29.06.2023

SUCCESS TECHNIQUES: TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE JOB SEARCH

The job search in any field is always intense and the competition becomes fiercer also because of the new challenges you have to face to get the job you want. If you are one of those who have already sent out hundreds of resumes without getting a positive response, don't worry, there are important tips for effective job hunting to get you hired quickly.

Personalize your resume

Regardless of whether you are looking for a job in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna or another city in the country, check that you have all the updated information in your resume, with the start and end dates of each of the positions you held, and that your experience is relevant to the offer for job you want to apply for. Remember that each CV should be different depending on the position you are applying for. You can organize the content according to what is most relevant to the job posting.

Resume design can help grab the attention of the person reviewing your CV. There are sites where you can find help in choosing a suitable resume template, in addition to this you can also find guides to a good cover letter.

Create contacts

Knowing more people can help you get a job, because if they know you and your skills, if they know of a position that fits your profile, they could recommend you or even write letters of recommendation for future work.

Use social networks

A social networking profile to find a job is also essential to advance your professional career, as many HR and recruiting companies use this way to find professionals that meet their needs.

Subscribe to job posting sites

There are hundreds of job portals that offer offers in every field of work. Subscribe to one of them, make sure you've selected the portal preferences well so that it shows you the job offers that best match what you're looking for, and don't forget to set notifications to see the most new offers and be the first to sign up.

Prepare for an interview

This is the last chance to convince the employer that you are the right person for the job. To be more successful in this task, research the company you want to work for, understand the mission, vision, and core business, and try to frame your answers according to the company's philosophy.

Research the frequently asked questions they usually ask in interviews and practice them in front of the mirror or in front of a friend or family and prepare questions to ask at the interview. Although everything about the position has been explained to you, it is important to ask at least one question to show interest in the company.

Send a thank you message

One thing most people don't do is follow up with the interviewer after the interview is over. For this reason, it is important to send a thank-you message after the interview and emphasize your interest in being part of the company's team, as this will help you to be better present in the employer's mind and stand out from other applicants.

29.06.2023

THE INSTITUTE FOR MARKET ECONOMICS PRESENTS THE STUDY "EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT: VOCATIONAL EDUCATION CORRESPONDENCE INDEX WITH THE PROFILE OF THE ECONOMY - 2023"

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT: Index of the match between vocational education and the profile of the economy 2023

The full text of the study is available HERE

The main role and advantage of vocational education is to provide a direct link between learners and the labor market.

The correlation index measures the relationship between vocational education and the profile of the economy.

The index shows vocational training by sector and compares it with the distribution of the labor force in different economic activities. This makes it possible to see both the structural coincidences and the deviations in the education provided in relation to the needs of the labor market. The calculations also allow to trace the relationship between education and the labor market at the regional level.

Almost half of students will not apply what they studied for

The index of correspondence of vocational education with the profile of the economy for the country in 2023 is 53.6 points (out of a maximum of 100 points).

The study covers a graduating class of over 21,000 students who will study in the next five years in specialties from six selected sectors: agriculture, processing industry, construction, transport, hospitality and catering, and ICT. The results of the index show that probably 10 thousand of them will not do what they studied for.

Compared to last year's edition of the index, there was a decrease of 1.2 points. The reason for this lies mainly in the shrinking of admissions in majors related to the manufacturing industry, at the expense of expanded admissions in majors aimed at occupations in the field of information and communication technologies. Although this deepens the disparity, this transformation is not necessarily entirely negative.

Training continues in specialties that are not in demand on the labor market

The data show the high burden of specialties and professions that are practically not in demand, but fill places - on the one hand in already outdated and unnecessarily broad specialties (for example, in agricultural disciplines), and on the other, in those with relatively low training costs (for example, in the hotel and restaurant industry).

However, recent years have generally seen an expansion of vocational education enrollments in ICT fields at the expense of the previously highly prevalent training in the agriculture and hospitality sectors. There is also the emergence and increase in popularity of some new specialties responding to the transformation of the structure of the economy and the development of technology such as "Electric Vehicle Technicians" and "E-Commerce Organizers".

The regions are presented differently - in the capital, the compliance is the highest

Data at the district level provide an even clearer picture of the match between vocational education and the profile of the economy.

