Navigating Ukraine’s labour market: What does the future hold?
In this Jan. 14, 2013 file photo people pass by a street vendor in downtown Kyiv, Ukraine (AP Photo)
Young Ukrainian job-seekers adapt to changing demands of employees
Ukrainian political and economic instability is forcing the country’s job-seekers to adapt. Despite tough market conditions, the number unemployed fell by over 130,000 during the first 10 months of this year.
Those figures – from the State Statistics Service. But with an extensive shadow economy running at some 50% of GDP, the accuracy of this data could be quested. But whatever way, tough competition for job openings is forcing some Ukrainians to become more pragmatic – prioritizing self-development over short-term high remuneration.
Kateryna is one Ukrainian trying to re-enter the labour market. She’s preparing to return to work as a TV and online journalist after maternity leave. But a job with relatively normal pay is tough to find.
Kateryna, Ukrainian job seeker: “They offer salaries where the positions on offer pay very little but take you immediately – I’m not willing to work for that sort of money”
Kateryna continues to search……….meanwhile, another Kyiv resident Lyudmila has found the next career step. To get there, she sent hundreds of CV’s and attended dozens of interviews to find the marketing job – but believes one quality set her above the rest – knowledge of the English language.
Lyudmyla: “That’s a big plus, about 20 percent… and sometimes the job is scrapped just because you don’t know the language”.
Knowledge of foreign languages, new technologies, creativity and innovative approaches to work – these qualities are most valued by employers, says specialist recruiter Tetyana Pashkina. But these are not the only ways Ukrainians are changing.
Tetyana Pashkina, recruitment specialist: “What we’re thinking of doing next year is promoting a healthy lifestyle because this helps one to get a higher paying job”.
Ukraine’s drift further into the service sector, the high skilled and low cost workforce and opening of the EU market, have led a positive outlook in 2016 – where employment and salaries are expected to grow.