If you are planning to come from Asia or Eastern Europe to take a job in Poland, be prepared to talk to a job agency.
Here are 9 tips to help you choose the best temporary employment agency:
- Experience in the market – agencies with many years of experience often have a better understanding of the local labour market and stronger contacts with employers. Several years of experience in this competitive market is a sign that the agency cares about good cooperation with both employers and employees.
- Reputation of the agency – research information and reviews about the agency online. Check that it is running a registered, legitimate business. Look through discussion forums and feedback portals. If you have the opportunity, talk to people who have used the agency’s services. It is also important to pay attention to how the agency responds to criticism – transparency and openness to comments shows a professional approach.
- Scope of services – it is important that the agency offers comprehensive support, which includes not only recruitment, but also assistance with formalities related to the legalisation of residence and work, obtaining a visa, etc. Be sure to check whether and under what conditions the agency provides accommodation for the employee.
- Transparency of contract terms – ask for details of the contract and salary. It is important that it is clear on which day of the month and in what amount the salary will be transfered to your account. Remember that in Poland the difference between net and gross pay is about 30%.
- Language support – check that the agency offers assistance in communicating in your native language. This will make it easier to understand complex employment issues accurately. The agency’s experience in bringing in workers from your country is also important. Local cultural and social knowledge means better mutual understanding and a good prognosis for long-term cooperation.
- Location of job offers – Check if the location of jobs suits your preferences. The location of the workplace and accommodation can have a significant impact on your daily life, including commuting time, cost of living and the availability of various amenities such as shops and services.
- Career opportunities – Find out if the agency offers on-the-job training and what the job prospects are at the end of the contract. There are temporary employment agencies that support the employment of good employees directly with the employer at the end of the contract or even help you to set up a business. It is also important to find out about promotion conditions and pay rate increases.
- Duration of employment – Establish information on the length of the contract and the possibility of extension. Employers often offer an extension option, which can be mutually beneficial – allowing the employee to continue in employment and the employer to keep a proven employee on the team. It is also a good idea to ask about the procedures involved in extending a contract and what criteria must be met for this to happen.
- Ease of contact – Make sure you have easy access to agency representatives and support in case of problems. This is key, especially in situations where questions or difficulties arise. It is important to make sure that you can quickly get in touch with the right people, such as by phone, email or live chat.
Going to work abroad is a big life change. Therefore, it is worth taking care of yourself, asking for all the details and entrusting the next 1-2 years of your working life to a professional and trusted company.