The capital has the highest score - 67.3 points, and the Lovech region - 36.4 points - the lowest. The first place of Sofia (the capital) is determined by the high share of both those studying for the PPK and those employed in the ICT sector, and together with that - the low share of those studying and employed in agriculture. The capital retains its first place from the previous edition of the index. The last place of the Lovech district is due to the fact that it is the district with the highest share of students in specialties aimed at the hotel and restaurant sector (almost double the average share in the country) with a relatively low share of those employed in this economic activity in the field.

Flexible education, dual training and professional guidance are needed

The negative effects of mismatches between what is taught and the profile of the economy can be reduced by more general education in a school environment at the expense of specific training in specialties for the full course of education. Thus, for example, highly specialized subjects from the initial courses of vocational education could be replaced to some extent by language and technological training, as well as by the acquisition of soft skills that increase the chances of employment.

An important aspect in vocational education and training is the continued expansion of the scope of dual training. Work-based learning while still in school will also increase the employability and attractiveness of vocational education because of stronger practical skills (relatively less need for training at the start of the working career at the first employer after secondary education) and the possibility to remain in work at the place of study. At the same time, the widespread application of dual education will naturally increase the correspondence between the specialties offered and the profile of the local economy. This approach should be complemented by the possibility of transfer between professions, as well as by mandatory professional orientation of students.

28.06.2023

HOW TO WORK WITH RECRUITMENT AGENCIES

When looking for work, the approaches are to do it on your own or through an intermediary.

Companies offering recruitment services can only operate with a valid license issued by the Employment Agency.

• For mediation activities abroad: 217
• For mediation activities in Bulgaria: 315

Recruitment agencies work for the benefit of their clients and they are the only ones who can receive remuneration for their services.

In other words, headhunters and agents are not career counselors and will not simply find you a job - they are motivated by the commission they will receive on placement, which the employer will pay them. In order to be profitable, recruitment agencies usually work on a large number of positions and the volume of applicant flow that passes through them is not small.

Unfortunately or happily, in Bulgaria it is illegal to make money from candidates for finding them a job. Of course, there are agencies that circumvent this through various techniques - fees for registration, for document processing, for a photo, for logistical support, for obtaining a visa. They, of course, do not guarantee finding a job and their goal is to accumulate as many candidates as possible in their registers.

Recruitment agents should not be confused with the profession of "career consultant", who are professionals who assist their clients - job seekers - in choosing a profession, making decisions and career development. A career consultant does not actually have the right to recommend a candidate for a job and ask him for money for it. However, he can advise him where to apply himself and how to present himself in general and precisely in this case. Help him to assess his strengths and weaknesses, analysis of the labor market, comment on specific companies, draw him an action plan, connect him with agencies, etc.

Consultant agents - selection specialists and headhunters

These professionals are also called "recruiters" from the English word recruitment, which literally translates to "recruit".

All of them work for the employer's account and for the benefit of the employer, but at the same time they provide career counseling and candidates as part of the process and good practice in their work.

Some agencies specialize in certain areas: industries or type of positions. For example in information technology or marketing and sales.

The other choice to make is the level at which given agencies operate: low, expert, middle, or top management. Don't waste your time looking for a job as an administrative assistant at an agency looking for managers. You may be interested in global players who, through their local office, can provide you with opportunities beyond the country and elsewhere in the world. In order to work in this context, it is good to understand the differences between different agencies and approach accordingly.

The best source for this is the agency's company website, where you can see what positions they are currently working for and cross-check them with their profile.

Here are some concrete practical tips for selecting and working with a recruitment agency:

