Poland
- About Poland
- Working conditions
- Sectors and companies that are recruiting
- Applying for a job
- Major recruitment pointers
- Recruitment Resources and networks
1. About Poland
Poland has pursued a policy of economic liberalization since 1990 and today stands out as a success story among transition economies. It is the only country in the European Union to maintain positive GDP growth through the 2008-2009 economic downturn. GDP per capita is still much below the EU average, but is similar to that of the three Baltic states. Since 2004, EU membership and access to EU structural funds have provided a major boost to the economy. Unemployment fell rapidly to 6.4% in October 2008, but climbed back to 11.8% for the year 2010, exceeding the EU average by more than 2%. Inflation reached a low of about 2.6% in 2010 due to the global economic slowdown but has since climbed and is expected to remain around 3%, and close to the upper limit of the National Bank of Poland’s target rate. Poland’s economic performance could improve over the longer term if the country addresses some of the remaining deficiencies in its road and rail infrastructure and its business environment. An inefficient commercial court system, a rigid labor code, bureaucratic red tape, burdensome tax system, and persistent low-level corruption keep the private sector from performing up to its full potential. Rising demands to fund health care, education, and the state pension system caused the public sector budget deficit to rise to 7.9% of GDP in 2010. The PO/PSL coalition government, which came to power in November 2007, has planned to reduce the budget deficit in 2011 and has also announced its intention to enact business-friendly reforms, increase workforce participation, reduce public sector spending growth, lower taxes, and accelerate privatization. The government has moved slowly on most major reforms, but has sped up privatization.
Read more: Information about Poland at www.cia.gov
Population: 38.4 million
GDP per inhabitant (2010): USD 18.800,-
Unemployment rate (09/10): 12.1%
2. Working conditions
Average working hours: working hours should not exceed eight hours per day, or an average of 40 hours per five-day working week. Official working hours are from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, however many international companies that employ foreign staff work 9am to 5pm.
Holidays: employees who have worked for a year or more are entitled to at least 20 days paid annual leave; 26 days if they have worked for more than 10 years.
Tax rates: Poland’s tax system is progressive; the higher the income, the higher the rate of tax. The 2010 tax rate for an individual is 18% (up to 85,528 PLN) or 32% (85,528 PLN and over). In some cases, individuals can pay a flat rate of 19% on business income. Corporate tax in 2010 is 19%.
Working practices and customs: punctuality is vital for establishing your reliability. Wait to be invited before using someone’s first name. In most Polish companies (excluding banks and consulting firms), executives wear casual and conservative clothes. If you work in an international company, you will need to wear a business suit.
Read more: Information about Working conditions in Poland from prospects.ac.uk
Legal working hours : 40.0 hours per week.
Length of trial / notice period: 3 months. / 1-month notice period after he/she has been working for one employer at least 1 year (but no longer than three years). After being employed over three years he/she must serve 3 months notice period.
Employment formalities: Since 17/01/2007, all EEC citizens have benefited from access to the Polish labour market. To look for a job, contact the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Poland (C.C.I.F.P.): www.ccifp.pl
3. Sectors that are recruiting
Business, project, commercial and technico-commercial engineers, project leaders, purchasers, administrative and financial managers and directors.
Companies that are recruiting: See the Economic Mission in Poland’s website: http://www.missioneco.org/pologne/ for details.
4. Applying for a job
Application documents: CV absolutely required, sent by email (not paper). Cover letter (as well as diplomas and written references) often asked.
Advice regarding the CV: 1-2-3 pages, depending on experience. Professional objectives should be specified, followed by professional experience, in reversed chronological order (describe newest with more detail, specify months and years). e-mail and mobile phone number a must.
5. Major recruitment pointers
Business Etiquette/knowing how to behave during interviews:Arrive on time, business dress required (better slightly more elegant than too lousy), shake hands with recruiter getting into eye contact. Meeting style depends very much on company culture (international or local). Come prepared about the company and key people (do your homework on the internet). Make notes on important action points and remarks (do not make notes on everything).
Languages you must be able to speak: Polish is usually a must. English is the international business language required in most of the cases, French only in francophone companies
Flagship training:Higher education often a must, MBA appreciated. Other training, depending on position is also an advantage (good to describe it shortly in CV).
Compensation&Benefits / Taxes: 2009: Self employment cost-effective over 80k PLN/year (19% flat Income Tax). Employment taxed at 18% or 32% (much lower than in 2008). 20-25 days paid vacation per year. Company car on all management ositions. Bonus depends on position, usually +15-25%. VAT 22%.
6. Recruitment resources and networks
Important business networking sites:
www.facebook.com
www.linkedIn.com
www.goldenline.pl (in Polish)
Ministry of Labour and Social Policy
Ministry of Employment service
www.praca.onet.pl
www.wp.pl
www.gazeta.pl
www.jobpilot.pl
www.szybkopraca.pl
www.praca.gratka.pl
Where to network:
No details available.
