Interviewing in French: 50 essential phrases, questions, and tips

Key takeaways

• Interviewing in French tests language skills, cultural awareness, and classic interview preparation into one high-stakes conversation.
• You will learn key French phrases for greetings, self-presentation, and closing, plus the common questions French recruiters ask.
• Practicing aloud with a French tutor or language partner is the fastest way to build confidence before your interview.

If you have a job interview in French coming up, you’re probably wondering how to prepare when the language itself adds another layer of challenge.

Interviewing in French requires more than translating your usual answers. It means mastering the formal register, knowing which phrases signal professionalism, and understanding cultural expectations that vary across francophone regions.

This guide gives you practical support at every stage. You’ll find essential French phrases, common interview questions with guidance on how to answer, and cultural tips to help you avoid common missteps. Whether your interview is in Paris, Montreal, Brussels, or Geneva, you’ll walk away better prepared to express yourself clearly and confidently.

Prefer to jump straight in? Find a French tutor to practice key phrases and get interview-ready.

What does interviewing in French actually involve?

A French interview tests your professional fit and your French language skills at the same time. Recruiters evaluate your qualifications, but they also listen to how you communicate: your clarity, politeness, confidence, and cultural awareness.

Interviewers pay attention to details beyond basic French words. They notice if you use vous consistently, address them as Monsieur or Madame, and speak naturally rather than reciting memorized lines. Even as a non-native speaker, you’re expected to follow the formal structure of a professional interview conducted in French.

Pro tip: Treat the interview as both a job interview and an informal language assessment. Preparation for one supports the other.

How should you prepare before a French job interview?

Preparation means researching the company in French, reviewing your resume vocabulary, and rehearsing answers out loud until they feel natural.

5-step preparation checklist

Preparation step	Why it matters
1- Research the company in French	Shows motivation and lets you use their vocabulary
2- Review your CV vocabulary	Ensures you can discuss every point fluently
3- Plan arrival time	Punctuality signals professionalism
4- Prepare documents	Avoids fumbling during the interview
5- Practice with a native speaker	Reveals gaps in pronunciation and speed

Pro tip: Practice with a Business French tutor to simulate real interview pacing and accents before the real conversation.

50 essential French phrases for job interviews

Below are key phrases grouped by interview stage. Focus on mastering a few at a time rather than memorizing all 50 at once.

Greeting and politeness (phrases 1-4)

#	French Phrase	English Translation	When to Use
1	Bonjour Monsieur / Madame	Hello Sir /Madam	Opening greeting
2	Enchanté(e) de faire votre connaissance	Pleased to meet you	First meeting
3	Merci de me recevoir aujourd’hui	Thank you for seeing me today	After greeting
4	Je vous en prie	You’re welcome	Response to thanks

Self-introduction formulas (phrases 5-7)

#	French Phrase	English Translation
5	Je m’appelle [name], je suis [profession] avec X années d’expérience dans [field]	My name is…, I am a… with X years of experience in…
6	Actuellement, je travaille chez [company] comme [job title]	Currently, I work at… as…
7	Mon parcours m’a permis de développer des compétences en…	My background has allowed me to develop skills in…

Clarifying or buying time (phrases 8-10)

#	French Phrase	English Translation	Purpose
8	Pourriez-vous répéter, s’il vous plaît ?	Could you repeat that, please?	Request repetition
9	Si je comprends bien, vous recherchez quelqu’un qui…	If I understand correctly, you are looking for someone who…	Confirm understanding
10	C’est une bonne question, laissez-moi réfléchir un instant	That’s a good question, let me think for a moment	Buy thinking time

Talking about professional experience (phrases 11-20)

#	French Phrase	English Translation	Use Case
11	De 2020 à 2023, j’ai travaillé comme [title] chez [company] à [city]	From 2020 to 2023, I worked as [title] at [company] in [city]	State dates clearly
12	J’étais responsable de [main tasks]	I was responsible for [main tasks]	Describe duties
13	Ce qui m’a permis de développer [skill] et d’atteindre [result]	Which allowed me to develop [skill] and achieve [result]	Show outcomes
14	Grâce à cette expérience, j’ai acquis…	Thanks to this experience, I gained…	Connect skills
15	Cette mission m’a préparé(e) à…	This assignment prepared me for…	Link to target job
16	Ces compétences sont directement applicables à votre poste de…	These skills are directly applicable to your position of…	Show relevance
17	J’ai géré une équipe de [X] personnes	I managed a team of [X] people	Leadership experience
18	J’ai contribué à l’amélioration de [aspect] de 20%	I contributed to improving [aspect] by 20%	Quantify achievements
19	J’ai obtenu mon Master en [domaine] à l’Université de [ville] en [année]	I completed my Master’s in [field] at [city] University in [year]	Education background
20	Mon expérience professionnelle comprend…	My professional experience includes…	Overview statement

