While dedicated sites, job boards, and recruitment agencies do exist, many positions in Norway are never even advertised publicly.
Instead, they're filled through personal connections and professional networks.
READ MORE: Expert tips to follow if you want to land a job in Norway
In a country where trust and familiarity play a huge role in hiring, knowing the right people can often make the difference between landing the job or getting overlooked.
That's why networking isn't just helpful - it's often essential, especially for international citizens who often move to Norway with a limited social and professional circle.
Why Norway is big on networking
Norway has a strong trust-based business environment. Employers often prefer hiring through personal recommendations rather than anonymous applications, as they value reliability and cultural fit, Cynthia Myrnes, a relocation expert and CEO of the Relocation AS company, told The Local.
"Having lived in Norway for 17 years, I have learned that networking plays a crucial role in the Norwegian job market for several reasons," Myrnes said.
"Firstly, there's a strong trust-based culture. Secondly, you also have this small, close-knit economy. With a relatively small population and workforce, many industries in Norway function within tight-knit professional circles where word-of-mouth referrals carry significant weight.
"This means that connections often open doors to opportunities that might not be accessible through traditional job applications," she explained.
Norway's "hidden job market"
Myrnes also noted that the country also has somewhat of an additional, "hidden" job market.
"Studies suggest that up to 70 percent of job opportunities in Norway are never publicly advertised. Many positions are filled internally or through professional networks before they ever reach the open job market. This makes networking an essential strategy for job seekers," she said.
She also pointed to specific, flat hierarchies and informal recruitment among Norwegian employers.
"Norwegian workplaces typically have flat organisational structures, where hiring decisions are often made collaboratively and informally. Direct personal connections can influence hiring more than bureaucratic processes, reinforcing the importance of networking in securing employment," Myrnes said.
FIRST STEPS: What to know when searching for a job in Norway
Effective ways for foreigners to network in Norway
The Relocation AS CEO also shared first-hand networking tactics that worked for her personally and her contacts in Norway.
"Norway has one of the highest LinkedIn adoption rates in Europe. Actively engaging with industry professionals, sharing relevant insights, and reaching out to hiring managers directly can significantly enhance job prospects," she said, adding that participating in industry events and networking meetups was another effective route.
"Attending professional gatherings such as trade fairs, conferences, and networking meetups provides valuable opportunities to connect with potential employers and industry leaders," Myrnes shared.
Joining professional associations is also a good gateway to meeting people in your industry.
"Many industries in Norway have well-established professional organisations that facilitate networking and career growth. Notable examples include Tekna (for engineers), Econa (for economists), and Abelia (for technology professionals), PWN (Professional Women's Network), and the Chamber of Commerce," Myrnes said, adding that volunteering with local organisations, charities, or community initiatives can also be an effective way to meet professionals, gain local experience, and establish connections that may lead to job opportunities.
Furthermore, she emphasised alumni and expat networks as valuable resources.
"Many Norwegian universities and international groups offer networking opportunities that can be instrumental for career advancement.
"Informal networking through social circles – such as engaging with other parents at school events or participating in community activities (dugnad) – can also lead to valuable professional connections," she said.
Bonus tips
Myrnes shared two additional tips that foreigners can take advantage of.
"While English is widely spoken, acquiring even a basic understanding of Norwegian can help foster connections and demonstrate commitment to integration within the local job market," she said.
READ MORE: Why you should learn Norwegian even if you don't need it for work
Furthermore, she noted that you shouldn't hesitate to contact the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) if you need career support:
"The NAV provides resources for job seekers, including career counselling, networking initiatives, and job market insights that can facilitate connections with potential employers."
A (personal) networking success story
Myrnes also shared a personal success story where networking played a key role in helping someone secure a job they wouldn't have found through regular applications.
"I was personally offered a job through a recommendation from someone in my network. However, I knew of an even stronger candidate for the role and recommended her instead.
"Two years later, she is thriving in the company, and the employer remains extremely satisfied with my referral. This position was never advertised – every candidate considered came through personal connections, highlighting just how crucial networking is in the Norwegian job market," she told The Local.
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