How to find employment in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has a thriving market for recruitment; mainly due to the country’s well-educated population and advanced industrial infrastructure. A lower cost of living, compared to neighboring countries, makes the Czech Republic a fine place for skilled workers and drinkers of cheap beer

People from the European economic zone who are seeking work in the Czech republic can find employment without the need for a work permit. We should point out that to improve your chances of finding the ideal job you should combine several approaches at once. Czech people do the same in order to get the maximum information on jobs available.

Daily press & Internet

Job advertisements are published in the daily press in special supplements or columns and also on websites containing lists of job offers throughout the Czech Republic. The advertisements are usually in Czech.

Another way to find employment is to use the services of private personnel agencies, which recruit personnel for a variety of professions. You can contact these agencies personally or look up their websites on the Internet.

Another way to access offers is to make personal contact with employer organisations and companies. Most companies, firms and employers have their own websites or are listed in telephone directories.

When applying for a job in the Czech Republic it’s important to have a structured curriculum vitae or introductory letter. Detail and particulars are usually given in the job advertisement, where the employer or agency request, for example, a curriculum vitae in a specific language.

A knowledge of Czech remains necessary for many employment positions, but don’t let this put you off. For example, many multinational companies communicate in languages other than Czech.

Job application 

Job application by letter

Job applications often consist not only in sending a curriculum vitae but also with an accompanying letter specifying your interest in the relevant profession/position. The contents of such a letter should be brief and to the point. Information should apply to the employment position that you are seeking. You should explain why you are interested in the position and give a brief description of your experience. Many employers require a document confirming your education and references from your previous employment. In many cases employers will provide you with a professional questionnaire to complete. The application should contain an appendix in the form of a structured curriculum vitae. This generally includes the following information:

1. personal data: name and surname, address, telephone, date and place of birth, marital status and nationality
2. qualifications: this section should contain information on your education
3. work experience: a very important part of the curriculum vitae containing a brief description of every part of your work experience. If you are a graduate and do not as yet have any work experience you can state any temporary jobs or internships that you have completed. 
4. interests: you should provide a brief description of your interests and hobbies, especially if they relate to the position that you are applying for
5. references: give the names and contact information of your former superiors who can give you positive references

The application and curriculum vitae should be printed. Don’t forget to sign both documents!

Interview

If the employer invites you for a personal meeting don’t forget to take with you a copy of your curriculum vitae, copies of your diplomas and also references. Interviews can comprise several stages, a means of selecting employees that is increasingly used. To be well prepared for the interview you should also have some knowledge of the activities of the company that you are seeking to join. 

Watch out for discriminatory questions. Psychological tests are also sometimes employed, especially for managerial positions and positions in the civil service.