Slovenia : Job market

What are my chances of getting a job?

Until the global financial crisis in 2008, economic results in Slovenia were good. It was the first 2004 European Union entrant to adopt the euro (on 1 January 2007) and its market was competitive and focused on exports. Companies have had to deal with a fall in orders and a lack of financial resources. This has especially affected manufacturing and construction companies. Unemployment is rising due to lack of business and company bankruptcy. The economy has one of the highest levels of state control in the EU and privitisation is happening slowly. Foreign investment has also slowed and the inflexible labour market means that industries are losing out to bigger players in China, India and elsewhere.

• Typical problems encountered: the structure of unemployment remains problematic, in particular among women and older people. The proportion of the unemployed who have further or higher qualifications has also recently grown.
• How to improve your chances: UK graduates should gain as much work experience in the UK as possible. Additional skills, such as having a driving licence, knowledge of foreign languages and computer skills may also help when it comes to finding employment. Graduates should focus on international companies who communicate in English. Apart from seasonal work, UK nationals are most likely to find work teaching English as a foreign language.
• Language requirements: the main language spoken is Slovene, a distinct Slavic language. Other areas speak Italian and Hungarian. UK graduates will find work in Slovenia after graduation without a good knowledge of the Slovenian language. Language Trainers offer courses for those wishing to learn Slovenian in London and Ljubljana. The Centre for Slovene as a Second or Foreign Language allows you to learn the language in several parts of Slovenia including Ljubljana. Learning Slovene before you leave for Slovenia is another option. Self-study courses are available through Eurotalk Interactive.

Where can I work?

• Major industries: metallurgy and aluminium products, electronics (including military electronics), automobiles, electric power equipment, wood products and textiles.
• Recent growth areas: in the services sector, the most sought-after workers are those in retail, mechanical engineering and the mass production of goods, education, real estate, leasing and business services. The main manufacturing sectors are electronics and electrics, metal processing including metalworking, machine building, car component manufacture and assembly, chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
• Shortage occupations: analysts, information systems designers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, doctors, dentists, nurses, physiotherapists, accountants and auditors are all in demand.
• Major companies: Petrol (oil distribution), Renault-owned car maker Revoz, bank Nova Ljubljanska banka, retailer Mercator, pharmaceutical companies Krka and Lek, home appliance manufacturer Gorenje, insurance company Zavarovalnica Triglav, utilities provider Holding Slovenske elektrarne (HSE).
• Search for more companies: the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia provides a range of valuable information on business sectors and links to Slovenia company directories. Kompass is a worldwide business directory searchable by country and product/service.
• Major cities: Ljubljana (capital and largest), Maribor. 

What’s it like working in Slovenia?

• Average working hours: working hours are no more than 40 hours but no less than 36 per week. Work week may not be spread over less than four days a week.
• Holidays: there are in total 15 public holidays, which are to celebrate religious and national festivals. In addition to public holidays, Slovenians are entitled to at least four weeks' leave per year, although this tends to rise with each year of service.
• Tax rates: 16% for salaries up to €7,410, 27% for salaries from €7,411 - 14,821 and 41% for salaries of €14,822 and over.
• Working practices and customs: business dress should be appropriate and is usually quite formal. Shake hands with women first when meeting people. Do not try to kiss during a greeting, as this may be seen as too intrusive. In business meetings you should expect some chit-chat before the meeting begins. One side of your business card should be translated into Slovenian, and it should be exchanged after introductions. Avoid scheduling meetings in July and August, which are common vacation times.