3 Tips When Applying to Tech Startups in Oslo

Over the last decade, Oslo has become a center for tech startups - but with so much happening in the startup community, how do you stand out when applying as talent?

Landing your Next Job

It’s no secret that Oslo has become a center for tech startups. As a result, Norwegian and international startups alike have set their sites on Oslo. But an influx of companies also means an influx and candidates from around the world looking to make this northern capital their new home. If you are one of these candidates, how do you stand out from the crowd?

As a tech recruitment company, our consultants are well versed in hiring for Oslo-based companies of all sizes. While every company is different when it comes to what they are looking for in their next hire, there are a few underlying factors that nearly all startups value. The following tips can help you stand out from the crowd when it comes to landing your next job.

1.  Know Your Strengths

One of the most important things you can do when applying to tech companies in Oslo is to be specific about your skillset and tech stack. More often than not, candidates list any skills they are even the slightest bit comfortable with. As a result, their strongest skills may get overlooked while their most underdeveloped skills become the focus. Not only does this make them seem underdeveloped on all fronts, but it also deprives them of the opportunity to talk about and showcase their true talent. Moral of the story? Focus on and communicate what you’re best at. While a broad skillset is valued at a startup, it shouldn’t be the focus of your application.

2. Own Your Personal Brand

Be vocal about said strengths and about what you bring to the table. Keep your LinkedIn profile updated, be active in your network and cultivate your image.

3. Have a Long-Term Orientation

Lastly, it is crucial to showcase your understanding of the company and what it is trying to achieve. While this is important with any company, it is essential when applying to a startup, given that profound impact early hires have on the company’s direction. Rather than simply researching the company and industry, try to think as to how your specific skillset resonates with the company’s mission and vision in the long-run. It is important to remember that working for a startup is a marathon - not a sprint - so showcasing your long-term orientation in the beginning may be advantageous. Once you have a concrete understanding of the connection between the company’s direction and your own skillset, try to think about how this connection can help shape the company’s early-stage development. Resonating with the company from a future-oriented perspective will help you stand out from other candidates.

Applying to, and eventually working at, a tech startup is a unique and exciting experience - one that should be approached with equal parts curiosity and proactiveness. We hope that the tips above help you polish your profile and eventually make Oslo your new home.