Successful job interview in Switzerland

Preparation, preparation and preparation are the key success factors for a job interview.

Prepare your cv and dossier carefully. Swiss are used to an extensive dossier, including written references of former employers and diploma's (always use photocopies or scans - never send in originals). The cv should be complete and well ordered. The letter shouldn't be too long (certainly not more than 1 page). Take care that all the documents are neatly ordered in a good looking folder - alternatively, when applying by e-mail, take care that all documents are attached to your mail in a straightforward order and give clear file names to the documents.
A Swiss cv should contain a good photograph (no holiday picture -suit and tie are the standard) and you are supposed to sign your cv.
As Switzerland has more than one official language, a cv should include information on your language knowledge. Speaking your languages well is an advantage over here.

Prepare for the interview. The interview is usually quite formal. Dress well - it's better to be overdressed than to be underdressed.
BE ON TIME! Swiss are punctual and being late for a job interview is an absolute no-go. Public transport tends to run perfectly on time, so "my train was late" is not a very convincing excuse. For my first Swiss job interview I got an invitation for an interview from 3pm to 4pm. The interview started at 3.00.00pm and ended at 4.00.00pm - so: on time up to the last second.
Keep to the formal speech (in German "Sie" instead of "Du", in French "Vous" instead of "toi", in Italian "Lei" instead of "te") unless explicitly invited not to do so.

Prepare for the following questions:
- Why are you coming to Switzerland. Of course there are plenty of reasons to come here - but instead of referring to the beautiful mountain landscape and ski possibilities, may be you'ld better refer to the well organised country, and make some link to why you'll fit in Swiss society and what added value you can bring to the company.
- "Not done" in most countries but the standard in Switzerland: be prepared that your employer-to-be is going to ask you in the first interview how much you expect to earn in your new job. Websites like www.lohnrechner.ch may be of use when preparing for this question.

Hope this helps.

Twan.

Hi Twan!

Thanks a lot for your help

Armand