Poland - typical interview structure

Is there a typical interview structure?

Usually the meeting takes 45 minutes to an hour. If there are tests, it can take 2 to 3 hours. In general, each interview has a specific structure.

• Introduction: the first part of the interview is informative. The person conducting the inter­view informs the applicant about the condi­tions of the meeting, the job, range of duties, etc. and tries to build a good atmosphere.

• Exploration of work experience: in this stage, the recruiter will ask factual questions to gain information. These will focus on per­sonal data, work experience, education, pro­fession, etc.

• Interpretation of facts: this stage consists of an interpretation of facts collected dur­ing the second stage. The interviewer asks applicants about how they feel their edu­cational and work experience relates to the job in question. This helps to reveal a can­didate's motivation, attitudes and the value they attach to the job.

• Personal opinions, thoughts, points of view: during this stage, candidates give their personal opinion and show the way they think in relation to work decisions made (the employer or person who conducts the inter­view asks questions about the motives for personal decisions).

• Summing up: in this stage, candidates can ask questions on topics that have not been covered. The interviewers should give infor­mation about the subsequent stages of the recruitment process.

Prepare for tricky questions, such as the following.

• What will you be doing in 5 years' time?

• How would you solve a conflict at work?

• What do you do in your spare time?

• What are your salary expectations?

When is a question out of bounds?

There are laws against discrimination on grounds of sex, age, disability, race, ethnic origin, nationality, sexual orientation, political beliefs, religious affiliation and trade union membership. An applicant has the right to refuse to answer discriminatory questions.

Questions about your sexual preferences, political allegiance, pregnancy or religion are not acceptable.