So you're a student in Poland, and you need a part-time job. Great! But here's the thing: knowing you want a job and actually finding one are two very different things. You might know what kind of work you want to do, but where do you actually look? Which websites are worth your time? Should you apply online or in person? And how do you avoid the scams that are everywhere?

Here's the reality: Finding a part-time job in Poland as an international student can be challenging, but it's definitely doable. The key is knowing where to look and how to approach the search. Some methods work better than others, some platforms are more student-friendly, and some approaches are more effective depending on what kind of job you want.

This guide will show you exactly where to find part-time jobs in Poland. We'll cover online job portals, direct approaches, networking strategies, university resources, and insider tips that will help you actually land a job. Because knowing where to look is half the battle – the other half is knowing how to look.

The Reality: What Makes Job Hunting Different for Students

The challenge: As an international student, you're competing with Polish students and workers. You might not speak perfect Polish, you might not know the local job market, and you might not have a network of contacts. But you also have advantages – you speak English (which is valuable), you're flexible, and you're motivated.

The opportunities: Poland has a growing economy and a demand for workers, especially in certain sectors. Student-friendly jobs are available, especially in larger cities. The key is knowing where to look and how to present yourself.

The timing: Job hunting takes time. Don't expect to find something immediately. Be prepared to apply to multiple places, follow up, and be patient. But also be proactive – the best jobs go to people who are actively looking.

Pro tip: Start looking early, before you're desperate for money. It's easier to find a good job when you're not under pressure, and you'll have more time to be selective.

Online Job Portals: The Digital Job Market

The big players: Poland has several major job portals where employers post openings. These are the most common places to find part-time jobs.

Pracuj.pl – The Biggest Portal

What it is: Pracuj.pl is Poland's largest job portal, with thousands of job listings across all sectors.

What you'll find:

  • Full-time and part-time jobs
  • Jobs in all sectors (hospitality, retail, office work, etc.)
  • Jobs in all cities
  • Both Polish and English-speaking positions

How to use it:

  • Create a profile
  • Upload your CV
  • Search for jobs using filters (part-time, city, sector)
  • Apply directly through the platform
  • Set up job alerts for new postings

Pros:

  • Huge selection of jobs
  • Easy to search and filter
  • Can apply directly online
  • Free to use

Cons:

  • Very competitive (many applicants)
  • Many jobs require Polish
  • Can be overwhelming
  • Response rates can be low

Pro tip: Use specific keywords when searching. "Praca dla studenta" (work for students), "praca na część etatu" (part-time work), or "praca weekendowa" (weekend work) will help you find student-friendly positions.

Reality check: Pracuj.pl is the biggest, but that also means it's the most competitive. Don't rely on it exclusively – use it as one tool in your job search toolkit.

OLX – The Classifieds

What it is: OLX is a classified ads website (like Craigslist) where people post everything from items for sale to job offers.

What you'll find:

  • Part-time jobs
  • Casual work
  • One-time gigs
  • Local opportunities
  • Sometimes less formal positions

How to use it:

  • Go to the "Praca" (Work) section
  • Search by city and keywords
  • Contact employers directly (usually by phone or email)
  • Be careful of scams

Pros:

  • Local opportunities
  • Less formal, easier to get
  • Direct contact with employers
  • Can find unique opportunities

Cons:

  • Less professional
  • More scams
  • Less structured
  • Need to be more careful

Pro tip: OLX can be great for finding local, casual work. But be extra careful about scams – if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Never pay money upfront.

Reality check: OLX is less professional than Pracuj.pl, but it can be good for finding casual, local work. Just be careful and use common sense.

LinkedIn – The Professional Network

What it is: LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that's also used for job searching.

