Job seekers in Kouvola form group to uncover hidden vacancies

A peer support group for job seekers has begun meeting in Kouvola this summer, focusing on uncovering unadvertised employment opportunities, reports Yle.

The free group is organised by the Vierellä Kollektiivi association, which promotes the wellbeing of the unemployed. Participants share networks, skills, and strategies for identifying hidden job openings across different fields.

Group leader Ninni Reponen said members have explored various job search channels, used AI tools, and invited guest speakers to share career experiences. She noted that job hunting can be isolating and often carries feelings of shame, but the group approach helps.

“We do this together. Job searching isn’t an individual sport,” Reponen said.

Johanna Ahlberg, a former service design entrepreneur who moved to Kouvola from Helsinki two years ago, described the process as challenging. With many positions going unanswered, she advised treating job hunting like a business, actively marketing one’s skills to create opportunities.

Markus Hostikka, a recent graduate with an IT background, has worked in various local associations but never secured permanent employment. He has applied to data centres and logistics firms in Southeast Finland, noting that many hidden jobs exist in the Kymenlaakso region but are not advertised on social media.