Bewerber (Referenzen)

Convincing job interview

For many people, the thought of a job interview is associated with stress. Yet these interviews usually follow a proven pattern for which you can prepare very well. After establishing initial contact, the applicant usually introduces himself. This is followed by questions on career choice, biography, situational behavior and relevant knowledge. The interviewer tries to identify the applicant’s personal characteristics, skills, interests and goals. This information is then used to draw conclusions about the fit between the applicant and the job role. We support you in skillfully conveying your resume, plausibly presenting any gaps, and convincingly presenting your strengths.

Interview Checklist

Here is a list of important questions you might want to ask during an interview. The amount and kind of questions should however match the company, the position, the actual situation and the conversation style of your interviewer.

Interview Checklist (PDF, 266 KB)

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Job interview by video and telephone

Special features at the interview by phone 

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  • Stable telephone connection: many job interviews today are conducted by cellphone. Make sure that you have a stable connection so that the phone call is without interruptions.
  • Selecting a location, background noise and interference: find a spot where you are comfortable and undisturbed. The person you are talking to should be able to easily understand you and have your full attention. Avoid all possible noise and disturbance from third parties and mute other communication devices. Typing on the PC keyboard can be heard and understood as a lack of attention.
  • Documents and writing instruments: ideally, the job advertisement, your CV and questions you have prepared are in front of you before the interview begins. If you need to search for something during the interview, this can be disturbing. You should also have paper and pen ready to write down questions or relevant aspects.
  • Conscious communication: dress formally even for a telephone interview, this will make you more confident. Have a glass of water ready in case your throat gets dry from nervousness. Smile before the phone call, one can hear the positive attitude in your voice. Sit up straight – on the phone one can also hear the posture. Speak slowly and clearly and make sure to use as few filler words as possible, such as “uh”. Let the other person finish and take an active part in the conversation. Do not drag out your statements.
  • Ask questions: especially on the phone an unknown interlocutor might not be easy to understand. If you have not understood a question, ask politely rather than giving a vague or even wrong answer.
  • Testing: if this is your first time conducting a video conference: try the medium to gain confidence. Test the technology with time in advance of the appointment.
  • Emergency telephone number: in addition, make sure you have the telephone number of the person you want to talk to in case something does not work temporarily.
  • Professional impression: use a video account with your name and your application photo. This way the first impression is professional.
  • Speak into the camera: move your interviewer’s video window close to your camera (e.g. to the top of the screen). As a result, you will tend to look into the camera and look directly at the interviewer.
  • Audio quality: use a technically proper headset. During hands-free talking, unpleasant interruptions may occur.
  • Lighting: make sure the lighting is balanced. Excessively harsh light has a negative effect. In any case you should never have a backlight or a window in your back!
  • Silence: use a quiet room and avoid disturbances by third parties.
  • Clothing: wear formal clothing – like for a personal interview.
  • Image section: make sure you have a professional background. A messy environment will reflect negatively on you.
  • Pronunciation: speak loudly and clearly.
  • Please smile: smile occasionally and at the end of the interview – facial expressions will have a strong effect on your appearance.
  • These video platforms are currently the most widely used for the interview: