eJobs, Romania’s leading online recruitment platform, has reported a significant uptick in job-seeker activity during the first half of 2026, marking the highest application volume since the pandemic-driven recruitment surge of 2021.
The Bucharest-based SaaS company processed 6.7 million job applications in the six-month period, a striking figure that contrasts sharply with employer activity on the platform. The number of new job postings fell by 15% compared to the same period in 2025, with approximately 110,000 new positions listed during the period.
The divergence between candidate interest and job supply points to a shifting labour market dynamic in Romania. Bogdan Badea, CEO of eJobs, framed the apparent contradiction as a reflection of broader economic conditions. “If we see a 15% drop in jobs compared to the same period last year, the number of applications has reached a level not seen since 2021, the pandemic year, when the labour market was flooded with candidates looking for employment,” he stated.
Demographic Shifts Drive Application Surge
Analysis of the platform’s data reveals that the surge in applications originated primarily from two demographic segments. Candidates aged 45 and above demonstrated notably increased job-search activity, suggesting that workers in this age group may be intensifying their efforts to secure positions. Simultaneously, teenagers aged 16 to 18 contributed significantly to the overall application volume, indicating early entry into the job market among younger cohorts.
The retail sector emerged as the dominant magnet for job applications, attracting 2.2 million applications during the first six months of 2026. This concentration underscores the continued importance of the retail industry as an employment sector in Romania, despite broader economic uncertainties.
Employer Focus Remains Entry-Level
Despite moderating hiring activity, employers using the eJobs platform continued to prioritise entry-level positions, reflecting a cautious approach to workforce expansion. This hiring preference aligns with the demographic profile of active job-seekers, particularly the influx of younger and older candidates entering the employment market.
European Context
The hiring patterns observed on eJobs mirror broader trends emerging across the European recruitment landscape. Several European job markets have experienced similar dynamics, where candidate activity levels exceed the growth in new job opportunities. This mismatch between supply and demand in the labour market has become increasingly prevalent as European economies navigate post-pandemic recovery and macroeconomic headwinds.
eJobs’ data provides a valuable barometer for talent market conditions in Central and Eastern Europe, a region that has attracted growing attention from international investors and multinational employers. The platform’s reach and scale make its recruitment metrics particularly relevant for understanding employment trends in Romania and the wider CEE region.