Xpat Opinion: Finding A Job In Hungary

  • 20 Feb 2014 10:40 AM
Xpat Opinion: Finding A Job In Hungary
If you are an expat residing in, or considering relocating to Hungary, it can be daunting when starting to look for employment. Listed below are some helpful tips on how to search for jobs in Hungary, as well as some additional information on employee contracts to help you acclimatize to your new lifestyle.

Season

If you are searching for a job in Hungary, it is worth bearing in mind that the availability of job positions is often dependent on the season. In the summer there will be less positions available due to the increased number of job seekers. Therefore it is advisable you search for a job in the winter months, when you have a better chance of procuring employment.

Industry

The industry in which you intend to work will affect the number of jobs available. For instance, marketing and economic jobs are more difficult to come across due to the larger number of applicants seeking work.

One of the most popular jobs available for expats in Hungary is teaching English. There are currently a wide variety of online resources to connect you with teaching work in Hungary. These include ESL Cafe, Maths Doctor and Tesall, all of which allow you to post applications for tutoring job positions.

At the moment there is a shortage of qualified IT and technology consultants in Hungary, so if you are certified to work in this industry your chances of employment are significantly heightened. Similarly if you are qualified as an accountant or auditor you will be more likely to procure work due to candidate shortages. Bear in mind that the current practice in Hungary with respect to the IT sector is to employ candidates as subcontractors instead of as a standard employee.


Accepting a job

All jobs in Hungary feature an employment contract, irrespective of whether you intend to work full or part time. These contracts are required to include; job title, employer and employee names, addresses and other identifying data, salary specifications, details of the employee's work responsibilities and activities as well as working hours and holidays.

These employee contracts are categorized either for fixed term or indefinite periods of employment. There are also additional assignment contracts and outsourcing contracts. Assignment contracts were previously the most popular employment method but have lapsed in recent years due to tightened conditions.

For example, if you work eight hours a day, you are no longer eligible for an assignment contract. Alternatively, outsourcing contracts are when an outsourcing company is responsible as your employer but your company actually has the right to direct your work. Depending on the industry you work in and your job specification, your employer will discuss which contracts are applicable to you.

Employee rights in Hungary are strongly protected by the Labour Code as well as additional employment legislation. This offers employee security because any companies found to contravene these codes and laws face strict fines and sanctions.

Ultimately, with preparation and determination, you can locate a viable source of employment in Hungary. Currently there is an ever increasing community of expats residing in Hungary with which you can communicate. Visit networking websites online and you can introduce and integrate yourself with other expats in order to glean exclusive tips and insights into the Hungarian job market.

Words by Bradley Taylor for XpatLoop.com

Bradley is a freelance writer from Derby, England, a motoring enthusiast who loves writing about cars and everything automotive but he is versatile and he also writes across a variety of other topics.
You can find him on Google+ and follow him on Twitter.

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