Sara Masri

Writer @ WiPjobs Recruitment

Millions of people, every year, leave their home countries to find luck, love or perhaps a big career in a foreign country. And, if you are reading this article, you might be considering that too. And we encourage you to do so! Choosing to move to a foreign country is an excellent way to propel your career forward. It would not only benefit your career but also you personally as an international move is likely to give you experiences hard to match at home, and which you will never forget.

Now that you’re convinced about relocating it’s time to decide where to! The world is wide and choosing is a hard task, isn’t it? Well, why not make it Poland? Keep reading because in this article we will tell you why you should move to this beautiful country and reasons to make it your next work destination!

Poland is among the 25 most developed economies in the world according to FTSE Russell and ranks 8th as the best country for female workers. The country has also one of the highest rates of English as a second language in the world and there are a lot of job opportunities for multilinguals.
That sounds quite impressive, doesn’t it? Let´s discover more!

1. Economy and Employment Rate

The Polish economy has experienced impressive growth during the last few years, which is continuing to this day. Poland’s economy has been constantly developing achieving the fastest growth in Europe after the financial crisis. This trend is reflected in the country’s unemployment rate, which has been falling steadily. The unemployment rate in Poland currently stands at around 3.9%. Additionally, the prognosis shows that the percentage will remain at around 4% over the next few years.

As a result, companies invest more and create various new jobs every day. People can use these opportunities to develop their skills and expertise and take their careers to the next step.

2. Location

Poland is in a great central location in Europe. Not only that, but the country has also really good infrastructures, not only highways, railways, and airways but also seaways – due to its location at the Baltic Sea. There are various connections and easy – but most importantly cheap – ways to travel to cities and countries all over the world.

3. International Environment

In Poland, you’ll never feel like a fish out of water! Due to the good location and upturning economy, lots of global companies find their way to Poland. Several corporations have offices or headquarters in the country. People from outside of Poland now have more opportunities than ever to work in an international environment and gather new experiences. And if you are just starting your career, you’ll be pleased to know that Poland offers young people more than you think! For your first experience, companies tend to provide training, guide you through obstacles and help you choose your future career path.

4. No language barrier

You may be worried about learning Polish. We agree – Polish is most definitely not an easy
language to learn. But fear not! The job market in Poland is very attractive for multilinguals. Many international companies are looking for foreign languages speakers. Nonetheless, many Polish people speak English at a very high level as their second language. In 2019 Poland scored a 63.76 EF English Proficiency Index, resulting in Poland placing 11th (out of 100) in the general ranking and 9th in a European comparison.

But, if you’re keen on learning Polish, that can be easily arranged too! Indeed, there are many schools and Universities which offer Polish classes for foreigners for free!

5. Low Cost of Living

In comparison to other European countries, Poland is a relatively cheap place to live. For example, did you know that the cost of living in Poland is 40% lower than it is in the UK? So even if the salary may not look as high as in other Northern European countries, you are still getting a great deal! Due to the low cost of living, you’ll be able to save money quickly and spend them on what you love (perhaps travelling!)

6. Safety

The criminality rate in Poland is generally low. People feel safe, day or night, and can walk freely around the cities. The low crime index of 30.09 makes Poland a great destination also for families with children. Furthermore, the country is barely facing any natural catastrophes like tornados, earthquakes, etc.

Does Poland seem like a good place to work and live? Would you like to find out more or do you need help finding a place of work in Poland? Get in touch with our team!

Sara Masri

Writer @ WiPjobs Recruitment

Having a perfect resume and a cover letter is important but it’s not enough! Indeed, it is important that a good CV is followed and supported by a job interview at the same level.

There are several types of candidates at a job interview: some candidates who view the moment of the selection interview as an opportunity to let off steam about how much they do not like their current job, others who are a nervous wreck throughout the whole interview due to the anxiety of having to answer to a recruiter and those who want their 30 minutes of glory and enjoy the stage as a true one-man show!

Unfortunately, all three strategies are wrong and will probably lead to get another “no” or another “we will let you know” that will end up accumulating insecurity and frustration in those who receive it.

So what do we do? No worries, the WiPjobs Team is here to help! Let’s see together 7 valuable tips that you should never forget and that will boost your chances of getting hired!

1. Always keep in mind the Job Description for the job you applied for

Never forget to study attentively the job description for the job you applied for: exclusion is almost a given in a job interview if – as soon as you sit in front of the recruiter – you reply vaguely when asked ‘do you remember for which position you applied for?.’
To many candidates, this question may seem superfluous but it is essential for HR to understand how much you are present at the interview, how many CVs you are sending and how accurate you are! So, at most, re-read the job description you applied for, especially when sending your curriculum massively.

2. Be on time

Make sure to be on time for the interview. And by time we do not mean exactly on time: we mean at least five to ten minutes early. If need be, drive to the interview location ahead of time so you know exactly where you are going and how long it will take to get there.

Take into account the time of your interview so you can adjust for local traffic patterns at that time. Give yourself a few extra minutes to visit the restroom, check your outfit, and calm your nerves.

