Sending a CV and a cover letter are not enough to get the job. Employers receive thousands of application documents for the same position. The majority of them indicate similar motivation and eligibility for the job. A job interview is the best way to select the final candidates who can better prove the validity of their professional and personal details. Here are 5 important details to learn about the recruitment process in Portugal.

Job Interviews in Portugal:

The European job market is still welcoming new profiles. Some professions, especially front-office jobs, require meeting and selecting the applicants. As you know the majority of CVs do not include a photo in the European and Portuguese standards. A job interview is an occasion to meet the candidates who seem more eligible for the job. It is usually after 2 to 3 days of submitting your application, a job interview invitation is conducted. Depending on the field, a job interview is always in Portuguese, sometimes in English or Spanish. The applicant should have a set of skills that will help him/ her win the job. Fratres is a job portal that offers the recent guidelines about job winning tips around the world. Sign up to Fratres to customize your application according to the standards.

Adding to the fluency level there are certain job interview etiquettes that you need to pay attention to. When you are going to a job interview in Portugal, you should focus on the best ways to give a successful first impression. Here are 5 exclusive facts you should learn about job interviews in Portugal.

1.Conduct Research:

 Before going to the meeting, you need to gather the necessary information about the job you have applied for, including some information about the whole field. This step will help you:

- structure better job interview answer

-Show ample knowledge of the field

-Master a confident conversation with interviewers as you will better justify the reasons for your application and your motivations for the job.

This hack will help you  not only get hints about the working conditions, but also know specific details related to the field such as:

-The possibility for career development

-The professional hierarchies existing in the field

-The type of contracts existing there.

-The estimated salary

-Generating the type of questions that you might ask at the end of the job interview.

Conducting research requires knowledge in Portuguese language, since the majority of professions may not exist in English or any foreign language.

 2. Preparing the Answers of Common Interview Questions:

 This is an old and a classic tip that every applicant does whenever there is a job interview. Having an idea about the common questions will help you sound more confident. You should also structure your own answers. Stay away from:

-Well elaborated self introduction. Don’t introduce yourself in more than 2 minutes.

-Too perfect answers and less reliable ones

-Use the STAR approach when you are describing a project or explaining a situation

-Use words that are listed in the specific requirements of the job

-Have a confident tone of voice during the conversation that doesn't sound too robotic or too superficial.

-Interruptions: Don’t interrupt interviewers. Be a good listener and pay attention to the details.

Don’t forget to take your time in answering the job interview questions to structure your thoughts. Fast answers and reactions are not recommended in job interviews as they give the impression of being in a hurry. Take a look at; This Year Will Be The Year of Apprenticeships.

3.Watch your attitude, behavior, and body language:

 Employers select applicants depending on many criterias among them body language. Some applicants don’t realize how small details can interfere in their recruitment. Some requirements cannot be reflected through answers such as a positive attitude or a personality. Employers compare between applicants with similar skills and knowledge based on their body language and reactions to the questions. That’s why it is important to

-Dress according to the standards and corporate culture

-Be punctual and arrive at time

-Having a confident eye contact with your interviewer without looking too much to your watch or any corner in the room

-Sitting and answering in a confident way without crossing your arms, legs or making too many facial expressions.

Don’t forget that during a panel interview, you need to share your attention between interviewers. If you are also invited in a group interview you need to know how to break the ice and lead the conversation.

4. Prepare your Questions:

While being invited to a job interview, it is important to prepare your questions. Interviewers will grant you the opportunity to learn about your queries for the job. It’s time to investigate the target position by discussing its benefits, schedules, or any part of the tasks. Do not limit your questions in salary related inquiries such as the payment for extra hours, paid holidays and leaves etc…

Have a diplomatic mindset related to the discussion. Try to work on a positive impression such as when Can I start my training ( probation period) in case of being an entry-level applicant? How can I change the contract from an open ended contract to a full-time contract? Take a look at What are the different employment contracts in Portugal?

The more your questions are oriented towards the field, the more you make a better impression for the recruiters.

5. Follow up:

 After the job interview, you need to follow up. You need to email your interviewers and remind them of you in the meeting. Send an email, in which you introduce yourself again and acknowledge the date of your meeting and your expectation to get another response. Don’t forget to thank them for their time and attention. Here are Five Things you Should Do in Getting Started

These were the top 5 secrets of successfully passing a job interview in Portugal. Don’t forget to wait at least two days before considering another application.