How can we beat The Valley to secure the best international talent?
As a follow-up to my previous article, “Silicon Valley Opened Its Doors – We Must Too,” I promised to share some thoughts on how we can actually compete with the Bay Area when it comes to attracting the world’s best tech talent to Norway.
This piece focuses on what companies themselves can do and what we can offer.. In the next article, I’ll look at what Norway as a country can do and more from political initiatives.
Let’s be honest — it’s not easy 😠
Just matching salaries with San Francisco would be tough, if not impossible. But there are things we can do; powerful, meaningful things to make sure that the next great founder, developer, or CTO chooses Oslo over the West Coast.
Before we talk about actions, though, there’s some non-negotiable starting point:
We must first believe we need international talent, we must truly want it and we need to “show off” what we can offer.
Once that mindset is in place, real opportunities open up.
What companies can offer international talent and what can we do to attract them?
Stability
Right now, global uncertainty is making stability more attractive than ever. The US is facing political and social turbulence that can be intimidating, especially for younger professionals and Gen Z. Few places on earth are safer or more stable than Norway. Let’s use that to our advantage.
Work–life balance
Can it get better than in Norway? Probably not. The ability to have an ambitious career and a fulfilling life outside of work is something most people in the US only dream about. This alone can outweigh higher salaries elsewhere.
Inspiring people
Norway already has some incredible founders, innovators, and builders — we just don’t showcase them enough. Talented people are drawn to other talented people. Let’s tell these stories louder and prouder.
Networks and events
The professional networks are here, from Oslo Innovation Week, Oslo Business Forum to SHE and countless other meetups. We just need to show international talent that these ecosystems exist and that they’re accessible.
Lifestyle and environment
Oslo itself is a selling point: snow in winter, sunlight in summer, mountains, water, and nature right outside your office door. Combine that with a global, English-speaking tech scene, and it’s a lifestyle that’s hard to beat.
Visa support
Make the process easy. Help candidates with the paperwork, provide clear guidance, and take away the uncertainty that often makes people hesitate.
Relocation support
It costs less than you think, especially compared to the value of great talent. Offer basics like flights, one month of accommodation, help finding a flat and handling official paperwork. A smooth landing experience is often the deciding factor.
A genuine welcome
Go beyond the contract. Offer a welcome package that helps people connect. For example, a buddy system, a sightseeing tour, or introductions to the local tech community. Small gestures go a long way.
Language learning
Offer (and encourage) Norwegian language courses. Not as a requirement, but as a way to help people feel more at home.
Low bureaucracy, high trust
Keep internal processes simple. Show that you trust people to do their work — this kind of autonomy is one of the strongest reasons people stay.
Ideas over titles
International talent is often motivated by impact, not hierarchy. Highlight that your company values ideas, contribution, and creativity — not just seniority.
“Impact + Tech + Nature + Safety = Norway”
That combination doesn’t exist anywhere else. It’s a formula we should own — and communicate clearly.
Cost advantage
Yes, salaries are high in Norway, but overall costs are still far below San Francisco. For many, the quality-of-life-to-cost ratio is unbeatable.
Go where the talent is
Attend international university career fairs, conferences, and hackathons. Build relationships early — before people even start looking for jobs.
Meaningful impact in smaller organizations
Smaller teams mean more ownership and visibility. In Norway, you’re not just one of 10,000 employees — your work genuinely shapes the product and the company.
In short
It is possible to compete for international talent. But we need to tell our story better — through writing, speaking, and showing what makes our workplaces different.
From company websites to recruitment campaigns, let’s make it clear that Norway offers more than a job. We offer stability, balance, purpose, and impact.
Best of luck — and remember:
We don’t need to be Silicon Valley to attract the best people. We just need to be the best version of what we already are.