Hello everyone,

At last I got an interview on this wednesday after I had applied one of the jobs suggested by a member here. Now I need some helps and advise on what should I prepare for the interview as it is my second interview here. I really have no idea how Swiss people conduct an interview. What's the more important things should I take note? Please advise. Thank you

Just a couple of thoughts but really depends on what level the position is - if managerial at any level, I would definitely have some idea of financial results - not necessarily in depth but were they up, or down - have some questions ready on it e.g. if up, ask what they initiatives were to drive the growth, how did the area you would be working in contribute and what more is looked for. If down, then ask what initiatives have already been put in place to deal with and how does the company approach such situations. To be honest, you might get useful and honest info or you might get waffle but this is more about you showing that you have done a little background research than anything else.

Make sure you know who is the "big boss" of your department, if it's in Finance, know the name of the CFO, if HR the company head of HR etc and see if there has been any interviews reported on recently - they will give an idea of of questions to have and also there is likely to be an expectation (no matter how unrealistic - remember this stuff is the world to the employer even though the company may or may not be that big a player) that you will have an inkling of it.

Good luck

Try stay honest, the usual, don't fidget. Make sure your CV is up to date in the newest style, how I learned 10 years ago is no longer considered good enough (depending on your job) and also a professional photo makes the world of difference. I've learned that by saying a higher wage than what you expect (not too high e.g. 13000 CHF if you want 12500) as they always try to reduce it. Review the company and its views on your branch not that your idea clashes with the company and always be on time. Swiss are really down to the minute!!

Good Luck with the interview.

If you use search button in this forum, it reveals dozens of threads you can read, that will tell you how to conduct an interview here.

My experience is, be polite, very, but not overly shy, don't hardsell yourself, that does not fly here. Get all your documents ready, in a folder, copies of diplomas, references, neat and nice CV, usually printed on heavier paper and not stapled, but clipped. I also had language certifs ready, a photo and copy of permit. Read up on the company, as said before, that's a must, prepare few lines how can you be of use for them. Rehears before to somebody, even if on a phone. Clothes absolutely formal here, I'm not sure what field your work is, but the accent on formal, impeccable appearance is important. Don't stress, be confident. If you don't nail this one, you will the next one!

__________________
"L'homme ne peut pas remplacer son coeur avec sa tete, ni sa tete avec ses mains." J.H. Pestalozzi

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"Imagination is more important than knowledge." A. Einstein

I have no one to rehearsal to as my husband is outstation at the moment. I just practise alone. It was a black lady gonna interview me, the head of sales department. I'm really nervous and scare too, no confident I'm reading their website now and prepare some possible questions that she might ask. Anyway, I will do my best with my little confidence. Finger crossed on me!!

Keeping fingers crossed. Another tip: when you shorten quotes, leave the square brackets and their contents in place.

Chin up. Shoulders back. Smile and look confident. Good luck.

Good Luck!

Ask how the potential manager manages his people?

What are the challenges of the job?

What happened to the predecessor?

Best of luck with the interview!
I am sure you will be fine if you do research about the company and also have a few stories up your sleeve that you could use to describe how you tackled difficult situations and achieve success in your previous jobs.
Good luck!

Also prepare answers to typical interview questions - for example
- what are your strengths / weaknesses
- how do you cope with criticism
- why should we employ YOU rather than another candidate

I have a couple of helpful documents - I can e-mail them if you PM your email address.

If for a Swiss company, make sure you shake hands when you enter the room- and LOOK at them. Also prepare relevant questions - it always looks bad if they ask 'have you got any questions' and the reply is 'no, not really'.
As we say in French 'merde' (I know it means sh...t- but it is the equivalent to the British 'break a leg'). Hey, and tell us how you get on.

I will add something which has been overlooked (I think) - be prepared for multiple interviews with the same company - its the standard thing here

as for questions to ask I'll provide a good one and can be used for nearly any job...

"Is there any seasonal variation to the tasks and responsibilities in the role?"

It implies that you will be in the job quite some time, also implies planning ahead and *its rarely asked*.You may find out that the company plans to move in 6 months (happened to me in an interview) or something. Also you can try and figure out if the job workload is seasonal - you may find summer workload easy and then winter gets overwhelming

Have a go on THIS !

If they go off on one just stay quiet & only answer questions.

Do you mean... 'What are the most important things I should consider?'

Keep your answers brief, interviewers here have a habit of keeping strictly to schedule & suddenly they may start rounding-up when you don't expect.

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wondering how the interview went??

Strength: The ability to spot a lazy interviewer who was too unimaginative to come up with better interview questions.

Weakness: Belgian chocolatge.

Cheers,
Nick

Thanks for all the guides and info. The interviewed doesn't went well, to nervous to answered all the questions

That was your practice interview anyway. Now go do 20 more until you're an expert interviewee!

Good luck with the next one. Try not to be so nervous next time. If you've done all the preparation work, you should do just fine.

Hello there,
I’m new on this forum and here is small question.
For two weeks I have an engineer job interview in Geneva and this is my first international interview.
I would like to know what I can except on interview like tests etc.?
Is there any dress code in Switzerland, should I wear a suit or just casual is ok?
Many thanks for your help.

Welcome to the forum!

I do not mean to be rude but if you tried to read this very thread you would've found some of your questions answered.

Formal clothes must be worn on the day. As far as tests during the interview are concerned I would guess that it varies from company to company and would be difficult to give a definite answer. It is likely that you would end up with lots of technical questions in your field of expertise.

The best however would be to use the search function and go over several similar threads.

Good luck!

Do not forget one thing:

Is the role a hard or soft skill oriented one?

I will have an interview in Zurich on 14th April for Quality Manager.

Although i need to know about risk, requirement, configuration and test management is the soft skills (people skills) that will pass or fail.

If the job is to be a senior J2EE or .Net one the hard skills will be important but also the management style, the leadership and so on.