Employers Jobs
How to Tailor a Job Ad to the Local Market
A quick guide for recruiters who want to hire smarter You can just translate a job post. Or—you can adapt it. So that the right person reads it and thinks: “Wait, this sounds like it was written for me.” That second option? That’s where the magic happens. Let’s break it down—using Serbia as an example, but these tips work for any country.
Table of Contents
🇷🇸 What to keep in mind when hiring in Serbia
1. Language matters.
Sure, many people speak English, especially in tech and business.
But posting the job in Serbian massively increases your reach—and shows respect for the local talent pool.
2. Be transparent.
People want to know what they’re signing up for.
Include a salary range (yes, even a rough one), be specific about responsibilities, and don’t skip details about schedule or conditions.
3. Highlight local perks.
Comfy office location? Hybrid work? Free coffee? Learning budget? Mention them.
Also—Serbian holidays are sacred. Flexibility around those goes a long way.
4. Keep your tone human.
No need for “rockstar ninjas” or corporate robots. Write like a real person talking to another real person—with clarity and respect.
5. Make it legally sound.
Make sure everything you list aligns with local labor laws—especially if you’re offering a formal employment contract.
🌍 Hiring in a different country? Here’s your universal checklist:
✅ Understand what people in that market care about
✅ Translate your job ad properly (ideally with a native speaker!)
✅ Learn the local employment rules—contracts, taxes, benefits
✅ Post where the locals are actually looking for jobs
✅ Frame your offer so it feels relevant and valuable to them
✅ And always, always follow up—good communication is universal
🧠 Micro-guide: How to speak Human, not HR
Before:
“We’re looking for a highly motivated professional to join our dynamic team.”
After:
“We’re looking for someone who gets things done, brings ideas to the table, and wants to grow with us.”
Before:
“Must have 3+ years of experience, ability to work under pressure.”
After:
“We’re looking for someone with real hands-on experience who stays calm and focused when deadlines hit.”
🤝 Not sure where to start?
We at OVDE Jobs help companies adapt their job ads for the Serbian market every day.
We can polish what you already have, write from scratch, or advise you on the best place to post.
📬 Just reach out — we’re here to help you find the right person, wherever they are.