Registration as a job seeker

Register in E-services online service. If you do not have online banking credentials, you can register with a paper form.

 

Return the form to the Employment Service (Hannikaidenkatu 11-13, Jyväskylä). If you do not have a job, register as a job seeker no later than on your first day of unemployment. You can also register as a job seeker before the start of unemployment or temporary lay-off, preferably a few days before. Please note, however, that you can receive unemployment benefit from the date of registration at the earliest.

After registering as an unemployed job seeker, an initial service employee will call, text, or email you. Depending on your situation, the invitation to a meeting can come as early as the next day. Answer calls and be prepared to come in person in the coming days. During the meeting, you will be assigned a personal coach, and you will also be able to agree on the time of the next meeting. At the first meeting with an employee of Initial Services, you will draw up your employment plan together.

Employment services will issue an unemployment security statement, which will be sent either to Kela or to your unemployment fund, depending on your situation. Kela or the unemployment fund decides on and pays the unemployment benefit.

Do you have any questions about unemployment benefits? 
Information and guidance about unemployment security on the Job Market Finland

Get acquainted The rights and responsibilities of unemployed job seekers on Job Market Finland.

Your personal coach will support you in your job search. The personal coach will go through your current life situation with you and find a route back to working life or a service that will help you.

Before your first meeting with a personal coach, think about these things:
1. Are you looking for a job or are you planning another option, such as studying? 
2. Can you find vacancies that are suitable for you? Read more: Where can I find a job? page 
3. Are you familiar with job seeker services? Find out more about coaching, training opportunities and alternative routes to the job market. 
4. Are you worried about your own health and work ability?
5. Did you know that an employer can receive financial support for your hiring?
6. Are you interested in entrepreneurship?
7. Are your CV and job search skills in order?
 
In the future, you can always leave a contact request to your personal coach in E-services. Your personal coach will also give you a phone number that you can call from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 3 pm.

As an unemployed job seeker, you will meet with your personal coach several times. In your employment plan, you will agree on a personal obligation to seek work, i.e., how many jobs you should apply for during a certain period.

Employment plan on the Job Market Finland
Job seeker's customer service model on the Job Market Finland

On the Job Market Finland, you can read more about jobseeker services, such as coaching and labour market training. In addition, you can browse jobs and create a job seeker profile that employers can use to contact you.

Remember to update your changed contact information in E-services or to your personal coach. Also let us know if your job search situation changes, for example if you find work, take parental leave, retire,  start studying, or go on sick leave.