How to Prepare for Recruitment in Poland

The job search process can be lengthy and stressful for Polish workers, and even more so for immigrants. Tricky questions, multi-stage interviews, salary negotiations, and discussions about responsibilities can, however, end in success if you prepare well for the recruitment process.

Get to know recruiters' expectations. Find out which recruitment format might be easier for you. Also prepare questions for your prospective employer or HR representative that will help you get to know the company where you want to work.

What Documents Are Required for the Recruitment Process?

Due to issues related to the legal employment of foreigners, when it comes to job interviews for people from Eastern countries, such as Ukraine, documents such as a passport — serving as proof of identity — are required. A visa or work permit is also necessary, depending on the agreement Poland has with the candidate's country of origin.

Work permits are issued by Polish authorities, and it is the permit that enables legal employment on the territory of Poland.

During recruitment, you will also need a standard CV describing the candidate's skills and education, as well as a cover letter in which the job seeker explains why they want to work at that particular company.

Find out more about the role of a temporary employment agency in the employee recruitment process

It is also worth bringing all diplomas, certificates, vocational qualifications, employment references, and letters of recommendation that confirm your education and experience. If the position requires proof of fitness for work, you should also provide documents confirming your health status.

What Form of Interview Should You Choose?

A potential employee may be asked which form of interview is most suitable for them.

• If they already live in Poland, a face-to-face meeting is possible — directly with a recruiter, a representative of the HR department, or a future supervisor. Direct contact is the most informative, both for the recruiter and the candidate.
• Another common option, especially at the initial stage of recruitment, is a telephone interview, which allows for a preliminary assessment of the candidate. It is invaluable when the candidate lives or is temporarily located far from the potential future place of work. Video calls can also be used as an alternative to a phone interview.
• There are also group interview formats, where several candidates come to a job interview at the same time. This allows the employer to observe a candidate's behavior in a situation where they compete within a group.

Although the recruitment process is decided by the employer or agency, you can suggest at an early stage of your job search which format is optimal for you.

Check how to hire foreigners

What Questions Should You Prepare for the Interview?

A recruitment interview serves not only to select the right candidate for the job, but also allows the candidate to get to know the company and make an informed decision about whether they want to work there.

• An employee, especially as a foreigner, can ask during the interview about working and living conditions — such as working hours, employee benefits, days off, and flexible working hours.
• If they have no experience with legal work in Poland, they should ask what documents need to be provided, what the employment procedures look like, and whether the company helps with the paperwork. Questions about everyday life in Poland are also important. You can ask about accommodation options, the cost of living, and transportation to work.
• People who do not yet speak Polish can ask about the possibility of attending language courses and how they can integrate into the local community.
• Employees who want to stay in Poland long-term and develop their careers here can also ask questions about training and promotion opportunities.

These questions depend on the candidate's experience — someone who already lives and works in Poland will ask different questions from someone who is only considering economic emigration.

Asking them prepares you for the job, but also shows that the candidate is genuinely engaged and seriously considering taking the position — and often also relocation and a complete change of their previous life.

What Skills Are Key for Recruiters?

When it comes to recruiting workers from Ukraine and other Eastern European countries into industries such as manufacturing, processing, logistics and warehousing, and services, recruiters look for, among other things, candidates' ability to communicate effectively — meaning not only knowledge of Polish or English, but also openness and awareness of cultural differences.

This, in turn, fosters effective collaboration with other team members and efficient task completion.

Depending on the specific position, the ability to operate machinery, tools, software, or specialized equipment may also be important, as well as the ability to plan work effectively, manage time and priorities, and flexibility and readiness to adapt to changing working conditions, new procedures, or technologies.

Reliability, initiative, thoroughness in performing duties, meeting deadlines, as well as commitment and professionalism are further important qualities for recruiters in virtually every industry, regardless of the employee's background.

What Mistakes Should You Avoid During Recruitment?

Good preparation for a job interview can make all the difference.

• Prepare for the job interview. If you are not familiar with the company where you are going to work and the requirements it sets for its employees, be sure to look for such information — for example, online.
• Don't be late, and arrive dressed neatly.
• During the interview, ask questions about the details of the position, the company, and the working conditions, to show that you are engaged.
• Don't forget to bring your documents.
• Avoid criticizing your current employer or colleagues.