ITALY | Internship: At work | Applying for an internship
Before the interview
Arrive on time
You need to arrive at least five minutes early for a job interview. Remember that public transportation in Italy is not always reliable, and it is important to allow adequate time in case of traffic. It is also a mistake to arrive too early. If this happens, go for a walk or to a café.
Learn the name and position of the interviewer
Being a foreigner is no excuse for not knowing this information. Use the interviewer’s title before his or her name, and if you are not sure, use “Dottore” or “Dottoressa”.
Be sure to know the necessary qualifications for the position you are applying for
Look up a description of the job responsibilities; you can get this information from someone who holds a similar position, you can phone the company or you can use the Internet (many businesses are online).
Bring only what is absolutely necessary for the interview
Do not forget to bring the required documents that you have prepared previously and the letter of convocation to the interview.
Do not forget about the impression you are making
Put out your cigarette (in Italy smoking is prohibited in the workplace), and dispose of chewing gum. Do not use the "tu" form with the secretaries, do not speak too loudly, and make sure your cell phone is turned off. Do not shake hands with the interviewer and do not introduce yourself using your title, for example, “Buon giorno, sono l’ingegner Smith”. Academic titles need not be exhibited; the interviewer will know your title from your resumé. Do not use an overly familiar tone in an attempt to seem sociable.
Dress
Avoid jeans and miniskirts, untucked shirts and low-cut blouses, heavy perfume and unpleasant odours, loud watches and elaborate hairstyles. In Italy, formal clothes are the norm for a job interview. A jacket and tie (blue or light grey are classics) are appropriate for men, while women have more options. Dressing with care demonstrates appropriateness and equilibrium.
During the interview
It is important to make a good impression from the very start. Also, try to give as much information as possible in the brief time available to you. You must mentally prepare a good presentation about yourself including training and work experience, characteristics and capabilities. One of the most frequently asked questions is: “Tell me about yourself”. Prepare an answer to this question, highlighting qualities rather than personal achievements. To get used to speaking in a job interview context, try out your presentation on an Italian friend and ask to be corrected. Italians also prepare for this type of interview, so this phase of preparation is even more important for a foreigner.
Pay attention to the language you use
Do not use slang or excessive jargon. The interviewer must be able to understand you, and you should also be familiar with essential business terminology.
Be sincere
Do not underestimate your interviewer who is trained to pick up on uncertainty, contradictions, and dishonesty. Present yourself as a serious, proactive, and reliable person, and don’t forget to smile. Avoid hesitation in responding. The interviewer wants to understand your level of motivation, your aspirations and how you think. Provocative questions such as: “Why did it take you six years to graduate? Why have you chosen a job outside your degree area? Why did you quit that job after only six months?” may indicate an interest in you. Quick, polite interviews are for uninteresting candidates.
After the interview
There is always an opportunity to ask questions at the end of an interview. In general, it is not advisable to ask about pay, benefits and similar things. It is a good idea, however, to have a few questions ready. Here are some examples: What are the principal objectives and responsibilities of this position? How does the company expect these objectives to be carried out? What are the most common obstacles in achieving these objectives? What are the resources available within the company, and what needs to be outsourced in order to reach these objectives? At the end of the interview, ask the secretary when you will hear back and see if you must re-contact the company. In the end, breathe a sigh of relief and be patient; it may take months before you have an answer.
How to write a cv and a cover letter
Examples of cover letter and CV
How to face job interview
http://www.viveremeglio.org/0studio_facile/lavoro/colloquio.htm
http://www.linklavoro.it/affrontare_un_colloquio_di_lavoro.asp
Finding work
You can insert your c.v. and check the job opportunities.
This web site offers useful free information for university students. You can find job and stage offers available in all Italian regions.
This web site offers useful information about the ways to look for a job.
Other useful links
Useful websites:
http://www.studenti.it/lavoro/