How to Ace a French Job Interview (Plus Real Questions)
It’s no secret that interviews are a nerve-wracking part of the hiring process. You’ve succeeded in piquing a potential employer’s interest, but you have to nail the interview to have any hope of being selected, so the pressure is on! As Americans in France, Jalen and I have completed a combined total of 20 professional interviews that landed us graduate school acceptances, internships, work-study positions, and even full-time work here. We know better than anyone that the key to an excellent interview, especially when you’ll be speaking a foreign language, is preparation. That’s why we’re sharing our best advice for foreigners interviewing in France as well as the real job interview questions that we’ve had to answer over the years.
Remember Your Manners
French etiquette dictates that the way you speak to others is of great consequence. You should always address your interviewer by using Madame or Monsieur, as first names are far too casual for professional interviews in France. It’s also imperative that you vouvoyer (use vous) during all interactions with a potential employer. Ignoring these norms will likely take your interviewer by surprise and leave a bad taste in their mouth about your behavior. Everyone makes mistakes, so if you do slip up, quickly apologize, correct yourself, and move on.
Watch Your Body Language
French mannerisms differ quite a bit from what Americans are accustomed to, so you’ll have to pay special attention to how you’re carrying yourself during an interview. Aim to keep your hands visible and out of your lap as much as possible. Wringing your hands below the table will signal to your interviewer that you’re uncomfortable, and they may even consider it discourteous. If you’re a very smiley person (as many Americans tend to be), trade your toothy grin for toned-down enthusiasm to impress your interviewer without unsettling them.
Be Honest About Your French
When it comes to interviews in your non-native language, honesty is the best policy. Even in workplaces where English is commonly spoken, French employers often expect some mastery of French. If you boast bilingual French on your CV to get in the door, be prepared to prove it during your interview. Your interviewer will know that you’ve inflated your French-language skills, and wasted their time, if you’re struggling to get through your answers. It’s better to be upfront about your language abilities so that potential employers can accurately gauge whether you have what it takes to fill a given position.
Do It Scared
No matter how much you prepare for your interview, it’s unlikely that you’ll completely eradicate your nerves. However, the anxiety you feel before and during an interview doesn’t have to sabotage your performance. It’s completely normal to feel stressed or fearful in unfamiliar situations, and learning to do things while scared is a vital skill that you’ll use daily as a foreigner in France. It takes a lot of courage to have a go at an interview in your second language for a job abroad, so instead of beating yourself up for being nervous, do it scared!
Interview Question Examples
While the exact questions you’ll be asked will vary by industry and position, we’ve assembled a short list of the most common interview questions we’ve had to answer as Americans in France.
General Questions
Tell me about yourself.
This is the first thing we’ve been asked to do at every single job interview we’ve ever had in France. Practice introducing yourself, giving a brief outline of your qualifications, and explaining your motivations for applying.
What interests you about the position?
You should be able to explain the parts of the job listing that appealed to you and why. The interviewer is trying to find out if you’re a good fit for the role.
What do you know about our establishment?
Make sure to do some research about your potential employer. It’s important to have a basic understanding of what they do and a few key facts on hand to show that you care about working there.
What would you do if…?
The interviewer will likely ask you at least one situational question in relation to the job. Come up with a few examples of times you dealt with difficulty or overcame a challenge in the workplace to weave into your answer.
Foreigner-in-France Questions
Can you explain your credentials?
If you completed any higher education or have job experience in your home country, you will need to practice describing your qualifications in a way that your French interviewer will understand.
Do you have the right to work in France?
You need to know the working rights (or lack thereof) your residency status grants you inside and out. Many French employers are unfamiliar with the logistics of hiring foreigners, so it may be up to you to explain.
How did you end up in France?
Often asked following sans être indiscret (I don’t mean to pry), this question came up in nearly every interview we’ve had in France. Devise an overview of why you live or want to live in France without sharing any overly personal details.
Do you plan to stay in France long-term?
The interviewer is likely trying to work out whether you, as a foreigner, are looking to work with them for a year or two before leaving, or whether you’re planning to stay with them for the long haul.
Wrap-Up Questions
Now that you know more about the position, what are your thoughts?
Listen attentively throughout the interview so that when they ask what you think, you can reiterate your interest in the position and synthesize the new information you learned.
What are your salary expectations?
Do your research in advance to figure out the market average for the position and industry. Come up with a salary range to propose and be ready to defend your reasoning.
When can you start?
You need to be able to tell potential employers when you can feasibly begin working, whether that’s immediately or after a period of time. It’s best to remain flexible if possible, but you should still have a preferred start date in mind.
Do you have any questions?
Have at least two or three open-ended questions for your interviewer about the the position, the establishment, or their experiences at the workplace. Aim to demonstrate your curiosity and enthusiasm.
In addition to following the conventional wisdom about interviews, like dressing up and being on time, taking our advice will ensure that you have the best shot of acing your interview and landing your dream job in France. Have you ever had a job interview abroad? Have questions about getting a job in France as a foreigner? Let us know in a comment!
2 Comments
Kathryn
Hi – very useful information. Are there any visa requirement questions? I am a hiring manager in the US and always ask about whether candidates have a visa, as generally we cannot sponsor them.
Jalen & Maria
Hello, yes, that’s included in the “Do you have the right to work in France?” question.