Who is this guide for?
This guide is for you if you have registered as a job seeker and Employment Services has invited you to an initial interview, a job search discussion or to prepare a plan. It is also for you if you see tasks in Job Market Finland E-services and are not sure what to do with them.
The guide is written for Deaf and sign-language immigrants. The goal is to explain simply what an employment plan means and why deadlines should be followed carefully.
What is an employment plan?
An employment plan is a personal plan that supports your job search. It records the goals of your job search, agreed tasks, possible services and how your contact with Employment Services will continue.
The purpose of the plan is to help you move towards work, training or another service that fits your situation. It is not just a form. It is a practical list of things that you and Employment Services need to follow.
What does the plan do?
It brings together your goals, tasks, services, deadlines and the way you report that tasks are completed.
When and how is it prepared?
An employment plan is usually prepared in the initial interview or another job search discussion. In some situations, the plan may be prepared before a meeting or updated in later discussions.
The plan is prepared together with your assigned employment service specialist. In the discussion, your situation and service needs are assessed: what work you can apply for, whether you need training, rehabilitation, language support, work ability assessment or other support.
Preparing the plan
Step 1
You attend an initial interview or job search discussion
This is the next point in the route.
Step 2
You explain your skills, goals and situation
This is the next point in the route.
Step 3
The specialist assesses your service needs with you
This is the next point in the route.
Step 4
You agree on tasks and possible services
This is the next point in the route.
Step 5
You agree on deadlines and contact methods
This is the next point in the route.
Step 6
You check the plan in Job Market Finland E-services
Check your situation before the next action.
Step 7
You mark agreed tasks as completed by the deadline
This is the next point in the route.
What can be included in the plan?
The plan may include job search, applying for vacancies, updating your CV, exploring training options, language studies, labour market training, a work try-out, rehabilitation, work ability assessment or another service that supports employment.
The plan also states how progress is monitored. For example, you may mark a task as completed in Job Market Finland E-services or inform the employment official directly if online services are not possible.
What is the job search obligation?
The job search obligation means that the plan may state how many job opportunities you need to apply for during a certain period. Official guidance explains that the obligation is recorded in the employment plan and your situation is taken into account.
The obligation is not the same for everyone. It may be affected by health, disability, skills, the labour market situation in your region, education or whether suitable job opportunities are available. If there are no suitable opportunities, the obligation may not be set in the same way.
Ask if you are unsure
If you do not understand how many jobs to apply for or what counts as applying, ask the specialist and request the answer in writing.
How do you complete tasks in the plan?
Check Job Market Finland E-services to see what tasks are in your plan and when they must be completed. When you have completed a task, mark it as completed or report it in the agreed way.
A task may be applying for a job, taking part in a service, sending additional information or contacting your specialist. Keep proof, such as an application confirmation, email or your own note.
What if your situation changes?
Tell Employment Services if your situation changes. Important changes may include starting work, starting studies, illness, moving home, a family situation change, a new residence permit situation or being unable to complete an agreed task by the deadline.
Do not wait until the deadline has passed. Contact the service immediately if you need to change the plan, reschedule a meeting or get an explanation of a message.
What can happen if you do not follow the plan?
If you do not follow the plan, do not answer messages or leave tasks unfinished without an acceptable reason, this may affect unemployment security. Employment Services may ask for clarification and issue a labour policy statement that Kela or an unemployment fund uses when processing your benefit.
The point is not to scare you, but to help you act in time. If a task is unclear or impossible to do, tell the service before the deadline.
If you need a sign language interpreter
Arrange interpreting early if the plan is prepared in a meeting, phone call or video call. If Kela has granted you the right to interpreting services, you can usually use an interpreter for public-authority matters according to Kela guidance.
Tell the specialist that you need sign language, a written summary or more time to read the plan. Ask that important tasks and deadlines are written clearly.
Related Guides
Next Step
After the plan is made, the next important topic is how job search, unemployment security and applying for benefit are connected.