Students' readiness

"Oh no, that's way too much text for me." Well, in that case, please have a look at this video. If you want to learn more though, it might be useful to read the text. Your choice.

Tip of the day: Have a look at both.

Preparation

First of all, review the notes you have prepared when writing the application. Go through the job advertisement one more time. Also, have another look at the company and your targeted department.

Then, review your application to recall what you have told them about yourself.

Once you went through all those notes, ask a friend to role-play and simulate the job interview with. Keep in mind that you want to convince the interviewer of your qualifications but also of yourself as a person. Therefore, we strongly recommend you to be authentic and confident. Don't try to pretend to be someone else. Don't act cocky or narcissistic. Be yourself and speak politely and truthfully.

In case you already know that those skills are your weakness, take another look at the unit "competences". This will help you to increase your self-awareness and confidence.

In the simulation, go through some basic questions. Pick some of these questions. When you answer those questions, try not to be too lengthy.

After the simulation, discuss the conversation with your friend and note down open questions. Those questions are great for the interview itself. Also, think about the salary you want to get for this position. The amount should be in reasonable relation to your current income.

Do you feel like having another simulation with different questions? Then let's go at it.

Most important, don't try to memorize your answers in detail. Your interviewer will notice a memorized answer which will diminish your authenticity.

When going to the job interview, make sure that you are dressed according to the position you are applying for. Also, please don't chew any gum. Plan to arrive at the interview location 15-30 minutes prior.

And don't forget to bring the following:

• Your notes
  
• 2-3 extra copies of your CV
• The job advertisement
  
• Your prepared questions
  
• Blank sheets for notes
  

At the job interview

Be aware that your interview starts once you enter the building of the company. Straighten up and be friendly and polite to every person you meet inside the building. You never know, maybe one of these people will interview you. Don't play with your phone or behave inadequately while waiting. Turn your phone off or at least put it on silent. Stay focused and review your notes. When you notice the interviewer approaching, get up and greet the interviewer with a firm handshake as well as a polite smile.

During the job interview

The key to success in a job interview confidence. Keep in mind that you are well prepared and that you only have to speak about yourself and in how far you are the person they are looking for. Be aware of your body language. Sit up straight and don't cross your arms over your chest. Don't wriggle around and keep calm, but attentive. Maintain eye contact and use gestures in your normal way. 

List your accomplishments when asked, but don't stay on this point too strongly. Try to find the balance between confidence and humbleness. Other than that, remember the role-playing with your friend and keep those results in mind.

Don't bring up the topic "salary" until the interviewer does it. In that case, you can mention the salary you have thought of before. Add some reasonable explanation for the amount.

Once the interviewer is done with his question, he will ask if there is anything you would like to know. That's the moment when you can ask your prepared questions and any other question that occurred during the interview. You might not be able to memorize all the information the interviewer gives you. That's why you brought the blank sheets. Make as many notes as you have to. This is also a great opportunity to show the interviewer how organized you are. Therefore, please use a structured way to make your notes.

The interview is coming to an end. Don't forget to give the interviewer a polite closing greeting, thank for his time and give another firm handshake. In this moment, ask when you might expect to hear from them.

Are you a little unsure about how to express your opinion during the interview? Try these expressions:

Closing the interview

As the last step of the interview process, we strongly recommend sending a "Thank you"-E-mail to the interviewer. Latest the following day. Simply mention that you enjoyed the interview and that you are really interested in becoming a contributing part of the company and that you hope to hear from them soon.