Trying to find a job in Sweden

A bit of balance in here. It's tough getting a job as an expat in Sweden. That's true. But you ask any non English speaking person who has tried to start out in an English speaking country and you'll probably get the exact same answer. This isn't something that is uniquely Swedish.

You need some language skills, to get past the front door. Unless you are incredibly lucky. Your language need not be perfect, but it should be clear to an employer that you're making an effort, and that you're only going to get better. One thing about most Swedish employers is that they do look long term when they hire. And if you've got something they can use, and a language that's improving, then they look a lot more positively.

I don't know what yor background is, but don't think that your previous "non Swedish" work history is going to carry a lot of weight in Sweden. You pretty much have to start over again.  Swedes also have work history, and it's Swedish. You can't compete with that. Being an unqualified "I.T. wizz" from Thailand means absolutely nothing, outside of Thailand. And so on. So adjust your goals, which it sounds like you have. That's good.

If you can tough it out, hit the fulltime language school. For a couple of months at least. You are obviously intending to stay in Sweden for a long time, so what's a few months now ? As a native English speaker you do have an advantage with the language. You should really make the most of that to push your Swedish skills along.

Probably not terribly helpful advice, but it's been my experience. It will come right, but you have to work bloody hard first to become as Swedish as you can. After all, it's their country. And there's too many good things here not to give it your best shot.

That's an excellent idea. An intensive 2 month course will get you well on the way. Not fluent, but they will be impressed. Reading my earlier post again, it did sound a bit doom and gloom. That wasn't my intention, so I apologise for the tone. Having sensible achieveable short term goals is the idea way to achieve success and sanity here. It can mean that you start looking at opportunities that you might never have considered in your homeland. Which can be rather exciting in itself. Life would be much less stressful if I moved back to NZ, but it wouldn't be nearly as much fun. Keep us all posted on the langauge school. It's good to get feedback on what works, and what doesn't.

Thanks so much for those websites, newrecord50 (Tom)

That is true, pilot673... I think i may just do that...
Thanks

Sapphire, well i have been working in a media advertising agency in Sydney for over one and a half years before i came to Sweden...
I finished my HSC, but didn't go to Uni or anything because i was so lucky to get an entry level position at this agency, and managed to work my way up.

But yeah, this recession isn't making the job hunting any easier.
I couldn't have picked a worse time to come here.

But yeah, i do have a few friends in my area and around Malmo aswell... and i have tried networking, but so far.. unsuccessful

Thanks for your reply!