Summer Job Shortage in Finland: Youth Face Tough Competition Against Unemployed
Summer Job Shortage in Finland: Youth Face Tough Competition Against Unemployed
The number of summer job openings in Finland has dropped significantly compared to previous years, making it harder for young job seekers to secure seasonal employment.
According to job portal Duunitori, the availability of summer jobs has been on a steady decline. “We already saw a considerable decrease last year, and unfortunately, the situation has worsened even further,” said Aino Salonen, the company’s communications director.
Between November 2024 and March 2025, Duunitori listed 18,900 summer job vacancies, which is three percent less than during the same period the year before. The decline is even more drastic compared to two years ago when there were 28,200 openings—marking a 33 percent drop.
Rising Competition for Seasonal Jobs
The ongoing uncertainty in the job market has had a direct impact on summer employment. Overall, job listings in 2025 have been approximately 30 percent lower than last year. Despite fewer openings, the number of applicants remains high, with interest in summer jobs increasing by 44 percent compared to the previous year.
Due to economic difficulties and rising unemployment, young job seekers now find themselves competing with more experienced individuals for temporary summer positions. According to a survey conducted by Duunitori, older applicants are increasingly seeking short-term work opportunities.
Finland’s unemployment rate rose to 9.5 percent in January, leaving around 269,000 people without jobs, according to data from Statistics Finland.
Early Recruitment for Seasonal Positions
Although summer job recruitment continues through spring and early summer, many companies have already started hiring. The most common openings are in hospitality, retail, manufacturing, technology, social services, and construction.
Fazer’s factories in Vantaa have seen an overwhelming number of applicants for seasonal roles. The company hires hundreds of temporary workers annually and has already begun selecting candidates. While some positions are still available, the first hires begin working as early as April.
“We have received a record number of applications this year, in the thousands,” said Anu Salomaa, Head of HR at Fazer Bakery Finland.
At Fazer’s Vantaa factory, summer employees can work in various departments, including chocolate production, baking, packaging, warehouse logistics, and quality control. Additionally, positions in the company’s cafés are open.
“Summer workers play a crucial role in allowing our regular staff to take their vacations. We also experience peak seasons, such as Christmas and Easter, when extra hands are needed. Moreover, we believe in providing young people with valuable work experience,” Salomaa added.
She advised applicants to showcase their enthusiasm and highlight their skills when applying. For those without prior work experience, mentioning relevant hobbies or extracurricular activities could make a difference.
“Make sure to answer calls from employers—it could be the difference between getting the job or missing the opportunity,” she emphasized.
