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Lviv Today  2/June 2008

A RECRUITMENT GOLDMINE

As the Ukrainian economy expands and enters global markets, more and more companies are reporting difficulties in finding the right calibre of professional recruits to meet the growing demands of their businesses. As a result the Ukrainian recruitment industry is experiencing a boom in interest as employers learn to appreciate the added value of top quality staffing choices and the market itself grows increasingly sophisticated. Natalie Haivoronska and Artem Haivoronsky (pictured, below) are recruitment industry professionals with a wealth of experience in the Ukrainian market. Both are based in Lviv, where Natalie is a Partner and Artem Business Development Manager at Synergy-Consulting.

How would you describe the main trends in today's Ukrainian employment market?

Natalie: Unlike my home country Canada, where the employment situation is quite stable, the Ukrainian labour market of today is very dynamic and full of challenge. One of the tendencies that have been observed from the year 2000 onwards is a steady decrease in unemployment figures and growing net employment rates. High unemployment is now a thing of the past and some sectors of the economy such as the skilled trades are even beginning to show signs of labour shortages. Salaries are also on the rise as competition for labour in the private sector becomes more intense.

What does Lviv in particular offer as a recruitment focus?

Natalie: Lviv and Western Ukraine are uniquely Ukrainian. Unlike the rest of today's Ukrainian territory, Western Ukraine was not incorporated into the Soviet Union until 1939. The population here can still recall a previous era of private ownership and entrepreneur-ship. This spirit which is rooted in Western Ukrainians resonates well with Western investors who share the same views on business and exhibita similarwork ethic. Ukraine's proximity to the West is another reason making Lviv an interesting recruitment focus. Walking through the streets of Lviv one can increasingly hear conversations going on in English, Polish, German, French. This reflects the slow but sure shift in focus of tourism and industry away from the capital to other regions, and Lviv has a foothold in this growing tendency due to its proximity to the countries of the Schengen visa zone.

How do elements of Soviet employment culture restrict the development of the Ukrainian recruitment market?

Artem: The Ukrainian state has made positive strides in its attempts to improve the investment climate and ensure that investments continue to flow into Ukraine. Ukraine's recent WTO membership promises to open whole sectors to foreign investment and this is quite a victory for Ukraine. Unfortunately, while business is moving forward quickly the schooling system is having a hard time keeping up. The Soviet style approach to education and labour planning is still alive and well, and the ties between government, educational institutions and the business community are tenuous. Tighter communication and interaction between these stakeholders will help create a labour force which is equipped to handle the employment challenges of today.

Who are the most in-demand people in today's Lviv recruitment market?

Artem: The demands of the Lviv recruitment market are similar to those which are being observed throughout the rest of the country. We see a general demand for people in banking and finance, sales, construction, engineering and programming.

Skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled labour is also in high demand, partially the result of policies making the movement of labour more fluid. Lviv and Western Ukraine is also facing a shortage in the very top levels of management, people who have Western business awareness, experience and skills.

What would your advice be to an ambitious young Ukrainian looking to take the first steps in their career?

Natalie: Taking your first steps is not just a physical activity, but a mental one. Young ambitious Ukrainians should first invest time into researching who and what is out there. Only then should they turn their attention to the actual job search. Having a clear understanding of where they are going and how they are going to get there will help streamline and focus their employment search. Another piece of advice would be about being resourceful. Young people need to use every avenue open to them in their job search. This includes visiting job fairs, applying for internship opportunities, posting their resumes on the net, working with professional recruitment firms, joining networks, and taking the time to talk to people and create contacts. All of these measures will increase their chances of landing their first job. And the last piece of advice would be to be stay positive and determined! They have to remember that looking for work is a full time job in itself.

What emerging trends do you foresee for the coming years on the Ukrainian recruitment market?

Artem: The future will hold many developments for Ukraine. In May of this year, Ukraine became the 152th member of the WTO which will have a positive impact on Ukraine's investment climate. New sectors for investment will open up and greater volumes of investment will flood into Ukraine. This will translate into the creation of new jobs and increased salaries. I also see labour returning to the regions. For years, Kyiv has attracted labour with its employment possibilities, wages and opportunities for growth. As investors learn more about Ukraine and its investment potential, we are seeing investment capital spread into the regions, thereby creating new jobs and employment opportunities. Talks are also underway to set up a Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Ukraine. An agreement of this nature should bring Ukrainian regulations and standards in line with those of the West and attract potential investors. At the same time, visa regimes will loosen up and lead to labour shortages as labour will become more mobile.

What is the secret to impressing a potential employer?

Natalie: Leaving your mark on a potential employer is not as easy as it sounds. Our experience in recruitment throughout the years has shown that there are many qualified people out there who simply can't get the interview right and have trouble landing a job. The fact of the matter is that they don't know what the person interviewing them wants and expects to hear and see. To address this need, we offer a training program which has been designed to equip candidates with the techniques and strategies needed to pass a interview, impress a potential employer and most importantly, get a job offer.

Interview by Peter Dickinson