Job Application and Assignment in the Soviet Union: A Centralized Economy's Approach

The job application and assignment process in the Soviet Union was fundamentally different from Western systems, reflecting the centrally planned economy. This system had its unique characteristics and implications for employment.

Centralized Job Assignment

In the Soviet Union, the majority of jobs were assigned by the government. This was a result of the state's control over major industries. The employment system was organized through state-run labor offices, known as Job Placement offices, which played a crucial role in assigning individuals to specific positions based on their qualifications and the needs of the economy.

Job Placement Process

When a citizen sought employment, they would typically visit a local labor office. Here, their job would be assigned based on their education, skills, and the sectors that required labor. The government determined where labor was most needed and allocated workers accordingly. This system was designed to ensure that the economy had the necessary workforce in the right places at the right times.

Education and Training

Many citizens were educated in specific fields, and their job assignments often aligned with their training. However, there were instances where individuals were assigned to jobs unrelated to their education for the sake of state priorities. This flexibility in job assignments, dictated by the government, meant that a person's career might not always align with their initial educational goals.

Workbooks and Identification

Citizens were issued workbooks, which served as identification and records of their assigned jobs. These workbooks were essential for employment and were checked at various checkpoints throughout a person's day. They highlighted the limited role of personal choice in job selection and the reliance on the state's decision-making process.

Limited Job Mobility

Job mobility was restricted in the Soviet Union. Changing roles or sectors without state approval was often impossible. Individuals typically had to wait for openings or changes in the labor allocation system. This lack of mobility meant that many workers were tied to the same jobs for long periods, limiting their career growth and flexibility.

Collective and Cooperative Work

While many jobs were state-controlled, there were also collective farms (kolkhozes) and state farms (sovkhozes) where citizens could work. These positions were assigned by the government but operated with some degree of autonomy in decision-making. This dual system allowed for a certain level of local control while maintaining state oversight.

Overall, while citizens could express preferences or apply for specific positions, the ultimate decision regarding employment rested with the state. This reflected the centralized nature of the Soviet economy and its strict control over human resources.

Note from the Author: During my visit to Moscow, I witnessed the peculiar dynamics of the Soviet job market. In the marketplaces, I noticed a disproportionate number of employees compared to the number of goods. This observation reinforced the understanding that the government had extensive control over employment and effectively eliminated unemployment in the USSR.

According to my mother who lived in Russia during this period, the government had a significant influence on where people worked. She recalled instances where individuals were assigned jobs based on state priorities rather than personal preferences. This system, while centralized, aimed to ensure that the economy functioned efficiently, with labor allocated to where it was most needed.