Poland : Applying for jobs

How do I apply for a job?

There are more than 400 local employment offices that offer services for both foreign and Polish jobseekers. You can register with the employment-agency services of the Polish District Labour Offices. To use these services an unemployed person or a jobseeker must be registered with the District Labour Office (bring school certificates, work certificates and a personal identification document).

You do not need to be in Poland to apply for a job; however you need to come to the country for the interviews. No one will employ you without having a face-to-face discussion. Telephone interviews are sufficient only in the first round. You also need to bring a references and copies of diplomas to the application interviews. The work records and references from your previous employer should be translated into Polish.

What kind of CV do I need?

The Polish CV should be in reverse chronological order and be a maximum of two pages. Describe your level of verbal and written knowledge of languages. Mention your computer skills as well. Use the following headings: education, work experience, qualifications, positions of responsibility and interests and hobbies. You can decide to include the names of two referees as well.

What will the interview process be like?

In most cases, you can expect to be interviewed at least twice before an offer is made. The process will be very similar to the UK, but you need to wait much longer for the results. Do not be surprised if a recruiter gets back to you after six months of silence.

Will my qualifications be recognised?

If you wish to compare your professional, vocational or technical qualifications with Polish qualifications, consult the UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom) . To compare academic qualifications, contact ENIC-NARIC .

Do I still need to pay UK tax and National Insurance?

If you are planning to live and work in Poland, check your UK tax and National Insurance position with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to ensure that you are not losing any UK pension rights.