Does having a foreign name pose as an added challenge for international job seekers in Norway?

This thought-provoking question was at the heart of Jama Philip Korn’s presentation, Getting a Job with a Foreign Name, at Welcome Hub Agder’s (WHA) first Job Start Course in Kristiansand.

Korn, a career counsellor at Karriere Agder, drew from real-life examples featured in local media to shed light on the unique barriers faced by job seekers with non-Norwegian or ethnically diverse names. His presentation addressed how these candidates often encounter unconscious bias in the hiring process, even before they’ve had a chance to demonstrate their skills or experience. This is especially so for internationals hoping to secure their first job in Norway.

While name-based discrimination continues to affect international job seekers in Norway, Korn emphasised that this issue isn’t solely about prejudice. From an employer’s perspective, unfamiliar names can trigger hesitation, not necessarily from malice, but from a fear of the unknown—something that sounds different, and therefore feels uncertain.

In addition to name bias, Korn noted a common preference by employers to favour candidates with Norwegian education and work experience. The reason for this - it takes too much time and effort for employers to validate foreign qualifications and employment history. As a result, many international applicants are overlooked simply because their credentials are unfamiliar.

Rather than focusing solely on reforming the hiring system —something that will take time— Korn encouraged international job seekers to be proactive. This includes cultivating cultural awareness, demonstrating flexibility, and adapting to Norwegian workplace norms without losing one’s identity.

“It’s not about changing your identity to fit in, but about understanding the system and learning how to navigate it strategically,” Korn said.

One of the most powerful tools job seekers can leverage, according to Korn, is networking. Whether it’s being present at events, maintaining a strong presence on platforms like LinkedIn, or volunteering, visibility matters. These efforts not only help build professional connections but also give employers a chance to see beyond the name on a CV. He also urged job seekers to view their diverse backgrounds as assets.

“Your name tells a story. Use it as a door opener, not a door closer.”

- Jama Philip Korn, career counsellor, Karriere Agder

As with previous Job Start courses in Arendal, several industry experts delivered a series of presentations and workshops at the two-day course in Kristiansand. Topics included:

• crafting a standout CV and cover letter tailored to Norwegian employers
• understanding the process for approving foreign education
• building a compelling LinkedIn profile
• learning how the recruitment process works in Norway 
• preparing for and excelling in job interviews

The Job Start course in Kristiansand welcomed internationals from all over the world, many of whom had moved to Agder as spouses of professionals hired by local employers such as Morrow Batteries, Vennesla Videregående Skole, Aker BP, Universitetet i Agder, Apotek 1, Sørlandet Sykehus Arendal and Mester Grønn.

One such accompanying spouse, Nurul Aini Syazanna, travelled to Kristiansand for the course although she lives in Arendal. She had not considered that having a foreign name could affect her job search in Norway, but believes that recognising this challenge is the first step towards addressing it.

"Philip’s presentation helped me understand how networking and volunteering can help internationals, especially those with a foreign name, to showcase our skills, build trust, and make personal connections that go beyond what's written on a CV. I see this as a proactive approach to get one foot in the door."

- Nurul Aini Syazanna, relocated from Malaysia when her husband found a job in Arendal.

West Agder is a region where many internationals are outside of society and Job Start is an initiative that will support many in finding meaningful work, said Megan Strand, CEO, WHA.

"Key to retaining international competence in the region is supporting spouses of international workers to find work themselves. Job Start is an initiative where internationals get a chance to receive invaluable advice, meet experts and build a network that will support them in getting their first job in Norway," she added.

WHA's Job Start Kristiandsand would not be possible without the valuable support of our partners and collaborators - Caritas Arendal, Karriere Agder, Frameworks, Linn Hesthag, Isra Issa, Nord Café, and Bølgen Bærekraftsenter - a sincere thank you for making our first Job Start course in Kristiansand a success!

Welcome Hub Agder in collaboration with Frameworks AS has launched a digital talent database for international talent in Agder called Talent Hub Database. 

The newly launched talent database is an innovative platform simplifying the recruitment process for businesses and organisations in Agder, and is specifically aimed at both local talents and newcomers with valuable skills seeking opportunities in Agder.

In the talent database, individuals can register and highlight their skills, experiences, areas of expertise, and educational backgrounds, thereby helping to create a dynamic and diverse work environment capable of meeting the region's growing needs.

The database seeks to address Agder’s growing predicament  regarding competency challenges and integration. The influx of international talent in Agder is as a result of the anticipated significant growth in both its business and population. The database will be an effective solution to connect local businesses with international talents who have recently made Agder their new home and are eager to contribute to the local job market.

“Agder, and Norway, is in need of international competence to meet our demands. As we hire from abroad, these talents often have a spouse or partner with equally high competency they bring with them. If we want these valuable newcomers to stay we need to support the spouses in finding meaningful work. The talent database connects businesses with competence that already resides in the region.” says Megan Strand, CEO of Welcome Hub Agder.

Norway has been ranked among the worst in the world in terms of integration and well-being among international migrants (Expat Insider, 2023). This often leads many to leave Norway after a short period, which can also have a negative impact on Agder’s business.

To address these challenges, it is crucial to nurture, integrate, and support both the competency recruited to Agder and their families. 

“We invite businesses, organisations, and talents in Agder to explore the opportunities that the database offers. By gathering a diversity of skills in one place, we take an important step towards strengthening our region's position as an attractive place for innovation and growth,” said Simen Wik,  CEO, Frameworks. 

For more information, visit Talent Hub Database

About Welcome Hub Agder

Initiated by Impact Hub Agder and Arendal Municipality, Welcome Hub Agder (WHA) leads the way in supporting international talents in their integration process while meeting businesses' needs for recruitment and retention of international talent. With a two-pronged strategy, WHA has developed measures that not only facilitate the transition for newcomers and their families but also strengthen local communities, businesses, and organisations through courses, events, and networking. WHA acts as a bridge between talent and businesses, contributing to creating a more dynamic and diverse business environment in the Agder region.

About Frameworks

Frameworks focuses solely on developing feature-rich websites and great digital solutions, specialising in development, design, security, and operations. They have assisted with design, coding, user experience mapping (UX), and have been an ideal partner for the development of the talent database.

Source: Expat City Ranking 2023

Contact: 
Megan Sommer Strand 
Tel: 948 44 518
Email: megan@welcomehub.no  
Website: www.welcomehub.no