An overview of the labour market in the FMCG sector

Reading the trade press makes me realise how fast the labour market is changing. Companies disappear or merge every day so there is lots of movement on the labour market. The FMCG sector is especially turbulent because of increased competition and great structural changes. As far as I can see, demand is the biggest for trade marketing managers, key account managers and regional sales representatives. In the recruitment procedure personal characteristics are now also very important, alongside professional qualifications and experience. Companies want hard-working, creative and pro-active experts, who also speak foreign languages because international firms employ many foreign experts in Hungary. These days the mastery of foreign languages is also important in positions where this skill is not used every day, only when working on certain projects. The ability to make decisions is highly valued by employees. Well-founded, rapid decisions by individuals who also like to be part of a team – this is what employers expect from the people they work with. Let us not forget that looks also matter: at a job interview we have to make a good impression, so the right clothes and haircut are also very important. In several cases a telephone or video conference is also part of the recruitment process. For this test applicants have to prepare thoroughly as not only professional knowledge but language skills will also be assessed.