Spanish for a job interview: questions and answers
The job interview in Spain follows a script similar to Brazil's, but swaps vocabulary traps for false-friend traps — starting with 'excitado', which doesn't mean what it looks like. It covers salary expectations, availability, work permits, and the questions you should ask back. These 27 phrases prepare you for both sides of the table.
What they'll ask you
Everyone rehearses what they'll say and freezes when the clerk asks a question. These are the real questions, with audio.
Cuénteme un poco sobre usted.
Tell me a bit about yourself.
Almost always the first question.
¿Por qué le interesa este puesto?
Why are you interested in this position?
Prepare a company-specific answer.
¿Cuáles son sus principales fortalezas?
What are your main strengths?
A classic interview question.
¿Tiene disponibilidad inmediata?
Are you available to start right away?
A practical question, common near the end.
¿Cuál es su pretensión salarial?
What's your salary expectation?
Research the market range beforehand.
¿Tiene permiso de trabajo en regla?
Do you have a valid work permit?
A common question for foreign candidates.
The phrases you'll use
Buenos días, gracias por la oportunidad.
Good morning, thank you for the opportunity.
Opening the interview.
Tengo tres años de experiencia en este sector.
I have three years of experience in this field.
Adjust the number to your real background.
Me interesa porque quiero crecer profesionalmente aquí.
I'm interested because I want to grow professionally here.
Connect it to something concrete about the role.
Soy organizado/a y trabajo bien en equipo.
I'm organized and work well in a team.
Follow up with a concrete example.
Sí, puedo empezar la próxima semana.
Yes, I can start next week.
Be realistic about visa or notice-period timelines.
Estoy abierto/a a negociar según el paquete completo.
I'm open to negotiating based on the full package.
A safe answer when you don't want to commit to a number.
15 more phrases in this situation
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Create a free accountThe mistake English speakers often make here
What they usually say
Estoy muy excitado por esta oportunidad.
The right way
Estoy muy ilusionado/a con esta oportunidad. / Tengo muchas ganas de empezar.
'Excitado' in Spanish carries a sexual connotation — it doesn't mean 'excited' the way English uses that word for enthusiasm. It's a classic trap for English speakers who translate 'excited' literally. In an interview, use ilusionado/a, motivado/a, or con muchas ganas instead.
If you get stuck
Three phrases that get you through any interaction. Memorize these before all the others.
¿Puede repetirlo más despacio, por favor?
Could you repeat that more slowly, please?
Perdone, no entendí. ¿Puede escribírmelo?
Sorry, I didn't understand. Could you write it down?
Hablo poco español.
I speak a little Spanish.
Frequently asked questions
- How should I answer about pretensión salarial in a Spanish interview?
- Research the market range for the role in the region beforehand and give a realistic number or range — or say you're open to negotiating based on the full package, if you'd rather not commit to a figure.
- What is the periodo de prueba?
- It's the trial period at the start of the contract, with a length that varies by role and collective agreement. During it, both the company and the employee can end the relationship with reduced notice.
- Do I need the NIE or the work permit before the interview?
- It depends on the role and your visa. In many hiring processes, having the NIE already underway is enough to apply — but confirm with the company's HR what documentation they require at this stage.
- Are interviews usually in Spanish even at international companies?
- It varies. Large multinationals sometimes interview in English, but most of the local market conducts the whole process in Spanish — it's worth practicing even if the role looks international.
- Why is 'excitado' such a common mistake?
- Because in English the equivalent word is neutral and common ('excited'), but in Spanish it carries a sexual connotation. It's one of the most-cited false friends in Spanish courses for English speakers, and in a job interview the effect is especially awkward.
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