A job interview is the decisive moment in the application process. Here you have the chance to introduce yourself personally and convince potential employers of your skills. The right preparation is the key to appearing confident and self-assured. This blog post combines basic tips with insights from trusted sources to provide you with comprehensive and well-founded guidance.
1 – Company research: knowledge as a foundation
Before you start the interview, it is important to know the company in detail. This not only shows your interest, but also helps you to formulate your answers in a targeted manner. According to Karrierebibel (2024), the following aspects are essential:
- Corporate values and culture: Find out about the company’s philosophy. What characterizes it? Are sustainability, teamwork or innovation core values?
- Products or services: Understand what the company offers. Are there specific products, services or markets that are in focus?
- Current developments: Read the latest press releases or news to find out about company projects, successes or challenges.
This preparation allows you to make specific reference to the company during the interview. Example: If the company has just launched an innovative product, you could ask what challenges this has brought with it and how you could contribute to the solution.
2 – Analyze the job advertisement: Understanding requirements
The job advertisement is your guide for preparation. Analyze it carefully and make notes:
- Important key terms: What terms come up again and again? These are often indications of the employer’s priorities.
- Required qualifications: Do your skills and experience match the requirements? If yes, how can you prove this?
- Areas of responsibility: Think about how you can apply your previous professional experience to the tasks described.
Workwise (2024) emphasizes that a careful analysis of the ad helps to highlight your strengths and prepare suitable examples. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to present your previous successes in a clear and structured way. This method helps you to formulate concrete examples that show how you have overcome challenges.
3 – Prepare frequently asked questions: Gain security
Many questions are repeated in job interviews. According to Indeed (2024), you can prepare for the following classics:
- “Tell us something about yourself.”: This question gives you the opportunity to present your professional career and relevant achievements in 1-2 minutes. Focus on aspects that are directly related to the advertised position.
- “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”: Be honest, but strategic. Choose weaknesses that do not affect essential requirements of the job and explain how you are working on them.
- “Why do you want to work for us?”: Link your personal values and professional goals to the company values.
Good preparation for such questions will help you to gain confidence and appear confident.
4 – Ask your own questions: Show interest
A job interview is not a one-way street. Workwise (2024) recommends that you prepare your own questions for the company to signal your interest and commitment. Examples of good questions:
- What does a typical working day in this position look like?
- What challenges await someone in this role?
- How is success measured in this position?
Such questions show that you have given the position some thought and want to understand it better. However, avoid questions that have already been answered in the job advertisement or questions about salary and vacation – at least in the first interview.
5 – Practice, practice, practice: appearing confident
The best knowledge is of little use if you can’t convey it convincingly. So practice the conversation:
- Role play: Simulate the conversation with friends or family. Ask for honest feedback on your answers and body language.
- Body language: Make sure you have an upright posture, a firm handshake and eye contact. Avoid crossed arms or nervous movements.
- Speaking speed: Speak calmly and clearly. Avoid speaking too quickly or too quietly.
Good preparation for communication makes you more confident and makes you appear competent.
6 – Don’t forget organizational matters
In addition to preparing the content, you should also clarify the organizational aspects:
- Plan your journey: Test the route to the company in advance to avoid delays.
- Punctuality: Be on site 10-15 minutes before the appointment.
- Bring your documents with you: Take copies of your CV, relevant certificates and, if applicable, samples of your work.
- Make a note of the contact person: If something unforeseen happens, you can inform the person responsible.
7 – Follow-up: The last impression counts
You can also leave a positive impression after the interview. According to StepStone (2024), a short thank you email within 24 hours is recommended. Thank them for the interview, emphasize your interest once again and briefly summarize why you are the right choice for the position.
Conclusion: Preparation for success
A job interview is your chance to impress potential employers. The combination of in-depth research, well thought-out answers, a confident manner and targeted questions is the key to a successful interview. With these tips and insights from current sources, you’ll be well prepared to land your dream job.
Good luck with your next job interview! 🚀
Here’s a small but very effective tip from us: Laughter as an icebreaker – create sympathy in the job interview!
A friendly smile or laugh during a job interview can work wonders. It relaxes the atmosphere, reduces tension and shows your social skills. Authentic laughter creates sympathy and signals that you are relaxed and self-confident. Use humor in a targeted way, for example with a light anecdote or by laughing along with a witty comment from the interviewer. But be careful: the humor should never be sarcastic or inappropriate.
So laughter is not only allowed, it is often a key to making a positive and lasting impression in conversation.
Sources:
- Indeed. (2024, February 23). The job interview: preparation, procedure and tips. Retrieved from https://de.indeed.com/karriere-guide/vorstellungsgespraech/vorstellungsgespraech-vorbereitung-ablauf-tipps
- Indeed.com. (2024). Job interview: Common questions and how to answer them. Retrieved from indeed.com/preparation
- JobTeaser. (2022, March 18). 38 typical job interview questions. Retrieved from https://www.jobteaser.com/de/advices/456-38-typische-fragen-im-bewerbungsgespraech-mit-antworten
- Career Bible. (n.d.). Job interview preparation: checklist + questions. Retrieved from https://karrierebibel.de/vorstellungsgesprach-vorbereitung/
- StepStone.de. (2024). This is how you leave a lasting impression. Retrieved from stepstone.com/thanksmail
- Workwise. (n.d.). 7 steps to the ideal preparation for your job interview. Retrieved from: https://www.workwise.io/karriereguide/vorstellungsgespraech/vorbereitung-vorstellungsgespraech
- Workwise.io (2024). 15 tips for a successful job interview. Retrieved from workwise.io/preparation
- Workwise.io (2024). Own questions in the job interview. Retrieved from workwise.io/own-questions
