Young and Unskilled; that’s a pretty tough label. But trust me, you’re not unskilled. No one can be unskilled and I’m talking as I’ve been in those shoes.
When I arrived in Copenhagen, I didn’t have any skills. I was quite confident that I would find something relevant to my studies. I mean it’s Copenhagen: there should be something, I thought. After two weeks, I realized I needed to start from scratch. I had never worked in a kitchen in my life but one day after class I walked home and went into all the restaurants on the way. The next day, I got four phone calls. So, trust me when I say I’ve been in those shoes.
Well, thanks for attending my TED Talk! Now, let’s discuss how we can improve our situation. Before we start, I have some starter questions. Based on the answers to these, a lot will change for you. So, here we go:
- What is the season now? Is it winter or summer? If it’s winter then is it before Christmas or after?
- Which languages do you speak?
- Where in Denmark are you living?
- How much physical strain can you take?
Ask yourself these questions and keep a note of the answers. Because we’ll be referring to these again and again. Now, we’ll go through all the possibilities you have of earning your living here.
Opportunity 1: Food Delivery Jobs
For this one we have some prerequisites. Firstly, you have to know how to bike and secondly you need some time. Also, depending on your work permit, you can consider different options. If you have a limited working permit, then you can join the waitlist of Just Eat. If you don’t have any restrictions regarding that, you can sign up for Wolt. Another cool option is Velove.
However, these are really in-demand jobs because of their low-skill requirements. So, you might have to be on a waiting list for a few months. The good thing about these is that these delivery apps are becoming more and more popular across Denmark so there will be lots of jobs in this industry.
Most food delivery companies prefer that you have your own vehicle. Just Eat allows you to use their bike but at the end of the shift, you have to store it in their hub. Velove gives you their unique-looking bikes. If you don’t have a bike, then you can rent one and use it.
In terms of payment, what you can earn from these companies will help you survive financially for some time. Wages vary based on the days of the week and time of day.
However, you have to keep your own personal safety in mind. Last year, a friend of mine broke his hand thanks to cycling on black ice. As his employment was insured, he got compensation for the month. Not all employers have this kind of benefit, so if you decide to go for this, make sure to read their terms and conditions carefully.
Opportunity 2: Restaurants – Dishwashing
This one requires only one skill: physical endurance. The thing is, dishwashing is not only washing the plates and cutlery. You have to wash the kitchen equipment too. That’s where things get tough. In some places, you have to take the trash out too.
So, if you’re not exercising enough yet, this job will get you on your feet.
If you’re someone who hasn’t stepped into a kitchen before or have no idea how the back of restaurants work, you can still apply for these positions.
There are two ways you can apply for these jobs: going directly to restaurants and handing in your CV or applying online. A lot of restaurants cannot accept physical CVs now because of GDPR laws. If you’re aiming to work at a larger restaurant or chain, an online application is the only way to go.
Payment should start from 120 kr per hour. Keep in mind that Denmark doesn’t have a minimum wage. But it’s a norm here (also part of the collective agreement) that base payment should be this.
Tip: In winter, a lot of restaurants don’t take in new people and even let go of old employees. But winter is actually the high season for warm food-serving restaurants, so aim to target these types of business.
Opportunity 3: Restaurants – Kitchen Assistant
This one is a bit hard to get into without prior experience but it is possible. I know people who got this job without working in a kitchen before. If you’re even slightly enthusiastic about making food, and have experience making your own food, consider giving this a shot.
The application process is the same as before: applying online or physically enquiring at restaurants. However, if you’re planning to go in person, filter those based on location. In Copenhagen, you have a high chance of landing a job if you visit areas like Fredericksberg and Kødbyen. Reffen is also opening next month so it’s worth visiting there. If you live elsewhere in Denmark, look at areas where there is a high number of restaurants.
Opportunity 4: Restaurants – Waiters/Waitresses
If you like to talk to people then this is a great option. Even though a lot of restaurants here have a strict policy of only hiring Danish speakers, you’ll find a lot of restaurants more open to internationals.
The restaurant chains are usually in the latter category. I know lots of people who’ve worked in chains like McDonalds, Burger King, KFC and Jagger. Chains usually require online applications. For offline visits, focus on specific areas and specific cuisines based on season to increase your chances.
Opportunity 5: Cleaning Jobs
Cleaning jobs are one of the most accessible options for people with little to no experience. They require physical effort but little to no prior knowledge, making them an excellent option for immediate employment.
There are two types of cleaning jobs: housekeeping jobs and private cleaning jobs.
Many hotels and hostels in cities like Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense hire housekeeping staff. Duties include making beds, vacuuming, and maintaining cleanliness. To find openings, look at Jobindex or the websites of specific hotels. Some hotels might even require a small personality test as part of the application.
