Job applications in Poland may differ from what you are used to in your home country, although the larger companies more and more tend to introduce standardized recruiting processes.
If you apply to a position that is advertised, it is sufficient to send in a curriculum vitae (CV) accompanied by a motivation letter (list motywacyjny). CV formats in Poland present the previous work positions in reverse chronological order (your current/last position first). You will find many Polish CV samples on the internet.
If you apply for a job at an international company, they might ask for an application in English or German. You can add references, but don’t need to add copies of certificates or qualifications unless explicitly asked to do so.
The recruitment process at bigger companies often takes place in several steps. After an initial selection of the CVs, candidates get an invitation for a written test (either online or on-site). Candidates that pass this test are invited to an assessment-centre, to present themselves and solve tasks in one-to-one interviews and group discussions. Successful applicants are then invited for individual interviews. At this stage, discussions get specific about the position and salary.
If you have applied for a job at a smaller company, it is more likely that you will receive a phone call and/or invitation to an interview. In many cases, you be speaking with your potential boss. Expect a lot of questions about your strengths and be prepared for questions regarding your salary expectations. In most cases, you will not have to provide your diplomas or certificates at the job interview.
Fixed-term employment contracts (na czas okreslony) in Poland are only valid for a predefined work period. After two fixed-term employment contracts with the same employer, the employment has to be transferred to a permanent contract (na czas nieokreslony/na stale). At this point in time, your employer may request copies of certificate of educational and other qualification, or other documentation.
To calculate your entitlement to holidays, it is necessary to prove your work experience in years (staz pracy). Your education qualifications count towards your staz pracy; a university-entrance-degree counts for three years, finished studies at a university count as five years.
If the total amount of years is under ten, you will normally have a statutory entitlement to 20 days of holiday. If your total work experience exceeds ten years, you will get 25 paid vacation days. It is possible that a private employer will make an individual agreement with you about your amount of annual leave. As an expatriate, take into account that you will probably want to travel home from time-to-time.