Support for Job Seeking
If You Become Unemployed or Are Laid Off
Register as a job seeker in the Job Market Finland e-Services at the latest on your first day of unemployment. This is important so that the processing of your unemployment benefit can begin.
If you are unable to use the online service, you can also register at our office using a paper form.
Employment Services, Aittakarinkatu 21 Building C
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 12:00–15:00.
See other contact details on the Job Market Finland regional page.
You will receive personal support
Your job search will begin as soon as you have registered as a job seeker.
You are entitled to public employment services and, if you meet the conditions, also to unemployment benefits.
Unemployment benefits are conditional. This means that there are certain requirements and obligations you must follow in order to receive them. Learn more about the rights and obligations of an unemployed job seeker on Job Market Finland (tyomarkkinatori.fi/en).
Initial interview and employment plan
You will be invited to an initial interview either by phone or by letter.
During the initial interview:
- an employment plan suited to your situation will be prepared, and a job search obligation appropriate to your situation will be set
- an assessment will be made of what kind of support and services you need to promote your job search
Remember to enable Suomi.fi Messages so that you can receive messages and decisions quickly.
EURES services for job seekers
EURES (European Employment Services) is a European job mobility network that supports job seekers in the EU, as well as in Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. The services are free of charge.
EURES services support both Finnish job seekers looking for work in Europe and European job seekers interested in working in Finland. Unemployed job seekers can also look for work elsewhere in Europe. EURES services are available to job seekers free of charge.
Services to support job seeking
Public employment services provide job seekers with a wide range of support at different stages of the job search. You can receive local guidance for job seeking, support for career planning, and access to various training opportunities according to your situation.
The TYM cooperation model is intended for unemployed clients of public employment services who need coordinated services as well as multidisciplinary support and guidance to help them find employment.
Pay subsidies can make recruitment easier for employers. In addition, there are specific employment subsidies available for young people and for those over 55. These measures can help improve employment opportunities even when limited work experience or other circumstances make job seeking more challenging.
Various types of coaching, work trials and training help you explore new fields, develop your skills and find direction in your job search. You can also receive support for starting a business. Under certain conditions, you may be eligible for a start-up grant that supports the early stages of entrepreneurship. Read more about starting a business.
Job search coaching
Applying for a job is a skill that can be learned. In job search coaching, you will receive support and guidance for independent job seeking. You will learn how to use different job search channels and how to assess various job opportunities in relation to your own job search and skills.
Job search coaching is offered to clients in the South Satakunta employment area as programmes lasting 3–4 days, both online and in person.
Eligibility and conditions
You can apply for job search coaching if
- you have registered as a job seeker
- the public employment authority assesses that you need job search coaching
- the coaching has been agreed upon in your employment plan
Contact your local public employment authority and ask whether you are eligible for job search coaching.
Legislation:
Act on the Organisation of Public Employment Services
https://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/ajantasa/2023/20230380
Work coaching
Work coaching is a suitable service for you if you need personal support in job seeking or starting a job, or if you have been unemployed for a long time.
Work coaching is tailored to your needs. A coach will help you find a job or an apprenticeship, conclude an employment contract and establish your employment relationship.
Eligibility and conditions
You can participate in work coaching if
- you have registered as a job seeker
- the public employment authority assesses that you need job search coaching
- the coaching has been agreed upon in your employment plan
Contact your local public employment authority and ask whether it is possible for you to receive work coaching.
Legislation:
Act on the Organisation of Public Employment Services
https://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/ajantasa/2023/20230380
Work try-out
A work try-out gives you the opportunity to explore different fields and employers without entering into a binding employment relationship. It helps you consider career options and make vocational choices. In addition, a work try-out can support your return to working life after a long absence.
The duration and working hours of a work try-out are agreed upon together with your local public employment authority and the employer. A work try-out can last for a maximum of six months.
During a work try-out, you will receive the same unemployment benefit as when unemployed.
If participating in a work try-out incurs expenses, you may receive an expense allowance for the days of participation. If you do not receive an allowance from the unemployment benefit payer, i.e. an unemployment fund or Kela, the public employment authority may grant discretionary expense compensation.
Eligibility and conditions
You can participate in a work try-out if:
- you have registered as a job seeker
- the public employment authority assesses that you need job search coaching
- the coaching has been agreed upon in your employment plan
The provider of a work try-out may be a company, a sole trader, a municipality, a joint municipal authority, another organisation, a foundation, or a government agency or institution. A private individual cannot act as the provider of a work try-out. You cannot take part in a work try-out in a workplace where you are already employed.
Legislation:
Act on the Organisation of Public Employment Services
https://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/ajantasa/2023/20230380
Pay subsidies
Pay subsidies can be used to promote the employment of unemployed job seekers by supporting employers with wage costs. Pay subsidies are therefore granted to and paid to your employer.
The granting of pay subsidies is always based on the needs of the unemployed job seeker. Discuss the possibility of subsidised employment with your customer advisor. Any pay subsidy decision will be recorded in your employment plan.
Pay subsidies may be granted:
- a permanent full-time employment relationship
- a fixed-term full-time employment relationship
- apprenticeship training
- a part-time employment relationship, if the authority granting the subsidy considers it appropriate and the subsidy improves the job seeker’s chances of employment
The public employment authority will assess whether the subsidy is the most appropriate way to promote the employment of an unemployed job seeker and will decide separately on the duration and amount of each subsidy period. Read more on Job Market Finland >