The job interview

Tips for job applications in German-speaking countries
An interview is often the decisive step on the way to landing your dream job. It is the moment when you have the chance to make a personal impression and showcase your skills and personality. If you want to shine in an interview, careful preparation is essential.

To make sure you are well prepared, here are a few tips:

Research the company:
Before you go to an interview, it’s important to know the company well. Find out about the company’s history, mission, products or services, and current developments. Asking questions about the products and services offered can also be helpful. This will show the employer that you are genuinely interested and well prepared for the interview.

Know your strengths and weaknesses:
Self-reflection is another key to a successful interview. Think about what your strengths are and how you can use them in the context of the job. There is usually a lot of information about the company on the website. You can also identify the values that the company stands for. Think about why you are a good fit for this company. It is equally important to be aware of possible weaknesses, but to focus on your willingness to learn and your skills.

Anticipate common questions:
There are questions that come up in almost every interview. Think about how you want to respond to questions about your CV, experience, strengths and weaknesses. Be authentic, but also think about how you can best present your qualifications and skills. It can help to talk to friends and family about the job and your skills in advance. This often helps to identify strengths and weaknesses that you may not have thought of yourself.

Dress appropriately:
Do you know this? You see someone and you already have an idea of what they are like. This happens subconsciously. Use this to your advantage and dress appropriately for the position and the company. First impressions count. If you are unsure, choose something more formal than casual.

Ask questions yourself:
An interview is not a one-way street. Prepare questions for the company as well. Not only will this show your interest, but it will also give you the opportunity to learn more about the company’s culture and your future role. Look on the website for information about training and company structure, and then think about what other questions you might have.

Watch your language:
Depending on the job advert and the location, it is also important to be well prepared linguistically. If the interview is in a German-speaking country and German is not your first language, you should think about which technical terms might be important. But it is also important for native speakers to think about the appropriate language. Speaking too much in dialect can look unprofessional. Sometimes other languages are assumed and spoken directly in the interview. Think about what you could talk about in the foreign language.

All in all, we would like to remind you that these are just a few tips. Every recruiter asks different questions and reacts differently to questions and answers. Always make sure you are authentic and be yourself.