Our Job Interview Guide

Prepare successfully for your upcoming job interview: this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to shine at your next interview. We give you valuable tips on preparing for different types of interview, show you how to avoid common mistakes and how to handle the questions you may be asked with confidence. Whether it is a structured, semi-structured or unstructured interview, our advice will improve your chances of landing your dream job.

Types of job interview

Job interviews can be divided into several categories:

1. Structured interviews: These follow a fixed format and a set list of questions. Every applicant is asked the same questions, which makes it easy to compare their answers. Structured interviews are particularly effective for assessing specific competencies and skills.
2. Semi-structured interviews: Here there is a guide with prepared questions, but also room for spontaneous, individual questions. This type of interview makes it possible to respond to the applicant's answers and gain deeper insight into their skills and personality.
3. Unstructured interviews: These are very open and follow no fixed format. The interviewer asks questions based on how the conversation develops, which leads to a more natural and often more relaxed discussion. This type is well suited to assessing a candidate's personality and creative abilities.

Preparing before the job interview

To prepare as well as possible for a job interview, you should keep the following points in mind:

1. Thorough research: Research your preferred employer. Read up on recent press releases and new products to gain a deep understanding of the company and its position in the market.
2. Information on the interviewers: Try to gather information about the people who will be conducting the interview. Find out about them beforehand, for example on LinkedIn, to identify shared interests or shared career stages.
3. Practise typical questions: Prepare for frequently asked questions so that you can answer convincingly. For example: "Tell us briefly about yourself and your career so far!" or "Where do you see yourself in five years?"
4. Prepare your self-presentation: Think about how best to present yourself and your skills. Develop a short, concise introduction that covers your most important qualifications, experience and career goals in relation to your new job. ("I am – I can – I want")
5. Check your technology: Make sure that all the equipment you need for an online interview works. For an online interview, you should check beforehand that your internet connection is stable and that your camera and microphone work properly.
6. Choose suitable clothing: Choose clothing that is professional and appropriate for the industry, to show that you identify with the company culture and respect it.

During the job interview

A successful job interview requires careful preparation and a confident manner during the conversation. Here are some important aspects to bear in mind:

1. Stay authentic: Be yourself and do not put on an act. It is crucial to leave a positive and honest impression. Remember that you only have to answer questions that are legally permissible. You should decline inappropriate questions about your religion, sexuality or marital status.
2. Mind your body language: Open, positive body language and eye contact are decisive for the first impression. Mirror the body language of the person opposite you to build trust.
3. Professional and committed manner: Stay calm and answer questions clearly and precisely. Active listening and asking relevant questions underline your interest in the position and the company.
4. Positive and interested attitude: A consistently positive and interested attitude helps to leave a lasting impression.
5. Effective communication skills: The ability to engage with the interviewers and communicate effectively is crucial to the success of the interview.

Typical mistakes

To improve your chances in a job interview, it is important to avoid certain common mistakes. Here are some key points to watch out for:

1. Lack of preparation: Avoid showing insufficient knowledge of the company and the advertised position. Thorough preparation is crucial.
2. Arriving late: Punctuality matters. Arriving late can be interpreted as a lack of interest or poor planning.
3. Inappropriate clothing: Choose clothing that is professional and appropriate to the context. Unsuitable clothing can create the wrong first impression.
4. Lack of self-confidence: Avoid coming across as either too unconfident or overconfident. A balanced presentation of your skills and experience is important.
5. No questions for the interviewer: Asking questions shows interest and initiative. Not asking any can be interpreted as a lack of interest.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can improve how you come across in the interview and increase your chances of success.

Typical questions

Certain standard questions are asked in job interviews to get to know applicants better and to assess their suitability for the role. Here are some typical examples and the reasons behind them:

1. "Tell us briefly about yourself.": This question gives you the opportunity to offer insight into your personality and your career so far. The aim is to give a short overview of your experience and interests.
2. "Why do you want this job?": This tests your motivation and your specific interest in the position and the company. It is important to show that you can identify with the company's goals.
3. "Strengths and weaknesses": This question aims to assess your self-awareness and your ability to be self-critical. The aim is to present a realistic picture of your abilities and areas for development.
4. "Where do you see yourself in five years?": This question is meant to establish your long-term career goals and your ability to plan. It shows whether your vision for the future matches the opportunities the company can offer.

Conclusion

A successful job interview requires thorough preparation, an understanding of the different types of interview and an awareness of typical pitfalls. With the tips set out here and a clear understanding of what is expected, you can significantly improve your chances of getting the job you want. Use our guide to present yourself confidently and convincingly at your next job interview. Remember: every interview is a chance to prove yourself and get one step closer to your dream job!

Sources:

https://www.jobs.ch/de/job-coach/ratgeber-checklisten/gut-vorbereitet-ins-vorstellungsgespraech/

https://karrierebibel.de/vorstellungsgesprach-vorbereitung/

https://bewerbung.com/vorstellungsgespraech-vorbereitung/

https://www.jobware.de/ratgeber/perfekte-vorbereitung-fuers-vorstellungsgespraech

https://www.computerwoche.de/a/so-meisten-sie-digitale-job-interviews,3613111