Job Interview In Spain
Do you need assistance in preparing for your first job interview with a Spanish company? Don’t worry; we’ve got your back! We will also go over job interview etiquette that you should be aware of.
The following are some Spanish phrases you’ll use in a job interview; make sure you’ve practiced them at home by speaking them out loud!
Spanish Job Interview Etiquette
For the first time, you’re applying for a job and interviewing with a Hispanic company. Keep the following etiquette in mind:
Put Your Photo On The CV
Companies in Spain and Latin America will expect applicants to include a photo on their CV, so include a professional-looking photo of yourself.
Be On Time And Dress Appropriately
To make a good impression on your interviewer, make sure you arrive on time. It is also important to dress formally in order to project a professional image.
Shake Hands With Your Interviewer
In a business setting, people usually greet each other with a handshake. To demonstrate your confidence, give a firm handshake.
Address Your Interviewer By “Usted”
People in Latinoamerica usually address each other as “usted” in an interview. In Spain, it depends on the circumstances, but most of the time, if it is not a trendy start-up company, people would still go by the tradition and use “usted”.
Best wishes for your first Spanish interview! Do you have a question about applying for a job or interviewing with a Hispanic company? Please leave a comment!
The Art Of The Interview – Spain
Spain is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most visited countries, owing to its people, culture, and numerous world-famous attractions. Whether you’re a foodie looking for the best paella, an art lover determined to see every Picasso and Gaudi the country has to offer, or you want to travel from Madrid to Barcelona to the shores of San Sebastian, Spain has something for everyone.
Spain’s allure as a tourist destination has prompted some to consider making the country their permanent home for an extended period of time. However, the country has been battling an agonizing, ongoing recession accompanied by high unemployment in recent years. Jobs, particularly full-time jobs, have been particularly difficult to come by for young people. However, things are beginning to improve, and job opportunities are more plentiful than they have been in years. If you are thinking about moving to Spain now or in the near future, your chances of finding a good job are improving.
To get a job in the country, you must know how to interview well by Spanish standards. Of course, interviewing in Spain is similar to interviewing in many other countries, but there are some aspects of the process that are unique to Spain and its culture. Understanding and anticipating what is expected of you during the interviewing process will help you succeed.
Here are 15 things to know and some guidelines to follow when job interviewing in Spain:
Be On Time
Always arrive on time for an interview in Spain, though you should be prepared to wait up to 30 minutes. To enter the premises, an identification card may be required. When you arrive for an interview, introduce yourself and mention the name of your contact or the department where you have an appointment. Your arrival will be announced to the interviewer by the receptionist.
One-On-One Interview
In Spain, one-on-one interviews are common; panel interviews are less common. The interview is usually held in a conference room or the recruiter’s office. A second interview, usually immediately after the first, may include the hiring manager and HR personnel.
Meeting At A Local Place
It is not uncommon to meet with the employer at a café or a local bar when interviewing for positions with a small organization, a start-up, or in the creative sector. Even if the interview location appears more informal or casual in these cases, it is still important to remain professional and prepared as you would in a more formal setting.
Business Card And Additional Documents
Typically, you will be given the business card of the person conducting the interview. Bring plenty of business cards, as well as extra copies of your resume or CV, as well as materials to take notes with.
Shaking Hands
Shaking hands is customary when meeting someone in business or social settings. The motion must be firm. When formally introduced, say Buenos das (good day) or buenas tardes (good evening), followed by a compliment such as “I am delighted” (encantado, if you are a man or encantada, if you are a woman).
Be Relaxed
Relax and sit in a position that allows you to see the interviewer at all times. Avoid showing signs of stress, doubt, or impatience.
Introductory Speech From The Interviewer
The interview usually begins with the interviewer giving a 20 to 30-minute introductory speech about themselves, the company, and the job content. The goal is to give you a sense of the company and its operations while also giving the prospective employer a chance to form an impression.
Tone Of Voice
Your tone of voice should be clear and loud enough to convey confidence. Spaniards are accustomed to speaking loudly and frequently interrupting one another, so don’t be surprised or alarmed if you are interrupted while speaking.
Social Skills
For Spaniards, behavior and the ability to interact socially within the company are extremely important. During the interview, smile and be enthusiastic.
Personal Relationships
Personal relationships are extremely important, both socially and professionally. If you know someone who has a good reputation within the company, you can mention their name and how well your friend thinks of the organization. This can help demonstrate proximity and a shared desire to join the firm. If you do not know anyone in the organization, use any recent positive news about the company that you may have read during your pre-interview research to demonstrate your interest.
