Salary remains the key factor for job selection

Salary continues to be the most important factor for job selection in Serbia, with 66% of people citing it as the decisive criterion, according to research conducted by Infostud during the Regional Employment Fair.

However, good interpersonal relationships remain highly significant, as 61% of respondents identified them as essential when choosing an employer. The third most important factor is the opportunity for learning and career advancement, valued by 37% of respondents, followed by working hours (34%) and job security (23%). Interestingly, flexible working hours are a key factor for 22% of respondents. These findings are not unique to Serbia but reflect a similar trend across the region, where salary and interpersonal relationships consistently rank as top priorities when selecting an employer.

What is crucial for securing a job?
The survey results indicate that a third of respondents believe that skills and knowledge are the most critical factors for securing employment. Motivation and willingness to work play a key role for 20% of respondents, while 18% highlight the importance of prior work experience. In contrast, only 3% believe that formal education is crucial, underscoring the labour market’s increasing emphasis on practical skills and motivation over formal qualifications.

Is €1,000 a month enough for a decent living?
When it comes to salary expectations, 35% of respondents in Serbia consider an ideal monthly salary to be between €800 and €1,000. Nearly a third (28%) expect a salary in the range of €1,000 to €1,500, while 17% believe that €500 to €800 would suffice for a decent living. Only 13% of respondents have salary expectations exceeding €1,500 per month.

More than half of employees plan to change jobs within a year
Over half of respondents (54%) intend to change jobs within the next year, while only 16% are satisfied with their current position. The remaining respondents would only consider a job change if absolutely necessary. Additionally, the survey reveals that half of employees are not afraid of losing their jobs, although 22% express concern about the precarious nature of the labour market.

The data also show that employees face salary stagnation: 45% have not received a raise in the past year, while 37% have experienced an income increase, and 16% expect a raise by the end of the year. Regarding work arrangements, 63% of respondents state that their positions do not allow for remote work, while 19% work from the office despite having the option to work remotely. A hybrid model is adopted by 12%, and only 6% work entirely from home.

Foreign companies are the top choice for employees
When selecting an employer, 33% of respondents prefer foreign private companies. Entrepreneurship ranks as the second most desirable option, with 27%, while 21% would choose to work in state-owned enterprises. Only 15% would opt for domestic private companies, indicating greater trust in foreign employers and a growing interest in entrepreneurial careers.

Feedback often missing
Nearly half of respondents (46%) rarely receive feedback on the outcomes of job applications, while 24% state that feedback is almost never provided. Only 3% of candidates report always receiving a response. As a result, half of the respondents say they avoid applying to companies that do not provide feedback, and 17% leave negative comments about such employers among friends and family.

Youth seek jobs through internships and part-time work
Young people still in education remain optimistic about finding a job, with 38% believing they will secure employment within three months after graduation, and 20% expecting it to take up to six months. Most (70%) are willing to start with internships to gain experience, 46% would take on part-time jobs, and one in five is open to volunteering for necessary training.

Better working conditions motivate emigration
In terms of mobility, 46% of respondents in Serbia would not relocate for work, while 28% prefer moving to a European country. Relocation to regional countries is acceptable to 14%, while 11% would consider moving outside Europe. The main reasons for emigration include higher salaries (74%), better living conditions (63%), and improved working conditions (57%).

Survey details
The survey consisted of 20 questions and focused on three demographic groups: employees, unemployed individuals, and those currently in education. Over 6,000 people participated, nearly half of whom were from Serbia (2,916 respondents).

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