For Talents who are looking for a Job
or would like to reorient themselves.

If a company has expressed interest in you and is planning an initial interview, it will promptly propose one or more dates It is best to respond immediately and on the same day. If you wait too long, this can be interpreted as indifference and, in the worst case, someone else will come before you and you won't even have the opportunity to introduce yourself. That would be a shame!

You can confirm the appointment in writing by email or verbally by phone. In both cases, it is important to find the right words. A friendly and positive impression is also important here: you are very happy about the opportunity to introduce yourself in person and to get to know each other for the first time! Especially when you call, you should think about what you want to say in advance. 

If you have to postpone the appointment, you should be able to give valid reasons and explain briefly and plausibly why you cannot come at this time. Reasons that justify a postponement are, for example, business commitments, major private events (wedding, funeral service...) or your short-term illness. Remember to make suggestions for an alternative date to confirm your interest in the position.

Don't just forget the appointment! Even if you don't want to attend the application appointment, you should formulate the rejection politely, give good reasons and thank them for their interest. Who knows, maybe you would like to work for the company at a later date after all. You always meet several times in life...

You should definitely find out about the company and, if possible, the interviewee before the interview. This will show your interest and allow you to steer the conversation in the direction you want. You will also appear confident and be able to answer questions and queries in an informed manner. 

The easiest way to find out information is to do an internet search. You should definitely take a look at the company's website and perhaps also their social media channels (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram...).

Relevant information can be: 

• Where is the company based? Is it the head office? How many branches are there and where are they?
• How big is the company and how many people are employed there?
• How successful is the company nationally and possibly internationally?
• Are there competitors in the market? Who are they and how do they differ from the company? In what area can the company set itself apart from them?
• What is the image of the company? (Is it mentioned in the press/media reports?)
• Is there any information about the department in which you may be employed? What is the structure/organization like? How many employees work there?
• How do you imagine the ideal employee of this company? Can you see yourself there?
• Also look on job platforms to see what jobs the company advertises and how often. Is there a high fluctuation rate, for example?

The choice of your clothes can also be an important point. The type of company you are applying to and the industry in which the job is in play a role here. Last but not least, it also depends on the position you are applying for. 

To cut a long story short: in finance and insurance, a conservative business look is certainly the order of the day, while in more creative professions, you can also opt for a more casual outfit. In any case, your clothes should be neat and clean and fit you well. 

If you are applying for a job as a managing director, you will certainly dress differently than if you are applying for an internship, for example. That goes without saying.

When choosing your clothes, you can also look at the company's website to see if any employees are pictured there and use their clothing as a guide. 

Above all, it is important that you feel comfortable in your outfit and look authentic. And: discreet is usually better than flashy.

As always, first impressions count and can make a lasting impression on your interview partner! Apart from appearing in appropriate clothing for this company, you should appear confident and open. Your posture plays a major role here, as do your facial expressions and voice. Look directly and openly at the person you are talking to and not obliquely past them into the void!

You can use body language in a targeted way to convey a positive first impression:

• Maintain eye contact!
• Hold yourself upright, but not tense. 
• Don't cross your arms - this makes you look distant. It's best to keep your hands steady on your lap or on the table.
• Slow and controlled movements appear calm, deliberate and not hectic.

The language you choose also contributes a lot to the first impression. Try to speak clearly and not too quickly or monotonously. The vocabulary should match the position you are applying for. So don't use juvenile language if you are applying for a managerial position.

If you feel unsure, you can also practise formulating your answers to typical questions beforehand. You can even take notes if you don't read them and don't hide behind a piece of paper.

You will practically always be asked to present yourself or describe your strengths and weaknesses during the first interview. You can practise this beforehand. You usually have about 3 to 5 minutes to do this. That's not a lot. You should therefore set priorities. 

• Briefly describe your personality: Who am I?
• Summarize the qualifications you have for the position.
• Tell us what you would like to achieve in the near and distant future.

Try not to simply rattle off your CV, but highlight the things that are relevant to the job you want according to the job profile. In addition to personal details, the following is important:

• Degrees achieved, qualifications and skills acquired
• Your strengths
• Your motivation for the job
• Relevant information on your professional career to date

The whole thing should not sound memorized; the information should offer added value and get to the heart of the matter.

In every job interview, you will be asked classic questions that you can also prepare for. These are questions about 

• Your personality:
  – How do you deal with criticism?
  – How do you cope with stress?
  – Do you have any hobbies? Which ones?
• Your motivation:
  – Why would you like to work for our company?
  – What exactly do you like about the advertised position?
  – Do you have the confidence to take on a management role?
• Your professional qualifications:
  – How do you ensure that you are always up to date professionally?
  – How good is your professional knowledge in area xy?

Another popular question is about your own strengths and weaknesses. You should definitely have an answer ready. You should not come across as arrogant or overbearing when talking about your strengths. It's best to think of examples that demonstrate your strengths.

Example: I work in a structured and organized way. That's why I was able to implement project XY as project manager in a very short time.

Think about which weakness you want to admit to and come up with a constructive way of dealing with this weakness. Be honest – then you will come across as authentic.

Example: I sometimes struggle with time management. That's why I set myself fixed deadlines and try to complete tasks that I don't like first.

Sometimes interview partners try to corner you and put you under stress in order to observe your reaction. They deliberately put their finger on sore spots in your resume.

Examples:

• But your studies took a long time. Why was that?
• You changed jobs very often. Why was that?

Answer such questions calmly and honestly and show that you can deal with stress and problems constructively.

There are also unauthorized questions that you don't have to answer. However, always respond politely. You have several options:

• You answer the question truthfully
• You refuse to answer and point out that the question is not permitted
• You use a white lie
• You no longer want to work for the company under these circumstances and end the interview.

Example questions:

• Are you religious?
• What are your family plans?
• Are you politically active?

If you have the opportunity to ask your own questions, you should do so, because you can show that you are interested in the company and the position. 

Think about a few questions in advance. Make sure that you ask open questions, i.e. questions that cannot be answered with a yes or no.

Example questions:

• What qualities and skills are particularly important to you in filling this position?
• How would you describe your corporate culture?
• What is the gender balance in your management team?

What you should not ask in the first interview:

• Don't immediately ask about salary, working hours and vacation if these topics are not brought up. If the topic does not come up, you can at best ask whether the contract details will be discussed at a later date in a second interview.