• Do not apply without a selection process
• Be adequate - if you are a waiter, do not apply for the position of chief financial dealer with a requirement of 10 years of experience in the position
• Be specific - just posting a CV to a database has very little chance of "sticking".
• Remember where you applied. When they call you, you must respond appropriately. There is nothing more irritating for an agent than to talk to people who have just applied without remembering the specific position.
• If you have applied to many places, write down where and what the name of the agent or company is. Put their phone numbers in your phone memory so you can recognize them when they call you.
• When writing cover letters, remember that if you use a ready-made template, it shows immediately. It is better to write a personalized message accompanying the resume about the specific opportunity, using specific names and numbers, adequate for your profile and the benefits you can bring with you. If you don't have much experience and nothing to share, write about your motivation, passion and interest, supported by knowledge and facts. Show that you've taken the time to research.
• If you have an arranged interview with the agent or he has arranged one directly with the employer and you have found another job in the meantime, be sure to call to let them know in person and on time. Do not write an email or SMS. Thank them for their assistance. Sooner or later you may need their help again.
• In general, do not fail to give feedback on any change in your status as a job seeker if you are involved in a recruitment and the agent has told you that they will introduce you to the client.
• It is good to build long-term relationships with good agencies. We deliberately do not say agents, as the turnover is not small there either. It is good that your relationship is with the agency as a whole. Find out who a partner or long-term senior consultant is and keep in touch with them. Don't forget the others too, because sometimes "the king gives, but the poor don't".
• Forget about "spitting" on online forums (if you can, forget it altogether), even though you may be right, your negativity invariably affects your reputation and all other things being equal, you will be the "second choice". Agents regularly check these channels and if you have defamed any of them, you will be blacklisted forever. A bad reputation in the virtual world is bad in any situation. Especially when it comes to job hunting.
• If you are offended by someone's behavior or attitude, give feedback, defend your position. Do it constructively and if possible without attacking a specific person, just the problem. Good agencies will appreciate it and learn when it's done right. This will help the consultant/company to spot gaps and improve service.
• Don't be annoyed if they tell you no, accept it and say thank you. Leave the door open for next time. Being pushy and persistent can show motivation, but be careful not to come across as desperate or "I don't care anymore". This can be interpreted as self-doubt or mental instability. Even if you're unemployed, the key to getting hired is to you act as if you don't need a job but new opportunities.
• If you decide to remind yourself, do it with an occasion - for example, instead of "Will you keep me in mind if something comes up?" something like "There's a change for me, I've done this course, I have the following additional qualifications, I've won this award in the department ".
• Remember that it looks suspicious if you refuse to reveal certain information. It is good to be as frank and transparent as possible. If you miss periods where it's not clear what you've been doing, be sure a good agent doesn't fail to note them.
• 1 Salary Tip: If you still want to hide something that you know will discredit you, say that it was a period that you consider a mistake in your career and that you take as a lesson. Too much justification is also not appropriate. Even more to blame someone else. If you must specify and explain the circumstances somewhat, do not attack people, but situations, circumstances, factors, politics and times. If you must, share with the consultant that you are not particularly proud of it. He should appreciate your openness and at the same time willingness to learn from difficult moments and mistakes.
• Be sure to tell the agent what you are looking for and what your expectations are - type of company, position, type of boss, remuneration... He can only help you and save you time. If you let him down at this stage, and then he introduces you to the client, and you subsequently change your mind, nobody wins. Surely you.
• If you have any special expectations or restrictions - for example, you are a mother with a child who is in kindergarten and you may have to be away, there is no point in hiding it. Sooner or later it will be known. The agent does not decide what music will be played there, but can tell you what music will not be played there and direct you to the club that will cater to your taste.
• Remembering an important detail at the last minute can also derail things because you risk appearing suspicious or unstable for no particular reason.
• Talk about specific and measurable things. Don't leave the agent guessing what you mean and struggling to gather information. Say what you can do for his client that will benefit him.
• Don't expect the agent to do your job as well. You must also be an active party. His goal is to find a person for his client, and yours is for you to be that person. Don't expect him to write or tailor your resume for the specific opportunity. If you procrastinate and put it off, the consultant will think you're either lazy or not the right candidate for the position.
• There is nothing strange or unethical about having several different versions of your resume as long as everything you have listed is true. If you are applying for a position that requires project management experience, be sure to include any information that is relevant to the topic. Remove the extra stuff too. Adapt the CV and according to what the agent told you.
• You are the ones who have to define what you are possibly good at and what you are not. You also need to determine what you want and search accordingly. This is not the job of the agent or the headhunter. This could be the job of the career counselor who makes his money from this, but he will only guide you. The agent's job is to evaluate you through the lens of specific opportunities and find one. When you say you're "open to new things," all the agent hears is "I have no idea what I want." You will be asked to send him a resume and he will not call you again.
• 2 Salaries tip: Give to get. Call the agent and recommend a person who is suitable for the position they are working on. Do him a favor. Point him to a potential customer he can contact. Tell him about an open position you know about. It could be one from your current company that you know is having a hard time filling, or an agency selection competition is coming up. He will pay you back sooner or later.

