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February updates in Varbi

February updates in Varbi

Erika Brandes
Product Owner, Grade Varbi

During the first months of the year, our focus has been on stability, clearer workflows, and more structured assessments – while also strengthening our integrations and laying the foundation for upcoming improvements.

Below is a summary of what has happened in Varbi during January and February, as well as what we are currently working on.

Gradual updates during January and February

The improvements described in this newsletter have largely been released gradually over the past few weeks. Much is already available in the system, while other updates are being finalized and will be rolled out shortly; in those cases, this is clarified in the relevant section.

A consolidated overview will also be published in the next system update, at the beginning of the first week of March.

New LinkedIn integration for job posting

LinkedIn Basic Jobs is now visible as a separate publishing channel in the publishing view, providing better transparency regarding publishing status, updates, and unpublishing.

For organizations already using auto-publishing, this does not mean any change in behavior – but it does provide a clearer overview.

 

The CBR module – clearer instructions and better decision support

We have listened to your feedback regarding the CBR module and have based on this worked on several improvements to reduce uncertainty in competency assessments during the selection process.

Among other things, we have:

  • Added support texts in weighting and assessment views

  • Clarified visual information regarding grading, weighting, and total score

On Monday, 23 February, the following will also be released:

  • The competency description and the description linked to the assessment of interview questions (e.g. Malin Lindelöw’s BARS) will be available directly in the application view for each selected competency

  • The ability to add an organization-specific help text in the Competency Assessment section of the application view. This can be found under Admin > Help texts, labeled “Description for CBR in the application view”

  • Individual assessors can now assign scores that can then be weighted and compared

  • The ability to view each assessor’s scores per competency – along with an automatically calculated average

Improved handling of manual applications

Communication language when registering manually
When an application is registered manually, you can now specify the candidate’s communication language. If a corresponding email template exists, the confirmation will be sent in the correct language. This is particularly important for organizations with international applicants.

 

Recurring maintenance window

To safely carry out planned improvements to Varbi’s stability, security, and operations, we are introducing recurring maintenance windows on the first Wednesday of every month between 05:30–07:00.

This allows us to work more predictably on technical improvements, while also giving you as customers better opportunities to plan ahead.

More information and exact dates can be found in the system news in Varbi.

What’s next?

We are now continuing our work on functionality related to, among other things:

  • Department-specific candidate communication (department branding)
    The ability to customize the sender and tone of communication based on organizational affiliation.
  • Department-specific interview templates
    To ensure interviews follow the correct structure and competency framework for each area of operation.
  • Project group-specific interview scheduling
    A clearer connection between project groups and interview schedules in high-volume recruitment.
  • Improved filtering options based on project groups and roles
  • New integration for publishing to Platsbanken
Read more about Varbi

Grade and Talentech agree on merger

Grade and Talentech agree on merger

Oslo, 5. November 2025 

Swedish Grade and Norwegian Talentech have agreed to merge into a new Nordic HR technology company. Combined, the new company would offer a wider range of products and services to Nordic customers and be well positioned for further European expansion.  

Grade and Talentech specialise in solutions that make it easier for HR departments in private and public companies to recruit, develop and retain the right people. Together, the new company will have close to 4000 customers. 

“Combining Grade and Talentech is the perfect match. By uniting all talented people in one combined company, the most dynamic and forward-thinking HR technology team in the Nordics will be created. The Nordics is just the start,” says Nils Vold, Partner at Verdane.   

The two companies have each built strong HR technology platforms and have solid foothold in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. The companies are also established with clients in the Benelux region.  

“Being part of this Nordic HR technology company with international growth ambitions is a great opportunity. The European HR market is fragmented and undergoing rapid technological transformation. The combined company is a unique opening for a Nordic player with innovative offerings to further challenge the HR market,” says Joar Welde, Partner at Viking Growth and Chair of the Board of Grade. 

Grade was acquired by the investment company Viking Growth in 2021 through the merger of Grade, Varbi and Workbuster. Talentech was established by Verdane, an investor in European growth companies, in 2019 through the acquisition and merger of HR Manager and Webcruiter and later several other acquisitions. 

The transaction, which is a 50/50 merger, is subject to FDI filing approval in Sweden and Denmark, and approval from the competition authorities in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Until the regulatory process is completed, both Talentech and Grade will continue to act as individual companies and competitors.  

For more information, please contact:

Joar Welde,  
Partner at Viking Growth 
Joar.welde@vikinggrowth.com +47 982 06 930 

James Cook
Director of PR and content at Verdane  
james.cook@verdane.com 
+44 7462 607105 

About Talentech  

Talentech was established in 2019 to make it easier for HR professionals to drive growth by recruiting, developing, and retaining the right talent for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), large enterprises, and government clients across the Nordics. In a short period of time, Talentech has positioned itself as a key provider of integrated recruitment and HR solutions. With 350,000 annual recruitment projects, Talentech processes 10 million job seekers each year. Over 200 employees work at Talentech’s offices throughout Europe, with locations in Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Amsterdam and Gdansk. The company is owned by the private equity company Verdane.  

About Grade 

Established in 1995, Grade is a prominent player in the HR, training and talent management area in the Nordic region. Grade has over 1600 customers from medium and large private companies to public organizations and municipalities. The company has over 170 employees in offices in Oslo, Bodø, Stockholm, Lund, Trollhättan, Oulu and Helsinki. Since 2021. Grade is owned by the investment company Viking Growth.  

