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:
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.
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.
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? |
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.
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!
There are cultural aspects to consider for a job interview in Germany. Here are some important points to be aware of:
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.
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!