{"id":1025,"date":"2024-11-19T10:33:03","date_gmt":"2024-11-19T09:33:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.uni-siegen.de\/fit-in-siegen\/?page_id=1025"},"modified":"2024-11-19T10:33:03","modified_gmt":"2024-11-19T09:33:03","slug":"job-interview-questions-answers-in-germany","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.uni-siegen.de\/fit-in-siegen\/job-interview-questions-answers-in-germany\/","title":{"rendered":"Job interview questions & Answers in Germany"},"content":{"rendered":"

After all that hard work polishing your\u00a0CV<\/a>\u00a0and perfecting your\u00a0cover letter<\/a>, you\u2019ve finally landed a job interview in Germany. Congratulations! The company is definitely interested. Now you need to put in the necessary work so you can shine on the day.<\/p>\n

Interviews are intimidating enough in your own country, but when you\u2019re abroad, facing unfamiliar customs, and perhaps even having to interview in a language that\u2019s not your mother tongue, they can be really nerve-wracking. This guide walks you through the basics of job interviews in Germany, with some tips on how you should prepare, along with some examples of typical German interview questions, and advice on how to answer them.<\/p>\n

Job interviews in Germany<\/h2>\n

The good news is, there\u2019s lots you can do in advance of an interview to help you feel confident on the day. While interviews do vary depending on the position and industry, your profile, and the interviewer\u2019s judgement, they generally follow a fairly standard pattern that can give you a good idea of what to expect and how to prepare.<\/p>\n

Like other aspects of applying for a\u00a0job in Germany<\/a>, interviews in the federal republic tend to be rather formal affairs – although start-ups and other\u00a0international companies<\/a>\u00a0might prove to be the exception to this rule. You and your interviewer will normally address each other using the formal \u201cSie<\/em>\u201d – unless your interviewer suggests otherwise, you shouldn\u2019t use the informal \u201cdu<\/em>\u201d.<\/p>\n

You should arrive punctually (around 10 minutes before the scheduled start time) and dress in smart business attire. It\u2019s also a good idea to bring a copy of your CV and other relevant documents. You\u2019ll probably be greeted with a firm handshake. Note also that it\u2019s important in Germany to maintain plenty of eye contact, to show respect.<\/p>\n

Travelling to interview<\/h3>\n

In Germany, companies typically pay for the costs of attending a job interview. This includes\u00a0transportation<\/a>. If you are currently living abroad, you can check whether your costs will also be covered, but the company may prefer to interview you via\u00a0phone<\/a>\u00a0or video call. Non-EU citizens may also need a\u00a0visa<\/a>\u00a0to enter the country for an interview.<\/p>\n

Assessment centres<\/h3>\n

Although most interviews in Germany are usually held at the office with one, two or more stakeholders, some companies do use assessment centres, particularly for higher-ranking positions. This kind of selection process involves the applicant carrying out certain tasks together with other applicants.<\/p>\n

How to prepare for a job interview<\/h2>\n

As well as brushing up on what you wrote in your application, it\u2019s a good idea to do some background research before your interview, on your interviewers, the company, and the industry (if you haven\u2019t already done so). You can also reread the job description to remind yourself of what specific skills the employer is looking for.<\/p>\n

You should go through some standard interview questions to prepare. You don\u2019t need to memorise your answers, but taking time to consider how you\u2019ll respond will help you to feel confident during the interview.<\/p>\n

If German isn\u2019t your native language, it\u2019s also a good idea to brush up on some useful words and phrases (some\u00a0German language schools<\/a>\u00a0even offer crash courses on preparing for job interviews). It\u2019s not unheard of for the interviewer to break into German even for jobs advertised in English.<\/p>\n

German interview questions & Answers<\/h2>\n

The questions that are likely to arise at a job interview in Germany can be broadly split into four categories. Below we look at some of the most common questions and offer some tips on what you should say in your answer.<\/p>\n

Job interview questions: About you<\/h3>\n

It should go without saying, but be prepared to answer some questions about yourself.<\/p>\n

Tell me about yourself?\u00a0Stellen Sie sich kurz vor?<\/em><\/h4>\n

Likely to be one of the first questions you\u2019re asked, this is your classic \u201celevator pitch\u201d introduction. You can add some personal information about your interests and experiences, but the focus should be mainly on what makes you an ideal candidate for the job. It\u2019s also important to keep it brief, no more than two to three minutes.<\/p>\n

What have been your greatest achievements to date?\u00a0Was sind Ihre gr\u00f6\u00dften Erfolge?<\/em><\/h4>\n

This is your chance to show off a little (but don\u2019t overdo it – Germans in particular are not fond of showboating). Focus on career highs that are relatively recent and relevant to the position. Illustrate their impact on the company.<\/p>\n

What are your strengths?\u00a0Was sind Ihre St\u00e4rken?\u00a0<\/em><\/h4>\n

This very common question is designed to determine how well qualified you are for the position. You should therefore focus on attributes that qualify you for the job at hand. Make sure you back up your answers with examples – for instance, rather than just saying you work well under pressure, tell a story, preferably drawing on your professional experience, that demonstrates this.<\/p>\n