It is quite likely that you will also come across an incompetent or biased agent who does not want to represent you for subjective reasons about a given position. Keep in mind that there may be things you don't know about and he has no way of telling you.

Usually, the decision to call you is based on a 10-second glance at your resume. This is not necessarily due to carelessness. Some recruiters develop skills to extract the information they need in seconds. But just in case, provide yourself with a short essence of what is most important to you at the very beginning, which catches the eye immediately.

For example:

40 years, MBA, 15 years Operations director in the production of fast moving goods, excellent English. In general, avoid words like "dynamic," "people-oriented," "team player," etc. No one reads them. Stick to facts, not adjectives.

"You are not performing well."

Based on your clothing, mannerisms, the way you speak and present yourself, an agent may decide not to introduce you to their client. He is careful not to introduce people the client might not like on a personal level, judging by his judgment of the employer's preferences and even hunches. Although only one candidate will be hired in the end, it's a good idea to only present those that he would get good feedback on. In this way, the client will be more satisfied with the options and the fact that his time is not wasted, and with a successful appointment, he will give more work to the agent. Recruiting is part science, part art.

If you're invited for an interview, then the agent has judged that you can "technically" do the job - that's the "science part". Your motivation, attitude, and presentation are the “art.” Once you've landed an interview, focus on these three art forms to impress the agent and make him want to work with you.

"You are not competitive in the context of the current job market."

The fact is, there is no substitute for a good solid education if you want to pursue a career in the knowledge economy. The good news is that there are already cheaper alternatives to Harvard and Cambridge that are of excellent quality.

Online courses and distance learning programs are now well received, and those making the decision to hire you care less and less where your degree came from. In addition to this, there are quite a few intensive and short (e.g. 14 days) management education programs (also called mini MBAs) organized by the Ivy League universities, which can increase the authority of your profile. In Bulgaria, there are also quite a few opportunities, such as online and distance courses.

The term "lifelong learning" is gaining more and more popularity and content in career management.

If you want to be competitive in the coming decades no matter how old you are, roll up your sleeves and sharpen your pencils.

"I probably won't be able to get you a job."

You will be invited to an interview only if there is something specific - an open position with a specific client. Agents avoid meeting just like that because if they do, they won't be able to do their other work. There must be an occasion. To fill a position, a consultant looks at sometimes hundreds of CVs, talks on the phone with about twenty candidates and meets with no more than 10. Finally, he presents the client with a short list of 3-4. Of these, only one will be hired, so if you are invited to a meeting, your chance is roughly 1 in 10. If you are introduced to the client: 1 in 3 or 4. Some agents, mostly headhunters, might invite you to interview and without having anything concrete, try to "sell" you to some client proactively. There the chance is even smaller. In short, although quite a few positions go through the agents, the statistics show that the odds are against you.

"I'm not going to tell you why you were rejected."

It is possible for an agent to introduce a candidate more than once to different clients, but they are unlikely to want to introduce a candidate a third time if they have been rejected twice. Unfortunately, it's quite possible that you'll never be able to learn from your mistake because you won't be told exactly what the cause was. The customer may have told the agent that you are a "horse with lids", "stuffy", "in a bad suit" or... "with bad breath", but this will not be conveyed directly to you. You may hear veiled and general variations, but some things cannot be shared openly. This is partly because it is very difficult to tell the truth to someone's face when they are.

In order to still have real feedback to draw on in the future, if you've been turned down multiple times and get vague general explanations, put down the shield of pride and insist on an open conversation. Ask former coworkers, bosses, or other agents you've worked with. And take their comments as a man and don't be offended.

"You are the missing 'filler' on the shortlist."

Most clients require a minimum of three candidates to be presented to them. If the agent has only two, it looks for one more to meet the expectation. No wonder you are that "outsider" or "let's see if this one doesn't somehow pass" candidate.

Be realistic and beware of positions that sound too good to be true. Research is your responsibility.

No one cares about your career more than yourself.

28.06.2023

THERE ARE FOUR PRIORITY AREAS IN THE SKILLS STRATEGY IN BULGARIA, ACCORDING TO AN OECD REPORT

There are four priority areas in the skills strategy in Bulgaria, says a report on the subject of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The document was presented at the House of Europe in the presence of the Minister of Education and Science Prof. Galin Tsokov and the Minister of Innovation and Growth Milena Stoycheva.