What you'll find:

  • Professional positions
  • Internships
  • Part-time professional work
  • Networking opportunities
  • English-speaking positions

How to use it:

  • Create a professional profile
  • Connect with people in your field
  • Search for jobs
  • Apply directly or through connections
  • Use LinkedIn to network

Pros:

  • Professional opportunities
  • Good for networking
  • English-friendly
  • Can connect with employers directly

Cons:

  • More competitive
  • Fewer student-friendly jobs
  • Requires a good profile
  • Less casual work

Pro tip: LinkedIn is great for professional opportunities and internships. It's less useful for typical student jobs (restaurants, retail), but excellent for career-related positions.

Reality check: LinkedIn is valuable, but it's more for professional development than quick cash. Use it for career-building opportunities, not just immediate income.

Facebook Groups – The Hidden Job Market

What they are: Facebook groups are where many students and employers post job opportunities that never make it to formal job portals.

What you'll find:

  • Student job postings
  • Casual work
  • Local opportunities
  • Quick gigs
  • Word-of-mouth opportunities

How to use it:

  • Search for groups like "Praca dla studentów [city name]" (Work for students [city])
  • Join student groups in your city
  • Join expat/international student groups
  • Check posts regularly
  • Post that you're looking for work

Popular groups:

  • City-specific student job groups
  • International student groups
  • Expat groups
  • University-specific groups

Pros:

  • Less competitive
  • More casual opportunities
  • Direct contact
  • Often English-friendly
  • Quick responses

Cons:

  • Less structured
  • Need to check regularly
  • Quality varies
  • Some groups are inactive

Pro tip: Facebook groups are goldmines for student jobs. Join several groups in your city, check them regularly, and don't be afraid to post that you're looking for work.

Reality check: Facebook groups are often where the best student jobs are posted – jobs that never make it to formal portals. They're worth your time.

Other Online Platforms

Indeed.pl:

  • Similar to Pracuj.pl
  • International platform
  • Good selection
  • Easy to use

GoldenLine:

  • Professional networking
  • More corporate
  • Less student-friendly

Gratka:

  • Classified ads
  • Similar to OLX
  • Local opportunities

Pro tip: Don't limit yourself to one platform. Use multiple portals to maximize your chances. Different employers use different platforms.

Direct Approaches: Going Straight to the Source

The strategy: Sometimes the best way to find a job is to skip the online applications and go directly to employers.

Where this works best:

  • Restaurants and cafes
  • Retail stores
  • Hotels and hospitality
  • Local businesses
  • Tourist areas

How to do it:

  1. Research – Find businesses in your area that might hire students
  2. Prepare – Have a simple CV ready (even if basic)
  3. Visit – Go in person during non-busy hours
  4. Ask – Politely ask if they're hiring or accepting applications
  5. Follow up – If they take your CV, follow up after a few days

What to bring:

  • Simple CV (even one page is fine)
  • Student ID
  • Contact information
  • Positive attitude

Pros:

  • More personal
  • Shows initiative
  • Can get immediate feedback
  • Less competition
  • Often more effective for service jobs

Cons:

  • Time-consuming
  • Can be rejected in person
  • Need to be prepared
  • Not all places accept walk-ins

Pro tip: For restaurants, cafes, and retail stores, applying in person is often more effective than online applications. Polish employers often prefer face-to-face contact.

Reality check: Direct approaches work especially well for service industry jobs. Don't be shy – the worst they can say is no, and many employers appreciate the initiative.

University Resources: The Hidden Opportunities

Your university is a goldmine: Universities often have job opportunities that students don't know about.

University Job Boards

What they are: Many universities have job boards (online or physical) where employers post student-friendly positions.

Where to find them:

  • University website (career services section)
  • Student services office
  • Notice boards around campus
  • Student union office

What you'll find:

  • Part-time jobs
  • Internships
  • Research assistant positions
  • University jobs (library, administration)
  • Local employer postings

Pro tip: Check your university's website regularly. Many universities have dedicated career services pages with job listings.

International Student Office

What they do: The international student office often has information about jobs, especially for international students.

