Romanians have become more active in searching for new jobs

At the beginning of 2023, candidates were cautious in their applications, focusing on job stability and influenced by signs of a possible recession. However, over time, the pace of job searches and applications accelerated, surpassing the number of applications from the second half of 2022 by 23%. In the first half of the current year, each candidate sent their CV to an average of 6 employers per month, according to data from the bestjobs recruitment platform, primarily seeking opportunities with displayed salaries.

“Despite economic uncertainties, bestjobs candidates gained confidence and continued to search for job opportunities that better fit their development prospects and salary offerings. In a recent bestjobs survey, two out of three Romanian employees expressed dissatisfaction with their current salaries, so they mobilize to find a new job offering better pay. This is precisely why job ads with #SalariuLaVedere (Visible Salary) attract the most applications. Moreover, employers who offer development opportunities through internal training or specialization courses have gained more in this semester, making it easier to attract suitable candidates,” says Ana Vișian, Marketing Manager at bestjobs.

Nearly 20% of all bestjobs candidates in the first six months of this year were in the 18-24 age category, predominantly applying for internships or entry-level jobs in Sales, Marketing, and BPO. This category of candidates is drawn to learning and development opportunities, while candidates with higher levels of experience (35-54 years old) prioritize job security and flexible arrangements. Candidates over the age of 55 value the impact of their work and appreciation from superiors. They are also the ones who most frequently face age discrimination during job interviews, according to a recent bestjobs survey.

In addition to salary and professional development, candidates also desire flexibility from employers. Over 20% of monthly applications are directed towards remote jobs, although their offer has decreased from 12% last year to 9% this year. However, 16% of all active jobs on bestjobs offer the possibility of hybrid work, splitting the workweek between home and office.

The largest number of job opportunities this semester were found in Bucharest and Ilfov (31% of all job openings on bestjobs), Timiș (10%), Cluj (7%), Brașov (6%), and Iași (5%). These are also the counties that attracted the most candidates, especially for roles in Sales (22%), Management (13%), Finance/Accounting (9%), IT/Telecom (8%), and Call Center/Client Service (7%).

Each job published on bestjobs in this semester received an average of 30 applications. Retail companies lead the list of employers with the most CVs received on the platform in the first half of the year, with Lidl, Profi, and ENEL at the forefront.