What are your weaknesses?\u00a0Was sind Ihre Schw\u00e4chen?<\/em><\/h4>\n

You can also expect to be asked about your weaknesses. The best way to tackle this question is to try to put a positive spin on things. For instance, you could share an example of a weakness you\u2019ve recognised and taken steps to correct – thereby improving your skills as an employee.<\/p>\n

Where do you see yourself in five years?\u00a0Wo sehen Sie sich in f\u00fcnf Jahren?<\/em><\/h4>\n

The interviewer wants to get an idea of your career trajectory and ambitions – are you the kind of candidate that\u2019s going to stick around or will you move on as soon as you find a better opportunity? Cover both your short- and long-term goals and explain how this job and this company fits into your plan.<\/p>\n

German job interview questions: About the job and your experience<\/h3>\n

You should also prepare for some questions about your work experience and your current role.<\/p>\n

Why do you want this job?\u00a0Warum bewerben Sie sich f\u00fcr diesen Job?\u00a0<\/em><\/h4>\n

The interviewer wants to know how much you really want the job, and what makes you suited for the role. Explain, specifically, what makes you a good fit for the position, and what you would focus on if you were hired. You should also talk about the aspects of the company and the role which appeal to you.<\/p>\n

Why are you the best person for the job?\u00a0Warum sind Sie der beste Kandidat?\u00a0<\/em><\/h4>\n

What makes you stand out from the other candidates? Be prepared to justify this. Your response should be a confident and concise sales pitch that explains what you have to offer. Check the qualifications and requirements listed in the job description, and work out a response that aligns with what the company is looking for.<\/p>\n

How do you handle stress?\u00a0K\u00f6nnen Sie mit Stress umgehen?\u00a0<\/em><\/h4>\n

The interviewer wants to know how you deal with difficult situations at work. Do you thrive under\u00a0pressure? What\u2019s your response when things go wrong? Answer with an example of how you have successfully managed a stressful situation in a previous role. Avoid claiming that you never experience stress.<\/p>\n

What are your salary expectations?\u00a0Welches Gehalt stellen Sie sich vor?<\/em><\/h4>\n

Questions about money are always tricky to answer. Do some research before the interview so that you\u2019re able to present a salary range that\u2019s fair, based on your job title, employer, experience, skills and location.\u00a0Salaries in Germany<\/a>, for instance, vary significantly between\u00a0federal states<\/a>\u00a0and professions.<\/p>\n

German interview questions: About the company<\/h3>\n

Most interviewers will also want to know that you are genuinely interested in the opportunity and are passionate about\u00a0working<\/a>\u00a0for the company, so expect some questions along the following lines:<\/p>\n

What do you know about the company?\u00a0Was wissen Sie \u00fcber unser Unternehmen?<\/em><\/h4>\n

Here\u2019s your chance to demonstrate your work ethic by showing you\u2019ve done your homework. Don\u2019t bore them with details they already know (\u201cThe company was founded in 1995\u201d), but instead prepare some key talking points, for instance major company milestones or impending launches. Conclude by outlining how the company\u2019s brand or mission aligns with your own personal or career goals.<\/p>\n

Why are you applying at this company specifically?\u00a0Warum bewerben Sie sich genau bei uns?\u00a0<\/em><\/h4>\n

This is nearly the same question as above, just dressed up in different clothes. Again, the interviewer wants to know that you are genuinely enthusiastic. What is it that appeals to you? The company\u2019s culture, further training opportunities, products or services? In your answer, be specific, showing that you have done your research, but choose a topic that genuinely enthuses you and allows your personality to shine through.<\/p>\n

Interview questions: About your previous job<\/h3>\n

The interviewer will also want to get some information about your current or previous role.<\/p>\n

Why do you want to leave your current role?\u00a0Warum wollen Sie Ihren bisherigen Job aufgeben?<\/em><\/h4>\n

You\u2019ll need to prepare an answer to this question that\u2019s honest about your current working situation, but keeps things positive. Even if you\u2019re leaving your current job under difficult circumstances, this isn\u2019t the best time to share lots of information. Say that you want to make a change in your career and explain how this job fits into that plan.<\/p>\n

What will you miss most about your present job?\u00a0Was werden Sie an Ihrem jetzigen Job am meisten vermissen?<\/em><\/h4>\n

Don\u2019t overdo it, since you\u2019re looking to leave, but emphasise aspects of your current role that you most enjoy. In the course of your answer, turn it towards the new potential employer, picking out an aspect of the new role or company that you will also enjoy.<\/p>\n

What questions should you ask at a German job interview?<\/h2>\n

At some point, usually towards the end of the interview, you can expect your potential employer to allow you to ask some questions. They might say, \u201cHaben Sie Fragen f\u00fcr uns<\/em>?\u201d<\/p>\n

This is another opportunity to show your interest in the company and the role, and to resolve any unanswered queries, so it\u2019s a good idea to have a selection of questions prepared in advance. You could touch on details of your potential\u00a0employment contract<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0working hours<\/a>, but avoid asking too many questions about\u00a0holiday leave<\/a>\u00a0and remuneration. You could ask:<\/p>\n