How to be ready for a French job interview.

You have just landed a job interview with a French company, but you are wondering what rules to follow during the interview.

Although job interviews in France can vary depending on the company and sector, there are common norms and practices to follow.

Dress code

It's important to dress professionally for a job interview in France. For men, this means a dark suit with a white shirt and tie. For women, an elegant professional outfit is required, such as a dress, skirt or pants with a blouse and closed-toe shoes. Avoid too casual clothing like jeans or t-shirts.

Greetings

In France, it's common to greet each other with a firm handshake and a smile. Make sure to look the person in the eye while greeting them. Don't forget to say "Bonjour" or "Bonsoir" depending on the time of day. Use "vous" to be more formal and polite. If the interview is in a more informal setting, you can use "tu" to address your interviewer.

Interview duration

Job interviews can last from 30 minutes to an hour or even longer. It's important to arrive on time for the interview. Being late for an interview shows a lack of respect for the potential employer. Generally, the interview begins with a presentation of the company, followed by questions about your experience and skills. That's why it's important to prepare your presentation so that it lasts between 5 and 10 minutes maximum.

How to introduce yourself ?

In France, during an interview, you will always be asked to introduce yourself. Your presentation will always follow the same pattern in France.

• Who are you?

For this part, you can start by giving your name and first name. Then, you can briefly talk about your professional experience, emphasizing your relevant skills and achievements. Avoid talking about your private life, as this is not relevant to the job interview.

Additionally, references and diplomas are important in France. Make sure to provide professional references.

• Your professional background

It's important to give an overview of your professional background, starting with the most recent jobs and going back to your first work experience. You can talk about your main functions and responsibilities, as well as the achievements you've made in each job.

• Why did you apply here?

In this part, you can explain why you chose to apply for this particular position and why you are interested in this company. Highlight your skills and experiences that match the requirements of the position and show that you are motivated and enthusiastic about working for this company.

After your presentation, the recruiter will ask you questions about your background, and it will be the moment to exchange with him. Be honest and authentic in your answers

It's important to speak positively about your previous work experiences and not speak negatively about your former employers or colleagues.

And ask questions about the position and expectations. If you don't ask questions, it can show that you're not interested in the position or that you're not prepared.

It's common in France for companies to conduct multiple interviews with candidates before making a final decision. This can include interviews with different team members, skills tests, or personality assessments.

Now you are ready for your job interview! Practice before the interview and be confident.

Let us know down bellow if this articles helped you to prepare your job interview !

We wish you good luck!

Here is another article on why companies should recruit an atypical profile.

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