Applying in Switzerland

Job interviews in Switzerland: preparation and typical process

How to prepare, what a first interview often looks like and which questions help you decide whether the role is right for you too.

Key point

A job interview is not an exam with model answers. Prepare your career story, motivation, a few concrete examples and your own questions. You are also deciding whether the role and company suit you.

Before the interview

Read the job ad again and research the company and interviewers where known. Prepare two or three experiences that directly address the role’s priorities.

A typical process

A first interview often includes introductions, a company overview, your background, mutual questions and a closing discussion. Duration varies; jobs.ch often refers to roughly 30–60 minutes for a first interview.

Your self-introduction

Do not recite the whole CV. Two or three minutes are often enough to explain where you are now, which experience is most relevant and why the next step interests you.

SwissCVPilot tip

Prepare your introduction, but do not memorise it word for word. It should sound like a conversation.

Common questions

Questions you can ask

What are the priorities for the first six months?
How is the team structured?
How do you measure success in this role?
What are the next steps in the process?

Video interviews

Test your camera, microphone, connection and access link. Keep your CV nearby without reading constantly from notes.

After the interview

Clarify next steps and note what was discussed as well as your own impression of the role.

Review your CV before the interview

Many interview questions start directly from statements in your application.

Open CV

Sources and context