Finding job vacancies and building your network

Romania’s job market is diverse, with consistent demand in sectors like hospitality, customer service, retail, IT, construction, and more. For Ukrainian refugees, networking, leveraging online job portals, and tapping into public employment services (AJOFM/ANOFM) are crucial first steps. Developing a strategic approach—combining both online and offline channels—will help you discover reliable employment, enhance your skill set, and quickly settle into the Romanian workforce.

1. Register with AJOFM/ANOFM

Public employment services
- What they are: AJOFM (Agenția Județeană pentru Ocuparea Forței de Muncă) are county-level employment offices under ANOFM (National Employment Agency).
- Website: anofm.ro
  - What you’ll find:
    - Up-to-date job listings from local employers.
    - Contact info for each county’s AJOFM and the specialized staff.
    - Resources on Romanian labor laws, unemployment benefits, and training programs.
- Services provided:
  - Free career counseling: Building or reviewing CVs, preparing for interviews, and exploring relevant fields.
  - Job mediation: Matching your profile with vacant positions.
  - Language support: In some counties, AJOFM or collaborating NGOs arrange Romanian language classes for jobseekers.
- Registration steps:
  - Bring your Temporary Protection Permit (or other ID).
  - Fill out personal data forms detailing your skills, work history, and any documents you have (diplomas, references).
Dedicated Ukrainian programs
- Some AJOFM branches have designated staff focusing on Ukrainian refugees, providing direct assistance in your preferred language (Romanian, English, or sometimes Russian/Ukrainian).
- They can point you to employers who have specifically requested Ukrainian applicants, or who offer flexible schedules, housing options, or language-friendly workplaces.

2. Online platforms

E-Jobs, BestJobs, LinkedIn
- Romania’s Top Sites:
  - E-Jobs, BestJobs, and LinkedIn are widely used by Romanian employers.
- Key features:
  - Location filter: Find jobs near your city or region.
  - Language requirement: Search for “English only,” “Russian,” or “Ukrainian” if your Romanian is still basic.
  - Resume upload: Create a profile, upload your CV, and let recruiters find you.
- Practical tip:
  - Set email alerts for keywords in your preferred sector (e.g., “IT support in English,” “hospitality jobs”).
Jobs4Ukr
- Specialized platform: jobs4ukr.com/romania
- Why it’s unique:
  - Specifically connects Ukrainian refugees with Romanian employers.
  - Often features postings that don’t require advanced Romanian, plus step-by-step guidance on legal documents.
- Extra resources:
  - Career tips, workshop announcements (e.g., CV-building sessions), and direct contact to partner NGOs for additional support.

LinkedIn
- What to do:
  - Follow local Romanian companies in your sector (e.g., IT start-ups, hotels, manufacturing).
  - Join groups like “Ukraine – Romania Job Network” or “Refugee Professionals in Romania” to see job posts, get advice, or make new connections.
- Advantages:
  - Recruiters often scan LinkedIn for bilingual or multilingual candidates.
  - You can showcase any volunteer projects or recommendations from past colleagues.
Facebook groups
- How to find them: Search “Ucraineni în [City Name]” or “Ukrainians in [City Name].” Examples: “Ucraineni în București,” “Ukrainians in Cluj,” “Refugees in Timișoara.”
- Why they help:
  - Members share job openings from local restaurants, factories, or offices looking for Ukrainian speakers.
  - Community tips: People post about workplace experiences, legal updates, or housing leads.
- Caution: Always verify the credibility of job postings—look for official registration details or contact references.

4. Recruitment fairs & events

Career days
- Universities and city halls:
  - Regularly host job fairs or “Career Days.” These can be specialized (IT, engineering, hospitality) or general.
  - Bring physical copies of your CV, a list of references, and be ready for on-the-spot mini-interviews.
- Where to learn about them:
  - ANOFM / AJOFM websites often post upcoming local fairs.
  - University career centers (e.g., at Politehnica or University of Bucharest) typically publish fair schedules on their site or social media.
NGO workshops
- Resume & interview prep: Nonprofits like CNRR or IOM Romania frequently organize employment workshops specifically for refugees.
- What you’ll gain:
  - Feedback on your CV (structure, keywords).
  - Mock interviews with HR professionals.
  - Networking with other jobseekers who might share leads or experiences.
Employer open days
- Certain large companies (e.g., automotive factories, tech firms) host open days where you can tour the facilities, meet hiring managers, and learn about job requirements.

5. Use personal contacts

Word-of-mouth
- Ask around: Your Romanian neighbors, new friends, or other Ukrainian community members might know businesses seeking staff.
- Local venues: Sometimes smaller shops, cafés, or local factories don’t post online but rely on personal recommendations.
- Inexpensive or quick hiring: Smaller employers often prefer informal channels to recruit part-time help or short-contract workers.
Developing a personal network
- Volunteer or join community groups: This often leads to hearing about job openings before they’re made public.
- Attend local events: Cultural festivals, sports clubs, or language exchange meetups help you connect with potential employers or peers working in your field.
- Host family or landlord: If you’re renting a room or living with a Romanian family, they may also have local connections or can introduce you to prospective employers.

Additional links & tips

Romanian Government – ProtectieUcraina
- protectieucraina.gov.ro/1/
- What you’ll find:
  - Updates on employment regulations for Ukrainian refugees.
  - Contact details for official helplines and immigration offices.
  - Info on local integration services (language courses, benefits).
Jobs4Ukraine
- jobs4ukr.com
- What you’ll find:
  - Job coaching sessions, mentorship programs.
  - Legal advice on employment contracts, your rights if an employer terminates your contract abruptly, and more.
Ministry of Labor – mmuncii.ro
- Monitors labor market changes, sets the official minimum wage, and regularly updates conditions for temporary protection holders.

A job search strategy is often the most effective—combining public employment agencies (AJOFM/ANOFM), online job boards, NGO or community workshops, and personal networking in real life. Be proactive: update your CV, attend recruitment events, and join Facebook/LinkedIn groups for continuous updates on new opportunities.

Always ensure you have the necessary documentation (temporary protection permit or recognized ID) for registration. Remember, if you face challenges or confusion, local NGOs and specialized government programs can offer free guidance on everything from writing a Romanian-style resume to navigating labor regulations. By staying connected—both online and offline—you’ll improve your chances of finding a role that fits your skills and sets you on a stable professional path in Romania.