“The aim is really to make sure that, if possible, Ukrainians find a job that matches their qualifications, because out of those thirty thousand, a lot of people are working in much lower positions than they are qualified for”, said Zuzana Vatráľová, the Head of IOM Slovakia Office in her statement regarding the one-year mark of the assistance to people from Ukraine. 

For years, IOM Slovakia has been very keen on the work integration of migrants and the use of their full professional potential. That is why IOM Slovakia has decided to launch a new series of work-related workshops that would empower migrants and Ukrainian refugees in securing a decent job in Slovakia.

Participants were given the opportunity to use an IOM computer to prepare their CVs and other documents needed for a successful job application. Photo © Nataliia Kolomiiets / International Organization for Migration (IOM) 2023.

Starting a new labour counselling programme

As part of our response to the war in Ukraine, IOM in Gabcikovo is rolling out a labour counselling programme for clients living in the Humanitarian Centre in Gabcikovo. The aim is to assist clients to:

• find a job,
• prepare a job application,
• provide them with useful tips and information that would steer them towards safe work,
• facilitate their successful integration into the labour market.

Overall, the programme will consist of a series of thematic workshops that will be complemented by in-person consultations upon request and respective materials for every thematic workshop. During upcoming weeks, this pilot workshop will be followed by workshops on nostrification, writing a cover letter, and preparation for an interview.

The programme will focus on building and enhancing clients´ skills related to job search, and their resilience against wrongdoings (e.g. human trafficking) with the aim to facilitate their entry into the labour market and consequently their integration into society.

Workshop on writing a CV

On February 13, 2023, a dozen of Ukrainians living in the Humanitarian Centre in Gabcikovo came to listen and learn through interactive activities how to write a CV.

During the workshop, the participants learnt:

• why a CV is needed to apply for a job position,
• how does a standard CV look like in Slovakia,
• tools, tips, and tricks on writing a CV,
• advice on where and how to look for jobs,
• how IOM can support them, and
• and how to use various useful materials and links given by our IOM staff members.

After the workshop, the participants were given the opportunity to sign up for a session during which they could use an IOM computer to prepare their CVs and other documents needed for a successful job application.

“I am very thankful for this opportunity to enhance my possibility of finding a job. I am very much looking forward to other parts of this workshop initiative”, said one of the participants.