How to Prepare a Polish-Style CV and Cover Letter
If you're planning to apply for a job in Poland, creating a CV and cover letter that meet local expectations can significantly improve your chances of getting noticed by employers. While the overall structure may resemble what you're used to in other European countries, there are specific norms and details Polish employers value. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you prepare a professional, Polish-style CV and cover letter.
Understanding the Polish Job Market Expectations
Polish employers value clarity, professionalism, and a well-organized layout in application documents. They expect candidates to present factual information in a concise manner, with a strong emphasis on relevant skills and experience. Attention to detail is important, and grammatical or formatting mistakes can be seen as a lack of seriousness.
Step-by-Step Guide to a Polish-Style CV
1. Length and Format
- Length: Ideally, 1–2 pages (1 page for junior positions, 2 pages for experienced professionals).
- Format: PDF format is preferred when submitting online.
- Font and Style: Use clean fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, in size 10–12 pt. Avoid decorative fonts.
2. Personal Details
At the top of the CV, include:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Email address (professional email address)
- Location (city and country – full address is not required)
- LinkedIn profile (optional but recommended)
- Date of birth and photo: Including these is still common in Poland, but not mandatory. If you do include a photo, use a professional headshot.
3. Professional Summary
A brief 2–3 sentence paragraph summarizing your experience, skills, and what you're looking for. Tailor this to the specific job you're applying for.
Example:
Experienced digital marketing specialist with over 5 years of expertise in SEO, content strategy, and PPC campaigns. Proven track record of increasing online engagement and lead generation. Currently seeking new challenges in an international marketing team.
4. Work Experience
List your work experience in reverse chronological order. For each position, include:
- Job title
- Company name and location
- Dates of employment (month and year)
- Key responsibilities and achievements (use bullet points, ideally 4–6 per role)
Example:
Marketing Manager
ABC Ltd, Warsaw, Poland | March 2021 – Present
- Developed and executed digital marketing strategies, increasing web traffic by 40%
- Managed a team of 5 marketing specialists
- Oversaw a €50,000 monthly advertising budget
5. Education
Also listed in reverse chronological order. Include:
- Degree and field of study
- University name and location
- Graduation year (or expected year)
Example:
MA in International Business
University of Warsaw, Poland | 2020
6. Skills
Include a list of technical and soft skills relevant to the job. Group them by category if needed (e.g., Languages, Software, Personal Skills).
Example:
- Languages: English (C1), Polish (B2), Spanish (native)
- Tools: MS Office, Adobe Illustrator, Google Analytics
- Soft Skills: Team leadership, time management, cross-cultural communication
7. Certifications and Courses (optional)
Include relevant certifications, professional development courses, or training. Specify the provider and date.
8. Hobbies and Interests (optional)
Only include if they are relevant or add value to your profile. For example, volunteering, team sports, or tech projects may reflect well on your personality.
9. GDPR Statement
This is essential when applying for jobs in Poland. Add the following statement at the end of your CV:
"I hereby give consent for my personal data included in the application to be processed for the purposes of the recruitment process in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679."
How to Write a Polish-Style Cover Letter
Your cover letter should complement your CV by highlighting specific achievements and explaining your motivation for applying. It should be no longer than one A4 page.
1. Header
Include your name and contact details at the top, followed by the employer's name and company address (if known), and the date.
2. Greeting
Use a formal greeting. If you know the hiring manager’s name, use:
- Szanowny Panie (Dear Sir) or Szanowna Pani (Dear Madam)
- Otherwise, use: Szanowni Państwo (Dear Sir/Madam)
3. Opening Paragraph
State the position you’re applying for and where you found the job posting. Express enthusiasm.
Example:
I am writing to apply for the position of Sales Analyst as advertised on pracuj.pl. With my background in data analysis and market research, I am confident I would be a valuable asset to your team.
4. Body Paragraph(s)
Explain:
- Why you’re a good fit for the role (highlight 2–3 key skills or experiences)
- Why you are interested in working for this company
- What you can bring to the team or company culture
Tailor this part to the specific employer and job description.
5. Closing Paragraph
Reiterate your interest and availability. Mention you have attached your CV and are available for an interview.
Example:
Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my CV for your review and would welcome the opportunity to further discuss how I can contribute to your organization. I am available for an interview at your convenience.
6. Formal Sign-Off
Use a polite and formal closing:
- Z poważaniem (Yours sincerely)
- Your full name
Final Tips
- Always tailor your CV and cover letter for each position.
- Avoid using automatic translation tools – if you write in Polish, have a native speaker review it.
- Keep formatting consistent and professional throughout.
- Use keywords from the job description to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Preparing your job application documents to match Polish standards shows that you are serious and respectful of local norms. A well-prepared CV and tailored cover letter will help you stand out in a competitive market.
