"My first response to a job application via a job agency is an immediate rejection stating that I must have Swedish even though they haven't even spoken to me."
Monday
This week is a fresh start in every sense of the word. The weekend was a welcome two-day break from constantly thinking about Northvolt and shifting my mindset to not care about the factory. That said, I still care deeply about the people working there. It's just that because I'm no longer on the journey, it doesn't mean I want to see it fail.
Tuesday
As per my plan, I have created a structure for my days. I wake up at 06:30 to get the kids off to school and then have a bike ride. Then it is time to open the laptop and get busy looking for that new opportunity. Heeding the things I learnt last week, the search stretches from Sundsvall to Luleå. Taking a job away from Skellefteå is not the ideal option, but it has to be a serious consideration. We are settled in Skellefteå and I don't want to uproot what we have built here. But I need a job.
Wednesday
The elephant in the room is the language. I have been learning and for the most part can read, write and speak Swedish but not to a high standard. Up to this point, I have not taken any formal training and my learning has been purely self-driven. Now I have the time, this needs to change. I signed up for the ABF Swedish course, two evenings per week.
I also switched all my social media posts to Swedish. I hope that this can show anyone who looks at my various profiles that I can speak some Swedish. In the roles I had before Northvolt we spoke Swedish, but it was not seen as a barrier to switch to English.
I feel that in one way the demand for Swedish is not really as important as perceived. The issue is getting over that wall and convincing people it can work. As an example my first response to a job application via a job agency is an immediate rejection stating that I must have Swedish even though they haven't even spoken to me.
Thursday
Some good news! Through an old colleague I have got an interview! Earlier in the week I had a message from them giving me a heads-up that a position was becoming available, and I should send in my CV. I did so in Swedish and got the reply in English! A perfect example of my previous observations.
I go to the interview, and it goes pretty well. I am able to take the majority of it in Swedish and if I get the job I can start straight away. This is exactly what I need, more people in recruitment taking a chance, evaluating the applicant, and not making assumptions from what is on paper.
Friday
And here lies the final thought for the week. The job hunt so far has emphasised that many employers focus more on my ability to perform it in Swedish than anything else, including competency. This means that I should adjust my sights a little, look for a non-management role, get the Swedish to a higher level and build up again. I have no doubts in my abilities to make that work. The issue here is recruiters see the CV and think I am not suitable for the job or am over qualified etc.
Then, I ask, how can I win?