The priority areas relate to improving the skills of young people, improving the skills of adults, making effective use of skills in the labor market and the workplace and improving the management of the skills system.

"Most people think of 'skills' as technical and vocational skills related to a particular career activity, but in fact it's all the skills an individual in a country needs to develop their economic and social ambitions," commented Andrew Bell, Team Leader of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development's Skills Strategy Project. He said that the report describes a total of 40 recommendations related to the development of skills in the country.

"Today we live in a post-pandemic world. A world of nascent industry 5.0, which places its emphasis not only on the economic result, but above all on the human factor, on the possibility of development and well-being of people in society", said during the presentation of the report the Minister of Education and Science prof. Galin Tsokov. According to him, in this post-pandemic world, there is a rapid development of the labor market, which is again related to Industry 5.0.

Prof. Tsokov cites research carried out four years ago in Great Britain, according to which about 60 percent of children who were then in first grade will pursue professions that do not yet exist. The minister pointed out that according to futurologists, in the future, people will perform an average of five to six professions in their daily work.

"This is a huge challenge for modern education systems, and it is not for nothing that in recent months there has been more and more talk about education 5.0. An education that connects the successes and constant development of modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, augmented and virtual reality, with the personal development and well-being of students and teachers,” he said. According to him, this is a new concept of educational practices that brings to the fore personalized learning, the personal development of children and their strengths, and the building of skills on the basis of which they will be ready for life in a dynamically changing society.

In this sense, the report presented by colleagues from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development is a very important strategic and visionary document, commented the Minister of Education. He added that the report reveals important messages and opportunities for transforming the education system.

We live in a time that we could easily call a "knowledge economy" time, commented the Minister of Innovation and Growth Milena Stoycheva during the presentation of the report.

According to her, the key skills of today are the skills related to the rapid development of technology, along with those to acquire knowledge of critical and analytical thinking. "These are skills that should be developed in every adolescent," she said.

The Ministry of Innovation and Growth believes that the work done so far and the prepared report on the skills strategy within the first phase of the project is a step in the right direction, Stoycheva pointed out. According to her, the priority for the department she leads is the improvement of the overall environment for the development of skills and high-tech human resources in all thematic areas for intelligent specialization.

Skills are at the heart of labor market policies more than ever. Skills are at the heart of the development of new policies in the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy. This was commented by Nataliya Efremova from MLSP and national coordinator of the European Year of Skills. According to her, students are armed with digital skills, but when it comes to adults, the statistics for Bulgaria are still alarming. Efremova added that only 30 percent of the working-age population, between 16 and 70, has developed basic digital skills.

In the year of skills and in the times of so many crises that have passed both in Bulgaria and in Europe, the luxury of being able to talk about skills and the future is great because it gives us some horizon ahead, said the chairman of the Economic and Social Council of Republic of Bulgaria Zornitsa Rusinova. I think this topic should increasingly be part of the general conversation of our society, she added.

27.06.2023

WHAT SCHOLARSHIP IS GIVEN TO THE UNEMPLOYED WHILE STUDYING

Unemployed persons enrolled in training for adults, organized by the Employment Agency, are paid scholarships. The amount of the scholarships is determined every year in the National Employment Action Plan, the agency specifies.

Until the adoption of the National Employment Action Plan for 2023, this amount is BGN 10 for each day of attendance. Funds for scholarships are paid by the territorial division of the Employment Agency ("Labour Office" Directorate), where the unemployed person is registered, based on a document issued by the training institution certifying the days of attendance at classes.

Completed professional training with the acquisition of a degree of professional qualification is certified by a Certificate of professional qualification. For completed training in professions, the exercise of which requires legal capacity, including for the exercise of regulated professions, a Certificate of Legal Capacity is issued.

A Vocational Training Certificate is issued for completed vocational training to acquire a qualification in a part of the profession.

Information on all training courses conducted by the State Enterprise "Bulgarian-German Vocational Training Center" can be obtained from the labor brokers in the "Labor Office" Directorates throughout the country, as well as on the official website of the State Enterprise " Bulgarian-German Vocational Training Center", at https://www.bgcpo.bg.

