Not knowing what to expect makes us uncertain in all situations in life. Time and again, we find ourselves in situations whose outcome we cannot predict. This uncertainty is one of the biggest causes of stress.
Are you unsure what to expect behind the door to your naturalization interview?
For most of the clients I’ve guided through the naturalization process over the years, one question has been central:
“What will be asked in the interview?” Followed by “Will I understand the questions?”
This uncertainty existed even when they knew all the facts about Switzerland. This is because in most preparation courses from your canton, you learn which facts you need to know.
However, you usually don’t learn how this knowledge will be asked about in the naturalization interview. But first, what questions will be asked?
Here are 10 questions you will have to answer at least once during the process:
- Why do you want to become a naturalized citizen?
- What do you do for a living?
- What is the name of the governing body of Switzerland?
- How many cantons does Switzerland have?
- What political rights do you have as a Swiss citizen?
- What is an initiative?
- What is a referendum?
- What are the names of Switzerland’s neighboring countries?
- Name the three major geographical areas of Switzerland.
- What do you know about the building we are in?
If you don’t prepare your answers until the interview, it can be stressful – especially if you have to present the knowledge in a language that is not your mother tongue.
However, you can prepare for these questions and answers. You can practice your answers, much like you would in an interview for a new job. In this way, you gain the confidence you need for the interview when you must speak in front of an interview panel.