6 tips for a successful job interview in German.
A job interview is always exciting and a bit stressful too. If you really want the job, a lot depends on the interview and you obviously want to make a good impression on the person sitting across from you.
If the job interview takes place in German, it is normal that the pressure is even higher.
But don't panic! With the right preparation and some extra practise you can start your job interview with confidence, even in German!
With these 4 steps we will help you on your way to a successful job interview in German:
1. Do your homework.
If you want to sell yourself during your job interview, it is important to show that you know what you are talking about.
During the interview, it will soon become clear whether you have done your homework or not. If you fail, there is little chance that they will see you as the right candidate.
So take the time and prepare well for your job interview.
- Check out the company's website beforehand and research the company.
Do they have their website in German too? Then focus on the vocabulary they use, so that you immediately learn the right words. Use those words in your answers to questions during the interview. - Study the vacancy thoroughly.
What does the job involve? What are the company's expectations and requirements? First of all, do not forget to save the vacancy immediately after you applied for the job because companies often delete the vacancy before your interview.
Secondly, if you list all that information, you will know what skills or qualities you definitely need to mention or emphasis during the interview.
When a job interview takes place in German, you will need to prepare both for the content of the job as well as the vocabulary you will need to discuss how you are the best person to fill the role.
In this way, you will go into the interview much calmer and you will avoid falling silent during the interview or searching for the right words to use.
2. Job interview preparation.
If your job interview is not your first interview, you probably already have an idea of what you can expect from it. Even though you can never be sure what you will be asked during the interview, it is useful to think about what you would answer to certain questions in advance. Because unlike a job interview in your native language, you now have to be able to respond at ease in German.
By preparing yourself for your job interview and thinking about the questions beforehand, you will be able to react much more spontaneously during the interview. You already know what you want to say and you no longer have to search for the right words.
Which standard questions can you expect?
| Erzählen Sie mir von sich. | Tell me about yourself. |
| Wie würden andere Sie beschreiben? | How would others describe you? |
| Was würden die Kollegen über Sie sagen? | What would your colleagues say about you? |
| Was sind Ihre Stärke? | What are your strengths? |
| Was sind ihre Schwächen? | What are your weaknesses? |
| Was macht Sie in Ihrem Beruf glücklich? | What makes you happy in your profession? |
| Was interessiert Sie an diesem Unternehmen? | What interests you about this company? |
| Warum suchen Sie einen neuen Arbeitsplatz? | Why are you looking for a new job? |
| Wo sehen Sie sich in 5 Jahren? Oder in 10 Jahren? | Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Or in 10 years? |
| Warum sollen wir Sie einstellen? | Why should we hire you? |
| Was unterscheidet Sie von anderen Bewerbern? | What sets you apart from other applicants? |
| Was ist Ihr Traumjob? | What is your dream job? |
| Was erwarten Sie von diesem Unternehmen als Arbeitgeber? | What do you expect from this company as an employer? |
| Was wollen Sie verdienen? | What salary do you want? |
| Welche Fragen haben Sie an uns? | What questions do you have for us? |
You'll probably be asked if you have any questions yourself. So prepare for that. Asking thoughtful questions shows your genuine interest in the position and company. It also provides an opportunity for you to assess whether the role aligns with your goals and expectations
| Können Sie weitere Informationen über das Team oder die Abteilung geben, mit dem/der ich arbeiten würde? | Can you provide further information about the team or department I would be working with? |
| Können Sie mir mehr über die Unternehmenskultur und die Werte erzählen? | Can you tell me more about the company culture and values? |
| Welche Möglichkeiten gibt es für berufliche Weiterentwicklung und Wachstum im Unternehmen? | What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the company? |
| Können Sie mir von laufenden Projekten oder Initiativen erzählen, an denen ich beteiligt wäre? | Can you tell me about any ongoing projects or initiatives that I would be involved in? |
| Wie unterstützt das Unternehmen die berufliche Entwicklung und das Wohlbefinden der Mitarbeiter? | How does the company support employees' professional development and well-being? |
3. Practise out loud.
Good preparation is the first step towards success, but now you also have to be able to say your story fluently during the interview.
Practise out loud so you can hear what goes well and what does not. You can, for example, practise in front of the mirror or in front of your computer (or smartphone) and record yourself in the meantime. Afterwards, you can listen again to what you said and where it went wrong, so that you can focus on that.
By practising and repeating over and over again, you will become more fluent.
What may seem awkward in the beginning will gradually get better. Keep going until the moment comes that you feel "I can do this".
Finally, it is also important for Germans to adopt the right intonation when engaging in conversation. In addition, using innovative vocabulary is also an important factor for Germans to push your professionalism forward. Of course, stay realistic and make sure the new words are feasible to pronounce and remember.
4. Boost your self-confidence.
If you want your interviewers to believe in you during the interview, it is important that you do so too!
Do you want the job and do you believe you are the right person for it? Then you have to show it, and that has little to do with the language you have to speak during the interview.
So believe in yourself and your qualities!
5. Be aware of cultural aspects.
There are cultural aspects to consider for a job interview in Germany. Here are some important points to be aware of:
- Dress code
In Germany, it is generally expected to dress formally and conservatively for a job interview. It's important to look professional and well-groomed. - Punctuality
Germans value punctuality, so it is crucial to arrive on time for your interview. It's a good idea to plan your route in advance and factor in potential delays. - Formality in speech
During your job interview, it's important to maintain a professional and formal tone. Address the interviewer with the formal "Sie" instead of the informal "du" unless explicitly invited to use "du." Use polite phrases such as "Bitte" (please) and "Danke" (thank you) appropriately. - Direct communication style
Germans tend to appreciate directness and clarity in communication. Be concise and specific in your answers, providing relevant details and examples to support your statements.
6. Get help from others.
Do you still feel insecure about having to do the interview in German? Enlist the help of people around you who can help and give feedback.
Or enlist professional help.
Our coaches can help you prepare for your job interview. Together, you will work on expanding your vocabulary relevant to the job interview and practise your answers to standard interview questions.
Your coach will guide and support you until you can go to your job interview in complete confidence.
Do you want the support of a professional to prepare for your job interview in German?
Our business language coaches are ready to help you prepare for your upcoming job interview in German.
Create your account on Squidll, search for a business language coach who fits your needs and start today!
