Working in Turkey in 2020 is not only about hotel vacancies and seasonal jobs in the tourism business. The country's economy is actively developing, even despite the coronavirus pandemic. Turkey is constantly (and increasingly) in need of qualified personnel, so Turkish companies are willing to hire specialists from different countries. What does Turkey offer expats today, in addition to a mild climate, a welcoming atmosphere and a high standard of living? What do you need to find a job in Turkey? The latest tips and guides on Turk.estate.
INTERESTING STATISTICS
In 2019, Turkey entered the TOP 10 countries, which are the best for expats (the Expat Explorer analytical report by HSBC bank). According to the results of a sociological survey (which covered 163 countries and more than 18,000 expat respondents), Turkey was ranked the seventh in the list of the best places on the planet.
Moreover, Turkey jumped by 10 positions in the list of countries recommended for running business in 2019 (the annual World Bank Doing Business survey). The expert group examined the economic situation in 190 countries, assessing the availability of starting a business and hiring employees, how easy it is to obtain permits, financial security and opportunities, as well as interaction with the authorities and the safety of the business environment. In just a year, Turkey has jumped from the 44th to 33rd place.
Why do expats choose Turkey for living and building a career? The main reason is the country's economy, which has been showing impressive growth for several years in a row. In 2017, Turkey's GDP grew by 11.6 percent (the highest economic growth rate in the world). In 2019, GDP grew by 14.9 percent, exceeding € 656 billion. Of course, the results of 2020 will not be so impressive due to the pandemic. But even now, Turkey has managed to keep many sectors of the economy from falling apart: thanks to the new mortgage campaign and a number of measures taken by the authorities to support small and medium-sized businesses. However, the unemployment rate in Turkey is quite high (10-11 percent before the coronavirus pandemic). However, if you are a qualified and experienced specialist, you shouldn't worry. Most of the unemployed in Turkey are illiterate, mostly rural residents. The number of vacancies available for foreigners is still quite high in Turkey even now, during the pandemic.
JOB SEARCH IN TURKEY IN 2020
The easiest option is to contact an international employment agency: its services will cost the job seeker about $ 250. Before contacting the agency and paying for their services, we recommend that you carefully check the information about the company, read the reviews of those who have already found a job with their help.
Another common option for finding a job in Turkey is to contact friends who live in this country. However, if you do not have Turkish friends yet, you can contact the Turkish state employment service offices. You can use the website of the department. Knowing the Turkish language is not necessary you can translate the information with online translation tools. On the website, you can register as a job seeker in Turkey, look through the labor market and additional education news and even consult on starting a business.
JOB REQUIREMENTS FOR FOREIGNERS IN TURKEY IN 2020?
Turkish employers have two key requirements: knowledge of the Turkish (and, or English) language and confirmation of the diploma. If you apply for a job in a company whose clients are mainly foreigners, then you will be hired even with basic English. However, English, German, Arabic and Turkish skills increase not only the chances of finding a job in Turkey, but also the wage.
For qualified specialists, confirmation of a diploma and work experience is required. The most difficult thing is to confirm a diploma of higher education for doctors who, in addition, will have to pass a professional exam in Turkey.
JOB search WEBSITES FOR IN TURKEY
Official resources:
- website of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection;
- investment website of the Turkish government.
There you will find important information for expats about employment in Turkey and work visas.
Job search in Turkish and English:
If you are looking for seasonal work, we also recommend monitoring groups on social networks (try: "Work in Turkey", "Guides in Turkey", "Work in hotels in Turkey", "Work in Antalya", etc.). Since about April, hoteliers, tour operators, restaurateurs of Turkish resort regions publish job ads in thematic groups about Turkey.
TOP MOST DEMANDED JOBS IN TURKEY IN 2020
The Turkish Ministry of Economy published a list of the highest paid and prestigious jobs in the country, which (from the most demanded to the least) includes:
- factoring specialists (factoring is a set of financial services for manufacturers and suppliers conducting trade activities on a deferred payment basis);
- intermediaries in various fields;
- battery production workers;
- lawyers;
- manufacturers of hot air balloons and hang gliders;
- notaries;
- road builders;
- accountants in state institutions.
By the way, the TOP-20 of the most respected and well-paid professions in Turkey includes teachers and doctors!
AVERAGE WAGE IN TURKEY (IN US DOLLARS):
- IT specialists - from 2000 to 2500;
- Doctors - from 1600 to 2000;
- Engineers - 1700 - 2000;
- Babysitters, nurses - 700-1000;
- University teachers - 1000-2500;
- Welders - about 1500;
- Construction specialists, foremen - 1000-1500;
- Managers - from 850 to 1300;
- Electricians, installers - 800-1000;
- Sellers, guides and animators, waiters, cleaning staff - 500-800;
- Governess (experience, education, knowledge of foreign languages) - from 800-1000.
In big cities, the wage of the above specialists are 20-30 percent higher. If you have a Turkish or European diploma (and work experience) your wage can double.