Working in Barcelona for the first time? Learn about the Job Etiquette
Many people will give you tips for working in Barcelona, but we know the inside scoop. When working in Barcelona, it is important to be aware of the standards of behaviour and dress code of the company at which you are working. Manners and job etiquette in Barcelona are very similar to those in the rest of Europe, but there are some differences. When working in Barcelona, you want to present yourself in a good manner, because you are not only representing yourself, but also your country. We will share with you some of our suggestions and tips for working in Barcelona.
#Greeting
The first important point is how to greet someone. Non-verbal communication is very important, and if done incorrectly it can be seen as rude. If you do not know someone in the business world, it is proper to shake hands with that person. On the other hand, if a woman offers her cheek, you should gently give 2 kisses, one on the right cheek and the other on the left. It is not exactly a direct kiss, but more of touching each cheek and kissing the air around it. However, giving a kiss on the cheek is more appropriate in a social setting than in the business world. A hug is only given if you know someone very well, and occasionally two men will kiss each other as a greeting, but only if they are very close friends or family. When leaving, it is polite to shake hands or give a kiss.
#Job interview
This is the most stressful part of looking for a job. At the beginning you will be very tense but, trust us, you will soon get used to it and you will be a wizard of interviews. In a job interview, the best thing is to be yourself. If you pass the interview, you will have to work in the new company. Therefore it is counterproductive to show different from what you will be in the next few months or years. Talk about your life, your hobbies, your skills and your ambitions. Do not forget the knowledge of foreign languages (very important in Barcelona), and human relationships, on which a good working relationship is based between you and your colleagues. If the interview goes wrong, do not despair. If the interviewer has decided not to accept you, he/she has made the best choice both for you and for the company. Your qualities were not suitable to the company mission, and the type of work was not suitable to your character!
#Dress code
In Barcelona, there is a difference between what people perceive as being formal since they care a lot about appearance. An informal outfit will still be nicer than wearing jeans and a t-shirt. One easy to remember the rule of thumb is to wear solid dark colours and to try to stay away from bright colours and patterns. Even during the summer men will wear dark, designer brand suits. For work, a woman will wear skirts, dresses, and pants. At the office women also often accessorise with jewellery and scarves for a more formal look. Shoes are also a very important part of work attire. Shorts are hardly ever worn, except for going to the beach.
In Barcelona as well as in the rest of Spain, personal space is not as well respected as in, for example, the United States. It is not uncommon for a boss or worker to talk to you with his face very close to your own. It is considered rude to back away and create more space between you.
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