The Hiring Process
French candidates expect a professional, respectful process:
Typical Interview Process
1. Initial Screen (30 min) - Phone or video call - Motivation and culture fit - Basic technical questions - Salary expectations
2. Technical Assessment (1-3 hours) - Take-home project (preferred) - Or live coding session - System design discussion - Code review exercise
3. Team Interviews (2-4 hours) - Technical deep dive - Cultural fit assessment - Team member meetings - Q&A both ways
4. Final Interview (1 hour) - Founder/leadership meeting - Vision alignment - Compensation discussion - Closing conversation
Best Practices for French Market
Respect Their Time - Clear process timeline - Prompt feedback - Minimize interview rounds - Flexible scheduling
Intellectual Engagement - Discuss technical challenges - Share product vision - Debate approaches - Show learning culture
Transparency - Clear job descriptions - Upfront salary ranges - Honest culture description - Growth trajectory
Professional Courtesy - Personalized rejection feedback - Maintain relationships - Consider future opportunities - Respect confidentiality
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Rushing the Process: French candidates value thoroughness 2. Ignoring Degrees: Credentials still matter, acknowledge them 3. All-English Process: Some French demonstrates commitment 4. Unprepared Interviewers: Reflects poorly on organization 5. Delayed Responses: Top talent has multiple options