The labor offices display on their information boards a set of materials for the planned trainings of the unemployed and the specialization of the training branches, including an up-to-date schedule for their implementation.

26.06.2023

MLSP WILL FINANCE 66 PROJECTS FOR ACCESSIBLE LIVING ENVIRONMENT AND MOBILITY OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

A total of 66 project proposals for accessible housing and mobility of people with disabilities will be financed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy in 2023. The approved projects have a total value of BGN 2,498,598. The funds are allocated under the National Program for Accessible Living Environment and Personal Mobility of Disabled People. The implementation of the projects will increase the quality of life of people with disabilities by creating better conditions for their full and equal participation in public life.

Under Component 1 "Accessible Living Environment", 50 project proposals with a total value of BGN 2,385,068.75 have been approved. The projects envisage the construction and installation of ramps, lifting platforms and elevators in residential buildings where there are people with permanent disabilities who use wheelchairs. The Ministry of Labor and Social Policy will finance each project with up to BGN 100,000.

The approved projects under Component 2 "Personal Mobility" are 16 and have a total value of BGN 113,530. The funds will be allocated for the conversion of a passenger car for a person with permanent disabilities, the installation of an assistive device or a device for loading and unloading a wheelchair in a motor vehicle vehicle, as well as for the purchase of a modified car. Each individual project will be financed with up to BGN 8,000.

Detailed information on the results of the campaign on the two components can be found on the website of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy (www.mlsp.government.bg) under the heading "Policies", subsection "People with disabilities", section: "National Program for accessible living environment and personal mobility" or at the following link: https://www.mlsp.government.bg/natsionalna-programa-za-dostpna-zhilishchna-sreda-i-lichna-mobilnost-1.

23.06.2023

A LARGE NUMBER OF WORKERS HAVE SKILLS THAT ARE NO LONGER NEEDED

Due to population decline, we cannot grow because employers cannot find enough workers or skilled workers. This was stated by the executive director of the Institute for Market Economy, Svetla Kostadinova, in an interview for BTA.

According to her, a significant part of those who work have skills that gradually begin to lose value in the labor market, and very few retrain. This has already had a major effect on the opportunities for foreign and local investors to develop. If we want to attract investments, we have to think in this direction as well.

The Recovery and Resilience Plan is an alternative to not tightening our belts because we have a Eurozone goal. It is good to be used because there is a great need and all other countries are much ahead of us, the executive director of the Institute for Market Economy also pointed out.

And he added that in Bulgaria we have not used anything from this plan so far. We lost two years in which most countries invested in infrastructure and developing the skills of their population, in education reform. That is, we could not take advantage even at the most necessary time, right after the covid pandemic, and I strongly hope that this opportunity will not be completely lost, so that it cannot have any real effect, especially in places, Kostadinova said.

According to her, there are municipalities and regions that succeed in different ways in attracting investors, retaining their people, providing good quality secondary education, but also regions that have no long-term success in any of these areas. They must be supported, including through this Recovery and Resilience Plan.

"There is always an alternative to any policy. What distinguishes the Institute is that our alternative always relies on several principles: low taxes to make the environment good for business; an increase in large social payments, but as much as possible to keep the balance in the budget; and, of course, stop major public policies or part of them that have been proven ineffective," she explained.

According to her, the three percent deficit stated by the Finance Minister sounds good, but if the Recovery and Resilience Plan is not activated and does not actually start working, it will be very difficult to achieve this.

More recent challenges are Schengen, the Eurozone, the budget. Big things are expected to be launched, which could not get in order for a very long time. We are talking about major reforms in the field of education, health care above all - a sector that has an effect on everyone and seizes a large public resource, and there are still many demands on it, the economist pointed out.

22.06.2023

BOSSES AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN THE PITFALLS OF THE LABOR MARKET

"Invisible" - this is how people with disabilities often feel in our country. Invisible to society, to institutions, to employers. For most of them, the world is closed between the four walls of the home, and their lives are divided formally by the dates of appearing before TEMC. And it could have been another way...

In Bulgaria, there are about 655 thousand people with recognized permanently reduced working capacity or degree of some kind of disability. This means nearly 10% of the entire population. Only about 38% of people with disabilities work, and a significant part of them not because they don't want to, but because employers don't want them. At the same time, the labor shortage in the country is becoming more and more acute.

