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Russia – Finding Employment

Russia is the largest country in the world, known for its rich history, diverse culture, and growing economy. In this article, we will provide an overview of the job market in Russia, workplace culture, language requirements, recruitment agencies and job sites, the typical CV structure, the job application process, and how to transfer qualifications from your home country to Russia.

Job Market in Russia

The Russian job market is diverse, with a focus on industries such as oil and gas, mining, aerospace, and IT. According to the Federal State Statistics Service, the unemployment rate in Russia was 4.9% in 2020. The average monthly salary for a full-time employee in Russia is around RUB 47,000, which is above the minimum wage.

Workplace Culture and Language Requirements

The workplace culture in Russia is formal and hierarchical, with a strong emphasis on respect for authority and seniority. Employees are expected to be punctual, demonstrate loyalty to their employer, and adhere to Russian customs and traditions.

Russian is the official language of Russia, and knowledge of Russian is essential for many jobs, especially those that involve working with clients or customers. However, English is widely spoken and used in the business world, particularly in industries such as IT and finance.

Major Recruitment Agencies and Job Sites

There are several recruitment agencies and job sites in Russia that can help you find suitable employment opportunities. Some of the major recruitment agencies include:

  • HeadHunter: HeadHunter is a recruitment agency that provides staffing solutions for various industries, including IT, finance, and engineering.
  • Antal Russia: Antal Russia is a recruitment agency that offers staffing solutions in various fields, including sales, marketing, and HR.
  • Kelly Services: Kelly Services is a global recruitment agency that offers staffing solutions in various industries, including IT, healthcare, and finance.

Some of the most popular job sites in Russia include:


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  • HH.ru: HH.ru is a job site that offers job listings and job search tools for various industries, including IT, marketing, and finance.
  • SuperJob.ru: SuperJob.ru is a job site that features job opportunities in various sectors, including IT, marketing, and finance.
  • LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a professional networking site that features job listings and job search tools for various industries.

Typical CV Structure

The Russian CV typically follows a chronological order and includes the following sections:

  • Personal details: Name, address, phone number, and email address.
  • Objective: A brief summary of your professional experience and skills.
  • Education: Your educational qualifications, including the name of the institution, degree, and graduation date.
  • Work experience: Your work history, including the name of the employer, job title, and the period of employment. You should also include a brief description of your duties and accomplishments.
  • Skills: Your language skills, computer skills, and any other relevant skills.
  • Interests: Any hobbies or interests that are relevant to the job you are applying for.

Job Application Process

The job application process in Russia typically involves the following steps:

  • Application: You need to submit your CV and cover letter to the employer, either online or by mail.
  • Selection: The employer reviews the applications and shortlists candidates for an interview.
  • Interview: The interview process can involve multiple rounds of interviews with different stakeholders in the company.

Transferring Qualifications to Russia

If you have professional qualifications from your home country, you may need to have them assessed by a relevant Russian authority to determine if they are equivalent to Russian qualifications. The process for transferring qualifications to Russia can vary depending on your profession and the requirements of the assessing authority. Some of the agencies and organizations that oversee the qualification transfer process in Russia include:

  • Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation: The Ministry of Education and Science is responsible for the recognition of foreign qualifications for academic purposes in Russia. They provide information on the recognition of foreign qualifications for higher education purposes in Russia.
  • Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation: The Ministry of Health is responsible for the recognition of foreign qualifications for healthcare professionals in Russia. They provide information on the recognition and accreditation of foreign qualifications in the healthcare sector in Russia.
  • Federal Service for Supervision in Education and Science (Rosobrnadzor): Rosobrnadzor is responsible for the recognition of foreign qualifications in non-academic fields in Russia. They provide information on the recognition of foreign qualifications in fields such as engineering, accounting, and law.

It is important to note that the assessment of overseas qualifications can take some time, and it is recommended that you start the process as early as possible. You may also need to provide evidence of your language proficiency, depending on your profession and the requirements of the assessing authority.

Finding employment in Russia can be a rewarding experience, with a diverse job market and a formal workplace culture. By understanding the job market, typical CV structure, job application process, and qualifications transfer process, you can increase your chances of success in finding employment in Russia. Utilizing the services of recruitment agencies and job sites can also be helpful in finding suitable employment opportunities. With its rich history, diverse culture, and growing economy, Russia is a great place to live and work.