New report maps the international recruitment journey for employers in North Savo

A new report examining international recruitment from the perspective of employers has been completed in North Savo. The report brings together the regional service pathway for international recruitment from a company perspective and was carried out as part of the Talent First project.

The aim of the report was to provide an overall picture of how international recruitment progresses within companies, what types of support services are available at different stages, and where challenges typically occur throughout the process. The study examined regional and national services, collaboration models, and companies’ experiences of international recruitment.

International recruitment is a reality for many companies

According to the report, international recruitment has already become an established part of operations for many companies in North Savo. However, practices, capabilities, and experiences vary between companies, industries, and job roles.

The interviews conducted for the report indicate that international professionals and students who are already living in Finland represent an important recruitment channel for employers in the region. When recruiting talent from abroad, the process typically involves additional administrative procedures, relocation support and practical coordination.

The report identifies four key stages of international recruitment: preparing for recruitment, recruitment and candidate selection, relocation and settling into life in North Savo, and finally starting work and integrating into the workplace.

Support is available, but navigating the system remains a challenge

One of the main findings of the report is that a wide range of services and support organisations are available to assist companies with international recruitment. From an employer’s perspective, however, these services do not yet form a clear and easily understandable whole.

Particularly in the later stages of the process, companies often need support with permits, administrative procedures, relocation, settling into the region and coordinating practical arrangements.

The interviews also highlighted that successful international recruitment does not end with the signing of an employment contract. The smooth settlement of an employee and, where applicable, their family has a significant impact on how well the employee becomes committed to both the workplace and the region.

Development proposals highlight collaboration and service visibility

The report presents both short-term and longer-term development measures to support international recruitment.

The most significant proposals include creating a clear first point of contact for employers, providing step-by-step guidance for international recruitment, and strengthening coordination during the permit and settlement phases of the process. The report also proposes developing a regional service promise that would give companies a clearer understanding of available services and responsibilities.

In addition, the report emphasises the importance of supporting employers in developing their readiness for international recruitment and further strengthening the role of international students as part of the region’s workforce availability.

“The report provides regional stakeholders with a shared overview of the current state of international recruitment and the key development needs that have been identified. The service pathway serves as a practical tool for both employers and organisations that support international recruitment. The report also provides a solid foundation and concrete development options for the future activities,” says Reetta Airaksinen, Project Manager of the Talent First project.

Talent First is North Savo’s talent attraction project. Its objective is to strengthen the region’s ability to attract and retain talent while enhancing collaboration that supports workforce availability. The Talent First network consists of 12 partner organisations from across North Savo and is coordinated by the City of Kuopio. The project is co-funded by the European Union.