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
Hi there! We're Thomas and Manuel.
We are two international students starting our second year of our Masters at Aarhus University. We built this project with one goal: helping incoming 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, straight and actionable, in a way you won't easily find elsewhere.
What we noticed is that a lot of international students in Denmark are navigating this blindly. Not just unfamiliar with Danish work culture, but unsure how to interview, how to apply, where to even start. That's a gap we're trying to close.
You've probably already heard the buzzwords: flat hierarchy, informal work style. 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 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: never open a cover letter with "Dear Hiring Manager." We can guarantee it won't be read by an actual person, because it reads as impersonal.
We've structured this project 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 know, and that's exactly where we come in. 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. Go to the Contact page if you do have any!
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
Additional comments on Danish CVs
The CV that got you interviews back home probably will not here. Here is what Danish employers actually look for, and how to fix 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.
What readers say
From international students on the ground.
“I found it more useful than the other info you see online. I contacted the founder of this, and he offered to have a coffee chat with me to give more advice.”
“Useful. Was recently offered a job with Siemens Gamesa.”
“Found a café job through a Facebook group tip from the hospitality guide. Can now reach my SU hours every week.”
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 for a small fee. 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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