guys - i'm stumped! but really freaked out excited!!! any suggestions from experience would be wonderful...

i applied for a job at the same company where my husband will start work in February - we're moving from SA. they phoned me back that same afternoon and had an hour discussion. then a video conference with the boss the next day also for an hour.
now they want me to fly out for a 2 day session in Jan. great as i've never been in CH. BUT what on earth will they do with me for 2 days?
i talk too much in general, but am stumped at what they would want from me for 2 days!

secondary question - i'll be able to stretch the 2 days into a week (like an LSD, look see and decide, except the decision has already been made...) - any suggestions on how i can find:

• tips on choosing an agent to help us find a house
• tips on choosing an agency to help us find an au pair or nanny
• winter clothes for non europeans (it's 32 degrees tomorrow in SA - i've never owned shoes that can walk in snow!!!)
• anything you think is worthwhile for me to try and do while i'm there except sight seeing, which feels a bit pointless!!! i can buy my moms chocs at the airport!

the roller coaster has now left the station and the adventure has started - and i thought the most difficult will be to sell my acqariums and dog and car - this is scaring the daylights out of me...

SD

Such interviews are not uncommon when a company is interested here. It gives them and you a chance to see how you will fit in with the team etc. Generally a good sign. Good luck with it.

Hi there and welcome from a South African in Switzerland! There are quite a few South Africans on this forum and living here. It's possible some of them will be along with some advice soon.

Regards your questions I can only really help with one. It is extremely cold right now. I wear three layers when going out, sometimes four. My scarf, hat and gloves are going everywhere as well. A heavy coat, preferably a windbreaker, is a must. I like wearing boots that cover the ankles, it's common to see women wearing knee length boots at the moment. Imagine the South African winter, except the temperature in a South African winter at 5:30 in the morning is the maximum temperature here during the day and you might get an idea of how cold it is. Your initial dillema is this: what do you wear to the airport in South Africa with the temperature at +30° and still have enough clothing with you to wear when you get over here and the temperature is 0°?

Best of luck for your interview.

Find out. Preparation is everything.
Good luck.
dave

Sell the dog? Don't sell the dog. Bring her with you. There is info on that & lots of your other questions on this forum!!
Where in Switzerland are you thinking of living?

I wouldn't worry much about this, I too went through this, after the telephone interview, I was invited out for a few days, formal interview, followed by intros around the workplace, different departments & then a look around the local area (guided tour) to let me get a feel.

All very gentle & not taxing. Hope you have a similar experience.

I was invited to spend an afternoon with the team I work with when interviewing for my current job. My boss said it was as much about me being sure I fit in with them & want to work there as them wanting me. It helped me decide which job to take.

I do not know about the other things. But as far as an au pair or nanny, try greataupair.com. Once you pick your nanny or au pair, you can have the agency do all the rest for you.

I need a break from adulthood so I'm moving to CH to be an Au Pair. I found many many great families on that site. Ended up with the family I am moving to now.

Hi,

Why not ask the company about what the agenda will be for the two days you are there - to allow you to prepare beforehand. It might even make a better impression on the people hiring.

Cheers,
Nick

If you dont, you will look like an amateur in any case.

dave

wow, you think ahead dont you.

you havent even had the interview, and you already want to sort out an au pair!

thats confidence for you.

dont sell the dog!

good luck though.

A 2-day interview is very normal. Not only does it give them a better chance to see how well you would fit in with them, but it gives you time to see if it is the right place for you. In a job interview, not only do you need to prove that you are good enough for them, but they also need to prove that they are good enough for you.

Definitely ask for an agenda. Be prepared, and ask a lot of questions.

And don't sell the dog.

Good luck!

thanks so much for all your comments!
i've already sold the dog - she now galavants on a wine farm in the cape with her sister - i just couldn't picture this fun loving flower power creature enclosed inside a house for most of the time - she grew up on 2000 squares! that's love for you - and sacrifice - i almost cried myself into a migraine when we dropped her off at the airport...
on the au pair thing - i didn't realise that it sounded presumptuous - sorry about that - it's just something that i worry about a lot so it came out...
i'll let you know how it goes - my ticket is bought - i'm just amazed about the weather - we were in the pool again for the whole day - i can't find winter shoes anywhere - isn't that a realy girl problem!!! this is our last summer christmas - sun sand and chevrolet!!!

At least you're already celebrating with Swiss branded cars

Good luck with the interview!