3. Make sure to gather information about the company you’re applying for

It is never a good sign when a candidate does not know what type of company he/she has applied for and what is the core business of the reality in which he/she is conducting the job interview. Make sure to research the company and show what you know. Obviously, this does not mean knowing every single detail such as the financial statements of the last quarter but it is essential to know at least how the company is set up, what it does, its mission and its vision.

4. Develop a Connection With the Interviewer

In addition to indicating what you know about the company, you should also try to develop a connection with your interviewer. Know the interviewer’s name and use it during the job interview. If you’re not sure of the name, call and ask prior to the interview. Listen very carefully during introductions.
If you’re prone to forgetting names, jot it down somewhere discreet, like in small letters at the bottom of your notepad.

Ultimately, building rapport and making a personal connection with your interviewer can up your chances of getting hired. People tend to hire candidates they like and who seems to be a good fit for the company’s culture. Here’s how to get the hiring manager on your side.

5. Ask questions!

Non-interactive candidates do not make a good impression during the interview. Attention though! Being interactive does not mean co-conducting the interview with the recruiter (which is actually counterproductive) but trying as much as possible to make the interviewer understand your interest in the position for which the selection interview is being conducted. Some interesting questions may be such: What are the corporate values? What are the future prospects for the division in which the position is open? What kind of candidate are you looking for to fill that role?

6. Try to stay calm!

I know what you’re thinking… easier said than done! True. But keep in mind that being calm it’s essential for a good job interview. Your body language says as much about you as your answers to the questions. And remember: proper preparation will allow you to exude confidence!

Always remember to maintain eye contact with the interviewer as you answer questions,

Be sure to pay attention to the question so that you don’t forget it and listen to the entire question (using active listening) before you answer, so you know exactly what the interviewer is asking.

7. Follow up after the interview

Always follow up with a thank-you note reiterating your interest in the position. You can also include any details you may have forgotten to mention during your interview.

It’s definitely worth the extra effort. A Robert Half survey reports that 80% of hiring managers said it was helpful or somewhat helpful to receive a thank-you note after an interview!

We are sure than you’re now ready to nail your job interview. Don’t forget to be yourself and most importantly, believe in yourself and your capabilities. You got this!

Writer @ WiPjobs Recruitment

If your schedule is quite flexible then you might consider working abroad for a while as it may be of benefit to our career. Some people may reconsider working abroad because of strong family ties in their host country however taking this leap of faith will prove to be worth it in the long run. Below are some of the top five reasons why you should consider moving abroad for work;

1. Wanderlust

If you have a strong desire to travel the world then working abroad could be an avenue you need to pursue. Working abroad will help you save money and be able to finance your trips around the world. There’s so much to discover and experience in this earth – from meeting new people of different cultures, exploring hidden gems or even seeing the Seven Wonders of the World.

2. Grow your professional network and improve your resume/CV

According to Richard Hanson “Outside of your local environment you will get the chance to network with other stakeholders who may become influential later on when it comes to being tapped on the shoulder for your next internal promotion opportunity. Trust is a major part of doing business in Asia, and LinkedIn just isn’t going to provide the same “look in the eyes” moment of mutual trust and agreement.” This simply means that if you physically grow your network then the better for your career goals.

Employers are usually drawn to people who have worked abroad for a while and this enhances your employability a great deal. Working abroad equips you with transferable skills that are required in any industry.

3. Gain knowledge of your industry in a global perspective

You may decide to stick to your professional field; therefore, it would be a good move for your career goals if you had a clear understanding of how your industry works in other parts of the world. Each country has their own way of doing things and the experience would be a huge asset for your career.

4. Learning

Working abroad will give you an opportunity to possibly learn a new language. This will definitely make a huge impact in your career life since bilinguals/multilinguals are usually sort after the most in the current job market.

5. Memories

With every new experience comes with the urge to document it. As you enjoy your time working abroad, document your journey through pictures, videos, journals etc. as a way to look back and reminisce on your time there. Also build long lasting relationships that are beneficial to your career.

WiPjobs’s Team

Writer @ WiPjobs Recruitment

BEST PLACES TO WORK IN EUROPE

Working abroad comes with opportunities of exploring a new environment and the different cultures. According to a study done by the British Council, working abroad enhances your productivity and innovation in your place of work and it helps one build up on their skills that are necessary in their field of work.

Here is a list of some of the best places to work in Europe;

SPAIN

Spain after overcoming the financial crisis definitely provides a good work-life balance with working opportunities being increased day by day. According to the HSBC Expat Explorer Survey, Spain is one of the best places for expats considering the quality of life. With native language spoken by over 400 million people and one of the best climates (Mediterranean), Spain is one of the most interesting working destinations.
Additionally, it’s important to highlight one of the most ancient and rich cultured territories in Spain, Andalusia. Andalusia is known for great weather, huge coastline and numerous touristic places. It also offers new working opportunities and development branches of international companies which are setting the general image of this south region of Spain!

