The job interview is one of the most important phases of the hiring process. It provides the employer with the opportunity to assess not only the applicant's professional skills and experiences but also to understand their personal qualities, values, and ability to fit into the company culture.

During the interview, the HR manager tries to identify several important aspects, namely: how competent the applicant is in their field, what motivates them to work for this particular company, what their personal qualities are, how well they fit into the company culture, and how they handle challenges.

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In this article, I want to explain in detail what exactly the employer expects from you as a potential candidate for the job interview and how you can prepare to meet these expectations.

The Most Common Fears

Many applicants are afraid of a job interview. One of the biggest fears is the possibility of being asked a question to which they are not prepared to answer. This could be a technical question or a request for a specific example from the past, which unsettles the applicant. Another common fear is a negative evaluation of previous experiences. Applicants fear that the employer might critically view their career gaps or frequent job changes, which could diminish their chances for the position. Also, the mismatch with the job requirements is a cause for concern, as job seekers fear that their skills and experiences may not fully meet the employer's expectations.

In 2023, the Federal Employment Agency conducted a study on how applicants prepare for job interviews. It showed that job seekers often do not know how to answer questions about their weaknesses. They fear that an honest answer could be used against them. Also, the fear of competing with other applicants is a major stress factor, especially when it is known that there are many qualified candidates for the position. Personal topics such as questions about marital status or future plans also trigger fears, as applicants do not want their private life to influence the employer's decision. A general lack of confidence due to inadequate preparation or past negative experiences with job interviews can significantly impact behavior during the interview. This leads applicants to mistakenly believe that they will not impress the employer and will not get the desired position, causing feelings of disappointment and failure.

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To overcome these fears and help you prepare for the job interview, I will tell you exactly what the HR managers expect from you and how you should behave to make a good impression during your interview.

What information does the employer expect during the job interview?

The professional responsible for conducting the job interview seeks to obtain comprehensive information about the applicant to understand their potential and suitability for the company. The main aspects that interest the employer usually include competence, trustworthiness, teamwork, and the added value that the applicant can bring to the company.

Competence

In 95% of cases, the HR manager wants to ensure that you, as an applicant, possess all the necessary skills and knowledge to fulfill the responsibilities of the position. This includes technical skills, expertise, and experience in the respective industry. When answering their questions, you should demonstrate your competence by talking about previous projects, successes, and tasks you have successfully completed. It is also important to show that you are capable of learning and professionally developing, as employers value employees who can quickly adapt to new technologies and work methods.

Team Spirit

The employer also wants to know how the applicant works in a team and interacts with colleagues. Team spirit is a key aspect for successful work in most companies. It is important that you demonstrate a high level of cooperation, communication skills, and conflict resolution. You should talk about your successes in teamwork and provide concrete examples of how you contributed to achieving common goals, effectively communicated with colleagues, and maintained a positive work environment. This also includes the willingness to help others, share knowledge, and participate in team projects. Cultural fit with the company is crucial and often more important than technical skills, as these can be taught. Those who do not fit socially or culturally will not be able to be taught.

Additional Value

A human resources manager wants to understand what value you as an applicant can bring to the company. This means that they are looking for employees who can increase revenue, save resources, or bring other benefits. You should prepare a list of achievements that demonstrate your ability to create added value. These could be successful projects that have led to higher profits, process optimizations that have reduced costs, or innovative ideas that have improved productivity. It is important to present concrete results that show how your contribution can positively impact the company.

The 5 Most Important Phases of a Job Interview: what to expect and what to pay attention to

Preparing for the job interview involves understanding its phases and knowing how to convince the interviewer in each phase. Each part has its own characteristics and requires different approaches to make a positive impression. We take a look at the five most important phases of the job interview and provide tips on how to navigate them correctly to present your skills, experience, and potential as effectively as possible.

1. Small Talk

The first phase of the job interview lasts up to 5 minutes. It is important for the first impression and includes some key points to pay special attention to.

Entering the Room Where the Job Interview Will Take Place

Be confident and calm when entering. Ensure that your clothing looks neat and professional. Knock on the door if it is closed and wait for an invitation to enter. When you enter, keep your head up and maintain a natural posture. Remember that it is important to establish eye contact with the interviewer from the very beginning.

Short Greeting

After entering the room, greet the interviewer with a friendly smile. Say "Good day" or "Good morning" depending on the time of day. The greeting should be clear and confident, showing that you are self-assured and ready to talk.

Introduce Yourself by Name

After the greeting, introduce yourself by name. For example: "Good day, I am Alex Schmidt". Providing your full name gives a more professional impression. If the interviewer has not introduced themselves, politely ask for their name: "How may I address you?" This demonstrates your politeness and interest in making a connection.

