How to apply

The application procedure for the Defence Forces’ tasks conforms to recruitment practises in the Finnish government administration. The links below provide some tips for applying. Should you have any questions about the application process, do not hesitate to contact us via email, rekrytointi.pvpalvk(at)mil.fi, or Facebook.

Government job advertisement

All open posts in the Defence Forces are advertised in the Finnish government’s job search service, valtiolle.fi Applications are post-specific. We do not process open job applications. It might be a good idea to create a job alert, thanks to which the service informs you of open posts that match your criteria by sending you an email.

Job advertisements give details about the job, its contents, duties and responsibilities as well as the competence required for the job. If you are still uncertain about something, please do not hesitate to contact us and ask for more details. Contact details for each open post can be found in the job advertisement. 

Eligibility requirements for the posts vary, and task-specific requirements are always specified in the job advertisement. In order to be eligible for the post, you must meet the requirements. There are some general eligibility requirements that must be met by all applicants.  These include the Finnish citizenship and the general qualifications for public office (skill, ability and proven civic merit), as well as reliability required by the duties. 

Conscript service or voluntary military service for women is not required for civilian posts. Requirements for civilian posts include appropriate education and work experience. 

The general eligibility requirements for a military post are military service and appropriate physical fitness and health. In addition, the applicant must not have links to a foreign country that could constitute a danger to the security of the state, as specified in the Act on Background Checks.  
 

Job application

Electronic job applications are to be submitted via the government’s job search service, Valtiolle.fi. Alternatively, you can send your application to the address given in the advertisement. In your application, provide details of your skills and personal strengths, reflecting them on the duties and expectations listed in the job advertisement. Let us know why you would be strongest candidate for this specific post. It is very important that you fill in the application carefully, since recruitment is based only on the information you provide. No attachments are included in the application. 

You will receive a confirmation to your email when the application has been submitted successfully. If need be, you can complement your application during the application period. You can also save your application and create a personal applicant profile to be used in subsequent applications for posts in the Defence Forces or other central government agencies. However, always modify your application to match the post you are applying for. 

After the application deadline, you will be informed about the progress of the recruitment.
 

Job interview

We will inform all applicants when the recruitment has progressed to job interviews. If you are selected to be interviewed, you will receive an invitation to the interview and instructions on how to attend by phone or email. Bring all necessary references and diplomas as well as an official id document - passport or identity card - to the interview.

The recruitment process may also involve an aptitude test, and there may also be tests the purpose of which is to assess your skills, for example language or IT skills. Physical fitness required for military posts is assessed by a 12-minute running test, with a job-specific minimum score. Security clearance investigation will be conducted on applicants who make it to the final stages. All in all, the recruitment process, including the security clearance investigation, takes three months on average. We keep the applicants posted about the progress of the recruitment. 
 

Selection

The applicant who best meets the requirements and expectations given in the job advertisement is appointed for the job. All applicants are informed of the decision, and the decision on appointment is attached to the message. When appointing public officials, the decision on appointment is also the employment contract. 

Do not give up if you don’t get selected! Posts and jobs are opening all the time, and the job alert makes sure you know immediately when a post matching your criteria is opened.