Finding employment in a foreign country can be challenging, but Poland’s growing economy and low unemployment rate (currently around 4.5%) make it an attractive destination for job seekers.

Whether you’re already in Poland or planning to relocate, these seven practical tips can significantly improve your chances of landing a job in this Central European nation.

1. Learn Basic Polish (Even Just a Little)

While many international companies in Poland operate in English, knowing some Polish can make a huge difference in your job search.

Why it matters:

• Expands your job options beyond international companies

• Shows commitment to potential employers

• Makes daily life and paperwork much easier

• Helps during interviews with Polish managers

You don’t need to be fluent right away. Even learning basic phrases and workplace vocabulary can set you apart from other candidates.

Many cities offer affordable Polish language courses, and apps like Duolingo can help you get started for free.

“Dzień dobry” (good day), “Dziękuję” (thank you), and “Czy mówi Pan/Pani po angielsku?”

(Do you speak English?) are great phrases to begin with.

2. Target the Right Cities for Your Industry

Job opportunities in Poland vary significantly by location, and targeting the right city for your industry can dramatically improve your chances.

Best cities by industry:

• IT and technology: Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław

• Banking and finance: Warsaw, Poznań

• Manufacturing: Katowice, Łódź, Poznań

• Shared service centers: Kraków, Wrocław, Gdańsk

• Tourism and hospitality: Kraków, Warsaw, Gdańsk

By focusing your search on cities where your industry is thriving, you’ll find more openings and higher salaries.

Research the cost of living too – Warsaw has the highest salaries but also the highest living costs.

3. Polish Your CV to Polish Standards

Polish employers often look for different things in a CV than you might be used to.

Key differences to know:

• Keep it concise – 1-2 pages maximum

• Include a professional photo (this is standard in Poland)

• Add your date of birth (common in Polish CVs)

• Mention language skills with CEFR levels (A1-C2)

• Include a GDPR consent clause at the bottom

This consent clause is legally required and typically reads:

“I hereby authorize the processing of my personal data included in this application for the needs of the recruitment process in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act.”

Having your CV in both English and Polish versions (if possible) demonstrates extra effort and opens more doors.

4. Use Poland-Specific Job Portals

While international sites like LinkedIn are useful, local Polish job portals often have more listings and are used more frequently by Polish employers.

Most effective job sites in Poland:

• Pracuj.pl – Poland’s largest job portal

• OLX.pl – Popular for various job types

• Gowork.pl – Includes company reviews

• Praca.pl – Established job site

• GoldenLine – Polish professional networking site

For English-speaking positions specifically, check:

• NoFluffJobs.com – Tech-focused jobs

• JustJoinIT.com – IT positions

• careers.pl – International company positions

Setting up email alerts on these sites ensures you’ll be among the first to apply for new openings.

5. Leverage Recruitment Agencies

Recruitment agencies play a major role in the Polish job market, especially for foreign candidates and professional positions.

Benefits of using agencies:

• They know which companies hire foreigners

• They can match your skills to hidden job opportunities

• Many specialize in placing English speakers

• They can help navigate work permit requirements

Reputable agencies operating in Poland include Randstad, Adecco, Manpower, Hays, and Michael Page.

Many don’t charge candidates for their services (they’re paid by employers), so there’s no cost to register with multiple agencies.

6. Network Both Online and Offline

Networking is crucial in Poland, where many positions are filled through personal connections before they’re advertised publicly.

Effective networking approaches:

• Join Facebook groups for expats in Poland (like “Expats in Warsaw”)

• Attend industry meetups in your target city

• Participate in language exchange events

• Connect with alumni from your university living in Poland

• Engage in LinkedIn groups related to your industry in Poland

A simple “I’m looking for opportunities in [your field] in Poland” post in the right group can sometimes lead to interview invitations within days.

7. Understand Work Permit Requirements

Knowing the legal requirements for working in Poland can give you a significant advantage during interviews by showing employers you’ve done your homework.

Key information to know:

• EU citizens can work without permits

• Non-EU citizens typically need work permits, but there are exceptions

• Some nationalities have simplified procedures

• University graduates from Polish institutions have easier access

• IT specialists often qualify for fast-track procedures

Being able to explain which category you fall into and what steps the employer would need to take shows initiative and makes you a more attractive candidate.

Bonus Tip: Be Persistent and Patient

The hiring process in Poland can sometimes take longer than in other countries.

Multiple interview rounds are common, and decisions might take several weeks.

Don’t be discouraged by this pace – it’s normal in the Polish business culture.

Following up politely after interviews is acceptable and shows your continued interest.

A simple email thanking the interviewer and inquiring about next steps can keep you on their radar.

Getting Started Today

The Polish job market offers many opportunities, but requires a strategic approach, especially for foreigners.

Begin by:

1. Setting up profiles on Polish job sites

2.Starting basic Polish lessons (even just 15 minutes daily)

3. Adapting your CV to Polish standards

4. Researching companies in your target cities

5. Connecting with recruitment agencies

With Poland’s economy continuing to grow and many sectors experiencing labor shortages, your chances of finding employment are strong if you follow these tips consistently.

The combination of preparation, persistence, and targeting your search effectively can help you secure a job in Poland much faster than you might expect.