Job interviews in Spain

Overview

Spanish interview processes generally follow familiar international patterns, but there are some local norms worth knowing — from typical process length to common questions and etiquette.

Requirements

• Basic conversational Spanish is expected for most interviews, even at companies where the working language is English

Step-by-step process

• Expect a multi-stage process for most roles — often an initial HR/recruiter call, followed by one or two technical or managerial interviews
• Prepare to discuss your visa/work authorisation status clearly and confidently if you're a non-EU applicant, since employers will need this information
• Research the company's convenio colectivo if possible, so you can discuss salary expectations with a realistic benchmark in mind
• Follow up with a brief thank-you message after the interview — appreciated, though less universally expected than in some other markets

Required documents

• Copies of your CV, qualifications, and NIE, in case requested during the process

Common mistakes

• Being vague about work authorisation status — employers need clarity on this early, not as an afterthought
• Not researching typical salary ranges for the role and region beforehand, which can lead to under- or over-estimating your negotiating position

Practical tips

• Punctuality is expected for interviews, notwithstanding Spain's more relaxed reputation for social timekeeping
• It's normal and expected to ask about the applicable convenio colectivo and its salary bands during salary discussions

How Tuchati can help

If you have an interview coming up and want help preparing for Spain-specific questions or salary conversations, Tuchati can help you get ready.