Recruitment Challenges for Russian Employers: Key Insights from a Major Industry Study
One of the most persistent hurdles for Russian employers is finding candidates who meet job requirements. A large-scale study conducted by the resume automation service SberPodbor and the job platform Rabota.ru reveals this is a widespread issue across many sectors. The survey shows that a striking 81% of respondents report difficulty in sourcing suitable applicants. This figure highlights a broader pattern in the talent market where qualified profiles are scarce relative to demand, prompting companies to rethink their hiring processes and candidate pipelines. [Citation: SberPodbor and Rabota.ru study]
Beyond the core fit, compensation expectations emerge as a common friction point. More than half of the participants, 52%, note that candidates frequently expect salaries that exceed budgeted ranges. This expectation gap forces employers to balance competitive offers with financial planning and to communicate value clearly during negotiations. Additionally, 51% of organizations say they experience delays awaiting responses from applicants, which slows down the hiring cycle and can lead to lost opportunities. The same study documents that 49% are dissatisfied with the time it takes to fill open roles, underscoring the pressure to accelerate decision-making without sacrificing quality. [Citation: SberPodbor and Rabota.ru study]
The results also point to skill gaps as a meaningful barrier. Thirty-five percent of companies report that candidates often lack necessary experience or possess only modest qualifications. This reality pushes organizations to consider broader talent pools, invest in targeted upskilling, or redesign roles to align with available competencies. Meanwhile, 23% of respondents worry that some applicants may back out after receiving a job offer, complicating the conversion from candidate to employee. [Citation: SberPodbor and Rabota.ru study]
Historically, interactions with certain coworkers have been identified as particularly challenging in the Russian workplace. The study’s findings align with ongoing concerns about workplace dynamics, collaboration, and the cultural fit that supports long-term employee retention. This dimension of the talent equation is intertwined with the other metrics, influencing both hiring timelines and onboarding success. [Citation: SberPodbor and Rabota.ru study]
Taken together, the data paints a comprehensive picture of the hiring landscape. Employers are navigating high salary expectations, lengthy response times, and ongoing vacancies while also confronting gaps in experience and potential last-minute offer retractions. The implications are clear: to compete effectively, organizations must optimize sourcing channels, refine job descriptions to attract the right candidates, and create faster, more transparent decision processes. They may also benefit from proactive workforce planning, stronger employer branding, and targeted development programs that bridge skill gaps for emerging roles. [Citation: SberPodbor and Rabota.ru study]