Small Talk in Switzerland

💬Small talk: that little thing that changes everything.💬

You are in a recruiter's waiting room or you are about to participate in a Zoom or Teams meeting with a Swiss contact.
You're hesitant. What will you do? Will you talk about the weather? Your journey? Or will you just give a nervous smile?
Welcome to the world of small talk!

👉🏼But what exactly is small talk?

It is this light-hearted and often trivial conversation that serves to break the ice. Simple topics are discussed: the weather, the weekend, current events (non-controversial, of course!). It may seem trivial, but it is a very important social ritual, especially in Switzerland.

✅ Why is this important?
° It creates bonds.
° He creates a relaxed atmosphere.
° It says a lot about you... without you even mentioning your skills.

🔎And in Switzerland?

The Swiss are known for being reserved but also for their courtesy. Small talk is a way of gauging the mood, observing without judging, and forming a first impression.
And as you know, first impressions often last!

💡How can you prepare for this?

Read the local news: a hockey match, a traditional festival, an exceptional weather event...

Prepare two or three general phrases: «Have you heard about the festival in town this weekend?» or «This is a very pleasant neighbourhood. Have you been working here for a long time?»

And above all: stay natural. The aim is not to shine, but to make contact.

What if we don't feel comfortable?
Good news: small talk is something you can work on! The more you practise, the more fluent you will become. If you are a little shy, remember that recruiters can be nervous too. Helping the other person feel at ease is already a step in the right direction!

🎯My advice:

When looking for a job, every interaction counts, even the smallest ones. So don't overlook this informal and timely exchange, which could be the start of a good relationship!

Find even more experience sharing and advice on nOur media OSAM Training.