Discussing skills and strengths (phrases 21-30)

/#	French Phrase	English Translation	What It Demonstrates
21	Je maîtrise [compétence/outil]	I’m proficient in [skill/tool]	Technical skills
22	Mes principales compétences incluent…	My main skills include…	Skills overview
23	Je suis quelqu’un de très organisé(e) et rigoureux(se)	I am someone very organized and rigorous	Attention to detail
24	On me décrit souvent comme réactif(ve) et à l’écoute	I am often described as responsive and attentive	Interpersonal skills
25	Je suis ouvert(e) d’esprit et j’apprécie travailler en équipe	I am open-minded and enjoy teamwork	Collaboration
26	Je suis passionné(e) par [domaine]	I am passionate about [field]	Genuine interest
27	J’ai une forte capacité à résoudre des problèmes complexes	I have strong ability to solve complex problems	Problem-solving
28	Je suis capable de travailler de manière autonome	I am capable of working independently	Self-sufficiency
29	J’ai d’excellentes compétences en communication	I have excellent communication skills	Soft skills
30	Ma connaissance de [domaine] me permet de…	My knowledge of [field] allows me to…	Expertise application

Asking questions about the role (phrases 31-38)

#	French Question	English Translation	What You Learn
31	Pouvez-vous me décrire une journée type dans ce poste ?	Can you describe a typical day in this role?	Daily responsibilities
32	Avec qui vais-je travailler au quotidien ?	Who will I be working with on a daily basis?	Team structure
33	Quels sont vos critères de réussite après six mois ?	What are your success criteria after six months?	Performance expectations
34	Ce poste est-il une création ou un remplacement ?	Is this a new position or a replacement?	Role context
35	Quels sont les principaux défis auxquels l’équipe est confrontée ?	What are the main challenges the team is facing?	Current problems
36	Comment décririez-vous la culture d’entreprise ?	How would you describe the company culture?	Work environment
37	Y a-t-il des opportunités de formation continue ?	Are there opportunities for ongoing training?	Professional development
38	Quelles sont les prochaines étapes du processus de recrutement ?	What are the next steps in the recruitment process?	Timeline

Expressing motivation and interest (phrases 39-44)

#	French Phrase	English Translation	Context
39	Ce poste m’intéresse beaucoup	I am very interested in this position	Express enthusiasm
40	Votre entreprise se distingue par son engagement envers [valeur]	Your company stands out for its commitment to [value]	Show research
41	Je cherche de nouveaux défis et des opportunités de croissance	I’m seeking new challenges and growth opportunities	Career motivation
42	Mes objectifs professionnels correspondent à cette mission	My professional goals align with this mission	Show fit
43	Je suis convaincu(e) que je peux apporter une réelle valeur ajoutée	I’m convinced I can bring real added value	Confidence statement
44	Cette opportunité représente exactement ce que je recherche	This opportunity represents exactly what I’m looking for	Genuine interest

Closing the interview (phrases 45-50)

#	French Phrase	English Translation	Context
45	Je vous remercie pour cet entretien	Thank you for this interview	Final thanks
46	Je reste à votre disposition pour toute information complémentaire	I remain available for any additional information	Show availability
47	Je vous remercie encore pour votre temps	Thank you again for your time	When standing to leave
48	N’hésitez pas à me contacter si vous avez besoin d’informations supplémentaires	Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need additional information	Offer follow-up
49	Au revoir, Monsieur / Madame, et bonne fin de journée	Goodbye, Sir/Madam, and have a good rest of your day	Polite farewell
50	Au revoir et à bientôt, j’espère	Goodbye and hopefully see you soon	Optimistic closing

Additional essential vocabulary

Education systems

Region	French Term	English Translation
France	Baccalauréat	High school diploma
	Licence	3-year undergraduate degree
	Master	Master’s degree
	Doctorat	PhD
Quebec	DEC (Diplôme d’études collégiales)	College diploma
	Baccalauréat	Undergraduate degree
	Maîtrise	Master’s degree

