Slovakia : Job market

What are my chances of getting a job?

• Typical problems encountered: it is difficult for UK graduates to find work in Slovakia as the country produces plenty of high quality graduates each year and Slovak language ability is required in most jobs. The most promising job opportunities for UK graduates are in teaching English as a foreign language or on placement with an international firm. The economic downturn has also affected the labour market and there has been a decline in employment.
• How to improve your chances: your chances of finding a job could be improved by waiting a few years after graduation and acquiring professional skills and experience. Learning Slovak before you go to Slovakia is another option and you may find information on courses at your local educational establishments, although it is not widely taught. Eurotalk Interactive  offers self-study courses in Slovak. There are some elementary online Slovak language courses organised by The Centre of Slovak as a Foreign Language . Unless you are working as an English teacher or in an English-speaking international professional environment it is essential to have good Slovak language ability to have a realistic chance of getting a job. It is useful to have an understanding of German or Russian as these languages are spoken in business. Apart from teaching English, it may be possible to work for some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) using English as the main language.
• Language requirements: Slovak language ability is needed to study at Slovak universities.

Where can I work?

• Major industries: vehicle manufacturing, food and drink, metal and metal products and textiles. 
• Shortage occupations: public administration, social security, supply of electricity, gas, steam, finance and insurance, mining and extraction and health care and social care.
• Major companies: the top 10 companies in Slovakia by sales are: Volkswagen Slovakia (car manufacture), Slovnaft (oil refining), Samsung Electronics, US Steel Kosice, SPP (gas distribution), Kia Motors (car manufacture), Peugeot-Citroen Slovakia (car manufacture), Slovak Electricity, Tesco Stores and Sony Slovakia. (Central European Economics Watch - Top 10 Slovak Companies).
• Search for more companies: Lists of companies can be found at: Kompass  ,a worldwide business directory searchable by country and product/service. The British Chamber of Commerce in the Slovak Republic  and the Slovak Chamber of Commerce and Industry  websites have useful lists of employer members operating in the Slovak Republic. The UK Trade & Investment (UKTI)  website lists potential business opportunities for UK companies in terms of investment, exports, franchising and consulting.
• Major cities: Bratislava (the capital), Kosice, Zilina, Presov, Nitra and Banska Bystrica.

What’s it like working in Slovakia?

• Average working hours: may not exceed 40 hours per week. Depending on the type of work, normal working hours may range from 37.5 to 40 hours a week. Working overtime is not customary and employees are entitled to compensation for working overtime, on top of their normal wage.
• Holidays: 15 public holidays, including Labour Day (1 May) and Slovak National Uprising Day (29 August). Basic leave entitlement is at least four weeks in a calendar year, although it is more for some professions, e.g. teaching.
• Tax rates: there is a flat tax of 19% on all types of income. There is more information about pre-tax deductions and indirect taxes on the EURES - European Job Mobility Portal  website.
• Working practices and customs: these are not significantly different from other European countries. Business dress tends to vary with the culture of the organisation. Suits are standard in the financial sector, but in other industries suits may be required for high level meetings, visits to clients, etc., with a less formal dress code for the office.