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!

Last week, Morrow Batteries officially inaugurated its cutting-edge battery factory in Arendal, a milestone event as it marks Europe’s first gigawatt-scale factory for Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries.

In attendance to officiate the ceremony was Norway’s Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre. In his speech, Støre drew parallels to industrial pioneer Sam Eyde, who "opened the gate to the world" when he set the hammer in motion at Nes Jernverk, putting Agder on the map as an industrial hub exporting goods to Europe and beyond. Today, Morrow is reimagining these gates with a workforce from 29 nations, highlighting the power of human collaboration in driving the innovation crucial for the green shift.

Morrow is a key partner for Welcome Hub Agder (WHA), which was established following Morrow’s decision to set up in Arendal in 2021. WHA supports international talent relocating to the region, helping them navigate local systems, secure housing, and build social networks. This support is essential for companies like Morrow, which rely on international expertise.

We were delighted to meet and mingle with several Morrow employees at the ceremony, especially Ramya Sri Alluri, a familiar face at WHA. She secured a job at Morrow after attending WHA’s job start course for spouses in March this year.

Congratulations Morrow! We look forward to our continued collaboration to make Agder an attractive place for international talent to thrive and stay.