"Without thinking and quite formally, we call these people a 'reserve' for the economy. The very definition says that we all have a flaw in our understanding of people with disabilities. In my opinion, they are "potential", said Dobri Mitrev, chairman of the Bulgarian Industrial Association at the National Forum "The social responsibility of large corporations and the work potential of people with disabilities", which was held in Plovdiv. Organizers were Holding KCM 2000 and the Balkan Institute for Labor and Social Policy. "In order for the economy to prosper, people are needed, and we will fail as a nation if we do not do everything necessary to include people with disabilities in the work process," Mitrev was emphatic.

But what is the reality? Employers with 50 and more than 50 workers have a quota for hiring people with permanent disabilities under the Law on Persons with Disabilities. For companies with between 50 and 99 employees, the quota is one person, and for larger enterprises - 2% of the average staff. However, most companies choose the fallback option given to them by law - instead of hiring such a person, they simply pay a compensatory contribution of 30% of the national minimum wage for each vacancy for a person with a permanent disability.

There are several problems here, and the first, perhaps the most important one, which repels employers, is the difficult dismissal of such an employee, commented Georgi Kolev, chairman of the Union of the Disabled in Bulgaria, at the forum. In the event that the employee does not conscientiously fulfill his work commitments, in order to be dismissed, he must have the appropriate permission from the Labor Inspectorate. "Many people with disabilities deliberately do not want to make a decision from TEMC precisely so as not to repel their potential employer," said Kolev. And so a vicious circle is created. Also, disabled people are not well informed about their rights and think that if they start working on a contract, their pensions will be stopped. And there is no such thing, he was categorical.

"These people can be useful to the economy, and above all to themselves," is certain Ivan Neykov from the Balkan Institute for Labor and Social Policy and former Minister of Social Policy. People with intellectual disabilities, for example, often find satisfaction in performing repetitive routine activities. At the same time, employers suffer one of their greatest turnovers precisely in such activities, he cites an international study. According to the US Department of Education, workers with disabilities are rated average or above average on performance, quality, and quantity of work.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Policy actively supports the inclusion of such people in the labor market. It was stated that under the Human Resources Development Program and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, over BGN 830 million will be invested in programs for employment, training, mentoring and professional development of people from various target groups.

The good example: "Business activities KCM" changed the lives of 100 employees

For 20 years, Holding KCM 2000 has had its own company - "Business Activities KCM", which employs about 100 people with disabilities. At the same time, not only workers who had to leave the production for health reasons, but people from the entire region. The company was created on the idea of the long-time chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO Nikola Dobrev. “It solved two problems. First - people who have a health problem are removed from the difficult working conditions. And secondly, they feel useful and fulfilled. The benefit for the business was that we could organize the workers to do the work for which they were assigned, he explained. - Throughout the two decades, we have never had a doubt that this approach is correct. And I am surprised that it is neglected in quite large corporations," said Nikola Dobrev.

"We are extremely satisfied with the work with people with disabilities. This is part of our corporate social responsibility - to help those who are not like us. And so that we give them the opportunity for decent work and decent pay. If only one of the hundred most successful companies in Bulgaria approaches like we do, 10,000 people with disabilities will live peacefully," said Rumen Tsonev, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Holding KCM 2000. "Such an enterprise has another great advantage - people stay close to their colleagues, and there have been cases when they recover and return to their old jobs," summarized Mariana Gurkopashova, Chief Director of Human Capital Management. The company's statistics show that from 2004 to 2015, an average of five people a year were employed. After that, however, these situations sharply decrease - to less than one person per year. However, this is not a coincidence, but to a significant extent thanks to the occupational medicine service in the holding.

Ever since its establishment, "Business Activities KCM" has been led by Ivanka Piskova. At the forum, she talked about the activities that were entrusted to them even then - maintaining the green areas, cleaning the offices and washing work clothes. Later, a tailoring workshop was opened on the territory of the KCM especially for the employed people with disabilities, and they also coped with this task brilliantly. Then, the activity also expanded in agriculture - with lavender plantations, which were a very successful business for more than ten years. "Behind all these activities are people who are no different from us. You just have to understand them," Ivanka Piskova is emphatic. During the forum, Holding KCM 2000 presented a film telling real stories of those working in "Business Activities KCM" - stories about the satisfaction of being full and confident in your abilities even when you live with the stigma of being defined as 100% unable to work.

