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 (WHA) is launching its Job Start Course in Kristiansand in April, marking the first time that the course will be held outside of Arendal.

The course is aimed at providing newcomers with the practical tools and resources that they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market. Industry professionals are also invited to share valuable insights and strategies for job searching, networking, and skill development.

With approximately 30 percent of participants from previous Job Start courses securing employment within three months of attending, WHA is confident that the course will also make an impact in other municipalities in the region.

"We’re thrilled to have met so many great talents living in Agder and supporting them to take confident steps toward their future careers. Hosting our Job Start Course in Kristiansand is the next logical step for us … we want to support job seekers throughout Agder and we’re excited about this."

- Megan Strand, CEO, WHA 

WHA’s first Job Start course for the year concluded in Arendal last week. Participants learnt:

• how to write a compelling CV and cover letter for a Norwegian employer
• what the interview process is like in Norway and how to ace that interview
• how to use LinkedIn for personal branding
• the importance of networking for internationals seeking jobs in Norway and strategies for effective networking
• the importance of managing emotional and mental challenges that come with job searching, including strategies to stay motivated and maintain a positive mindset throughout the job

One participant, Clara Joan Joaquim, had only been in Arendal for a week after moving from Malaysia, when she joined the course. She shared how Job Start equipped her with new strategies to stand out in the competitive Norwegian job market.

“I am currently refining my CV and LinkedIn profile based on the valuable insights shared by the speakers. They highlighted aspects of job hunting—particularly in the Norwegian job market—that I had not previously considered."

- Clara Joan Joaquim, Job Start participant

"A speaker from NAV also provided insights into current job market demands, which I found particularly helpful in aligning my job search accordingly. I am eager to assess my current potential and focus on upskilling to become more competitive,” added Joaquim.

While the course provides an essential introduction to the local job landscape for newcomers to Norway, it also underscores the importance of continued support for job seekers, helping them build confidence and take meaningful steps toward employment in Norway.

WHA would like to thank our collaborators, without whose support this course would not have been possible:

• Eli Skaug Syvertsen, NAV Agder
• Gjermund Nesland, Qualified Professionals
• Joris Neyens, Caritas Arendal
• Karl Norli, Arendal Voksenopplæring
• Kenneth Stubhaug Karlsen, Tekna
• Lars Anders Lai Gathe-Ilebekk, Karriere Agder, Agder fylkeskommune
• Levi Westerveld, Places.nu
• Margrethe Aurora Seljenes, UiA
• Nora Clarke, Mindset Therapy and Coaching Kristiansand
• NHO
• Simen Wik, Frameworks
• Sparebanken Sør
• Fellow internationals - Abida Nagra, Anna Kurus and Sabrina Simmons

Welcome Hub Agder’s recent Job Start Course marked a significant milestone by emphasising the importance of mental well-being for international job seekers. For the first time, the course introduced a positive psychology approach to reframing the job search experience, shifting the narrative from struggle to opportunity. 

The inclusion of well-being as a key theme reflects the growing recognition that the job search journey is not just a professional endeavour but also a deeply personal one. Through the lens of positive psychology, participants were encouraged to view challenges as opportunities for growth and to prioritise flourishing in all aspects of life.

This transformative perspective highlights that life is about thriving, not merely enduring, according to Life and Business Coach Nora Clarke from Mindset Therapy and Coaching Kristiansand, who presented on the topic at the course. 

“It empowers individuals to remain resilient, resourceful, and connected, even when faced with challenges. By focusing on holistic well-being, international job seekers can move beyond survival, achieving not just professional success but also a fulfilling life in the country they now call home.”

- Life and Business Coach, Nora Clarke

A positive psychology approach is built on thriving in key domains of life encapsulated in the PERMA model.

The success of this course was made possible through the collaboration of dedicated partners who came together to curate a programme tailored to the unique needs of international job seekers. Their contributions ensured a comprehensive and supportive experience for all participants. So far, 30% of participants have successfully secured a job after completing the course.  

As part of this year’s course, a Job Start Special presentation was held to explore the possibilities of entrepreneurship in Norway. The crash course focused on developing a business idea, the importance of identifying the customer and following through with an action plan. This addition reflects the course’s commitment to fostering a diverse range of pathways for success. e of pathways for success. 

Welcome Hub extends our heartfelt thanks to all our partners and participants who contributed to yet another successful programme, reaffirming the shared goal of creating a thriving community for all participants.