Leaving school without concrete plans or good grades can make it difficult to find your footing.
But with a few simple steps, you can get a grip on your thoughts and find your way to a job.
It will sort itself out, even if it doesn't feel like it, says Charlotte Lindman, a job seeker expert at the Employment Agency.
Firstly: Make a plan, even if you don't know what you want.
The point of a plan is to get structure on your thoughts and ring-fence what is thinkable and doable here and now. It can be particularly challenging for all those who have read a university preparatory programme and therefore lack vocational skills, but neither can nor want to study at university.
If you feel unmotivated to read on, don't worry about it for now. Concentrate on looking for a job. If you don't know what kind of jobs to look for, you can get good ideas in the Employment Agency's interest guide, says Charlotte Lindman.
Secondly: Get started
Many think it's hard to write a CV. But use a ready-made template, they can be found on the internet. Dare to highlight what you can and are good at.
What is in principle demanded in all professions today is digital competence. It's something most young people have without even thinking about it, says Charlotte Lindman.
Show willingness
What you lack in vocational skills and experience can be compensated for by motivation.
Having the right attitude to the job can take you a long way. Many employers are willing to train new employees, so writing "I'm green on the job market but would like to learn this profession" can make you stand out in the crowd.
If you don't get a job this summer and lack plans for the autumn, Charlotte Lindman's advice is to register with the Employment Agency.
There, you can get support of various kinds and the opportunity to talk to an employment agent.
Thirdly: Grades
Charlotte Lindman points out that mediocre grades don't have to be a problem.
If you've completed your studies and therefore have a high school diploma, you also have the most important ticket into working life. Congratulations!
If you still need to supplement or improve your grades, there are all possibilities via, for example, Komvux.
Motivation
Fourthly: Keep to routines
If the weeks go by and nothing becomes clear, it's about being persistent. Maybe you can get support from friends.
Do things during the day! Just sleeping or sitting alone at home can make you lose motivation.
Lastly: Be realistic
Everyone has to start somewhere. Grabbing the opportunities that come takes you much further than waiting for a dream job, says Charlotte Lindman.
The Employment Agency: Has advice, tips, and digital services on the website. See, for example, 10 tips for the first job and Job guide for young people.
Those registered with the Employment Agency have the opportunity for compensation from the Insurance Agency after three months.
Driving licence: Increases the chance of getting a job or being able to take a job with inconvenient working hours.
Volunteer work: Doesn't pay, but provides valuable experience and contacts. See, for example, here: volontarbyran@org
Sources: The Employment Agency, The Volunteer Agency, and others
The academic year 2023/24 saw 110,700 students in their third year of upper secondary school.
The vast majority, 72,400, attended a university preparatory programme.
33,400 attended a vocational programme, and the remaining 4,900 an introductory programme.
The largest programme was the social science programme, with 21,400 students, followed by the economics programme, 18,200 students, and natural sciences, 14,600 students. All three programmes are university preparatory.
In the cohort that left upper secondary school in the spring of 2023, 91 per cent received a high school diploma. The remaining 9 per cent did not meet the graduation requirements (had too many F's) and received a study certificate.
Source: The National Agency for Education
