The job interview

The company will make an initial selection of candidates for the vacancy and invite them for an interview. The interview can take different forms and use different communication channels. Here are the essential basics and tips to help you prepare.

Interview forms: Structured or semi-structured

Depending on the degree of standardisation of the questions, interviews are structured or semistructured (completely unstructured ones are very rare). In structured interviews, the interview follows a pre-determined questionnaire that does not allow any leeway in changing the order of the questions. Follow-up questions are rarely asked. This makes it easier to compare the candidates, as they have all received exactly the same questions. Semi-structured interviews allow a little more leeway. Although they also follow a predefined pattern, follow-up questions can be asked and planned questions can be omitted. This technique is very common in practice, as the company can respond more individually to the candidates.

Telephone interviews

For cost reasons, companies increasingly rely on telephone interviews for the first interview. Here are some recommendations to consider when you prepare:  Basically, preparation is exactly the same as for a face-to-face interview, with a few added "technical" aspects.  Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed and there are no background noises.  Avoid making unnecessary noises yourself, such as chewing gum or smoking during the interview.  Have your documents (CV, cover letter) and writing materials ready in case you need to make notes or look something up.  Speak clearly and in a strong voice, but not too fast. Give acoustic feedback (e.g. "Mmmhmm", "I understand", etc.). Also demonstrate a positive attitude on the phone.

Interview preparation

Preparation is of great importance for a successful interview:  Gather information about the company beforehand: read through the website, search newspaper articles or annual reports, look at reports on social media.  Think about questions you would like to ask the company. Make a note of these questions and take them with you to the interview.  Find out about the interview process and the participants.  Read the job advertisement again beforehand and match the required skills with your own strengths and experience.  Choose appropriate clothes in which you feel comfortable (overdressed is better than underdressed).

Sequence of a typical job interview

Even in semi-structured interviews, the interview usually follows a clear sequence:  Introduction: This serves as an ice-breaker and should define the atmosphere for the interview. Be friendly and open, pay attention to your body language from the beginning.  Introduction of the company and the vacancy: The company introduces itself and gives background information about the vacancy. Be attentive and make a note of questions you would like to ask later.  Introduction of the applicant: In this part you introduce yourself and your CV. Keep it natural and authentic. Speak clearly and be friendly. The interviewer will ask you some typical application questions.  The job vacancy: The vacancy will then be discussed in more detail. This is usually about the exact tasks, requirements, development opportunities, etc. You can also ask some of your own questions at this point.  Your questions: Visibly take out the written questions you prepared beforehand to show the company your interest. You should only talk about salary issues when you are asked to do so.  Terms of the contract: The company will explain the main elements of the employment contract, such as fringe benefits, holidays, notice periods, earliest date of employment, etc.

The company will then ask you about your salary expectations. For the question about your salary expectations, you should give an annual salary as a basis (to save the conversion into 13 or 14 months' wages).  Further procedure and conclusion: This clarifies which steps will be taken, by when and by whom. Who contacts whom, in what form, etc.? Thank them in a friendly way for the interesting conversation and for their time.

Body language in job interviews

Non-verbal statements are often almost more important than verbal ones, but they are usually very underestimated. Here are some tips for positive body language:  Posture: choose an open, active posture, with your hands visible on the table, your arms uncrossed. Change your posture from time to time.  Facial expression: try to smile even during difficult moments. Show a "friendly face" and an open general attitude.  Eye contact: consciously seek eye contact with the person you are talking to.  Voice: speak clearly and at a sufficient volume.

Typical questions

Below are some examples of typical job application questions. Prepare for them and practise interviews with friends.

Curriculum vitae, career:  Explain your CV with the main points from your point of view.  What motivated you to choose your studies??  What did you focus on during your studies and why?  What are your plans for your professional future? Motivation for the application:  Why did you apply to us?  What do you know about our company?  What particularly appeals to you about the task described?  How do you relate to our products and services? Performance motivation:  Why should we hire you in particular?  What is particularly important to you at work?  Where would you like to be professionally in five years?  What past achievements are you particularly proud of?  How do you deal with failures? Background:  How would you characterise yourself?  What would friends or former superiors say about you?  How would you like to develop personally? Competence-based questions:  Describe a situation in which you were particularly challenged. How did you deal with it?  Describe a situation in which you had to work in a team. Situational, hypothetical questions:  How do you react when two team members have difficulties with each other and ask you for advice?  What do you do when a customer calls and complains about one of your colleagues?

Some practical tips for the interview

Interviews have many unwritten laws, which does not make the interview any easier for candidates. The following tips should help you prepare:  Let the interviewer start the conversation and do not interrupt them. Speak at length, but don't get chatty.  Do not criticise previous employers.  Don't get flustered and keep a cool head in any situation. Be flexible with unexpected questions.  Avoid statements that could be misunderstood ("I certainly don't want to work 12 hours a day, I’ve got a private life too!") or perceived as arrogant ("I'm the best in this field!").  Try to adapt to your counterpart and respond to their reactions. If the other person is silent for a long time, pick the conversation up again and let them speak.