21.06.2023

HOW TO EARN FROM YOUR ONLINE STORE

Tips from experts on how to keep your customers

For many online retailers, the period of Black Friday and Cyber Monday is associated with a huge workload, but also with the possibility of incomparably more sales than during the rest of the year. However, after it comes a new challenge for them - namely, how to retain already attracted visitors to their sites and make them engage in shopping again.

For this purpose, it is necessary to first pay attention to the intuitiveness of the website or e-store, experts from a hosting company advise. The headings, product photos and descriptions - everything should be done so that the customer can navigate quickly and easily place his order. Another way for users to feel cared for with the attention they need is by making a chat connection. Through it, merchants can better understand customer needs and offer them a solution through their products and services.

Emphasis on a well-thought-out email strategy

If a marketer wants to introduce their website audience to new or little-known products, it's a good idea to do so through personalized emails. Experts advise sellers to prepare email newsletters on a monthly basis, in which they include valuable content related to news, upcoming promotions or future activities on their site.

Maintaining the relationship with the customer after the purchase

"It is a good practice to contact customers by email one week after they have placed an order. In it, you could once again thank them for choosing your brand and give them advice on optimal use of the purchased items" - says a marketing manager at a Bulgarian hosting company.

Loyalty programs

are another powerful tool for online merchants to motivate their customers to shop from them more often. In this way, they have the opportunity to thank those who supported them at the beginning of their business development. "The closer you allow customers to the essence of your brand, the closer you get to them and strengthen their conviction that they have made the right choice, trusting you," the expert also notes.

Holiday Marketing Automation

To ensure free time off during Christmas, Easter or other public holidays, online store owners can use email sending software that allows messages to be sent automatically on specific dates. In addition, WordPress plugins and other automation applications could be used that could connect different online services and automatically perform a certain action when an event occurs.

Don't underestimate traffic during the holiday season

Just like preparing for Black Friday, during holiday or seasonal periods, online retailers will need to make sure their sites are up and running quickly, can handle increased visitor traffic, and look good on mobile devices.

Festive or seasonal design

To be ready for Christmas, Easter or seasonal online shopping, online stores should also create a festive atmosphere - through appropriate fonts, banners, checks, animations and even short holiday videos. We can always add themed content in a new and elegant way.

21.06.2023

EC APPROVES EUR 77 MILLION SCHEME TO SUPPORT INVESTMENTS IN AREAS WITH HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT IN BULGARIA

The European Commission has approved, in accordance with EU state aid rules, the re-introduction of a regional aid scheme in Bulgaria to support investments in manufacturing activities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in areas with high unemployment. The initial scheme was approved by the Commission in March 2008 (No. 166/2007), reintroduced in September 2015 (SA.39869), extended in November 2020 (SA.59027) and expired in December 2021.

Bulgaria notified the Commission of its intention to reintroduce the scheme by the end of 2027 with an estimated total budget of EUR 77 million. The aim of the scheme is to promote regional development. Under the scheme, aid will take the form of a corporate income tax exemption to support initial investment projects of SMEs, such as setting up a new enterprise, increasing the capacity of an existing enterprise, diversifying products or fundamentally changing the production process of an existing enterprise . The scheme is aimed at Bulgarian municipalities with an unemployment rate at least 25% higher than the national average. The maximum amount of aid per beneficiary will be 50% of the eligible investment costs, with the exception of municipalities in the South-West region, where the share will be 25%.

The Commission assessed the measure according to EU state aid rules, in particular Art. 107, par. 3(a) and (c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which allow Member States to promote the economic development of the most disadvantaged regions, as well as the Regional State Aid Guidelines for the period 2022-2027. The Commission found that the scheme complies with the conditions set out in the guidelines. In particular, the aid will not exceed the maximum amount of aid in the eligible regions, as indicated in the Bulgarian regional aid map. The Commission concluded that the scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate and contributes to regional development. Furthermore, the Commission finds that the scheme does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the general interest. Based on this, the Commission approved the Bulgarian scheme under EU state aid rules.

The non-confidential version of the decision will be submitted under No. SA.104266 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website, once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.