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Interviews

be authentic and do not pray down standard phrases that have been learned

This is how you reach your goal with confidence!
 
You did it. From the large number of applications, your CV was filtered out as one of the most suitable. Few others are still in the running. Now comes the interview - an exceptional situation - after all, it is about a potential new job and you want to show yourself from your best side as a candidate.  
How you can best do this and to make your preparation easier, you will find some basic information below.
 
 
What is job interviews for?
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They serve to get to know each other. As in a partnership, it is about clarifying whether you fit together and want to work together. You can and should learn as much as possible from each other. As an applicant, you have the chance to present yourself well and convincingly explain why you are the right person for the job.  
Do not present yourself as a supplicant who absolutely wants to be accepted and avoid clumsy advertising on your own behalf, just to sell yourself as well as possible. Neither is helpful.
 
 
The interview is an opportunity for you as an applicant
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  • find out whether you fit the advertised vacancy based on your personal and professional competence
  • to present yourself personally, your knowledge and your professional expertise
  • to make it clear whether your personality and experience fit into the company, team or department
  • Get a basis for decision-making as to whether you accept the position or whether the employer suits you
 
 
The interview is an opportunity for the company
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  • to experience the applicant live and to get to know the true personality
  • to check the professional requirements for the position
  • to check whether the personality fits into the company
  • clarify mutual expectations
 
 
How do I prepare for the interview?
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There are certainly people who go into an interview without great preparation and just try to answer questions as best they can. Some candidates can ask a list of common questions in their sleep. But basically this is not a good basis for a successful performance.
Think about the following in advance:
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  • What are your strengths and weaknesses
  • What are your expectations and goals
  • Why are you a real asset to the company for the job?
 
Formulate the questions you want to ask in the interview in writing beforehand. This gives you the opportunity to clarify all the points that are important to you and to leave a professional and well-prepared impression.
 
 
Deal with standard questions such as
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  • Why are you applying to us?
  • What do you particularly like about the position?
  • How would you describe the way you work?
  • What have your colleagues and superiors valued about the way you work so far?
  • How do you act under pressure?
  • Which personality traits do you value in yourself?
  • What do you find less good and what would you like to change?
  • What qualities do you have from your father / mother?
  • Can you give an example of social competence?
  • Can you list 10 points that are important to you in a new job?
  • How do you deal with the mistakes of others?
  • What are your expectations of your supervisor?
  • How do you act when you feel you have been treated unfairly?
  • What have been key stations in your career so far?
  • Which job did you like best and why?
  • Can you give an example of one of your greatest successes on the job?
  • Why would you like to leave your current employer?
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On the day of the interview
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What should you consider?
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  • Be on time - better early than late!
  • Familiarize yourself with the best possible way to get there. In this way you can prevent, for example, a long search for a parking space or other sources of delay.
  • The first impression counts - even at reception. Smile and say hello!
  • Memorize the names of your contacts and their functions in advance.
  • Dress appropriately - the rule is "overdressed" rather than "underdressed". Even if the head of the company is standing in front of you in jeans and a T-shirt, you should be properly dressed for the occasion.
  • Despite all the preparations, you are nervous - this is completely normal. But sometimes this also increases personal performance. Loosen up!
 
 
During the interview
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Of course, you want to show your best side. But don't pretend to be doing it. The superhero is not taken from you.
The time is short, on average between 30 minutes and an hour. Therefore - ask, ask, ask!
 
 
Be active in the conversation
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Of course, that doesn't just mean talking like a waterfall. Personnel decision-makers pay great attention to how the applicant behaves in the interview. Show initiative and genuine interest, address open points in a targeted manner and ask important and prepared questions.  
The start of the conversation and the first impression are extremely important. Be at eye level with the person you are talking to and show respect. Be open and smile.
Take a comfortable sitting posture and turn off possible sources of interference (e.g. your mobile phone, annoying sunlight through the window, etc.).
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The questions about the salary and the conditions
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For every vacancy there is a budget on the part of the company and every applicant has a certain expectation of the level of remuneration. Usually one only talks about the conditions when there is mutual interest, so usually only during the second interview.
As a candidate, you naturally have a certain expectation. Usually this is made up of your current salary and a certain "switch bonus".  
Be clear about what you want and need. You should play with open cards about what you are currently getting and what your goal is to change. You should also look at the salary tables on relevant forums on the Internet in advance. On the page of Stepstone, Monster or under tax classes you can get quite detailed overviews.
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How does it go on?
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After the conversation is before the conversation - or at least before the decision.
You should at least have received information on the further procedure or procedure from the employer. If not, you should have clarified on your part how to proceed. When can you expect an answer or a decision?
 
After the interview, ask yourself how you are doing. Did the company and the contact persons leave a positive impression? Perhaps you have major doubts as to whether you are up to the task and whether the people suit you? Write down your impressions and create a pro and con matrix for yourself.
 
Do not send a general thank you letter after the interview. This is usually not so well received, although it is recommended in some guides.
If there are any unanswered questions or points to be clarified, you should of course thank you for the interview. Otherwise you could quickly destroy any good impression you made.
 
If you don't hear from the company for more than 2 weeks (unless a later point in time has been expressly agreed), be sure to follow up. A good personnel decision maker will usually be happy to provide you with information and look forward to active inquiries.
 

 

 
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