Finding a job in Oslo

Job advertisements

The majority of jobs advertised in Oslo are posted on one or more of the major platformsincluding NAVFINN.noand LinkedIn. You’ll also find listings on smaller Norwegian sitesinternational platformsand industry-specific portals.

Job ads are often duplicated across platforms but usually link back to the original listing—either on a main site or the company’s own website. If you’re interested in a specific companycheck their website directly or send an open application to express your interest.

Job ads in Norwegian and English

Looking for English-speaking jobs in Oslo? Many companies post listings in both Norwegian and Englishand some are open to international applicants.

Job listings may be in NorwegianEnglishor both. Understanding language expectations can help you decide whether to apply. HoweverEven if a job asks for fluent Norweiganit's often worth applying if you're otherwised qualified. You can state your interest in learning the language in the cover letter. Many companies can be flexible.

Job platforms

Most common platforms for jobs in Norway:

• Arbeidsplassen.no – A public job board managed by NAV (Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration). Offers filters by locationindustryand job type. You can apply directly or save searches.
• FINN.no – Norway’s largest classifieds site. Includes job listings with filters for locationcontract typeand working language (Norwegian or English). Tip: save your favorite searches and turn on notifications to get emails when new jobs are posted!
• LinkedIn – Widely used by companies in Oslo to post jobs and find candidates. Great for networking and discovering international-friendly roles.

Sector-specific and other job boards:

• Oslo Municipality – Public sector jobs in healtheducationand administration. Listings are mostly in Norwegian.
• Oslopolitan – Regional job board featuring openings from employers in the greater Oslo areaoften targeting international talent.
• EURES– European Commission’s job portal with listings and info about working conditions in Norway.
• Europass – EU platform offering tools for finding work or study opportunities across Europe.

Jobs in the startup community:

Norway has a growing startup sceneespecially in the tech sectorand is ranked among the top 30 startup ecosystems globally. Many startups actively seek international talent and offer roles in product developmentmarketingand engineering.

• TheHub.io – A Scandinavian platform for startup jobs in techproductand marketing.
• Startupmatcher – Recruitment platform focused on the Nordic startup ecosystem.
• Startuplab – An incubator and early-stage investor with job listings from tech startups.

Jobs in academia and research:

Oslo is home to world-leading research institutionsparticularly in fields like renewable energyhealth and life sciencesand artificial intelligence. Researchers and PhD candidates can find opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects and collaborate with international experts.

• Euraxess – A European platform for researchers and academics. Includes PhD programs and research positions in Norway.

Be aware of international platforms that duplicate Norwegian job ads and translate them to Englishwhich can sometimes be more confusing than helpful. It is always good to check if you can find where the job was initially postedas well as the language requirements for it.

Recruitment agencies

Working with a recruitment agency ("rekrutteringsbyrå") can be a great way to enter the job market in Oslo. Agencies vary in size and focusand many specialize in recruiting international candidates. Some offer English-language support and have experience placing skilled workersprofessionalsand executives. Andit doesn’t hurt to have several dialogues going at the same time!

How to find recruitment agencies:

• Gulesider.no – Norway’s online phone book or "yellow pages."
• Online web sarch – Try search terms like "international recruitment Oslo""recruitment for foreign workers"or "overseas recruitment Norway"

Here is a list of some recruitment agencies in Oslo that provide services in English:

• Adecco – Recruits skilled workers in constructionengineeringauto mechanicsand hospitality.
• Manpower – One of Norway’s largest recruitment agencies. Offers a wide range of roles across industries.
• Collett Search – Specializes in recruiting for executive and specialist roles.
• Avant Garde Search – Focuses on recruitment for technology companies.
• Amby – Recruitment partner for startups and tech companies.

Please note that these recruitment agencies are private companiesand that the City of Oslo does not have specific recommendations.

Networking

Networking plays a key role in finding a job in Norway. Alongside supporting your job searchnetworking provides an opportunity to meet like-minded people and make friends!

There are many ways to network in Oslo:

• Attend meetupsconferencesand industry events
• Reach out to professionals for informal coffee chats
• Join language cafés (språkkafe)volunteer organisationsand community groups
• Use LinkedIn to connect with people in your field

There are also many annual events and conferences which could be opportunities to meet professional connectionsincluding Oslo Innovation WeekDiversify SummitOslo Freedom Forumand Katapult Future Fest.

Additional resources

Use the platforms and tips above to explore opportunitiesconnect with othersand take confident steps toward employment in Oslo.

• Read our Voices from Oslo series: "I've worked in Oslo for 15 years" to hear from others who have been in your shoes.
• Jobs in Norway/Oslo is a Facebook group run by a local newspaper (Vårt Oslo) in collaboration with private citizens.
• Life in Norway is a private blog written by expats in Norway. Publishes articles with practical advice. Also promotes a book about job search in Norway.
• Career Services at the University of Oslo (UiO) has a collection of links to other practical resources.
• Sammen om en Jobb is a nonprofit organization which hosts activities such as career mentoring and networking events.
• Go to Jobbsøkertips at nav.no (in Norwegian) for relevant information about writing applicationsCVsand help preparing interviews in their guide for job seekers from NAV.