Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, regardless of where you are in the world. In Greece, interviews tend to blend professionalism with a personal touch, reflecting the country’s emphasis on relationships and hospitality. Understanding what to expect—and how to prepare—can help you stand out as a candidate. Below is a list of common interview questions in Greece, along with tips on how to answer them effectively.
1. Tell Me About Yourself (Πες μου για σένα)
Why It’s Asked:
This open-ended question allows the interviewer to gauge your personality, communication skills, and whether you’re a good cultural fit for the company.
How to Answer:
- Focus on your professional background rather than personal details.
- Highlight relevant experience, education, and achievements that align with the job description.
- Keep it concise—around 1-2 minutes.
Example Answer:
“I have a degree in Business Administration and five years of experience working in marketing roles. My previous position involved managing digital campaigns for a multinational company, which helped increase their online engagement by 30%. I’m passionate about creative problem-solving and building strong client relationships.”
2. Why Do You Want to Work Here? (Γιατί θέλεις να δουλέψεις εδώ?)
Why It’s Asked:
Employers want to know if you’ve done your research about the company and if your values align with theirs.
How to Answer:
- Research the company thoroughly, including its mission, values, products/services, and recent news.
- Explain why you admire the organization and how your skills can contribute to its success.
Example Answer:
“I’ve always admired your commitment to sustainability, especially your recent initiative to reduce plastic waste. As someone who prioritizes environmental responsibility, I believe my project management skills could help drive these efforts forward.”
3. What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses? (Ποια είναι τα πλεονεκτήματα και τα μειονεκτήματά σου?)
Why It’s Asked:
This classic question evaluates self-awareness and honesty while giving insight into how well you understand your capabilities.
How to Answer:
- For strengths, choose qualities directly related to the role (e.g., leadership, attention to detail).
- For weaknesses, mention something genuine but not critical to the job, and explain how you’re actively improving.
Example Answer:
“One of my strengths is my ability to adapt quickly to new challenges, which has been invaluable in fast-paced environments. One area I’m working on is delegating tasks more effectively—I sometimes take on too much myself—but I’ve started using tools like Trello to manage team workflows better.”
4. Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years? (Πού σε βλέπεις σε πέντε χρόνια?)
Why It’s Asked:
Interviewers use this question to assess your ambition, long-term goals, and alignment with the company’s growth plans.
How to Answer:
- Show ambition without appearing overly aggressive or unrealistic.
- Tie your aspirations to the industry or company you’re applying to.
Example Answer:
“In five years, I see myself growing within this field, possibly taking on a managerial role where I can mentor others and lead impactful projects. I’m excited about the opportunities here to develop both personally and professionally.”
5. How Do You Handle Stressful Situations? (Πώς αντιμετωπίζεις τις στρεσογόνες καταστάσεις?)
Why It’s Asked:
Greek workplaces often value teamwork and resilience, so demonstrating calm under pressure is key.
How to Answer:
- Provide an example of a stressful situation you successfully navigated.
- Emphasize strategies like prioritization, communication, and maintaining a positive attitude.
Example Answer:
“During a tight deadline at my last job, I organized daily check-ins with the team to ensure everyone was aligned and focused. By breaking down tasks into smaller steps, we completed the project ahead of schedule without compromising quality.”
6. Describe a Difficult Problem You Solved. (Περιγράψε μια δύσκολη πρόκληση που ξεπέρασες.)
Why It’s Asked:
This tests your problem-solving abilities and gives insight into how you approach challenges.
How to Answer:
- Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response.
- Focus on outcomes and quantify results when possible.
Example Answer:
“At my previous job, our sales numbers were declining due to outdated processes. I led a team to revamp our CRM system, trained staff on new techniques, and implemented monthly performance reviews. Within six months, sales increased by 25%.”
7. Why Should We Hire You Over Other Candidates? (Γιατί πρέπει να σε προσλάβουμε αντί για άλλους υποψηφίους?)
Why It’s Asked:
This is your chance to sell yourself and differentiate from other applicants.
How To Answer:
- Summarize your unique qualifications, experiences, and enthusiasm for the role.
- Reiterate how you’ll add value to the company.
Example Answer:
“With my extensive experience in customer service and fluency in three languages, I bring a unique combination of skills that will enhance your international client relations. Additionally, my proactive approach ensures I consistently exceed targets.”
8. Can You Work Well in a Team? (Μπορείς να συνεργάζεσαι καλά σε ομάδα?)
Why It’s Asked:
Teamwork is highly valued in Greek work culture, so employers seek candidates who collaborate effectively.
How to Answer:
- Share examples of successful teamwork experiences.
- Highlight soft skills like communication, empathy, and conflict resolution.
Example Answer:
“I thrive in team settings because I enjoy bouncing ideas off others and learning from diverse perspectives. For instance, during a group project, I coordinated weekly meetings to keep everyone on track, resulting in a successful product launch.”
9. What Motivates You? (Τι σε κινητοποιεί?)
Why It’s Asked:
Understanding what drives you helps employers determine if you’ll stay engaged and motivated in the role.
How to Answer:
- Be honest and specific about what excites you professionally.
- Relate your motivation to aspects of the job or company culture.
Example Answer:
“I’m motivated by solving complex problems and seeing tangible results. Knowing that my work contributes to the company’s success keeps me energized and committed.”
10. Do You Have Any Questions for Us? (Έχεις κάποιες ερωτήσεις για εμάς?)
Why It’s Asked:
Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates interest in the company and role.
How to Answer:
- Ask about the company’s future plans, team dynamics, or expectations for the role.
- Avoid asking about salary or benefits unless prompted.
Example Questions:
- “What does success look like in this position after six months?”
- “How would you describe the company culture here?”
Additional Tips for Preparing for Interviews in Greece
- Dress Appropriately:
- Greeks value professionalism, so dress smartly even if the workplace has a casual dress code. A suit or business attire is usually expected.
- Be Punctual:
- While Greeks may have a relaxed attitude toward time in social settings, punctuality is crucial for interviews. Arrive 10-15 minutes early.
- Practice Greek Phrases (Optional):
- If you don’t speak Greek, learning basic greetings like “Kalimera” (Good morning) or “Efharisto” (Thank you) shows respect and effort.
- Build Rapport:
- Small talk is common at the start of interviews. Be prepared to discuss topics like sports, travel, or Greek culture to build rapport.
- Follow Up:
- Sending a thank-you email after the interview is appreciated and reinforces your professionalism.
