A job interview is a challenge in any country, but the Swiss job market has its very own, subtle rules of the game. Anyone invited to an interview in Switzerland has already cleared the first major hurdle: the CV was convincing, and the qualifications are right. Now, the personal interview—whether on-site or via video call—is about proving that you fit into the company not only professionally but also personally.
Preparing for a job interview in Switzerland requires more than just memorising your CV. It is about nuances, the right balance between self-confidence and modesty, punctuality, the right choice of clothing, and an understanding of Swiss corporate culture. In this comprehensive guide, we provide you with 10 essential tips to help you prepare optimally for your next job interview in Switzerland.
Tip 1: Understanding Swiss Corporate Culture – Modesty and Consensus
Swiss working culture is characterised by flat hierarchies, a strong culture of consensus, and a high degree of personal responsibility. Unlike in other countries where a highly assertive and aggressive approach is expected, modesty and teamwork are highly valued in Switzerland.
This does not mean you should hide your achievements. Rather, it means presenting your successes objectively and fact-based, without pushing yourself into the spotlight. Sentences like "I was the absolute best in my team" are less well-received than "Thanks to the great teamwork and my process optimisations, we were able to increase revenue." Show in the interview that you are a team player and can make decisions by consensus.
Tip 2: Punctuality is Not an Option, but a Duty
It may sound like a cliché, but punctuality is valued extremely highly in Switzerland. It is a sign of respect, reliability, and professionalism. If an appointment is scheduled for 2:00 PM, you should ideally be at reception by 1:50 PM, or at the latest by 1:55 PM.
However, arriving too early (e.g., 30 minutes before the appointment) is just as unprofessional, as it can disrupt your interviewer's schedule. If you are delayed during your journey—whether due to a train cancellation or traffic—call immediately, briefly explain the situation, and state your estimated arrival time. An unexcused delay is an immediate exclusion criterion in almost all Swiss companies.
Tip 3: Clothing – Understatement Instead of Overdressing
Choosing the right clothing depends heavily on the industry and the specific corporate culture. In a bank or a conservative insurance company in Zurich, a classic suit or business suit is often still expected. In start-ups, IT companies, or the creative industry, smart casual is usually the way to go.
A good rule of thumb for Switzerland: dress rather classically and reservedly. Pay attention to neat clothing in muted colours. Avoid overly flashy patterns, deep necklines, or extremely bright colours. The goal is to shine through competence and not distract with an eccentric outfit. When in doubt, it is always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. A neat shirt or a smart blouse, combined with chinos or a dark skirt, is a safe choice in most cases.
Tip 4: Language – Dialect or High German?
The question of language is particularly relevant for applicants from abroad (especially from Germany or Austria), but also for Swiss nationals applying in a different canton. As a rule of thumb: the interview is conducted in the language in which you are greeted.
If the interviewer addresses you in Swiss German (dialect) and you are Swiss, you can of course answer in your usual dialect. If you come from abroad and speak High German, you should stick to Standard German during the interview. Do not try to artificially speak Swiss German—this comes across as inauthentic and can quickly become embarrassing. However, it is important that you have a good passive understanding of Swiss German. If you have trouble understanding the interviewer, politely ask if you can continue the conversation in High German. Most Swiss people will then switch without any issues.
Tip 5: The Delicate Question of Salary
Salary negotiations are a sensitive topic. In Switzerland, people traditionally do not like to talk about money. Therefore, the first golden rule is: do not bring up the topic of salary yourself in the first job interview, unless you are asked about it directly.
Usually, the topic of salary is discussed in detail during the second interview. If you are asked about your salary expectations, you should be well prepared. Inform yourself in advance (e.g., via the federal salary calculators or portals like Kununu and Glassdoor) about the standard industry salaries for your position and region. Always state a gross annual salary. Be realistic, but do not undersell yourself. A good strategy is to state a salary range, which shows that you are open to negotiation.
Tip 6: Self-Presentation with the STAR Method
One of the most important parts of the interview is the phase in which you are asked to present yourself and your career path. This is often where the wheat is separated from the chaff. Avoid reciting your CV chronologically—the recruiters have already read it. Instead, focus on the milestones that are most relevant to the desired position.
Use the STAR method for this:
- Situation: Briefly describe the initial situation.
- Task: What task or problem did you have to solve?
- Action: What specific action did you take? (Use "I" here, not "we").
- Result: What was the measurable outcome of your actions?
With this method, you structure your answers logically, stay focused on the point, and provide concrete evidence of your skills. This fits perfectly with the Swiss mentality, which values facts and results.
Tip 7: Knowing Your Dossier and Having It Ready
Even in the age of digital applications, it makes an excellent impression if you bring printed copies of your application documents to the interview. Take a clean folder (dossier) with your CV, cover letter, your most important certificates, and references. Also, have a notepad and a professional pen (not a cheap promotional ballpoint pen) ready.
In addition, prepare yourself to answer questions about every single point in your CV. If you have a six-month gap in your CV, think of an honest and comprehensible explanation beforehand. If you state in your CV that you speak fluent French, do not be surprised if the recruiter suddenly switches to French for two minutes.
Tip 8: Preparing Good, Specific Questions
Towards the end of the interview, the question inevitably arises: "Do you have any questions for us?" This phase is your chance to show genuine interest in the position and the company. A simple "No, thank you, everything is clear" signals a lack of interest.
Prepare at least three to five specific questions that you were not already able to clarify during the interview. Good examples are:
- "What does the onboarding phase in the first 100 days look like in concrete terms?"
- "What qualities do employees who are particularly successful in this position possess?"
- "What are the biggest challenges the team is currently facing?"
- "How do you measure success in this position?"
Avoid asking questions about holidays, overtime compensation, or home office days at this stage, unless these topics are absolute deal-breakers for you. Such details are better clarified once an offer is on the table.
Tip 9: Confidently Mastering the Question About Weaknesses
"What are your greatest weaknesses?"—this classic is asked in almost every job interview. Forget answers like "I am a perfectionist" or "I work too much". Such phrases sound cliché and dishonest.
In Switzerland, self-reflection and honesty are highly valued. Name a real weakness that is not crucial for the specific position, and above all, explain how you are actively working to improve it. An example: "I have noticed that I sometimes find it difficult to speak in front of very large groups. Since this was not so important in my current role, it hasn't been an issue so far. However, to develop myself personally, I attended a rhetoric course two months ago and now actively use internal team meetings to practice presenting."
Tip 10: The Follow-Up – Following Up Professionally
After the interview is before the offer. A professional follow-up can make all the difference. Send a short email to your interviewers about 24 hours after the meeting. Thank them for the pleasant conversation, reiterate your interest in the position, and perhaps refer to an exciting detail from the interview.
Keep it polite and reserved. A short "Thank you very much for the exciting conversation yesterday. The insight into your current projects has reinforced my desire to become part of your team. I look forward to hearing from you." is completely sufficient. If you were given a timeframe for feedback, stick strictly to this deadline and do not follow up by phone beforehand. Swiss people value discretion and reliability.
Conclusion: Preparation is the Key to Success
An interview in Switzerland is not rocket science, but above all requires thorough, structured preparation. Anyone who respects the cultural peculiarities, arrives on time and well-prepared, and presents their achievements authentically but without arrogance, has the best cards for an offer.
Always remember: a job interview is not a one-way street. It is not only an opportunity for the company to get to know you, but also your chance to find out whether this company, this culture, and this job really suit you. So, go into the interview with a positive, curious attitude.