Questions from the Human Resources Manager

At the beginning of the conversation, the human resources manager may ask a few informal questions to lighten the mood - but also to assess your ability to engage in conversation easily. These could be:

How did you get here? You can respond as follows: I found my way here directly, thanks for asking. Your office is very conveniently located.
How are you? Possible Responses: I feel great, thank you. I hope you are doing well too.

You may be offered coffee, tea, water, or other drinks. My recommendation: always accept a hot drink, like coffee or tea. This gives you time, as as a matter of politeness, the interview will last at least as long as it takes to drink the coffee. And often the interviewers will also have a coffee. Research shows that someone finds you more likable if they have held or drunk a hot drink themselves. The warmth from the drink reflects onto you. Sounds strange, but it has actually been proven by scientific research in job interview simulations.

Stay polite and friendly overall, and respond calmly and naturally. This way, you leave a positive first impression and set the conversation partner in a positive mood.

2. Introduction

After the initial formalities, the next step is to introduce the employer, briefly acquaint the applicant with the company, its culture, and its products, and describe the position and tasks. This can take between 5 and 10 minutes.

Introduction of the employer

The company representative who will conduct the interview briefly introduces themselves. This could be a human resources manager, an HR manager, a potential manager, or the CEO. Generally, the conversation partner will briefly talk about their role in the company and possibly their experience.

How should you behave? Listen attentively, make eye contact, and show interest. You can nod your head slightly to indicate that you are listening. Remember the details, pay attention to the name and title of the conversation partner, as this can be useful in a later conversation. Thank the conversation partner for the introduction and for taking the time.

Brief description of the company, its culture, and its products or services

The employer will probably tell you something about the company, its mission, values, corporate culture, and its main products and services. This will help you understand the environment you will be entering and what the company does. Show interest, listen actively, and ask clarifying questions if you don't understand something. If possible, take notes on the key points to refer back to later in the conversation. Highlight your interest in the company and its products by saying, for example: I am very impressed with your sustainability strategy.

Description of the position and responsibilities

The interviewer will describe in detail the position you are applying for, including the main responsibilities, tasks, and expectations for the applicant. This may also include a description of the work environment, the team you will be working with, and the performance indicators.

Focus your attention on the details the interviewer describes, and show your interest through your body language. During the conversation, relate your past experiences and skills to the requirements of the position. For example: For this position, project management skills are required, which align with my previous experience as a project manager.

Ask constructive questions. This shows that you are interested in the position and understand it. For example: What are the main goals for the first six months in this position? or Are there opportunities for career development in this position? It is important to show confidence, professionalism, and genuine interest in the company and the position during the conversation. This way, you leave a positive impression and show that you not only fit technically but also culturally into the position.

3. Self-Presentation

In the self-presentation phase of the job interview, you have the opportunity to present your work experience, accomplishments, and strengths related to the position in 5-10 minutes. Here are tips on how to present yourself in a structured manner.

Previous professional background

Start with a brief overview of your professional background. Mention the key positions you held, the companies you worked for, and the duration of your tenure in each position. Explain how your career has evolved and the key qualifications you gained in each role.

For example: I started my career at XYZ as a Junior Analyst, where I worked for two years. Then I moved to ABC Corp. as a Senior Analyst, where I was employed for four years. In the last three years, I have been working at DEF Inc. as the Head of Analytics.

Accomplishments

After your career overview, discuss your achievements. Highlight the specific results you achieved in your previous positions. Use numbers and concrete examples to demonstrate your effectiveness.

For example: As a Senior Analyst at ABC Corp., I successfully led a project for process optimization that reduced costs by 15%. At DEF Inc., the team under my leadership increased forecast accuracy by 20%, which had a positive impact on the company's strategic planning.

Strengths Related to the Position

Finish your self-presentation by describing your strengths that are relevant to the position you are applying for. Explain how these strengths will help you successfully fulfill the responsibilities of your new position.

An example of describing strengths: One of my main strengths is analytical thinking. I am able to quickly analyze large amounts of data and find the best solutions. Additionally, I have excellent communication skills that help me collaborate effectively with my team and other departments. My project management skills allow me to successfully implement complex tasks in a short period of time.

Always conclude your self-presentation with an optimistic look towards the future, emphasizing your motivation and readiness for new challenges. This leaves a positive impression and highlights your willingness to become a valuable member of the team.

4. Questions

When a recruiter gives you the opportunity to ask questions, it is a good chance to show your interest and gather important information about the company and the position. The questions should be categorized in advance into the following categories:

Questions about the content and requirements of the position

These help you better understand the main tasks and expectations of the position you are applying for. They show the recruiter that you are interested in the details of the position and are ready to take on specific tasks.

Example: Can you tell us more about the main responsibilities of this position? What will be the priority tasks in the first three months? Which skills and qualities do you consider particularly important to be successful in this position?