Contract types and work arrangements

French Term	English Translation	Context
Stage	Internship	Temporary learning position
Alternance	Work-study program	Combined education/work
CDD (Contrat à Durée Déterminée)	Fixed-term contract	Temporary position with end date
CDI (Contrat à Durée Indéterminée)	Permanent contract	Full-time ongoing position

General interview terms

French Term	English Translation
Entretien d’embauche	Job interview
Poste	Position
Compétences	Skills
Expérience professionnelle	Professional experience
Parcours scolaire	Academic background

Tips for speaking confidently

• Practice phrases with a a French tutor online to simulate realistic interviews.
• Record yourself answering common questions for pronunciation and fluency check.
• Role-play full interviews to internalize answers and reduce stress.
• Don’t try to memorize all 50 at once. Focus on 10 phrases per day.
• Review your recording with a French teacher for targeted feedback

Related: Business Spanish words to enrich your vocabulary list

What common French interview questions should you expect?

French job interviews follow a predictable structure. Knowing the questions in advance lets you prepare thoughtful answers rather than translating on the spot.

• Parlez-moi de vous (Tell me about yourself) Usually the opening question. Keep your answer 2–3 minutes, covering your background, key experience, and current goal. Focus on professional experience.

• Parlez-moi de votre expérience professionnelle (Tell me about your work history) invites you to walk through your current job and previous roles. Mention company names, your responsibilities, and one or two achievements per role.

• Quel est votre parcours scolaire ? (What is your educational background?) matters more in France than in some other countries. Name your degrees, the institutions, and graduation years. If you studied outside France, briefly explain the equivalent level.

• Pourquoi voulez-vous travailler chez nous ? (Why do you want to work with us?) tests whether you researched the company. Reference specific projects, values, or market position that attracted you.

• Qu’est-ce qui vous attire dans ce poste ? (What attracts you to this position?) is closely related but focuses on the role itself. Explain how the job matches your skills and career goals.

• Quels sont vos points forts ? (What are your strengths?) requires concrete examples. Instead of just saying organisé(e) (organized), describe a situation where your organizational skills solved a problem.

• Quels sont vos points à améliorer ? (What are your areas for improvement?) Choose a manageable weakness and explain what you’re doing to address it.

• Quand seriez-vous disponible pour commencer ? (When would you be available to start?) Answer directly, stating a realistic start date or notice period.

• Quelles sont vos prétentions salariales ? (What are your salary expectations?) Research market rates in advance. Offer a range or say you’re open to discussion based on the full package.

Related: Common job interview questions and answers in English

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What cultural etiquette matters in French-speaking interviews?

Understanding French work culture is just as important as language skills. in a French interview, Pay attention to formal address, body language, and how you ask questions.

French interview etiquette essentials

Do	Don’t
Use vous and address as Monsieur/Madame [surname]	Use tu or first names unless invited
Arrive 10–15 minutes early	Arrive late or exactly on time
Firm handshake, eye contact, wait to be invited to sit	Sit without permission or avoid eye contact
Stay in French even if struggling (use Pourriez-vous reformuler ?)	Switch to English immediately
Send thank-you email within 24–48 hours	Disappear after the interview
Dress formally for the sector	Dress too casually

Regional note: Quebec is slightly less formal, but vous remains standard in professional settings.

How can online French lessons support your interview prep?

Personalized 1:1 lessons make it easier to rehearse real interview scenarios and receive direct feedback. A Business French tutor can run mock interviews, correct French pronunciation, and help refine answers commonly used in French for business interviews.

italki connects learners with over 20,000 tutors and has supported more than 5 million learners worldwide over 15+ years. Flexible scheduling makes it possible to practice consistently around work commitments.

Ready to feel confident before your next entretien d’embauche? Practice with an online French tutor and turn preparation into calm, clear communication.

FAQ

Can I switch to English if stuck during a French interview?

Use clarifying phrases first (Pourriez-vous reformuler ?). Only switch if offered. Staying in French, even with mistakes, shows commitment and is usually viewed more favorably than defaulting to your native language.

What level of French do I need for a job interview?

B2 is comfortable for most professional interviews; B1 may work for secondary-French roles.

Is it acceptable to bring notes to a French interview?

Yes, discreet key points are fine. Avoid reading full sentences.

How is a French job interview different from an English one?

Expect formality, structured answers, and focus on diplomas/academic background. Politeness formulas matter more than in English interviews.