About Viking Growth 

Viking Growth is the leading software investor specializing in scaling Nordic B2B software companies. With over 20 years of experience, Viking Growth helps innovative software companies achieve international growth. Based in Trondheim, Norway, Viking Growth partners with ambitious software companies by providing capital, strategic expertise, and operational support to accelerate their journeys. Viking Growth currently maintains an active portfolio of 19 companies across the Nordics, with NOK 4.1 billion in ARR.  

About Verdane  

Verdane is a specialist growth buyout investment firm that partners with tech-enabled and sustainable businesses that help to digitalise and decarbonise the European economy. The flexible mandates of Verdane funds allow it to invest as a majority or minority control investor, replacement or growth capital, in single companies or in portfolios of companies.  

Verdane has raised €9 billion in capital and its funds have made more than 200 investments in fast-growing businesses since 2003. Verdane’s team of over 150 investment professionals and operating experts is based out of Berlin, Copenhagen, London, Helsinki, Munich, Oslo and Stockholm, and combines deep sector expertise with long-standing local networks and presence in core European markets.   

Verdane is also a certified B Corporation, the most ambitious sustainability accreditation globally. The firm only backs businesses that pass its 2040 test, which indicates whether the company can thrive in a more sustainable future economy.   

Verdane is partly owned by the Verdane Foundation, which is focused on two areas: climate change and more equitable and inclusive local communities 

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“I believe in the magic of the right recruitment – and it starts with the job ad”

“I believe in the magic of the right recruitment – and it starts with the job ad”

An interview with Nicoline Brundell, Head of Boost at Grade

Meeting Nicoline Brundell, it’s hard not to be infected by her energy. She’s one of those people who talks about recruitment as more than just a job – it’s a craft. And for Nicoline, the most important work begins where it’s often overlooked: the job ad.

“The job ad is often the first encounter with a brand. That’s where everything starts.”

She leads Grade Boost, the team that supports Grade’s clients in reaching the right candidates – through smart, strategic job advertising, employer branding, and channel selection. Under her leadership, the team has grown to become a vital hub in Grade’s offering.

But before we dive into advertising and strategy – who is Nicoline?

“I’m probably quite bubbly,” she says with a smile.

“I love being around people – it gives me energy. But I also need time for myself. At home I have my partner and our dog, and we planned to start agility training. But life has a different pace right now.”

The Job Ad as a Strategic Tool

When Boost was launched, it was with a clear idea: job advertising needed an update. Advertising a job isn’t just about filling an empty chair – it’s about communicating an employer value proposition, inspiring, standing out, and most importantly: reaching the right person, in the right channel, with the right tone of voice.

“We see the job ad as part of the bigger picture, not as an isolated point in the process. This is where the candidate should feel: ‘This is a place for me.’ It’s about choosing the right channels, the right format, and the right tone – and that’s where we at Boost come in.”

Boost helps clients get their ads out through tailored campaigns – in the right channels, with the right CTA, and a compelling message.

“We build visibility, conversion, and long-term employer value – all starting from the ad.”

Leading with Vision – and Attentiveness

Nicoline and the team have gradually developed the offering for clients. In that journey, leadership has become just as central as the operational work.

“I’ve learned that you’re really not strong on your own. It’s the team that makes the difference. Their perspectives are invaluable. They’re the ones closest to the clients, the candidates, the reality – and that makes my job as a leader so much better.”

Clarity of direction is another cornerstone of her leadership style.

“I have a vision for Boost, both short- and long-term. It’s important to me that my team is on that journey. I need their belief in the idea for us to be able to realize it together.”

A Culture of Courage, Warmth, and Precision

What drives you, in the middle of it all?

“The human aspect of recruitment. The understanding that the right person, in the right place, at the right time – that can transform a team. A job ad isn’t just a communication tool – it’s a strategic business tool. Its impact when done right is hugely underestimated.”

“The right person in the right role isn’t just a good match – it’s an investment in the entire organization’s future.”

Boost – In Practice

In practice, Boost helps organizations in both the public and private sectors to reach the right candidates through:

  • Strategic channel selection: where should the ad be published for the best effect
  • Tone and content: how to tell the job story so that the right person listens
  • Data and optimization: what works – and how do we know?

It’s no coincidence the team behind Boost is called a “mini-marketing team for recruitment” – they possess specialist skills that HR teams rarely have in-house, but which are critical in the competition for talent.

Want to learn more about how Boost helps organizations reach the right candidates through strategic job advertising?

Get in touch with us at Grade – we’d love to show you how it works in practice.

Read more about Boost

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Workbuster changes its name to Onecruiter

Workbuster changes its name to Onecruiter

Full focus on the employee journey

Grade has decided to fully focus on the products that help our customers recruit, develop, and retain employees. Up until now, Workbuster consisted of two digital tools, the ATS you are using and a matching tool (Workbuster Matcha) for companies that assist the unemployed in finding jobs and education. With our new focus, we have chosen to sell off Matcha. The sale also included the Workbuster brand.

What does this mean for you as a user?

The recruitment tool will change its name to Onecruiter. Apart from that, the system will function just like usual. Some technical aspects regarding career pages will be affected, and your contact person will receive more information about this later on.

You are warmly welcome to contact product owner marcus.wedin@grade.com if you have any questions.

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