1. Introduction: A Guide for Sri Lankans

 

Romania, a member of the European Union, is a country with growing job opportunities. Many Sri Lankans dream of working abroad, but often wonder if they can do so without advanced degrees or high English proficiency. The good news is, you can! This guide will walk you through the process of applying for a job in Romania from Sri Lanka, focusing on what truly matters: your professional skills and experience.

 

2. Understanding Romania: Location and Language

 

• Where is Romania? Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe. Its location makes it a great gateway to the rest of the continent.
• The Language: The official language is Romanian. While it’s helpful to learn the language after you get there, it is not a requirement for many jobs. What’s important is having a basic level of English, as we’ll discuss below.

 

3. Your Most Important Asset: Professional Skills and Experience

 

• The Reality: For many jobs in Romania, employers are more interested in your practical skills and work experience than your academic certificates (O/L, A/L, or degrees).
• Proof is Key: You need to have concrete evidence of your skills. Experience letters from your previous employers are very important. They serve as proof of your professional history.
• English Proficiency: A common fear is not being fluent in English. But don’t worry! You don’t need a professional level of English. The goal is to be able to communicate effectively. Most Romanians in the professional world have a good command of English, so you will be able to manage.

 

4. Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Winning Application

 

 

a) Crafting a Professional CV

 

• The Europass Format: The most effective CV for a European country like Romania is the Europass format. You can easily find templates by searching on Google or sites like Canva for “Romanian CV format.”
• Keep it Short and Simple: The CV should ideally be one or two pages long. It should be concise and easy to read.
• What to Include:
  1. Professional Photo: A professional headshot is a must.
  2. Contact Information: Your personal and contact details.
  3. Education: List your qualifications.
  4. Work Experience: This is the most crucial part. Detail your previous jobs and responsibilities.
  5. Skills: List your skills, including languages.

 

b) Creating a Cover Letter and Skill Portfolio

 

• The Importance of a Cover Letter: After creating your CV, you need a powerful cover letter. This is a PDF document where you can highlight your skills and experience in more detail.
• Show, Don’t Just Tell: To make your application stand out, include evidence of your work. For a kitchen helper job, include a short video of you chopping vegetables. For a driving job, include a short clip of you driving.
• How to Add a Video: Upload your video to Google Drive, set the link to “public,” and then include the link in your PDF cover letter.
• Tools to Help: If you’re not sure how to create these documents, use tools like ChatGPT or other AI assistants. You can also find many tutorials on YouTube by searching for “CV format” and “cover letter format.”

 

5. Finding and Applying for Jobs

 

 

a) Building a LinkedIn Profile

 

• Create a professional LinkedIn profile. This is a powerful tool for connecting with employers.
• Fill in all your details, upload a good photo, and list your work experience and education.

 

b) Trusted Job Websites

 

• Use these websites to find jobs in Romania:
  • EURES: The official European Job Mobility Portal.
  • LinkedIn: A global platform for professionals.
  • BestJobs.eu
  • eJobs.ro
  • Hipo.ro
  • You can also find more websites with a simple Google search.

 

c) The Application Process

 

• Direct Email: Find the employer’s email address on the job post and send a direct email.
• Subject Line: In the subject, write the job title and your name.
• Email Body: Write a short, simple email: “Dear Sir/Madam, I am interested in applying for this position. My CV and cover letter are attached.”
• Website Applications: Many websites allow you to upload your CV and cover letter directly.

 

6. What to Expect After You Apply

 

• Be Patient: Don’t expect to get a response from your first application. You may need to apply for at least 50 jobs.
• Passport and Documents: While you are applying, make sure your passport is ready and valid for all countries. Have English copies of all your certificates and letters.
• Online Interviews: If an employer contacts you, be prepared for an online interview. They will likely ask you to introduce yourself and talk about your work experience. Be ready to answer these questions out loud. You can find many videos on YouTube by searching for “Romanian job interview online.”
• Don’t Underestimate Yourself: Remember, they are not looking for perfect English. They are looking for someone who can communicate and get the job done. They want to see if you can work independently in a new country.

This is a comprehensive guide to help you find and apply for a job in Romania. It’s a process that requires effort, but it is definitely possible. This is the first part of our guide; stay tuned for the next part, which will discuss what to do once you get a job offer.