12% of the candidates who applied to be Bulgaria’s new sales representatives abroad are compatriots living outside the country. This shows the analysis of the profile of candidates participating in the competition for commercial attachés in the 23 vacancies announced by the Ministry of Economy and Industry in 21 countries around the world.
The selection is carried out in three areas — ‘European countries’, ‘CIS countries’ and ‘Asia, Africa, America and Australia’.
The selection procedure for new sales representatives is now in its second stage. After the first one, by checking the documents submitted to see if the applicants met the requirements initially announced, out of 194 applications submitted, 147 were approved.
The general profile of the candidates admitted to the second stage shows that they have an economic education, a number of additional specializations, courses, trainings, proven experience in the field of business activities, foreign economic and trade relations and proficiency in at least 3 foreign languages.
By 22 December, they had to submit an analysis of the existing bilateral foreign economic and trade relations of the Republic of Bulgaria with the country for which they are applying. Those taking part in the competitions were also expected to highlight potential opportunities for development, investment and trade over the next four years.
The Commission for the Selection of Candidates for Long-term Secondment to the Trade and Economic Affairs Offices of the Overseas Missions of the Republic of Bulgaria is currently evaluating the analyses submitted. For the first time, the evaluation commission includes representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, nationally represented employers’ organisations, experts from academia, educational institutions and NGOs. Contestants’ submissions will be evaluated for completeness of scope, accuracy, timeliness, argumentation, and personal approach.
Candidates who pass the second stage will undergo a language and digital skills test before being invited to an interview, which will include all members of the renewed selection panel.
It is expected that the new representatives in the Trade and Economic Affairs Offices (STIV) of Bulgaria will be appointed within the first quarter of 2024.