If you're off to your first Swiss interview, you would have probably passed the shortlisting of candidates using your CV document. Interviews in general lead to employment if you’re able to present yourself as a potential candidate when faced with the hiring officer of the company. It is advised that you review the previous sections of this guide to refresh you on the Swiss culture and business etiquette, to help you out in meeting a local employer. We’ve listed helpful tips below for your interview:

Tip 1: Some Swiss companies may appear to be less stringent when it comes to corporate dressing, however, during your first interview, it is advised that you dress formally. This will allow you to create a positive first impression. Male applicants should consider wearing formal coats over plain button-up shirts with ties, this should be paired with formal trousers and leather shoes. For females a coat is also preferred over shirts and trousers as well. Females may also wear corporate dresses, provided it’s not too revealing. However, dresses might be a little uncomfortable depending on the sudden change of weather in the location you’re going to. Both make and female should consider wearing dark-colored coats, light-colored  shirts, and avoid wearing extravagant accessories.

Tip 2: Research about the company you are applying for. It’s always best that you know basic information about the organization and the nature of the business they are in. Questions about the company will be raised during the interview to check if you are fully aware of the firm’s whereabouts and are genuinely eyeing on the position you are applying for. It may also be a plus to equip yourself with the most recent news about the company, this will allow your hiring officer to gauge your interest in the organization.

Tip 3: Modesty is a virtue in Switzerland. You may be easily tempted to brag about your previous achievements or awards for exemplary skills, thinking it may impress your hiring officer. This however will leave a negative impression. Although your employer values that you qualify based on skills you possess, it is best to mention this subtly when asked about your qualifications. Instead of mentioning it to inflate your credentials, you may discuss how you were able to use your presently-held skills to address pressing circumstances in your previous job .

Tip 4: It is customary that you do not discuss or ask anything about your salary unless the hiring officer mentions it. Compensation is usually included on job listing information. However, if your job posting didn’t reflect the salary, you may want to wait for an offer coming from the company instead of asking it upfront during your interview.

If you’re the chosen candidate by the company for a job opening, the HR personnel would usually reach out to you as soon as possible. If you think the process of shortlisting candidates has already taken so much time, it would not hurt to send the HR an email to follow up on your application status.