The interview

The Perfect Preparation for Your Job Interview

You've been invited to a job interview?

Congratulations!

This means the company is interested in you and you're on the shortlist.

Here's what you need to know to make sure everything goes smoothly:

Preparation is key!

  • Think about what questions you might be asked and compile your own questions about the company.

  • Practice a job interview with your parents or friends.

Being well-informed is half the battle!

  • Research the company, e.g., its legal structure, size, products, services, and current situation.

  • What do you know about its history, unique features, and special offers and opportunities? Magazines, brochures, online publications, or the company website can help you with this.

Information can be found here:

  • Internet (Google the company)

  • Company brochures (request them by mail or phone)

  • Daily and weekly newspapers

  • Trade journals

  • Chambers of Industry and Commerce

  • Chambers of Skilled Crafts

  • Ask employees in your network

  • Participate in company tours

  • Complete an internship

Don't forget your documents!

You should bring the following documents to the interview:

  • Invitation letter
  • Application documents (cover letter, resume, certificates, internship confirmation), if you haven't already sent them
  • Completed personnel questionnaire, if you received one
  • List of your own questions
  • Work samples (if applicable)
  • Notepad and pen

The applicant knocks before entering the room. After the initial greetings and introductions, you'll be asked some simple introductory questions. This is to break the ice and help you adjust to the unfamiliar interview situation.

In the main part of the interview, the interviewers will get a sense of your personality: They'll give you a brief overview of the company. Then they'll ask you questions, for example, about your career aspirations and about you personally. At the end, you'll have the opportunity to ask your own questions.

When saying goodbye, you'll usually be given a date by which the company will inform you of its decision.

Tips for the Perfect Appearance

  • Think about what you want to wear to the interview.

  • Before choosing your clothes, it's best to find out what the typical dress code is in the industry you're applying to.

General Rules:

  • Clean clothes and polished shoes are essential!

  • Don't dress up so much that you feel like you're in costume! But also be careful not to dress too casually.

  • Well-groomed hair and clean hands are a must!

  • When it comes to makeup and styling, less is often more!

  • Please don't smell of garlic, alcohol, or cigarettes!

  • You should also use perfume sparingly!

  • No one wants to see piercings or flashy jewelry!

Gestures and Facial Expressions

A friendly smile can open doors…

…and creates a pleasant atmosphere for the conversation. Your posture, gestures, and facial expression also say a lot about you. Sit up straight and smile at the recruiter.

Important:

... - A naturally friendly and open facial expression

  • Shaking hands with your conversation partner when greeting them
  • Remembering your conversation partner's name, addressing them formally, and occasionally using their name
  • Making and maintaining eye contact with your conversation partner
  • Speaking loudly, clearly, and distinctly, pausing as needed
  • Not interrupting your conversation partner, but letting them finish speaking
  • Not crossing your arms and legs, but appearing open and interested
  • Avoiding restless hand movements and fidgeting

Courtesy of planet-beruf.de, published by the Federal Employment Agency, Nuremberg