Croatia - why work abroad?

⇑Why this country?

Too many visitors to Croatia by pass Zagreb, a capital with elegant Austro - Hungarian architecture, a lively arts scene, excellent shopping and countless pubs. But the millions of tourists who flock to Croatia each year could equally be forgiven for succumbing to the charms of the Dalmatian coast and its 1 000 islands.

Unemployment rate is high, especially among the youth, but there are incentives for investors and there is good potential for labour market development. There is demand in tourism and the hospitality sector, especially in summer. There is also seasonal demand for unskilled workers in agriculture, and for doctors and other medical staff mostly in rural areas and on islands. There may also be opportunities for tourist representatives and native-speaker foreign-language teachers.

⇑Looking for work?

Look for work through personal contacts, job - search websites and newspaper adverts or by sending a spontaneous application to an employer. There are private agencies for temporary employment, while vacancies in the public sector have to be announced in the official gazette and through the Croatian employment service.

⇑Tips for job applications?

The covering letter should be no longer than one page and should provide accurate information about the reasons you are the right candidate for the job. The text should be grammatically correct and in accordance with the rules of busi¬ness communication. The text should be under-standable and easy to read.

⇑Is it standard to include a photo on the CV?

Yes, it is recommended to include a photo.

⇑Is there a preference for handwritten applications?

No, a typewritten application is preferred.

⇑Is the Europass format CV widely used and accepted?

Yes, it is fine to send a Europass CV.

⇑Making contact by phone

If the telephone number is provided, it is possible to make contact by phone. However, many employers state that it is not possible to get information by phone.

⇑Do I need to send diplomas with my application?

Yes, if this is stated in the vacancy

⇑Should I supply references, letters of recommendation or proof of good conduct?

References or letters of recommendations are not needed in Croatia, unless requested. Some companies and institutions need criminal records office certificates.

⇑Usual length of time between publication of the vacancy and start of the job

From a few days to a few months, depending on the position. Selection procedures for highly skilled positions, as well as for employment in public institutions, can take some time. Unskilled positions or those in small companies can be filled quickly

⇑Preparing for the interview

First impressions are very important. The way you dress for the interview will be noticed. Also, you will need to present yourself based on your CV. The most common questions are related to your strengths and weaknesses. You should research the company so that you are familiar with its everyday business and the demands of the job you are applying for. If you have connections inside the company, use these to help you get an advantage.

Written and oral tests (psychological, professional) may be performed before the interview. If you are no longer interested in a job, inform the employer in good time.

⇑Dress-code tips

A candidate dressed appropriately and neatly is going to make a much better impression than one dressed in jeans and a T-shirt. Excessive jewellery and accessories, and extreme hair-styles or dyed hair should be avoided. Your personal appearance should reflect that of a potential employee.

⇑Who will be there?

Either one or a group of persons, depending on the company

⇑Do we shake hands?

Yes. Etiquette states that you shake hands first with the women, then the most important person, then the others.

⇑Is there a typical interview structure?

Interview structures vary, but there are some common characteristics. The atmosphere is usually formal. The interviewers introduce themselves, and will then invite you to present yourself, your education, previous work experi­ence, any special skills and competences, your interests and why you applied for the job.

Employers usually ask questions about your CV, previous work experience and their expec­tations. The interview lasts about 1/2 hour.

Save your own questions for the end of the interview, keep them brief and avoid going into too much detail.

⇑When is a question out of bounds?

Questions regarding religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation or pregnancy must be avoided, according to Croatia’s anti-discrimination act, which came into force in 2009. You can refuse to answer questions related to your private life.

⇑Negotiating your pay and benefits

Employers often set salaries and benefits and there is limited room for negotiation. In any case, salaries are only negotiable in the private sector; in the public sector they are fixed by law. Salaries are expressed as a monthly rate and should include holiday entitlements. Bonuses and other benefits are negotiated separately.

⇑Is a trial period likely?

From a legal point of view, a 1-day work trial is not possible.

⇑How long is the standard probationary period?

The probationary period is usually between 1 and 3 months long.

⇑Will the employer cover my costs for attending an interview?

The employer is not obliged to cover costs for attending an interview.

⇑When will I hear the result?

At the end of the interview, you can ask the interviewer when the results will be announced. The employer usually informs you about the results a week or two after the interview.

⇑Getting feedback and further follow-up

After the interview, you can call the interviewer and ask for feedback.

⇑How early should I arrive for the interview?

We suggest you arrive 10-15 minutes early in order to organise and review your documents, and to get ready. Let the employer know if you expect to be late or if you are not able to attend.