The hunt for a perfect new job is almost always a challenge, as job opportunities rarely come knocking at one’s door on their own. Whether you are switching careers, cities or countries – there are certain tips and guidelines you might want to consider even before embarking on this life-changing adventure.
The Serbian job market offers a diverse range of opportunities across various sectors—from the ever-thriving IT industry and modern agriculture to education, tourism, and beyond. In this guide, we’ll explore these sectors, their requirements and benefits in Serbia, and share practical tips on how to find a job in this beautiful country. Let us see what steps can help you land that perfect role.
Job opportunities in Serbia
If you are looking for a job in Serbia, you might already be acquainted with the fact that this is a relatively small country with a medium-sized job market. This factor makes it difficult even for young and university-educated Serbs to find a job within the scope of their profession. However, under no circumstances should this discourage you. Despite geographical restrictions, persistence and confidence are the most important tools for every job search!
Depending on what professional area you are looking to become a part of, here are some suggestions you could check out for a start:
IT Sector
Serbia is closely following all the cutting-edge trends in the IT industry, so it can be said with confidence that this sector is in its prime, attracting both local startups and international companies.
As the demand for software developers, data analysts, and digital marketers is steadily growing, IT companies offer competitive salaries and the desirable possibility of remote work. Fear not if you aren’t as proficient in Serbian as you wish to be, since many companies value proficiency in English and technical skills, making it an ideal sector for tech-savvy expats.
Agriculture
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the Serbian economy. The state itself takes great pride in this sector and promotes it by way of state subsidies, tax relief programmes, and favourable loans. Modern aggrotech initiatives are transforming traditional farming practices, and the government of Serbia is eager to support all individuals experienced in agronomy, food processing, and export management. If you have a background in agricultural sciences or are passionate about sustainable farming, Serbia offers the perfect ground for you.
Teaching and Education
For those inclined towards academia, there’s a perfect place under the Serbian sky. Serbia’s international schools and language institutes present numerous opportunities – for instance, as the number of international schools keeps growing, so does the demand for bilingual educators in various subjects.
If you are more interested in teaching a language, native English speakers can land a great job in many language schools, or even work at universities as foreign lectors or professors of culture. In any case, whether you major or are proficient in Russian, German, Chinese, or any other major languages, be sure you will find a rewarding role teaching both children and adults.
Tourism and Hospitality
Serbia’s rich history, Balkan culture, and breathtaking natural beauty make it a hotspot for tourism. Job opportunities in this sector usually include hotels and restaurant management, bartending and serving. However, roles in tour operations, guiding, and event planning are also on the table.
Embassy jobs and international companies
Many expats find employment with embassies, international organisations, and foreign companies operating in Serbia. Since these positions require multilingual skills and a solid understanding of global business practices, you can contribute on a larger scale by building a unique bridge between cultures.
How to find the best job in Serbia?
Once you have decided which career path you’d like to take, let us examine what Serbian platforms there are to conduct the job search on.
Even though social media and LinkedIn are without competition in today’s world, the best way to start your search is on local job portals. Some of the most reliable resources in Serbia are Infostud and oglasi.rs. If you don’t like checking the websites daily, try subscribing to always get the newest job ads. With the rise of digital work, many positions are now available remotely, offering flexibility and the chance to work with international teams.
When it comes to social networks, Facebook groups are numerous and efficient in connecting people with similar interests all over the world. The ones dedicated to expats in Serbia could be a great way to check for job opportunities. However, real-life networking events and social gatherings provide a wonderful chance to connect with locals and hear about unadvertised openings.
What do employers expect?
Let us check what kind of CV format is expected in Serbia and how you should prepare your diplomas. When applying for jobs in Serbia, ensure your CV is clear, concise, and tailored to the position. The most important thing is to highlight relevant experience, without trying to impress your prospective employers with a lengthy CV – a one to two-page document with a professional layout would be ideal. Try to emphasize any segment that could stand out in your educational and professional background. For positions in international companies, don’t forget to include language proficiencies and any valuable cross-cultural experiences.
In order to be fully prepared, make a few scans or certified copies of your diplomas and relevant certifications.
Salary expectations and the best-paid jobs
Salaries all over the world vary by industry and experience level, and Serbia is no exception to this. The highest-paying sectors are the IT and engineering ones, as well as managerial roles in multinational companies. The international companies in Belgrade and other bigger cities in Serbia tend to offer the highest salaries.
If you are looking for a remote job, many roles in marketing, entrepreneurship, organisation and the creative industry can also provide competitive wages often comparable to international standards.
While salaries might be lower than in some Western countries, the cost of living in Serbia is significantly more affordable, making it a great value overall.
Jobs in Serbia for English speakers
Numerous opportunities require English proficiency, especially for international professionals. If you have this requirement covered, you already have a solid foundation.
- For example, tech companies providing IT and digital marketing services regularly operate in English.
- Furthermore, roles in language schools and international institutions make for a great place to share your English skills with others.
- English-speaking positions are also common in hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies.
- Lastly, international organizations are always looking for a strong command of English and potentially other languages.
Looking for a job in Serbia can be a much shorter journey if you are aware of all the advantages you bring to the companies. Be unafraid to boost your CV and share your unique experiences and language skills. Whether you’re diving into Serbia’s dynamic IT scene, exploring opportunities in agriculture, or embracing the vibrant tourism industry, the Serbian job market is ripe with possibilities. With resources like local job websites, active expat communities, and a clear understanding of what employers expect, you’re well on your way to landing the perfect role.
Without further ado, get your CV ready, start networking, and step into a professional world where tradition meets innovation. Good luck with your job search!
