More holiday jobs than in several years in Sweden – despite tough labour market: healthcare dominates

Despite high unemployment and a prolonged recession, there are still many ways into the labour market in Sweden ahead of the summer. The number of advertisements for summer jobs is higher than it has been for many years, while competition for each position is fierce, especially for young people. This is shown by a recent analysis by Sambla.

Between November and February, almost 8,800 advertisements for temporary summer positions and holiday jobs, corresponding to almost 87,000 positions, were published on Platsbanken, the Swedish Public Employment Service's job portal. This is 10,000 more than last year and more than any year since at least 2022.

Healthcare dominates among the summer jobs. About half of the positions are in healthcare services, but many shop assistants, correctional officers and cleaners are also being sought.

"We have a labour market where unemployment is high, especially among young people, at the same time as employers are crying out for staff in certain professions. Summer jobs then become one of the most important door openers into the labour market, both for the first job and for those who want to change careers or come back after unemployment," says Marcus Karlsson, personal finance expert at Sambla.

Filling temporary positions in healthcare has been particularly challenging for many small municipalities. The number of advertised positions is increasing significantly in many places. This year, over 21,000 assistant nurse positions in elderly care have been advertised. This is around 1,600 more than last year.

"You can clearly see where the jobs are: in welfare, in industry and in practical service professions. For those who are prepared to work evenings, weekends or in smaller municipalities, there are very good chances of getting a job, even if they lack long experience or have previously had difficulty establishing themselves," says Marcus Karlsson.

It is important not to wait too long to apply for a summer job. March is the month when most adverts close for applications, according to Sambla's analysis.

At a time when many households are under pressure from higher interest rates and prices, a summer or extra job can make a big financial difference – for both young people and adults.

"A holiday job is not just about extra money this summer. For many, it offers an opportunity to strengthen their finances, build up a buffer and feel more secure about their expenses in the autumn. It gives room to plan ahead and make well‑thought‑out choices for their personal finances. For young people, it is also often the first line on their CV – and in today's labour market, every experience is worth its weight in gold," says Marcus Karlsson.

Sambla's six concrete tips to increase your chances of getting a holiday job

1. Start applying now
   Many summer jobs will be filled during the spring. Anyone who waits until April–May risks that most of the positions are already filled.
2. Adapt the application to the job
   Highlight why you are a good fit for the role in question – even if you lack experience in the exact same profession. Practical experience, language skills and personal qualities often weigh heavily.
3. Show responsibility and initiative
   Previous experience from extra jobs, association activities or school work can show that you are reliable, punctual and take responsibility.
4. Be open to different types of jobs
   Healthcare, care, retail, warehouses, park or property maintenance can be entry-level jobs that provide both salary, references and new opportunities later on.
5. Use your network
   Tell friends, family, coaches and former supervisors that you are looking for a summer job. Many jobs are filled without being advertised publicly.
6. See a summer job as an investment
   A summer job provides a salary here and now – but also routines, contacts and a stronger CV that makes the next job easier to get. In the long run, a stable income and work experience can also contribute to a more secure economy and better credit rating, for example if you later want to take out a loan to buy a home.

About the analysis
Sambla Group's national analysis is based on job advertisements categorised as "summer temps/holiday jobs" in the Swedish Public Employment Service's Platsbanken, published during the period November–February each year since 2022, and covers the Swedish labour market.

About Sambla
Sambla is one of the Nordic region's leading comparison services in loans and personal finance. Through innovative technology, data and financial guidance, the company helps people make smarter financial decisions and create more secure personal financial conditions.

For more information:
Jessica Hjälmered, Head of Communications, Sambla Group
E-mail: jessica.hjalmered@samblagroup.com



Table: Occupations with the most advertised summer jobs

Source: Platsbanken, ads published between 1 November and 1 March.