What Happens After Registration as a Job Seeker?

Who is this guide for?

This guide is for you if you have already registered as a job seeker through Job Market Finland or your regional Employment Services. It helps you understand what happens next and which messages you need to react to.

The guide is written for Deaf and sign-language immigrants. The most important things are knowing where to check messages, when you may need an interpreter and why the first meeting matters.

What happens immediately after registration?

When your registration has been received, you usually receive an acknowledgement or further instructions. The acknowledgement may show that your job search is valid, the information you submitted and what should happen next.

Your first task is to check that your contact information is correct and read messages in Job Market Finland E-services regularly. Employment Services may send messages, open tasks, an invitation to a meeting or a request for additional information.

First check

Save the acknowledgement, check your contact information and open Job Market Finland E-services regularly.

Initial interview

The initial interview is the first discussion where Employment Services look at your situation and begin planning the next steps. You may discuss the work you are looking for, education, skills, health, work ability, language skills, barriers to job search and the support you need.

The initial interview is usually arranged within the timeframe required by the current rules after the start of your job search. If your region works differently or gives you a specific appointment time, follow the instructions you receive through Job Market Finland or from your local Employment Services.

The first steps after registration

1

Step 1

You receive an acknowledgement or next instruction

This is the next point in the route.

2

Step 2

You check messages and contact information

Check your situation before the next action.

3

Step 3

You may receive a request for clarification

This is the next point in the route.

4

Step 4

You receive an invitation to an initial interview

This is the next point in the route.

5

Step 5

You discuss your situation with a specialist

This is the next point in the route.

6

Step 6

You agree on the first next steps

This is the next point in the route.

7

Step 7

An employment plan is prepared or updated

This is the next point in the route.

Your employment service specialist

As a job seeker, you usually handle matters with an employment service specialist. They may contact you through Job Market Finland E-services, by phone, by letter or in another agreed way.

In the initial interview or a later discussion, you usually agree how contact will continue. Tell the service if sign language, written communication or an interpreter is necessary for you.

Labour policy statement

If you apply for unemployment security, the employment authority issues a labour policy statement. The statement tells Kela or an unemployment fund whether the job-search-related conditions for unemployment security are met.

Employment Services usually do not pay the benefit. Kela or an unemployment fund processes payment separately. The statement can be seen in Job Market Finland E-services when it is ready. If more information is needed before the statement, reply to the request by the deadline.

Two different roles

Employment Services assess job-search matters. Kela or an unemployment fund processes unemployment benefit payment.

Tasks and messages in Job Market Finland

In Job Market Finland E-services you may see open tasks, messages, requests for clarification, statements and later obligations connected to your employment plan. Tasks may have a deadline.

If you receive a message, read it fully. Check whether you need to reply, send more information, attend a meeting or mark a task as completed. If you cannot do something in time, contact Employment Services before the deadline passes.

If you need a sign language interpreter

If the initial interview or another meeting is arranged in person, by phone or by video, arrange interpreting as soon as you receive the time. If Kela has granted you the right to interpreting services, you can usually use the service for public-authority matters according to Kela guidance.

Tell Employment Services early that you need a sign language interpreter or an accessible communication method. You can also ask for a written summary so you can check the agreed points calmly after the meeting.

Related Guides

Next Step

Next, it is useful to understand the employment plan: what is written in it, how tasks are agreed and why deadlines matter.