Introduction for Coworkers

Write one.

As a part of your deployment process, you need to compose a written introduction about yourself. Silk Road
will show it to your future employer and coworkers before your arrival so that they know a bit about you.
This also gives them an idea that they will be working with an actual person, not just “some foreigner.”

Content:
You can write about anything but common topics to mention would be your interests, your studies, your
work history, your family, and your expectations regarding the new job and the future. Keep in mind that
your text might not be kept confidential and that all employees in a nursing home might read it, so don’t
write things that are too personal and you wouldn’t share with a coworker face to face at the office.

This is NOT a job application, just an informal introduction. Its tone can be relaxed and cheerful – or dead-
serious, as long as it reflects your personality.

Religious beliefs are a very personal topic in Sweden. You can write about yours if you want but it wouldn’t
be very common in a text like this in Sweden. As a workaround, you can talk about activities (going to
church or volunteering for a faith-based organization) rather than beliefs as that’s more common and less
stigmatizing.

Write in Swedish. You may write in formal or informal Swedish but stick to whichever you choose and don’t
mix them.

You need to attach or embed a picture of yourself to the file you submit. It can be a selfie and does not need
to be a formal mugshot.

Format:
Your introduction should be one A4 page in length and at least four paragraphs and needs to be turned in a
digital format, preferably as a Word document. Use 11–12 pt font size and 1.2–1.5 leading (line spacing).
The sample on the other side uses an 11 pt font with 1.2 leading. Don’t use an exotic font as NLRC
computers might not have it. Separate paragraphs with an empty line. Do not use subheadings or make
bulleted lists. Do not tweak margins to cover for the lack of content.

Random Tips:
• Don’t say things you don’t understand. It’s better to use structurally simple but comprehensible language
than trying to sound fancy and end up sounding confusing. Simplify things in your head first before
translating. Instead of translating Upon having decided to resign – –, you could communicate the same
idea with I decided to resign. After the decision – –. Use the ones that are easier to express in Swedish. If
unsure, ask your teachers for help.
• Idiomatic expressions usually don’t translate well so avoid them.
• Don’t translate culture-specific terms that have no direct equivalent in Sweden. This includes school
names. Call your high school a high school, not gymnasium. Write Benguet State University, not Benguet
State -universitet.
• Do, however, explain culture-specific terms that are not English or are abbreviations. You can also put
your translation or the original term in brackets. e.g. min brur är en OFW (”overseas Filipino worker”) i
Dubai.
If you have a nickname and want to say X calls me Y , the phrase is X kallar mig Y, e.g. Vänner kallar mig
nickname

Rona.
Introduction for Coworkers
Write one.