First-Time Job Seekers Dream Big for Their Starting Pay
Young adults in Hungary are increasingly using Facebook to search for jobs and have higher salary expectations compared to last year, according to a survey conducted by Work Force. Last year, jobseekers were looking for a starting salary of 350,000 forints (EUR 945), but this year they are expecting a salary between 450,000 and 600,000 forints (EUR 1,215-1,620).
The survey reveals that the salary demands of young people have significantly increased, especially in Budapest. The most important factors for young adults when choosing a job are a competitive salary and flexible working hours.
The survey also found that the majority of young jobseekers work in the retail and consumer sector, followed by manufacturing and tourism and catering. The popularity of financial services has decreased compared to last year.
When it comes to different job types, those in intellectual jobs are satisfied with a salary of up to 600,000 forints (EUR 1,620), while those in manual jobs prefer a salary between 350,000 and 450,000 forints (EUR 945-1,215). Additionally, twice as many people this year are aspiring to earn between 800,000 and 1 million forints (EUR 2,160-2,700) compared to last year.
In Budapest, the salary requirements are even higher, with 37 percent of respondents wishing to earn more than half a million forints (EUR 1,350) per month, and 10 percent expecting to earn more than a million forints (EUR 2,700) as a starting salary.
Despite their high salary expectations, the majority of young jobseekers seem confident in finding a job that matches their qualifications and meeting employers’ expectations. About 71 percent say they do not find it difficult to find the right job for them, and 64 percent believe they can meet employers’ expectations easily.
It is clear that young adults in Hungary are becoming more assertive in their job search and place a strong emphasis on salary and flexibility. Employers will need to adapt to these changing expectations in order to attract and retain top talent.