• G.D.P – $28156.82
• Average Income – €26928/year
• Unemployment rate – 14.2%

GERMANY

Germany is known for its many stereotypes however this is one place a person should really consider to work. Living and working conditions are efficient and organized. This country remained to be at the top 2 of many lists of countries that are quite favorable to work in Europe. There’s a lot of culture and history in cities like Hamburg, Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt. Germany is among the leading countries in the science, mathematics, engineering and technology industries. There are also regulations set in place to maintain a healthy work-life balance and is one of the countries that have the lowest youth unemployment rates.

• G.D.P – $4.444 trillion
• Average Income – €47964/year
• Unemployment rate – 3.1%

AUSTRIA

Austria is located in Central Europe and is officially known as The Republic of Austria. It is known for its majestic mountains, beautiful lakes and ever green forests. It’s also known to be quite artsy and cultural, for instance the capital Vienna is worldly known for classical music with famous composers such as Mozart Haydn, Strauss, Schubert, Mahler and Liszt. Also many employers are known to provide good working environments and mostly on Fridays employees can leave the office at 3PM, this makes balancing work with personal life quite easy.

• G.D.P – $47,290.91
• Average income – $50,349/year
• Unemployment rate – 4.3%

POLAND

Poland is an economic success story as it is a fast growing free-market economy in Europe in the last decades. According to FTSE Russell, Poland is categorized in the ‘developed’ section alongside Germany, U.S.A and the U.K. The manufacturing industry has also expanded, contributing positively to the country’s economy. This country has a high standard of living and low cost of living at the same time providing job opportunities in a wide range of fields such as customer service, accounting, sales and orders, IT roles and etc. Finally, Poland is one of the most appropriate solutions for foreigner as it has totally embraced the spirit of multilingualism in the workforce.

• G.D.P – $13,811.66
• Average income – 59179.08 PLN/year
• Unemployment rate – 3.3%

CZECH REPUBLIC

Czech Republic is one of the fastest developing economies in Europe owning the lowest unemployment rate in EU (2.2%). This country gives you the opportunity to enter into the field of industry even in a junior level and at the same time there is a growing demand for bilingual and multilingual talents. Employees in Czech Republic are entitled to the best vacation packages (25 paid days per year). Finally, you can enjoy life, food and sightseeing in a definitely low-cost living and safe (lowest criminal rate) country.

• GDP – $432346 billion
• Average income – $21453/year
• Unemployment rate – 2.2%

DENMARK

Denmark as a Scandinavian country is one of the most well-organised and structured countries in EU. According to research Danes are among the most productive and hardworking workforces in Europe with emphasis on job mentality and work autonomy. Country’s location and geography is ideal combining the beautiful city’s architecture with the wonders of nature and (extremely short distances). The 7.000km coastline renders the country for sure one of the top destinations for beach holidays. The statements above confirm the research that Danes are the happiest and most satisfied people in EU.

• GDP – $3249 billion
• Average income – $29.606/year
• Unemployment rate – 5.3%

NETHERLANDS

If you are looking for a stable and well organised working network and at the same time enjoy your free time in many ways, then Netherlands is one of the most appropriate destinations. Accuracy, honesty and professionalism complete the working background of the country. You can spend your time sightseeing a lot of canals, windmills, taste traditional food and in general feel this electrifying atmosphere. Finally, if you are planning to relocate in Netherlands and your bicycling skills are not satisfying then you have to work on it!

• GDP – $8262 billion
• Average income – $29333/year
• Unemployment rate – 3.5%

WiPjobs’s Team

Writer @ WiPjobs Recruitment

World Youth Days 2016 in Krakow: what is this festival?

Have you heard of World Youth Days? Do you know that usually, it takes place every three years? Do you know where it will be celebrated in 2016? WiPjobs has decided to answer all these questions with a little help of www.krakow2016.com.

World Youth Days (WYD) are celebrated worldwide by the Catholic youth and this celebration is crowned by meeting the Pope. It is a huge and very well organized event that aims to gather young religious people in order for them to share some spiritual experience. WYD started with St. John Paul II when the Pope, for the first time, invited young people to come to Rome in 1984. Normally, WYD takes place every three years, and the last one was arranged in 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

It is 2016 and World Youth Days came to Krakow this year! In addition, as we all know, Poland is a religious country, so the whole city is looking forward to meeting with the youth and is preparing for this great event. The celebration will be held from 26^th to 31^st July but the whole journey to WYD covers approximately two weeks and includes also “Days in Dioceses” when young people stay with their host families.

This year‘s celebration is centred around the “Touch of Mercy” which is the theme of WYD 2016. It includes catecheses and meetings with Pope Francis, but also the program of the festival will offer a wide range of concerts, performances, sports activities, art exhibitions, etc.

The festival seems to be extremely well organized and wants to attract the possible maximum of people to Krakow. Normally, several hundred thousand young people come to WYD. So, as you can see, this is really big!

At the end, just have it in mind: if you feel the vibe to come, feel free to travel and come to the beautiful city of Krakow to experience spirituality on July 26-31 and explore Poland!

All the practical information about WYD 2016 can be found on www.krakow2016.com and on social media!

WiPjobs’s Team

Writer @ WiPjobs Recruitment