Are you going to be having an interview in French? Preparing yourself with some useful phrases can make you feel much more comfortable during the interview.
You love the French language and have studied it passionately for many years. Now you believe that you will feel your happiest if you could secure a job where you can use your French language skills. The first thing you need to do is to prepare yourself for an interview with a French speaker, who will test your language skills. Your French interview for employment is called “une entrevue d’embauche."
The interview will probably be no different from that in your native language. Let’s say English is that language. Your employer wants to know the answers to some questions that may not have been answered in your resume or on the application form. You must bear in mind that your main goal at the interview is to capture that job offer. Be prepared to answer questions and have some questions ready to ask. You need to ask questions in order to learn more about the company and specifics about the position.
Understanding the Interviewer
Here are some of the questions the interviewer may ask:
Dites-moi quelquechose à propos de vous.
Tell me something about yourself.
Pouvons-nous appeler votre ancien employer ?
May we call your former employer?
When will you be available to start work?
Quand serez-vous disponible pour commencer?
Je voudrais vous donner l’occasion de travailler avec nous.
I would like to give you the opportunity to work with us.
Il faudrait que vous puissiez commencer le mois prochain.
You would have to be able to start next month.
Pour ce qui concerne le traitement, nous ne pouvons pas vous offrir mieux que ce que vous gagnez actuellement.
In regards the salary, we cannot offer more than your present pay.
Vous avez des questions?
Do you have any questions?
If you are not offered the job, you many hear:
Je suis désolé(e), mais vous avez besoin de plus d’expérience.
I am sorry, but you need some more experience.
Your Questions
If you are offered the job, here are some questions you may want to ask:
Quand puis je commencer ?
When can I start?
Est-ce qu’il y a des indemnités?
Are there any benefits?
Quelles sont les heures de travail ?
What are the hours of work?
S’il vous plaît, parlez-moi des jours de congé pour les vacances et la maladie.
Please tell me about vacation and sick leave.
At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer for his or her time.
Je vous remercie beaucoup.
Thank you very much
Express your interest in the job:
Je m’intéresse beaucoup à cette poste.
I am very interested in the position.
Bonne chance! (Good luck)!
References
- Work in France - The Job Interview; http://www.workinfrance.com/home.php?idRubrique=8
