Samopredstavljanje u „neodgovarajućim“ radnim biografijama: primer iz Srbije
Self-presentation in “unsuitable” resumes: A case from Serbia

Summary/Abstract: The main goal of this research was to explore the ways people portray themselves in resumes, labelled as “unsuitable” after the first review of the recruiters in a manufacturing company in Serbia. The form and the content of fifty resumes were analyzed using qualitative content analysis, inductive approach. Personal life stories described in an intimate and submissive tone were predominantly present in resumes, compared to the description of work experience and competencies. Concerning the content of the resumes, two core categories emerged – I as a worker and Employment needs. Finding support in the literature dealing with postsocialist transformation in Serbia and Hofstede’s theory, results are interpreted as pointing to the opposition of two value systems in Serbia: that of the authors of “unsuitable” resumes, reflecting collectivistic and feminine values and that of the job market in Serbia, reflecting manly individualistic and masculine values. The authors of "unsuitable" resumes display interdependent self-construal, use defensive impression management strategies and their need to work is exclusively financial in nature. Finally, the need for better understanding between job candidates and employers, having different value systems, especially in the context of actual socio-economic changes in Serbia is discussed.

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