Seasonal Jobs in Croatia: Who is Looking for Workers, Who Should Apply, and Why They're Worth Doing

Who is most often looking for seasonal workers?

In Croatia, seasonal jobs cover various industries, but hospitality and tourism are the sectors most in need of seasonal workers, as millions of tourists visit the coast during the summer. Workers in these industries are in demand throughout the entire season, from early June to late September, and in some destinations, such as Dubrovnik, the season lasts until October. The highest demand for workers is in:

• Tourism and hospitality: hotels, campsites, restaurants, bars, beach clubs, cafes. Jobs most often involve waiters, cooking staff, receptionists, and cleaners.
• Retail: stores and souvenir shops in popular destinations often look for sales assistants, as well as warehouse workers.
• Transportation and logistics: vehicles for transporting tourists, rent-a-car agencies, and taxi services seek drivers and guides.
• Agriculture: for the harvest of seasonal fruits such as grapes, watermelons, tomatoes, and olives, field workers are often needed.

What are the most in-demand jobs?

• Waiters/waitresses – This job is in demand in almost every restaurant and cafe along the Adriatic coast. You are expected to have good communication with guests and be able to work in a dynamic environment.
• Cooks and kitchen staff – Qualified chefs, as well as kitchen assistants, are always in demand, as summer crowds mean a lot of work in the kitchen.
• Receptionists – Every hotel, campsite, or apartment during the season seeks staff for guest check-ins. If you speak foreign languages, this is one of the best-paid jobs.
• Animators and guides – Working in tourism is not only official but also fun. If you enjoy working with children or love talking about local history and customs, this is the right job for you.

Who should consider a seasonal job?

• Young people and students: Seasonal jobs are a perfect opportunity to earn money during the summer months while still studying or on vacation. Additionally, working in tourism can help you gain valuable work experience that you can add to your CV.
• The unemployed: Seasonal jobs can be a great opportunity to quickly return to the job market, and sometimes they can lead to permanent employment, especially if you prove yourself well.
• Travel and social enthusiasts: Seasonal jobs are sought by people who love sunny destinations and spending time with tourists. If you enjoy social activities and traveling, working by the sea can be extremely fun.
• Challenge and change seekers: If you want something new, a seasonal job can provide an opportunity to experience a completely new work environment, meet people from all over the world, and gain experience in entirely new industries.

Why is it good to work a seasonal job?

1. Quick earnings – Seasonal jobs can provide you with a solid income in a short period of time. Besides the basic salary, in many industries, you can expect tips, which further increase your earnings. For many workers, this is the only way to earn a larger amount of money in a short time.
2. Free accommodation and meals – Many employers in tourism offer free accommodation and meals. This is a huge advantage because you don’t have to worry about these expenses, and you can save most of your earnings for other goals.
3. Gaining experience – If you are a beginner in the industry or have little work experience, seasonal jobs are a great opportunity to acquire new skills. You will learn how teamwork works, how to communicate with clients, and various other useful skills that you can use in future jobs.
4. Learning languages – If you enjoy learning languages, seasonal jobs in tourism can be a great opportunity to improve your language skills because you will communicate daily with tourists and colleagues from other countries. Being in contact with people from different parts of the world will certainly improve your language skills.
5. Possibility of permanent employment – Many seasonal workers stay in companies even after the season ends. If you prove yourself as a good worker, you may be invited to join on a permanent basis.
6. Adventure and contacts – Seasonal work in tourist destinations often brings exciting adventures. In addition to earning money, you will meet people from all over the world and experience something you can't experience in a standard 9-5 job.

Interesting facts from practice

• The highest tip ever reported during a season in Croatia was over €1,000 – received by a waiter in Dubrovnik from a couple from the USA, who were thrilled with the service.
• Some workers have been coming from abroad (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Ukraine) for years and have become "locals" in the places where they work. Interestingly, most seasonal workers in tourist destinations become so attached to the destination that they decide to stay and work year-round.
• Seasonal jobs are not only in hospitality – more and more seasonal jobs require digital skills. For example, managing social media for apartments, photographers for location promotions, and influencers who promote tourist destinations.

Where to look for a seasonal job?

• Portals: Pick Jobs, burzarada.hzz.hr
• Social media: Facebook groups, Instagram
• Directly: Visit locations (e.g., Hvar, Rovinj, Zadar) with your CV in hand – many employers hire immediately.
• Agencies: There are specialized agencies for seasonal jobs, even for foreign workers.