Are you looking to expand your business into the Balkan countries? Ready to source talent from an unexplored market? While the prospects of recruiting in the region can be intimidating, there’s one thing that always remains true: great talent is hard to find. But with the right approach, you can build a powerful team of professionals in these countries.
We’ll share our experience and tips from working with countless companies that reached out for help with their Balkan recruiting efforts.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to find and hire top professionals in Bulgaria, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and other countries in the region. So let’s dive right in!
Overview of the Balkan Region
If you’re looking for talented professionals to join your roster, casting your net to the Balkan region could be a great move. This peninsula is made up of seven countries—Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia—spread across the Adriatic and Ionian seas.
Each of these countries has its own unique culture and language, although it’s not uncommon to find people who can speak multiple languages fluently. Consequently, you could find professionals with many different skillsets in the region—such as marketing experts in Serbia or software engineers in Albania—so it’s worth considering this area when recruiting.
These countries have booming economies and offer competitive wages compared to other parts of Europe, so you don’t have to break the bank when recruiting here. Plus they don’t tend to require work permits for non-EEA citizens looking to work within their boundaries.
Popular Fields to Recruit in the Balkans
When it comes to recruiting in the Balkan States, there are three major sectors where you’re likely to find talented professionals: IT and software development, finance, and hospitality.
- IT and Software Development
The IT and software development industry is a booming sector in the Balkans, with major centers such as Belgrade and Zagreb quickly becoming hubs for remote employees. Developers and engineers often have both the technical skills and cultural understanding to fit in with global organizations.
- Finance
The Balkans region is also known for its financial services sector, particularly in Serbia and Croatia. Banks, financial institutions, insurance companies—all of them are looking for highly qualified professionals who are comfortable with numbers as well as up-to-date on the latest regulations.
Benefits of Recruiting From the Balkan Region
Recruiting from the Balkan region offers numerous benefits that make it an attractive option for businesses looking to add some talented professionals to their team.
Here are just some of the reasons why recruiting from the Balkans is a great choice:
- Rich Talent Pool
One of the biggest draws of recruiting from the Balkan region is its rich talent pool—it’s no secret that there’s plenty of highly-skilled and experienced professionals living in these countries. This means you can quickly find people with a wide range of skills and backgrounds, giving you access to talent that would be hard to find in other regions.
- Cost-Effective Option
The cost-effectiveness of recruiting in the Balkans is another benefit that makes it an appealing option. Labor costs tend to be lower than in other parts of Europe, making it easier to find talented professionals at a fraction of the cost. Plus, due to their geographical location, many business trips can be done within a day or two, allowing you to complete recruitment processes quickly and efficiently.
- Competitive Advantages
Recruiting in the Balkan states can also give your business a competitive advantage — hiring people with specialized skillsets can open up opportunities for new business initiatives and products. And, since many countries offer incentives for businesses that hire locally, taking advantage of this perk could prove beneficial for your company in more ways than one!
Conclusion
Whether you are looking for software developers, engineers, or digital marketers, the Balkan countries should be a top choice for recruitment. From a wide range of available talent and relatively low wages to a stable political climate, the region offers a great opportunity for recruiters.
Overall, recruiters should be aware of the challenge of recruiting in the Balkan countries and take advantage of the opportunities it presents. With the right approach and a bit of patience, you can find the perfect talent for your business to help you reach your goals.
Our AboutHR team will be happy to help you find the best talent! Contact Marianna Hrynyshyn if you have any questions