Private cleaning means cleaning private homes or office spaces. Companies often hire cleaners to maintain workspaces in the evenings or early mornings. Some families and individuals hire cleaners for personal assistance, which can pay better than corporate cleaning jobs. But for private homes, it might be hard to find a consistent flow of work. You can look into cleaning companies, such as Duuo which offer consistent work schedules and good rates of pay.
If you’re lucky like a friend of mine, you might find consistent employment with the right private employer, who can guarantee you regular hours and a regular salary each month.
Opportunity 6: Bar/Pub Jobs
If you enjoy a fast-paced environment and live in an urban area, working in a bar or pub can be a great option. The easiest job to get is as a runner—you deliver drinks to tables, clean up after customers, and assist the bartenders. Some places might offer a chance to learn bartending if you stick around long enough.
Certain bars, especially Irish pubs or international ones, hire people who don’t speak Danish fluently. If you’re sociable and can handle late-night shifts, this could be for you. Copenhagen’s nightlife is always buzzing, and places in Vesterbro, Nørrebro, and Nyhavn frequently need extra hands.
It’s always recommended to go and talk to the bar directly. Some may require online applications because of the GDPR law but after submitting applications, you might want to go and have a talk with them.
Opportunity 7: Retail Jobs
Retail is another solid option, especially in clothing stores, souvenir shops, and supermarkets. The job isn’t overly complicated—stock shelves and assist customers with their purchases.
Big brands like Uniqlo, Nike, and Zara hire seasonal workers, especially around summer and Christmas. Souvenir shops in tourist-heavy areas like Strøget and Nyhavn in Copenhagen are also good places to check. If you speak multiple languages, that’s a big advantage.
In general, souvenir shops pay salaries of around 120 kr per hour. Clothing stores pay slightly more. However, keep in mind that you need to be physically fit as you have to stand for long periods, run around the store a lot and carry boxes etc.
The application process here is strictly online based. Generally, walking into the store won’t help you.
Opportunity 8: Warehouse Jobs
Retail stores also need to maintain their warehouses, meaning there are lots of jobs available. If you prefer a job that requires less customer interaction, warehouse jobs could be a good fit. Many e-commerce businesses and logistics companies in Denmark need workers to pack, sort, and handle shipments.
These jobs usually offer stable hours and decent pay but require physical endurance, as you’ll be lifting and moving items for extended periods.
Opportunity 9: Pet Sitting
If you’ve ever had a pet in your life or have one now, then you’re already ahead in this game. It doesn’t technically fall under the ‘Unskilled’ criteria but it can be a good source of earning a few extra bucks. It’s one I’ve done in the past, dog-sitting for a family I know when they went on vacation.
The work generally includes staying/playing with the pet, feeding it at particular times, and possibly walking it. Don’t expect a high salary for this and don’t expect consistent income either, unless you get really lucky.
To find job opportunities, join social media groups for pet owners in Denmark, where there will often be people looking for pet-sitters. There are also platforms online such as Petbacker and Pawshake where you can register to connect with job opportunities.
Opportunity 10: Construction Work
Now, regular construction work takes a whole lot of skills. What doesn’t is demolition work, but this work requires immense physical strength. An easy way to get these jobs is through agencies like JKS and Vikar.
Payment is good: typically, wages range from 150–200 kr per hour, depending on the specific job and your level of experience. Most of the work involves tearing down walls, clearing debris, and assisting skilled workers with basic tasks.
The downside? It’s exhausting. You’ll be lifting heavy materials, working outdoors in all weather conditions, and dealing with a lot of dust. Protective gear is often provided, but make sure you have sturdy work boots and gloves.
If you’re interested, getting in touch with temporary work agencies is your best bet. Many companies hire workers on a project basis, so this job might not offer long-term stability, but if you’re physically fit and up for the challenge, it can be a solid source of income.
Extra Tips
The best tip for finding jobs in Denmark is network. It’s super easy to find work if someone refers you to an employer.
Go out and meet people, talk to people, maybe even sit down with a drink and talk to people. Who knows – you might find your next employment there.
Registering with an agency such as JKS and Vikar DK is a good idea too. If you’re hired through these agencies, you’ll be sent out to different places to work. Sometimes, these agencies get permanent deals with different companies. Mostly, you’ll get temporary work but again who knows? Maybe you’ll get lucky!
Final words
I understand your situation. I’ve been through the same thing. I understand it can be tough and it’s reasonable to lose hope. But I’d keep on trying. At the same time, you can try to do some volunteer work to gain some experience. For example, one of my Danish language classmates is volunteering with a cafe to get barista experience.
So, knock on every door possible! Best of luck and take care!
Have you been successful in any of the approaches mentioned here? How did you get your job? Share your tips with us by commenting below or send us a DM on our Instagram: Last Week in Denmark (@last_week_in_denmark) • Instagram photos and videos
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