site.btaBulgarian Women Often Feel They Must Prove Themselves Before Seeking Promotions, HR Expert Says

Among Bulgarian women—and Eastern European women in general—there is a prevailing mindset that they must first prove themselves at work before asking for a promotion. This tendency is particularly noticeable among women aged 35–40. According to Maria Shishkova, HR expert and Managing Partner at AIMS Human Capital, this is partly due to a lack of self-confidence and is also a reflection of deep-rooted value systems.

"I would advise Bulgarian women to be more confident and to initiate change themselves, rather than waiting to be invited to take on a new role," Shishkova said in an interview with BTA. She noted that women can take part in professional training programs aimed at building self-confidence in the workplace. According to her, gaining such confidence can empower women to more assertively discuss career advancement and better pay with their employers. “It's important not only to have a track record of consistent success at work, but also to project a strong presence in order to gain trust and persuade the other party,” Shishkova added.

She noted a growing trend of more women occupying higher positions in companies. Shishkova commented that overall, gender inequality in management roles in Bulgaria is not severe. However, at the highest levels—such as CEO positions—men still significantly outnumber women.

Potential for Growth

According to the draft Report on Gender Equality in Bulgaria for 2024, published for public discussion on the website strategy.bg, there is a growing trend of women entering the occupational class of "Managers." In 2024, there were 79,000 women in such roles, compared to 68,000 in 2023 and 64,800 in 2022.

The report also shows an increase in the number of female employers: 43,400 in 2024, up from 35,600 in 2023 and 34,100 in 2022. There has also been a rise in the proportion of women on boards of directors—18.3% in 2023 compared to 14.8% in 2022. However, there was a slight decline in the proportion of female directors—19.3% in 2023 compared to 22.0% in 2022. As of the end of 2023, the proportion of women in municipal councils was 27.5%.

Shishkova noted that Bulgarian women possess significant managerial experience, which could be of interest to foreign companies aiming to meet the European Union's requirement that, by 2026, at least 40% of board members in certain institutions must be women.

Interview Preparation and Company Culture

When job hunting or seeking a promotion, candidates should prepare thoroughly for interviews and research the company's culture, Shishkova advised. This is especially important for mothers, so they can understand whether flexible or remote work is an option. “When evaluating an opportunity, people shouldn't focus solely on salary—they should consider all components of the offer,” she emphasized.

Shishkova stressed that many candidates mistakenly see the interview as a one-sided process in which they simply answer questions. "In fact, it's a mutual exploration, where both parties need to decide if they want to continue working together," she explained.

In recent years, she has observed an increase in candidates turning down offers—even good ones—because they have a clear idea of what they’re looking for, whether that’s higher pay or better career development. She also noted that many employees now expect annual salary increases, even if their productivity doesn't necessarily follow the same trend.

Leadership and Soft Skills

According to Shishkova, working with experienced professionals is crucial not only for recruiting candidates for leadership roles, but also for strategic consultation on people and organizational culture—its formation, maintenance, and transformation. Gathering and analyzing employee feedback on internal climate is also key, as it provides insight into engagement and the emotional well-being of the organization.

Shishkova emphasized the importance of developing so-called soft skills, especially in high-level management roles. These include the ability to influence and persuade, understand oneself and others, motivate and inspire, project strength and confidence while remaining human, show empathy—especially during times of change—and think critically.