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Master the Job Interview

Professional preparation for your success

The job interview is your chance to impress! With the right preparation, you can come across confidently and present your strengths to their best advantage. Here you will find everything you need to know for a successful interview.

The perfect preparation

1. Company research

Find out thoroughly about:

  • • Business model: What does the company do? Which products/services?
  • • Company culture: Values, mission, vision
  • • Current developments: News, press releases, social media
  • • Industry position: Competitors, market position
  • • Your contacts: LinkedIn profiles of the interviewers

2. Self-analysis

Prepare answers to:

  • • Your strengths: Back them up with concrete examples
  • • Your weaknesses: Phrase them honestly, but positively
  • • Your achievements: Name measurable results
  • • Your motivation: Why this position? Why this company?
  • • Your goals: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

3. Prepare your documents

Bring with you:

✓ Several copies of your CV

✓ References and certificates

✓ References

✓ Portfolio or work samples

✓ Notepad and pen

✓ A list of your own questions

Common interview questions

"Tell us something about yourself."

Tip: A brief summary (2-3 minutes): education → professional experience → current situation → why you are here. Focus on what is relevant to the position!

"Why should we hire you?"

Tip: Connect your strengths with the requirements of the role. Give 3-4 concrete reasons with examples.

"What are your weaknesses?"

Tip: Name a genuine weakness, but one that is not relevant to the job. Show what you are doing about it: "I tend to be too much of a perfectionist. That is why I now set myself clear deadlines..."

"Why did you leave your last job?"

Tip: NEVER speak negatively about previous employers! Focus on positive reasons: new challenges, professional growth, a better fit.

"Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"

Tip: Show ambition, but stay realistic. Connect your goals with possible developments within the company.

"What are your salary expectations?"

Tip: Research the market value beforehand! Give a range, not a fixed figure. "Based on my experience, I am thinking of an annual salary between X and Y."

Body language & demeanour

Do's

  • Firm handshake – confident, but not overdone
  • Maintain eye contact – shows interest and honesty
  • Smile warmly – come across as likeable and open
  • Sit upright – radiate confidence
  • Open hands – signal openness
  • Speak clearly and distinctly – demonstrate competence

Don'ts

  • Crossing your arms – comes across as dismissive
  • Too much gesturing – can seem nervous
  • Hiding your hands – suggests insecurity
  • Fidgeting – shows nervousness
  • Speaking monotonously – bores the listener
  • Interrupting – disrespectful and rude

The right dress code

Business Formal

Banking, law, consulting

  • • Suit (dark)
  • • Shirt/blouse (white/light)
  • • Tie
  • • Closed shoes

Business Casual

Office jobs, administration

  • • Trousers/skirt
  • • Shirt/blouse
  • • Optional: blazer
  • • Neat shoes

Smart Casual

Start-ups, creative industry

  • • Jeans (dark, clean)
  • • Shirt/polo/blouse
  • • Sneakers (clean)
  • • Well-groomed appearance

Basic rule: Better slightly overdressed than underdressed! When in doubt, dress one level more formally.

Your own questions

Always ask questions! It shows interest and commitment. Prepare 3-5 questions:

Good questions:

  • • What does a typical working day look like?
  • • What goals do you expect to be met in the first 3 months?
  • • How is the team structured?
  • • What opportunities for professional development are there?
  • • How would you describe the company culture?
  • • What are the biggest challenges in this position?

Avoid:

  • • Questions about salary in the first interview
  • • Questions about holidays/time off
  • • Information that is already on the website
  • • Negative questions about the company
  • • Questions that are too personal

After the interview

Send a thank-you email

Send a short thank-you email within 24 hours. Reiterate your interest and mention a positive aspect from the conversation.

Make notes

Write down right after the interview: What went well? What could be better? Important information about the position? This will help with further interviews.

Be patient

At the end of the interview, ask about the next steps. Wait for the stated deadline before following up. Stay professional and patient.

Ready for your interview?

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