How to Work in Denmark Updated Edition: Tips for finding a job in Denmark, succeeding at work, and understanding your Danish boss

by Kay Xander Mellish

Denmark is a great place to work - if you know the unwritten rules of Danish working culture.

The Danish "flat hierarchy" means that you may find yourself interacting with top management even as a junior employee. Your Danish boss will expect you to be proactive, work independently, and quickly admit mistakes when you make
them.

This book explains some of these unstated assumptions of the Danish workplace, as well as how to find a job in Denmark.

- Is learning to speak Danish necessary?
- How can you promote your skills in a job interview without breaking "The Jante Law"?
- Is it true that Danish bosses encourage you to disagree with them?
- Why is it so important to take a break and eat cake with your colleagues?
- What's it like to be an international boss leading a Danish team?

144 pages, Paperback

Published November 3, 2022

About the author

Kay Xander Mellish is the author of six books about living in Denmark as an international. She is a popular keynote speaker about Danish work culture and the internationalization of Danish business. Kay grew up in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, attended New York University, and lived in Germany and Hong Kong before moving to Denmark.

Reviews

[Libby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Confession: I didn't read the whole thing. I borrowed a copy of this from a friend, and she'd now like her copy back. I did read about 70% of it (I think). I skipped some irrelevant to me bits; if they become more relevant in time, I'll go back and read it.

This is a perfectly fine book if you don't want to search the Internet for advice on CVs, LinkedIn, cover letters. I think my problem is, I've already done all that. It's all very top line, and if you want more help, you'll probably need a mentor or a coach. Furthermore, some of the advice on how to engage with Danes is very good; but some of it seems a bit obvious to me. Don't be too self-centred. Show interest. Don't be a knob. Don't take yourself too seriously. Maybe it's because of the sector I come from, or maybe the country I've worked in my adult life.

But hey, starting out, it's good reassurance. And like I say, if you pick up a copy, you'll spend the time reading what you need to know in one place rather than many sites or podcasts, so this will probably save you time in the long run.