What they can help with:

  • Job listings
  • Work authorization information
  • Employer contacts
  • Job search advice

Pro tip: Don't be shy about asking your international student office for help. They deal with this regularly and often have connections.

Professors and Departments

Research assistant positions:

  • Ask your professors if they need research assistants
  • Check department notice boards
  • Email professors directly
  • Look for research project announcements

Department jobs:

  • Some departments hire students for administrative work
  • Check with your department office
  • Ask about available positions

Pro tip: Research assistant positions are excellent – they're related to your studies, look great on your CV, and often have flexible hours.

Student Organizations

What they are: Student clubs and organizations often have job leads and connections.

How to use them:

  • Join student organizations
  • Attend events and meetings
  • Network with other students
  • Ask about job opportunities

Pro tip: Student organizations are great for networking. Other students often know about job opportunities and can refer you.

Networking: The Power of Connections

Why it matters: Many jobs are never posted publicly. They're filled through word of mouth, referrals, and connections.

How to network:

  • Talk to other students – They often know about opportunities
  • Attend events – University events, city events, networking events
  • Join groups – Student groups, expat groups, professional groups
  • Be active – Participate, contribute, be visible
  • Ask for help – Don't be afraid to ask if people know of opportunities

Where to network:

  • University events
  • Student parties and gatherings
  • Expat meetups
  • Professional events
  • Language exchange meetups

Pro tip: Networking is about building relationships, not just asking for jobs. Be genuine, be helpful, and opportunities will come.

Reality check: Many of the best jobs come through connections. Don't underestimate the power of networking, even as a student.

Specialized Platforms: Niche Opportunities

Tutoring Platforms

Preply, italki, Superprof:

  • Online tutoring platforms
  • Teach languages or subjects
  • Work from home
  • Set your own rates
  • Flexible schedule

Pro tip: If you speak English natively or are good at a subject, tutoring can be very profitable and flexible.

Freelancing Platforms

Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer:

  • Online freelancing
  • Various skills (writing, design, programming, etc.)
  • Work remotely
  • International clients
  • Flexible

Pro tip: Freelancing is great if you have marketable skills. You can work from anywhere and set your own schedule.

Delivery Apps

Uber Eats, Glovo, Pyszne.pl:

  • Food delivery
  • Very flexible
  • Work when you want
  • Need bike or scooter

Pro tip: Delivery work is perfect for students – completely flexible, work when you want, decent pay during peak hours.

Job Search Strategies: What Actually Works

The multi-pronged approach: Don't rely on just one method. Use multiple strategies simultaneously.

Strategy 1: Cast a wide net

  • Apply to many positions
  • Use multiple platforms
  • Don't be too picky initially
  • Get your foot in the door

Strategy 2: Focus on your strengths

  • Emphasize English if it's your native language
  • Highlight any relevant skills
  • Use your student status as an advantage
  • Show flexibility and motivation

Strategy 3: Be proactive

  • Don't just wait for responses
  • Follow up on applications
  • Reach out directly to employers
  • Create opportunities

Strategy 4: Be patient but persistent

  • Job hunting takes time
  • Don't get discouraged by rejections
  • Keep applying
  • Stay positive

Pro tip: The best strategy is a combination – use online portals, direct approaches, networking, and university resources. Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

Where to Find Specific Types of Jobs

Restaurant and Hospitality Jobs

Where to look:

  • Direct approach – Visit restaurants and cafes in person
  • OLX – Check classified ads
  • Facebook groups – Student job groups
  • Tourist areas – Often need English speakers

Pro tip: Tourist areas (Old Town, city centers) often need English speakers. Apply in person during non-busy hours (2-4 PM is usually good).

Retail Jobs

Where to look:

  • Direct approach – Visit stores, ask if they're hiring
  • Pracuj.pl – Search for "praca w sklepie" (work in store)
  • Shopping malls – Many stores post "praca" (work) signs
  • Facebook groups – Local job groups

Pro tip: Large shopping malls often have multiple stores hiring. Visit the mall, check for "praca" signs, and apply directly.

