Bulgaria
- About Bulgaria
- Working conditions
- Sectors and companies that are recruiting
- Applying for a job
- Major recruitment pointers
- Recruitment Resources and networks
1. About Bulgaria
Bulgaria, a former Communist country that entered the EU on 1 January 2007, averaged more than 6% annual growth from 2004 to 2008, driven by significant amounts of foreign direct investment and consumption. Successive governments have demonstrated a commitment to economic reforms and responsible fiscal planning, but the global downturn sharply reduced domestic demand, exports, capital inflows, and industrial production. GDP contracted by approximately 5% in 2009, and stagnated in 2010, despite a significant recovery in exports. The economy is expected to grow modestly in 2011, however. Corruption in the public administration, a weak judiciary, and the presence of organized crime remain significant challenges.
Population: 7.1 million
GDP per inhabitant (2010): USD 13.500,-
Unemployment rate (09/10): 9.5%
2. Working conditions
Bulgaria has a working environment similar to those of other EU countries. Foreign workers are usually pleasantly surprised by the work-life balance. In Bulgaria all individuals are subject to a flat tax rate of 10% which is deducted automatically from monthly earnings. Working conditions have improved with the progressive legislation and the development of health-care and social-security systems. At the same time, safety at work and environmental protection are often inadequate.
Read more: Information about Working conditions in Bulgaria from justlanded.com
Legal working hours : 40.0 hours per week.
Length of trial / notice period: 3 to 6 months (trial period); 1+ month (notice period)
Employment formalities: Effective 01.01.2007, EU citizens are exempt from work permit obtaining procedure for working in Bulgaria. Non EU nationals can work in Bulgaria after obtaining a work permit, issued by the employment Agency, on the request of a local employer.
3. Sectors that are recruiting
IT/ telecom; Real Estate; Services; FMCG.
Companies that are recruiting: IBM; Telecom companies.
4. Applying for a job
Application documents: No specific format requirements for the application form. Widely accepted is the CV European format in Bulgaria. Often the application should comprise the personal CV and a clear and sructured cover letter.
Advice regarding the CV: Includes information on the professional and the academic background, the major achievements and interests. DOB, photo and marital status are not obligatory. Please note that the professional record should be presented in chronological reverse order. Structured duties presentation for each occupied position is recommended and the major achievements may be stated as well.
5. Major recruitment pointers
Business Etiquette/knowing how to behave during interviews: Nicely dressed, shaking hands with the recruiter before and after the meeting. Present your professional experience and qualification in a structured manner and demonstrate focused interest in the respective business areas.
Languages you must be able to speak: Bulgarian, English.
Flagship training: The Education system comprises Bachelor’s studies (4 years) and Master’s studies (1 year+). Some of the best known universities for economic studies are Sofia Univeristy, UNWE, American University, Svishtov Academy. Among the technical-oriented ones ate Technical Univerisity of Sofia; Technical University of Plovdiv.
Compensation&Benefits / Taxes: The official average monthly salary for the country is 515 BGN. The compensation levels and benefits vary for the different sectors and regions in the country. In 2008 Bulgaria adopted 10% flat tax.
6. Recruitment resources and networks
Important business networking sites:
www.facebook.com
www.linkedIn.com
www.xing.com
National employment Agency
www.jobtiger.bg
www.jobs.bg
www.karieri.bg
Where to network:
No comment available.
