Yrkesbarometern: Finding Occupations with the Least Competition and Best Job Prospects
Searching for a job can sometimes feel like predicting the weather. One day the job market looks bright, the next day storm clouds roll in over your industry. But unlike the unpredictable Swedish summer weather, there are actually reliable tools to forecast your job prospects.
One of the absolute best tools for this is Yrkesbarometern (The Occupational Barometer) – and in this article, we go through what it is, how it works, and how you can use it strategically to increase your chances of landing your dream job.
What is Yrkesbarometern?
Yrkesbarometern is a digital tool and national survey produced by Arbetsförmedlingen (the Swedish Public Employment Service). Its purpose is to provide a clear picture of labor demand for approximately 200 different occupations in Sweden, both in the short term (one year) and over a slightly longer horizon.
Based on this data, occupations are classified into three distinct categories to show your job prospects:
- High Demand (shortage occupations): There are more job openings than applicants. Examples: Software Developers, Registered Nurses, and Chefs.
- Balance: There are roughly as many applicants as there are job openings. Examples: Carpenters/Joiners and Auditors/Accountants.
- Low Demand (surplus): There are more job seekers than available vacancies. Examples: Shop Sales Assistants and Office Assistants.
Try the Occupational Barometer Live!
Is your occupation in short supply, or is competition fierce? Search through over 200 professions, explore interactive maps, and see where in Sweden the job prospects are best right now.
Why is Yrkesbarometern Gold for You as a Job Seeker?
Whether you are about to start studying, are actively looking for work, or are considering a career change, Yrkesbarometern gives you invaluable advantages:
1. Direct Your Energy Where the Jobs Actually Are
Sending dozens of applications to occupations where competition is extremely high can be draining. If you see that your current profession has a large surplus of labor, you can use Yrkesbarometern to find related roles where demand is higher but your skills remain highly relevant.
2. Make Smart Choices for Education and Career Transition
If you are planning to study or retrain, it is a huge comfort to choose a path where you know there will be a job waiting for you after graduation. Matching your interests with a shortage occupation in the barometer minimizes the risk of unemployment post-studies.
3. Gain Leverage in Salary Negotiations
If you work in an occupation with a severe shortage of labor (for example, nursing, systems development, or specific trade crafts), you hold a strong negotiating position. Employers are competing for your expertise, which gives you excellent opportunities to negotiate both higher salaries and better benefits.