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Priscilla wrote:

Hello everyone,

Finding a job in Mexico is no easy feat. From applying for a job all the way to job interviews, the etiquette can be different abroad. Specially job interviews, that can already be pretty daunting, can feel even worse when set in a whole new country. If youve gone through a job interview in Mexico before, how about giving a few tips to someone who might be preparing for one?

Do interviews usually take place in a formal or casual setting in Mexico? Do you have any pointers for job interviews that take place over a lunch or dinner?

From application all the way to the job interview, what is essential to make an candidate stand out?

Culturally speaking, are there specific dos and donts? What is the general take on bringing a parent on the job interview or a gift to the interviewer?

Can you tell us a little about your experience? What worked and what did not work for you?

How important is it to have a solid professional network prior to a job interview?

Please share your experience,

Priscilla

I'm not looking for a job, but from what I know about Mexico. The criteria for being hired would be are you Mexican and do you have the skills they need. After that it would be how you present yourself, do you speak Spanish, and do you have a valid visa.

It was suggested that I apply here because of my education and skill set. That was because they have a shortage of qualified nursing instructors, but I had no interest in doing so. So if you have a needed skill shape up your resume, your language skills and apply.

Hello,
The major discrimination issue in Mexico is age.  Some jobs required an age range and the law doesn't protect you.   They make ask you how old are you....and it is not an illegal question.   If you speak English like a native and that is what they are looking for,  most likely you will be hired.   The process of interviewing is not like in the US where people dress very well and they are prepared.   In most part of Mexico is more relaxed and most employers not even check for references.    I would say that in Mexico City this may not be the case.
I still recommend that you be prepared and you dress well for the interview since that will set you apart from others.    Culturally speaking, people here are not direct communicators and they get offended with straight shooter answers.  They expect a less direct way of answering questions and making the point.   If the employer is American then is OK to communicate in a direct manner.   If you are applying for a management position and you are going to be managing Mexican employees they will be concerned with your Spanish speaking abilities and your knowledge of the Mexican culture in terms of getting things done through others.   The reason being is  that the work place is seen as social environment and not just as a part of tasks that people do to advance a business.
I hope this helps!

Mexican employers are appearance Nazi's. 90% of the time you should have no visible tattoos. Have tidy hair, preferably short. Something as simple as an untucked shirt may disqualify you before you get interviewed.

If you want to stand out, show up on time. Have a "solicitud" or CV printed out for your interview, even if you have already emailed your CV. Unless you know you are being interviewed by the owner of a company, make sure do not look "too qualified" on paper. Yes, I'm serious. Interviews are somewhat intrusive. You will be asked how much you made at your last job and what your monthly expenses amount to. Based on that you will be profiled and they will determine whether you fit their exploitability criteria. Look sharp, but desperate!

Mexican employers can also get away with asking you to be under a certain "size", or a particular sex. Forget about keeping the Sabbath.

Any job paying more than 6000 pesos a month will almost certainly require a psychometric test filter after your initial interview. If you ever did recreational drugs, even if was 20 years ago, just lie. If you want that job, you are better off just saying that you do not drink, smoke, or have ever done drugs. No one will come back to ask you about this, but the wrong combination of answers will disqualify you.

I have never seen or heard of anyone if Mexico doing follow up baskets or anything remotely close to it. Bringing a parent to an interview? I do not see why that would ever make a positive impression.

If you do not have a bachelor's you will not be considered for the vast majority of office or administrative jobs. Be prepared to suck up, work at least 48 hours a week, and  forget about over time pay. You are far better off letting your network of friends and acquaintances know that you are in the market for a job. Mexicans love hooking their friends up with jobs.

In other words Edmond,
just like the U.S.

One of the things not mentioned is having connections. Just like in the U.S. having connections can get you very far indeed.