Job Interview Tips in Malta
As this is a blog mainly about moving to Malta I thought it'd be a good idea to pop up a post about job interviews. If you're moving here, or even if you already live here, chances are that at some point you'll be looking for a job. I've had a few interviews here and have interviewed soo many people that I feel my two cents worth will be at least a little helpful.
To be honest, most of this will be applicable for job interviews all over, but a few points are quite culturally specific to Malta and iGaming jobs.
Quick Job Interview Tips in Malta
Give yourself time to get lost, but don't enter too early
Don't overdress if the role doesn't call for it
Don't turn up ready for the beach
Shower
Be polite, friendly and chatty
Don't make it all about money
Be respectful to every person you meet in the building
Be ambitious, but not entitled.
#1 Job Interview Tip: Time Keeping
It is most important not to be late, but almost as bad is when interviewees arrive too early. 5 - 10 minutes early is perfect. But if you arrive 20 - 30 minutes early (it has happened to me so many times) then everyone just feels bad. The front desk will feel bad for bothering the interviewer and the interviewer either needs to put their day out of whack to speak with you earlier, or they'll feel bad for letting you sit there for so long until they are ready.
The fact is, people are busy and people like me plan their day and unnecessary interruptions like this don't put me in a great mood.
#2 Job Interviews in Malta: Business Casual
This one is tough as it does depend on the role you're going for, so a little common sense is needed. But generally in Malta, especially in iGaming, a full suit is not necessary, especially in summer. Whatever role I'm interviewing for, whether it's entry level or people management, I'd be happy if they arrive in:
smart trousers and a shirt (no tie or blazer necessary)
a smart dress (not too short)
a smart skirt (not too short) and shirt
something too 'beachy' or 'scruffy' is not going to win me over, like:
hot pants or shorts
t-shirt
Yet it's important to be comfortable, so if you want to insert your personal style into your attire, go right ahead. Whatever will help you shine and show your best self.
#3 Job Interview Tip: Please shower!
It sounds so obvious but this is a real problem in Malta. So often I've had interviewees turn up and they really smell bad. In summer it gets insanely hot, so if you're all dressed up in a long sleeved shirt, rushing around to find somewhere new and nervous on top of that, you're going to get a bit sticky.
Make sure to shower and give yourself plenty of time to find the place so you don't arrive more flustered than you need.
#4 Job Interview Malta: Be Yourself
It's cliche, but relax, be yourself. Don't be too quiet or subdued. Don't respond with one-word answers. The interviewer should not be doing all the work. The process should feel like one long, natural conversation. Be interested, ask questions, be friendly, smile.
Even if you are a quiet, shy, or a very blunt person, you can still be yourself and come across very charming. Tell the person you are shy, it'll set their expectations and the honesty will help them warm to you, then just do your best to show them everything you have to offer.
#5 Job Interview Tips: Money Talks
It's important to talk about money, yes. It wastes everyone's time if you're applying for a role that is paid way below what you're expecting. But don't make it all about money. It's a huge red flag for me if the first thing a person talks about is the salary. I know that no one works for free (believe me, I don't) and it's important for you to know your worth but I want to hire someone who is worth the money and I can't only know that if they are clearly passionate about the role.
When I am looking for jobs myself and being interviewed I tend not to ask about salary at all in the first conversation. I'd rather find out more about the company and the role, see if it's right for me, but also show them what I have to offer. Once they are super interested in me, then it's actually easier to discuss money. Get them excited about you first.
#6 Job Interview Malta: Respect
This is another one that seems super obvious to me, but I've seen so many people get this wrong. I've often been considerably younger than the person I am interviewing and it has been so obvious that they are struggling with that. Don't be rude, condescending or patronising not only to me, but to anyone in the building.
It's also been a problem, more than once, that I'm a woman. I've interviewed men who refused to look at me, instead directed all their attention to my male colleague. This will not get you the job.
Smile at the front desk staff, say hello to people in the lift. These things don't go unnoticed.
#7 Job Interview Malta: Remember the Job You're Applying For
A big bugbear for me is when the interviewee focuses too much on progression. I absolutely want to hire ambitious people but I don't want to hire someone who will expect a promotion in 6 months so I have to go through the whole thing again.
Firstly, growth is not all about promotion. You can proactively learn new soft skills every day and expand and grow the role you were hired for. I don't want to worry that you'll leave or move on to another department too soon.
It also winds me up when the only reasons someone can give for wanting a job are things that the company does for them. For example, learning new skills, improving your English. It's great you see plus points of working here, but you need to also tell me what you are going to do for the company. What do you bring to us?
Bonus Job Interview Advice in Malta
Research the company and show off what you know
Ask questions. Come prepared!
Use their name.
Know who you are.
Interview Tip: Research
It doesn't matter if I'm hiring for an entry level or highly skilled role, I want someone who wants the job. And one easy way to show you care is by researching the company and making it clear you've done your homework. Talk a bit about what the company does and why that interests you. Discuss the latest press release or a cool post you saw them do on social media. It'll show you are interested, show you already made a commitment and make you feel like one of the team.
Malta Interview Tip: Q&A
A good interviewer will already give you a lot of information about the role and about the company, but when an interviewee has no questions, it really puts me off. I want to know they were listening and are curious. I recommend rehearsing a few intelligent questions beforehand, so in case you blank, or in case they covered all the usual stuff, you still have something to set you apart. Questions like:
Who is your biggest competitor and how do you differ?
What is the average day in your (the interviewers) role?
What will my average day look like (if I get the job)?
What is the gender divide in the company?
What is the gender divide in top management?
Does the company engage in any local Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives?
Interview Tip: Say My Name
I am terrible at this. When someone introduces themselves I almost always forget their name right away. It's not because I'm not listening, or don't care, but our brains are wired to focus so much on getting our names right that it struggles to retain new information. What I do to make sure I remember is this quick exchange:
Interviewer: Hello, I'm John!
Me: Hi John! Great to meet you, I'm Rhi
Just by repeating their name back to them, I am 90% more likely to remember it. Then, to really show your interest, make sure to use their name again throughout the conversation.
Malta Interview Tip: Know Yourself
Ultimately, they want to get to know you. I used to struggle with the 'what do you do in your spare time' question as I didn't go to any classes and don't play any sports. So I took the time to sit with myself and think about how I want to be portrayed. Now I always make sure, when asked, to tell people that:
I've been running a popular lifestyle in Malta blog for almost 10 years.
I love photography and have a beautiful gold coloured Fuji camera, but have never taken any lessons, but aim to one day!
I love country music, but not good country music, more modern 'pop-country' music about fried chicken.
Yet I listen to podcasts more than music these days, with some favourites being No Such Thing as a Fish and Reply All.
A few nuggets, without going on too much, to show them a bit more of my personality. It really helps!
Ultimately, be honest, try to relax and if you're looking for a job in Malta right now, all the best of luck to you!