I have an interview next week for a position on a team that is located in Copenhagen in Denmark.

8 Comments

1. AnonymousMarch 1,2023 at 6:05PM UTC

   First of all, Copenhagen is an amazing city (maybe you will get to visit).

   In my last job, I found the people I worked with from Denmark had a great idea of work-life balance, talked about hobbies, and are basically far more healthy about work than than my US cohorts.

   In fact, I was a bit envious of them.

   BUT, even as a New Yorker, I found at least the people from Denmark I worked with (all men) were blunt.

   They were not mean but they were honest. And they definitely did not learn the feedback sandwich.

   For example, an American might say something like, "Hmm, it looks like there is a problem with this code. Maybe look at line 54, that doesn't look quite right."

   My colleagues from Denmark would say: "Line 54 of the code is wrong. You didn't see it?" (There was also one guy that would follow it up with statements like "You didn't see it. I did right away" but that was probably just him. Also, this particular person seemed to get blunter the more he liked you.)

   Obviously, this is just a small subset of people who happen to be from Denmark and people are people. So take everything with a grain of salt. But I know I was personally a bit ill-prepared for the bluntness and got my feelings hurt a few times before I realized they were just being themselves and actually liked me!

2. AnonymousMarch 1,2023 at 6:39PM UTC

   One thing to consider is meeting (virtually) with an etiquette coach that is fluent in Danish etiquette, corporate and personal. Those small examples of etiquette will be noticed and appreciated. I guarantee no one else will have thought of it. Good Luck

3. ChristineMarch 1,2023 at 7:00PM UTC

   I think people from all countries appreciate someone attempting to learn their language. Even a few words of greeting will mean a lot!

4. SwethaMarch 1,2023 at 7:32PM UTC

   Understand how to present your work.

   Unlike the US, Europeans also like to learn about what you do for hobbies - so talk a bit about that as well. I would recommend connecting with someone that works in Denmark, and ask about how you can build rapport in the interview. I’ve interviewed with a few European companies and the difference I noted was that you accept what you don’t know, what you’re competent at and not unncessarily storytell and market yourself. Stick to the facts and be true to what you know.

   Contrary to this, interviews in the US hinge upon a great deal of storytelling, small talk (although people in Denmark will be curious as well to learn about you), and a more organic meeting. If you’re preparing a presentation, inform them of the content of it to prep them beforehand. US interviews also require you to think out of the box in ambiguous situations - such as, what you *would* do, if you didn’t have experience dealing with a particular Situation. I’m assuming here, based on some previous interviews I have had, that people in Europe might not be as interested in this approach, it rather what you did or didn’t do.

5. AnonymousMarch 2,2023 at 5:30PM UTC

   The danes are some of the happiest but most judgemental folks I have worked with and I have worked with a lot of them. They have a very good sense of humor which leans towards dark humor and can sometimes be mistaken for meanness, though they are not mean. They tend to work life balance well but expect big things so be prepared to work hard and party hard with them too. They are very family oriented also.

6. BeaBoss645203March 3,2023 at 4:02PM UTC

   I am no expert on the people there except the ones I dealt with while visiting there for a few days before cruise - but it is an awesome city and I for sure would go back

7. AnonymousMarch 5,2023 at 3:10PM UTC

   Here's a wild thought - If you have time - contact the closest Danish embassy (google it) and talk to someone there. Explain your situation and ask questions.

8. Orlagh CostelloMarch 6,2023 at 1:27PM UTC

   From my experiences with both US and Danish colleagues - the Danish are definitely more direct, no beating about the bush, family time is sacred, don't expect people to habitually stay behind after their official hours of work are over, be aware of the time zone differences when looking at return times for emails etc, they will take their holidays, sick time isn't covered in holiday time, it's different. Many things Americans take for granted - like just being interested in the work person - don't hold true. I agree though if you can reach out to someone working in Denmark, it would help immensely.