How can I prepare a CV for the Polish job market?

If you're planning to apply for jobs in Poland, whether as a foreigner or a local candidate, understanding how to tailor your CV (curriculum vitae) to the Polish job market is essential. While many European countries follow similar resume conventions, there are specific expectations and cultural nuances in Poland that can help you stand out — or hold you back.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the format, structure, and best practices for creating a professional CV that aligns with Polish employer expectations.

 

1. Use the European CV Format (But Customize It)

While the Europass CV format is widely recognized across the EU and sometimes accepted in Poland, most Polish employers prefer a more personalized and visually clean document that gets to the point quickly.

A standard Polish CV should be:

• 1–2 pages long
• Chronological or reverse-chronological in format
• Targeted to the specific job

Unless the employer specifically requests the Europass format, you're better off using a modern layout with clear sections, bullet points, and minimal graphics.

 

2. Language: Polish or English?

• If you're applying to a Polish-speaking company or a local role, your CV should be in Polish.
• If the company operates internationally or the job listing is in English, you can safely submit an English-language CV.

When in doubt, match the language of the job description. Always double-check grammar and spelling—language errors can harm your credibility.

 

3. CV Structure: What to Include

Here is the typical structure of a Polish CV, in order:

1. Personal Details

Include:

• Full name
• Phone number (with country code if applying from abroad)
• Email address
• Location (city, optional for remote roles)
• LinkedIn or portfolio link (if relevant)

Optional but common in Poland:

• Date of birth
• Photo (see note below)

2. Professional Summary (Optional but Recommended)

A 3–4 sentence summary of your experience, skills, and goals tailored to the specific job. This is your elevator pitch. Example:

“Experienced marketing specialist with 5+ years in digital campaigns and brand management. Skilled in SEO, Google Ads, and content strategy. Seeking a position in a dynamic, growth-oriented company.”

3. Work Experience

List in reverse chronological order. For each role, include:

• Job title
• Company name and location
• Dates of employment (month/year)
• Key responsibilities and achievements (bullet points)

Focus on results and measurable outcomes whenever possible.

4. Education

Include:

• Degree(s)
• University name
• Location
• Dates of study

If you studied abroad or your degree title differs from Polish equivalents, consider adding a short explanation or the local equivalent (e.g., Bachelor’s = Licencjat).

5. Skills

List relevant hard skills (technical, software, tools) and soft skills (communication, leadership). Separate them if space allows. Focus on skills mentioned in the job listing.

6. Languages

Clearly state your proficiency level using CEFR levels (A1–C2) or terms like "native," "fluent," "intermediate."

7. Certifications and Courses (if relevant)

Add any professional courses, certificates, or workshops that enhance your application.

8. Interests (Optional)

Some Polish companies appreciate a short list of hobbies or interests. Keep it relevant or personal but professional.

 

4. Should You Include a Photo?

Including a photo on your CV is common in Poland, though not mandatory. If you choose to add one:

• Use a professional, passport-style headshot
• Avoid selfies or casual pictures
• Place the photo in the top-right corner

However, international companies may prefer CVs without photos to avoid bias. If applying to a corporate or tech firm with international roots, omitting a photo is usually acceptable.

 

5. Tailor Your CV to the Role

Just like in any job market, customization is key. Avoid sending the same CV to every employer. Instead:

• Use keywords from the job posting
• Highlight experience and skills that match the position
• Modify your summary and responsibilities to reflect what the employer is looking for

 

6. Keep the Design Clean and Professional

Your CV should be easy to read, visually clean, and free of clutter. Use:

• One professional font (e.g., Calibri, Arial, or Helvetica)
• Clear headings
• Bullet points instead of long paragraphs
• Adequate spacing and margins

Free tools like Canva, Zety, or Novoresume offer modern CV templates tailored to European job markets.

 

7. Include a GDPR Consent Statement

This is a must-have for applying to jobs in Poland. At the end of your CV, include the following line (in Polish if you're submitting a Polish-language CV):

For Polish CVs:

Wyrażam zgodę na przetwarzanie moich danych osobowych zawartych w mojej aplikacji do celów niezbędnych do realizacji procesu rekrutacji zgodnie z ustawą z dnia 10 maja 2018 roku o ochronie danych osobowych (Dz. Ustaw z 2018, poz. 1000) oraz zgodnie z Rozporządzeniem Parlamentu Europejskiego i Rady (UE) 2016/679 z dnia 27 kwietnia 2016 r. (RODO).

For English CVs (if requested):

I hereby give consent for my personal data included in my application to be processed for the purposes of the recruitment process in accordance with the GDPR.

Without this clause, many Polish employers will automatically reject your CV for legal reasons.

 

Final Tips

• Proofread carefully: Grammatical mistakes can be disqualifying.
• Keep it updated: Regularly review and refresh your CV for each new job application.
• Prepare a cover letter: While not always required, it’s often appreciated and can boost your chances.

 

Conclusion

Preparing a CV for the Polish job market is straightforward once you understand the local standards. Focus on clarity, relevance, and professionalism. Tailor each application, include a GDPR clause, and pay attention to formatting and language.

Whether you’re applying from abroad or already living in Poland, a well-structured CV is your first step toward landing the job you want.