Job interviews in Italian: a pratical guide
Let’s explore a crucial topic for anyone seeking job opportunities: job interviews.
It is important to have an understanding of job interviews in Italian and the key words useful in these situations, as job interviews provide an opportunity to showcase your skills, experience, and personality to potential employers.
In this article, we will examine an example of a job interview in Italian, highlighting the possible “key words” in this situation.
Dott.ssa Risi: Molto bene! Quali sono le motivazioni che la spingono verso un impiego di segretario in uno studio medico?
Job interviews in Italian: self-employment and employment
LAVORO AUTONOMO, SELF-EMPLOYMENT: A form of employment in which an individual carries out work activities on their own behalf, without being dependent on a specific employer. Self-employment is also called libera professione (freelancing), and those who engage in it are called liberi professionisti (freelancers).
LAVORO DIPENDENTE, EMPLOYMENT: A form of employment in which an individual works for a specific employer in exchange for a retribuzione or salario fisso, also called salario, as mentioned by Dott.ssa. Risi:
Those who work in this field are referred to as lavoratori dipendenti (employees) or simply as dipendenti.
Job interviews: using the formal form of address
As can be seen from the dialogue between Paolo and Dott.ssa. Risi, the courtesy form LEI is used in job interviews unless the individuals agree during the dialogue to address each other with TU.
For further information on the courtesy form, you can read our articles:
La forma di cortesia in italiano: il LEI
In italiano
The courtesy form in Italian: LEI
In inglese
Job interviews: key words
CURRICULUM VITAE
The first and main keyword when talking about job interviews is CURRICULUM VITAE, or simply curriculum, a Latin “locuzione” used in Italian and many modern languages to indicate a summary of one’s work experiences.
A locuzione is a group of words in grammatical relationship to each other. The use of Latin locuzioni and sentences, more or less famous, is common, both in spoken and written language.
MOTIVAZIONI / MOTIVATIONS
Often in job interviews, candidates are asked about the inner conditions that attract them to a specific position, conditions that can determine their behavior over time towards a goal.
COMPETENZE / SKILLS
Naturally, a fundamental part of job interviews and the examination of a candidate involves their skills, their abilities, due to studies completed or experience, to adequately perform the tasks assigned to them.
Within the scope of skills, a candidate may often be required to attend a corso di formazione (training course) for the tasks to be performed, as evidenced by Dott.ssa Risi’s statement:
CANDIDATURA / APPLICATION
CANDIDATO / ASPIRANTE A, CANDIDATE / APPLICANT: Technically, Paolo is a candidato al posto di secretary at the Salus practice; we can also say that he is an aspirante al posto di secretary at the Salus practice.
ORARIO DI LAVORO / WORKING HOURS
The period of time during which an individual is required to perform their work activities involves the use of different terms. A certain number of weekly hours are established by contract, which can be distributed in various ways.
turno di mattina (morning shifts)
turno di pomeriggio (afternoon shifts)
ASSUNZIONE E CONTRATTO / HIRING AND CONTRACT
ASSUNZIONE: When the candidate is deemed suitable for the job, they are hired with a contract.
CONTRATTO: A formal agreement between an employer and an employee, in which the terms and conditions of employment This document defines the rights and duties of both parties during the employment relationship.
The main elements of an employment contract include:
Identificazione delle parti (Identification of the parties): Name and address of the employer and employee.
Descrizione del lavoro (Job description): The duties and responsibilities of the employee within the company.
Orario di lavoro (Working hours): The days and hours during which the employee is required to work.
Retribuzione (Salary): The salary or compensation that the employee will receive in exchange for the work performed.
Benefici (Benefits): Any additional benefits provided to the employee, such as paid vacation, health insurance, or pension contributions.
Durata del contratto (Duration of the contract): The expected duration of the employment relationship, which can be fixed-term or indefinite.
Termini di risoluzione (Termination terms): The terms and conditions under which the contract can be terminated, including any notices from both parties.
Periodo di prova (Probation period): Sometimes the contract may include a probationary period.
Conclusion
Job searching and offering are fundamental processes in every individual’s life. When it comes to doing it in a foreign language, such as Italian, it may seem like a challenge, but with the right strategies and resources, it is possible to make this process more accessible and rewarding.
In this article, we have analyzed the key phrases and fundamental expressions for effectively communicating during the interview, thus ensuring a professional and convincing presentation of oneself.