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In January 2025, Tomas Fiala (now 28 years old) left his job and moved from the Czech Republic to Denmark, following his partner, who had secured a job here.
‘It didn’t really help’
At first, he eagerly searched for a job with the help of the Copenhagen Municipality, which is responsible for integrating newcomers from other countries by means of various courses and other support services. However, Tomas says ‘The help was much too general, and there was no individual feedback’.
An unexpected source: Lyngby International Club
The solution came from an unexpected source, namely Lyngby International Club, which Tomas has become a member of. One of his fellow members handed him the Red Cross Lyngby-Taarbæk job mentor folder, and Tomas seized the opportunity. ‘This is exactly what I need’, Tomas thought.
He quickly came into contact with mentor Hanne Schou-Rode, volunteer in Red Cross Lyngby-Taarbæk. Within less than two weeks they’ve set up a meeting, which also was convenient as they both lived locally.
Practical, personal and individual feedback from Red Cross
Hanne, a recruiting professional, gave feedback on Tomas’ CV, applications and LinkedIn-profile, and gave him insights into the Danish job market and what is preferred from employees. What was new to Tomas, was the importance of the introductory section of the CV and the strategic positioning of his LinkedIn profile.
Essentially, Tomas learned about his strengths, received personal feedback, and valued the professional approach that Hanne brought to the process. ‘It was important that Hanne had the professional approach she had’, Tomas says. The collaboration also gave inspiration and new energy, and Hanne was very flexible as to whether to meet online or physical and to move meetings.
The collaboration between Hanne and Tomas lasted 3-4 months, with monthly meetings until Tomas secured a job in the American pharmaceutical company Amgen, based in Østerbro, as an HR-data specialist.
‘I didn’t think it would be that good, it was enriching’, Tomas, who has no plans of moving to other countries, says about Red Cross.
Learn Danish
Some pieces of advice from Tomas to other foreign job seekers: Learn Danish, so you’ll be able to stay informed about what is going on around you. And engage in local society – you’ll never know!
Want a mentor yourself?
Do you also struggle to get a foothold on the labour market? Write us (lyngby.al.mentors@rodekors.dk). We cannot give you a job, but we may support you on the journey.
Read more about the Red Cross job mentors here
Train your Danish on the Red Cross virtual platform.