How to look for a job?
Employers advertise vacant jobs on the Croatian Employment Service portal
Burza rada, on private portals for job seekers and on private websites. You can also find job advertisements on notice boards, in daily newspapers, professional journals and gazettes, as well as on the websites of professional organisations (chambers, associations). Public sector jobs are always published in the Official Gazette (
Narodne novine). In smaller towns, announcements are also made using radio stations.
Many large employers use online application forms on their own websites to create a database of potential candidates for future job openings. In addition to job advertisements, small private employers use private channels and recommendations to reach the best candidtes.
Private agencies for occasional and temporary employment provide the opportunity to enroll in their database of candidates. Workers sign an employment contract with the agency, which provides workers for employers who have a temporary need for additional workers.
How to apply for a job?
Information on how to apply is described in every job advertisement. A
CV needs to be compiled in chronological order, it must contain personal information, information about education, additional knowledge and skills and work experience, as well as interests and hobbies. It should be typed using a computer and in Croatian language, unless otherwise requested. A photo is not necessary, but feel free to include it in your CV, in a passport photo format. The recommendations of former employers are usually not necessary, but if you have some, it may be useful to enclose them.
Public sector employers will also require, in addition to a cover letter, proof of qualifications and skills (certificates, diplomas), proof of a clean criminal record, proof of citizenship and residence, and other documents, as necessary.
Private employers will usually request the application to be made via e-mail, which must contain a CV, and sometimes documents such as diplomas, certificates of professional exams and others, depending on the nature of the job. Sometimes you will be expected to submit an online application on the employer’s website and other forms of application will not be considered, while other employers, usually smaller ones, will only require an application by telephone.
Open applications to employers are usually well received. Since we cannot know what form of application an employer will consider the most acceptable, it is advisable to enclose proof of qualifications and skills, as well as recommendations or contact information of persons who can provide recommendations, if applicable, to the CV and a cover letter.
An application should be adapted to the employer you are contacting, and the CV should emphasise the knowledge and skills applicable to the job for which you are applying. Furthermore, it is usually not advisable to contact an employer in another way than the one specified in the job advertisement (by telephone instead of e-mail, by e-mail instead of regular mail, etc.).
A job interview
Before an interview with the employer, it is wise to research the employer's activity, the workplace structure, dress code and other information that may be useful in a job interview to make the best possible impression. Needless to say, a lack of interest, being late and an untidy appearance will disqualify you from the selection procedure.
In selecting a candidate for the job (conversation, testing, interviewing, etc.) and signing the employment contract, the employer may not request the worker to provide information that is not directly related to the job (family status, religious or national affiliation, etc.).
Job search and employment preparation support
You may use
Croatian Employment Service services while looking for a job. To register with the Croatian Employment Service,
you will need the following:
- a personal identification number (
PIN/OIB),
- a residence address in Croatia, and
- a valid identity document from your country (ID card or passport).
If you wish to transfer your right to unemployment benefits from your country, consult your employment office before leaving in order to obtain all the necessary information on your rights and obligations. Your employment office will issue a portable document U2 (PD U2), which you will need to continue receiving the benefits.
Information on who can register as unemployed person is available
here. Information for EEA and CH nationals is available on the Croatian Employment Service website,
here.
For more information, advice or help with finding a job, please contact
EURES adviser.
Competent authority and legislation
Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy
Ulica grada Vukovara 78, 10 000 Zagreb
info@mrosp.hr
Croatian Employment Service
Savska cesta 64, 10000 Zagreb
hzz@hzz.hr
EURES_HR@hzz.hr
Labour market Act (Official Gazette, No.
118/18 ,
32/20)
Bylaw on active job search and availability for work (Official Gazette, No.
28/2019)
Updated: 29 March 2021
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