Graduate outlookBulgarian companies recruit significant numbers of graduates, but most of those leaving Bulgarian universities will have Masters qualifications. Currently, there are few opportunities for foreigners to find graduate jobs in Bulgaria, although some international companies have non-Bulgarians in senior positions. However, these staff are usually recruited elsewhere and subsequently transferred to offices in Bulgaria. There is likely to be a strong demand for teachers of English in Bulgaria (see work experience). back to top The economySince 1997, when Bulgaria experienced a serious financial crisis, the country has enjoyed a period of consolidation, and latterly stability and growth, culminating in its accession to the European Union (EU) in January 2007. In the three years prior to accession, the country achieved steady and stable economic growth of between 5% and 6% per year. With forecasts predicting that 2007 will be another year of 6% growth, Bulgaria remains one of the fastest developing economies in Europe (Centre for Economic Development). Inflation is currently at 7% with expectations that the rate will slow down in 2008 and 2009 (National Statistical Institute). Main strands in the economy are industry, agriculture and services. Major industries include: - machine building and metal working;
- refined petroleum products and food processing;
- chemicals;
- construction materials;
- textile and clothing;
- power generation (including nuclear).
Growing economic stability and EU membership has led to a boom in the property market with many European buyers attracted by the relatively low property prices and cost of living in Bulgaria. Tourism has always been an important industry in the Bulgarian economy and it is well known as a budget ‘sun and snow’ destination. back to top There are many international companies operating in Bulgaria. The following websites have details of Bulgarian companies: back to top UnemploymentAccording to the Bulgarian Agency for Economic Analysis and Forecasting, the official level of unemployment in April 2007 was 9.6% of the country’s workforce, the lowest figure since September 1991. There is, however, a significant grey economy, which some estimate to be as much as 20% of gross domestic product (GDP), suggesting that the real level of unemployment is less than the official figure. back to top Working practices and customs- The standard working week is 40 hours in five working days.
- The standard working day is eight hours with a minimum break of 30 minutes.
- Offices and banks are open from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
- Major shops are open from 10am to 8pm on weekdays, 10am to 5pm on Saturdays and many are also open on Sundays. Supermarkets are open from 9am to 10pm and many small local shops (usually family owned and operated) are open 24 hours and on public holidays.
- There are 13 public holidays, including Labour Day (1 May) and Independence Day (22 September).
- The minimum annual leave entitlement is 20 working days.
back to top Language requirementsThe official language of the country is Bulgarian - a Slavic language using the Cyrillic alphabet, which is quite different from the Roman script used in most of Europe. Approximately 84.5% of the population speak Bulgarian, 9.6% Turkish (located mainly in the south east of the country) and 4.1% Roma (Wikipedia - Bulgaria). Most jobs will require some level of Bulgarian. However, with the increase in foreign investment and international trade, more jobs require knowledge of a foreign language. The most widely spoken is English, followed by Russian and German. Some knowledge of Bulgarian is essential for work outside the main cities and tourist areas.
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Bulgaria: Job market