Open-Ended Questions
Typical Spanish interview questions are open-ended, requiring responses that demonstrate how your skills and qualifications match the job description. It is critical that you explain why this position in this company is appealing to you. Some questions may appear personal, but they are intended to help you better understand your personal priorities and personality. Other questions may assist you in determining your approach to relationships and teamwork. Avoid one-word responses; instead, remain calm and professional while developing positive, thorough responses.
Ask Questions
It is also acceptable for you to ask questions. Questions about the job, lines of authority, job responsibilities, and the next steps in the recruitment process are all appropriate. If interviewers do not directly ask you about your desired salary, avoid questions about salary, vacation time, or other benefits early in the process.
References Are Rare
Giving references is not customary in Spain, but it can help you stand out when competing against other candidates. If you are not asked, you can provide the interviewer with references in the form of contact information or letters.
Shake Hands When Leaving
When leaving an interview, it is customary to shake hands again and thank the interviewer (s). Simply saying, “Muchas gracias; ha sido un placer conocerle(s),” (“Thank you; it’s been a pleasure meeting you.”) can be a useful and positive way of showing appreciation and friendliness before leaving by shaking hands.
Asking For A Timeframe
At the end of the interview, you should inquire about how long it will take the recruiters to contact you if you are chosen. This information will come in handy during the post-interview communication. Also, get the full name and direct contact information of the main interviewer or recruiter so you can thank them after the interview.
Talking About Your Personality
Interviewer: ¿Puede decirnos tres fortalezas/virtudes suyas y tres defectos?
Translates to: Can you tell us about three of your strengths and three of your weaknesses?)
You should be truthful in your response; here’s an example:
Interviewee: Ahora no se me ocurren tres. En general me considero una persona sensible, eso puede ser bueno y malo a la vez. Es bueno porque. Pero es malo porque.
Translates to: I can’t think of three right now. In general, I am sensitive. That can be both beneficial and detrimental. It’s good because (insert benefit here), but it isn’t good because (phrase here).
Talking About The Contract, Salary, And Benefit
Interviewee: ¿Qué tipo de contrato me ofrecen?
Translates to: (What is the type of contract I am offered?)
Interviewer: Es indefinido (contract without definite end time)/ temporal (temporary)/ a proyecto (for a project)/a tiempo parcial (part-time).
Interviewee: ¿Cuál es el sueldo?/ ¿A cuánto asciende el salario?
Translates to: (What’s the salary?)
Interviewee: ¿De cuántos días de vacaciones podré disponer?
Translates to: (How many days of vacation I’ll have?)
Ending The Interview
Interviewer: Muy bien, estudiaremos su currículo y ya le comunicaremos nuestra decisión.
Translates to: Very good. We will study your CV and communicate with you our decision.
Interviewee: Muchas gracias. Esperaré su llamada. Hasta pronto.
Translates to: Thank you. I’ll wait for your call. See you later.
Interviewer: Gracias por venir
Translates to: Thanks for coming.
Professions
Remember that we do not use indefinite articles when discussing our profession in Spanish. For example, in English, you’d say, “I am a nurse,” but in Spanish, we say “Soy enfermera” and not “Soy una enfermera”. It would help if you also kept in mind that we can use the indefinite article after an adjective, as in “Soy una experimentada enfermera” (which translates to I am a nurse with experience).
Abogado/ abogada | Lawyer |
Arquitecto/ arquitecta | Architect |
Camarero/ camarera | Waiter |
Contable (m,f) | Accountant |
Dependiente/dependienta | Shop assistant |
Diseñador/ diseñadora | Designer |
Empresario/ empresaria | Business owner/ Entrepreneur |
Emprendedor/emprendedora | Entrepreneur |
Enfermero/ enfermera | Nurse |
Funcionario/funcionaria | Civil servant |
Ingeniero/ ingeniera | Engineer |
Médico/médica or doctor/doctora | Doctor |
Peluquero/peluquera | Hairdresser |
Profesor/profesora | Teacher |
Secretario/secretaria | Secretary |
Agente inmobiliario | Real estate agent |
Dentista | Dentist |
Guía turístico | Tour guide |
Periodista | Journalist |
Policía | Police |
Other Useful Vocabulary
Ejecutivo/ ejecutiva | Executive |
Empleo | Employment |
Encargado/ encargada /manager | Manager |
Horario laboral | Working hour |
Puesto fijo | Permanent position |
Sector | Sector |
Subalterno/la subalterna | Subordinate |
Trabajo | Job |
Trabajo temporal | Temporary job |
Carrera | Career |
Entrevista | Interview |
Experiencia | Experience |
Industria | Industry |
Nómina | Payroll |
Paga extra | Extra month’s salary |
Cacaciones | Holidays |
Eésumé/curriculo/curriculum | Resume |
Subcontratar | To subcontract |
Superior | Senior |
Ascenso | Promotion |