Tutoring Jobs

Where to look:

  • Online platforms – Preply, italki, Superprof
  • Language schools – Apply directly
  • Facebook groups – Tutoring groups, parent groups
  • University notice boards – Students often need tutors
  • Word of mouth – Ask other students

Pro tip: If you're a native English speaker, you're in high demand. Language schools and private tutoring can be very profitable.

Delivery Jobs

Where to look:

  • App websites – Uber Eats, Glovo websites have application forms
  • Direct contact – Some delivery services have local offices
  • Facebook groups – Delivery driver groups

Pro tip: Delivery work is very flexible and perfect for students. Apply through the app websites – the process is usually straightforward.

University Jobs

Where to look:

  • University website – Career services, job boards
  • Department offices – Ask about research assistant positions
  • Library – Check for library assistant positions
  • Student services – Administrative positions
  • Professors – Ask directly about research opportunities

Pro tip: University jobs are often the best for students – flexible, related to studies, and look great on your CV.

Job Search Timeline: When to Start Looking

Early start (before you need money):

  • Less pressure
  • Can be selective
  • More time to find good opportunities
  • Can negotiate better

During semester:

  • More competition (other students also looking)
  • But more opportunities available
  • Can start part-time immediately

During holidays:

  • More full-time opportunities
  • Less competition (fewer students)
  • Can work more hours

Pro tip: Start looking early, even if you don't need money immediately. It's easier to find a good job when you're not desperate.

Reality check: Job hunting takes time. Don't expect to find something immediately. Be prepared to spend several weeks looking and applying.

Red Flags: What to Avoid

Scams to watch out for:

  • Jobs that require payment upfront – Legitimate jobs don't require you to pay
  • Too good to be true – If it sounds too good, it probably is
  • Vague job descriptions – Legitimate jobs have clear descriptions
  • Pressure to decide quickly – Scammers pressure you
  • Pyramid schemes – "Multi-level marketing" that's actually a scam

Warning signs:

  • Employer asks for money
  • No clear job description
  • Pressure to sign immediately
  • Unprofessional communication
  • No physical address or contact

Pro tip: If something feels off, trust your instincts. There are plenty of legitimate opportunities – you don't need to take risks with suspicious ones.

Reality check: Scams target students because they're often desperate and less experienced. Be careful, ask questions, and don't be afraid to walk away.

The Application Process: Making It Work

Your CV:

  • Keep it simple (1-2 pages)
  • Highlight relevant experience
  • Emphasize English if it's your native language
  • Include your student status
  • Show flexibility and motivation

Cover letter (if needed):

  • Short and to the point
  • Explain why you're a good fit
  • Show enthusiasm
  • Mention your availability

Follow-up:

  • Follow up on applications after a week
  • Be polite and professional
  • Don't be pushy
  • Show continued interest

Pro tip: For student jobs, a simple CV is often enough. Don't overthink it – focus on showing that you're reliable, flexible, and motivated.

Reality check: You might not hear back from many applications. That's normal. Keep applying, and don't take it personally.

The Bottom Line

Finding a part-time job in Poland as a student is definitely possible, but it requires knowing where to look and how to approach the search.

What works best:

  • Multiple strategies – Don't rely on just one method
  • Direct approaches – Especially for service industry jobs
  • Facebook groups – Often have the best student opportunities
  • University resources – Don't overlook these
  • Networking – Connections matter

What this means for you:

Use a combination of methods – online portals, direct approaches, networking, and university resources. Don't limit yourself to one platform or method. Be proactive, be patient, and be persistent. The job is out there, you just need to find it.

But more importantly: Finding a job takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't find something immediately. Keep applying, keep networking, and keep trying. The right opportunity will come along.

So start looking, use multiple methods, and don't give up. Because with the right approach, you'll find that part-time job that fits your schedule and your needs.

Powodzenia! (Good luck!) Go out and find that job. You've got this.