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Job Interview_Germany

Dear Network,
I would like to continue the topic of my previous post – Culture Specifics of Job Interviews. This time I would like to speak about job interviews in Germany.
What is worth mentioning?
1) Processes
- Germany is well-known for its attention to work processes, procedures, and proceedings. Be sure that your interviewer has a detailed scenario of the interview with questions and tasks prepared for the candidate.
- This scenario usually includes 5 stages: 1) small talk, 2) employer presents the company and position, 3) candidate’s self-presentation, 4) candidate asks questions, 5) final remarks.
- The following things can influence the processes inside the stages: 1) size and complexity of the company; 2) branch or industry sector (in technology and legal sectors hiring procedure is longer); demands for some skills or qualifications (in competitive fields it can be longer).
2) Duration
- The whole process from job posting to final decision may take about 3 months or more.
- Job interviews may consist of several rounds. 2 -3 rounds are most common in German companies.
3) Questions you may be asked
- How would you describe yourself?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Would you prefer to work in a team or on your own?
- How do you deal with stress?
4) Situations you may deal with at the interview
- Explain why we should employ you.
- Describe a task you could not solve immediately in your previous job. How did you react? How did you deal with a difficult situation? How do you deal with problems?
- Name three things you could improve in the business strategy of your former boss.
5) Assessment centers
- It’s not a building or place. It’s a process. The purpose is evaluation of candidates with regard to their suitability for the posted vacancy.
- During this process candidates are given multiple assignments such as job-related simulations, group exercises, presentations, and different industry-related tests.
6) Manners
- Being on time is crucial. In Germany, it’s 10-15 minutes before the time of the interview.
- Dress appropriately: suit, shirt and tie for men and trouser suit or business suit for women.
- Don’t forget about the handshake and eye contact during the greeting. Highest-ranking person should be greeted first.