Have you ever participated in a job interview in Germany? Were you nervous or stressed? There is always a first time for everything, if your answer is yes, then let My Career help you understand more about job interviews in Germany! And we guarantee you will “win every time” right away.

How Do You Introduce Yourself In An Interview In German?

In Germany, you should introduce yourself to the receptionist and interviewer by your first and last name. If you have multiple first and last names, choose the ones you want to be addressed by. If it’s a face-to-face interview, be prepared to give a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. If it’s an online interview, look directly into the camera; ideally, you shouldn’t be able to see yourself on screen so that your interview partner can focus on you.

Make sure you know whether the company culture is formal or informal, as there are big differences between companies in Germany. If it is informal, you can call your interviewer by their first name and use ?du?. If the company is quite traditional and formal, make sure to only use the interviewer’s last name.

Tips for a Job Interview in Germany

Here are 9 tips for your job interview in Germany.

1. Prepare Carefully for Your Job Interview in Germany

Preparation is everything! To prepare for a job interview in Germany, you should research the following topics:

• Company History: Know where the company came from and what its goals are. Better yet, know their mission and vision, as well as who founded the company.
• Company Culture: Most companies have core values, which are the foundation of their culture. Find out what they are and how you define them.
• Your Interview Partner: When you get an interview invitation, you should know who will be interviewing you. If your interview partner(s) are not mentioned, ask! Use Google and LinkedIn to learn more about this person. You want to know who you will be talking to and use what you have learned to build a connection.

• Company Social Media: Follow the company’s homepage and social media channels, especially their YouTube channel, if they have one, to get a feel for the company.
• Company Dress Code: Try to understand what the appropriate dress code is for the company. If you can’t find any information, don’t be shy and call the company and ask. This may be your first chance to make an impression.

2. On Time

It is extremely important that you show up on time for your interview. In Germany, punctuality means 10-15 minutes early. If for any reason you cannot arrive on time, you should call the company to let them know. Apologize, explain what is causing your delay, and give a realistic estimate of when you will arrive.

3. Dress Appropriately

If you’ve done your research, you’ll know the company’s dress code. For your interview, dress a notch above the general dress code. Your outfit should reflect three criteria:

• You are a well-groomed professional
• You understand the company culture and are a great fit.
• You are authentic and confident

4. Bring Your CV And Other Documents

Bring a professional-looking folder with your resume and other documents relevant to your application. You may not need them, but it is better to be over-prepared than under-prepared in a job interview. Also, bring paper and pen to take notes.

5. Be Confident

From the moment you walk into the company building until you leave, be confident, polite, and authentic. You need to show the company what you bring to the table, not just with your words, but also with your body language and tone of voice.

6. Ask Questions

Be sure to prepare questions for the end of the interview and during your conversation. Remember, an interview is for the company to get to know you better and for you to make the company better. Your questions will give you answers that will help you decide whether or not you want the role. 

Furthermore, asking questions on your part is a great way to show that you are interested, that you are prepared, and that you are able to engage in a conversation. However, make sure to never interrupt the interviewer, instead wait for the right moment to ask your questions.

7. Know Your Worth

You need to know what you want to earn, so you should know the average salary for your position or job role in the city you are applying to. When asked about your salary expectations, you need to be straightforward. Some people recommend giving a salary range. It’s another way to project confidence.

If you are not asked about your salary but you feel it is appropriate for the interview and it is important for you to know at that stage of the interview process, simply ask the interviewer what you can expect in terms of salary.

8. Discuss Next Steps

Always make sure to discuss next steps with your interviewer. Typically, the job interview process in Germany can include

• A second or third interview
• Trial
• Jobs for you to complete 

Before the company makes you a final job offer. If you are applying for a technical position, technical interviews are also quite common. 

9. Follow Up After the Interview

You want to make a lasting impression on your fellow interviewees, so it’s important to follow up after the interview with an email, thanking your interview partner for their time or providing feedback, depending on how the interview went.

Examples of German Interview Questions

A job interview in Germany is always designed to get to know you as an individual. In Germany, work and private life are kept largely separate, but you may still get questions that are not directly related to the job, as the interviewer wants to know four main aspects about you:

1. Do you have the skills required for each specific role?
2. Are you a good fit for the company culture?
3. Are you a problem solver?
4. You have to drive it?

Each company has its own interview style, but here are some typical interview questions you might be asked in Germany:

• Why are you leaving your current job?
• What were you hired to do in your most recent position?
• How would your best friend describe you?
• How are you different from your siblings?
• What is your greatest success?
• What is your biggest failure?
• What is the hardest thing you have ever done?
• What are you most proud of?
• What do you expect from your role in our company?

Interview in German or English

As a foreigner in Germany, you must ask yourself in which language the job interview will be held. The answer depends largely on the company and the job position you have applied for. 

The interview will most likely be conducted in the language you will be using at work; however, you should still learn the German you do know and be prepared to speak some German, even if it is just small talk. Being willing to speak German, even if you are not fluent, shows that you are eager to learn, that you can adapt to your conversation partner, and that you are not afraid of not being perfect.

The job interview is the deciding part of a successful job application, and My Career has provided important tips that will guide you through a successful interview. At the end of the day, it is you who needs to convince the interviewer with your authenticity, competence, and willingness to learn.

Good luck with your job interview in Germany!