish society (and Scandinavia more broadly) runs on a set of values that shape not just how people work, but how they relate to one another. That has real, material consequences for how you should approach your search. If you ignore this reality, you'll struggle to land a role, no matter how qualified you are.
For example, you'll find plenty of students on Facebook or Reddit complaining about sending hundreds of applications and getting zero interviews. The reason is usually simple: they're doing it wrong. Sending a generic CV through an application portal stopped being an effective strategy a long time ago. This isn't unique to Denmark, it's true worldwide. If you feel you're in the same boat, we'll help you reorientate your strategy.
If you've worked in your home country before, some of this advice might feel counterintuitive. For instance, in Denmark, never open a cover letter with "Dear Hiring Manager." It is considered as impersonal.
Ultimately, this resource has been structured around two types of roles:
First, student roles related to your field of study. These are more competitive, so they'll require more practice and preparation. But we have tips that not many people are aware of. We're confident that if you approach your search with the right mindset, you'll significantly increase your odds and land more interviews along the way.
Second, low-skill entry-level jobs with fast onboarding. This is practical advice for when money is tight and you need income quickly, like Manuel did when he first arrived. There's actually a Danish term for this: rugbrødsjobs.
Stick around and explore the rest of the site. We're always happy to hear your questions and concerns (navigate to the Contact page if you do have any!)
What students say
Real, non curated feedback from our coaching sessions.
what I want to highlight about the session is the mentor directly helped us to reframe our existing resume and how he gave guidance in approaching hiring managers, with example from his personal experience. Other good things are the mentor listened to our challenges. Afterall, I appreciate the practicality of this session
Couldn't recommend more for some guidance! I'm an individual from the UK looking for a potential job in Copenhagen in the sustainability and renewable sector. I've been struggling with getting past first stage applications as the Danish hiring system is a whole lot different to the UK. Since have my talks with Manuel; CV guidance, job approaches and connections. I have noticed a lot of feedback from personnel, employees and companies. Generally, if you're stuck or struggling like I was myself please don't hesitate. It's completely free and they critically broke down all my application process. Thank you Hygge & Hired.
Two routes in
Pick the path that matches what you actually need.
Most international students in Denmark are after one of two things. Both are valid. They need different tactics, and we've split the site so you only see the guidance that fits.
Want to build your career while you study?
Student assistant roles, internships, and office-based jobs offer real experience, strong CV lines and a chance for the graduate role with that company. The process is more competitive, but the tips below will give you a genuine edge.
See the guides →Need income quickly?
If you need to start earning as soon as possible, hospitality and retail jobs are your fastest route in. Lower barriers, faster hiring, flexible hours. Here's how to get one.
See the guides →Not sure which applies to you? Read the First Steps section above and go from there.
"I applied to a huge amount of student assistant positions in Denmark. Some of my international friends applied to 100+. Many companies don't even bother sending a rejection email. The Danish student job market is very competitive, but it's a numbers game, and the only way through it is to keep persevering. Each rejection teaches you something the next application uses. You don't learn from succeeding. Something will come."
Start here
Featured guides
How to Build a Danish CV
The CV that got you interviews back home probably will not here. Here is what Danish employers actually look for, and how to build yours in an afternoon.
What Actually Gets You Hired in Denmark
Skills get you on the shortlist. Personality, follow-up, and a willingness to integrate get you the job. Here is what makes the difference.
FAQ
Quick answers.
- Is this free?
- Yes, all guides are completely free. We may only charge for 1-to-1 coaching sessions.
- Does this work for non-EU students?
- Most guides apply to everyone. The SU section is specific to EU/EEA students.
- I don't speak Danish at all. Can I still get a student job?
- Yes, particularly in international companies and some hospitality venues. Our guides cover both Danish-required and English-friendly roles. Bear in mind, however, that learning Danish and showing an interest in it will significantly increase your chances. We would highly recommend taking lessons on a regular basis.
- Do you offer CV & cover letter templates?
- Yes. CV and cover letter templates are available. Get in touch via the contact page to request them, or keep an eye on the site as we'll be listing them here soon.
- I've applied to 30 places and only had rejections. What should I do?
- The student job market is very competitive. It's ultimately a numbers game. Champion your CV and cover letter game, and keep applying. Never give up, it will come.
- Does it matter what I study?
- Not necessarily. Often the job posting will mention what study line they'd prefer, but it's commonly known for engineering students to land finance roles, for example, thanks to their analytical and problem-solving background. As long as you have a willingness to learn, are hard-working and a generally nice person, they will take you on.
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