Questions about expectations and performance measurement

By answering these questions, you will learn how the company evaluates its employees' performance. They show the recruiter that you are result-oriented and strive to meet the company's expectations.

Examples: What performance indicators are used to measure performance in this position? What are the performance expectations for the first year in this position?

Questions about development opportunities

Demonstrate your desire to develop and grow with the company. They show the recruiter that you are interested in long-term collaboration and committed to professional growth.

Examples: What professional development and training opportunities does the company offer? Does the company have programs for leadership development or internal promotion?

Why Ask These Questions?

Questions about the content and requirements of the position help clarify what is expected of you in this role. This way, you can better prepare for your tasks and avoid misunderstandings.

Questions about expectations and performance measurement show that you take your job seriously and want to understand how you can be successful in the company. This helps you set clear goals and understand the criteria by which your work will be evaluated.

Questions about development opportunities demonstrate your willingness to grow and improve. This is important for employers because they are interested in employees who seek development and want to contribute to the long-term success of the company.

This way, they not only help you get the necessary information, but also convey a positive impression of your interest and motivation to work for the company.

5. Concluding the Job Interview

Concluding the interview is the last impression you leave behind, so don't mess it up. The conclusion phase lasts up to 5 minutes and includes giving a proper thank you for the interview, clarifying the next steps and deadlines, and saying goodbye. Here's how you should behave during this phase to make a positive impression:

The Right Thank You for the Interview

After the main part of the interview is over, it's important to thank your interviewer for their time and the opportunity to discuss the position. This shows your appreciation and respect for the process.

Example: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this position with you. I appreciate your time and the detailed information about the company and the role.

Next Steps and Timeframe

It's essential to clarify the next steps in the hiring process and the timeline for the decision. This way, you'll know when to expect a response and what actions you need to take in the future.

Example: Can you tell me what the next steps in the hiring process will be? When can we expect to hear from you?

Goodbye at the Job Interview

Be polite and professional. Thank your interviewer once again and say goodbye with eye contact and a slight smile.

An Example Closing Statement: Thank you once again for your attention and the opportunity to participate in this interview. I look forward to hearing from you. I wish you a great day!

A Detailed Example of Ending a Job Interview

1. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this position with you. I appreciate your time and the detailed information about the company and the role. This conversation has further convinced me that I want to work for your company.
2. Can you tell me what the next steps in the hiring process will look like? When can I expect feedback? I would like to know when the decision will be made so I can start work immediately.
3. Thank you once again for your attention and the opportunity to participate in this conversation. I look forward to hearing from you. If you have any further questions or need additional information, please feel free to let me know. I wish you a great day!

Afterwards, stand up, shake hands with the interviewer, maintain eye contact, and smile. This way, you leave a positive impression and show your confidence and professionalism.

The aforementioned action algorithm is a commonly used template. Understanding its key aspects will prepare you well even if your job interview involves more steps or is much shorter.

Behavior during the Job Interview

To make a positive impression during a job interview, it's not only about what you say but also how you behave. Your nonverbal communication - your eyes, facial expressions, tone of voice, body language, and posture - play a crucial role in the impression you make as a candidate. Here's how you should behave to leave a positive impression:

1. Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact with your interviewer to show your interest and confidence. Avoid looking at the floor or to the side, but also don't stare intensely. Try to avoid constantly looking around the room or shifting your gaze frequently, as it may indicate nervousness or lack of attention.
2. Facial Expressions: Start and end the conversation with a genuine smile. A smile conveys warmth and friendliness. Keep your face open and friendly, avoiding appearing too serious or indifferent. React with your facial expressions to the content of the conversation - show interest when listening and confidence when speaking.
3. Tone of Voice: Speak clearly and confidently. Avoid speaking in too high or too low a tone. A gentle and calm voice demonstrates your confidence. The pace of your speech should be moderate; speaking too quickly can seem nervous, while too slowly may convey uncertainty or lack of enthusiasm.
4. Body Language: Use open gestures to emphasize your words. Place your hands on the table or in your lap, avoiding crossing them. This shows your openness and willingness to communicate. Remember that gestures should be natural and not exaggerated. Avoid unnecessary movements that could appear as nervous ticks.
5. Posture: Sit or stand upright but relaxed. An upright posture signifies confidence and professionalism. Assume a position that looks natural and comfortable to avoid tension and discomfort.
6. Politeness and Attention: Be polite and attentive to your interviewer. Keep the conversation flowing, listen attentively, and avoid interruptions.
7. Punctuality: Be on time for the job interview. Delays can create the impression of unprofessionalism and lack of discipline.
8. Attire: Wear appropriate clothing that aligns with the company's dress code. It should be neat and clean.

Typical Job Interview Questions

During a job interview, employers try to learn as much as possible about a potential candidate to assess their suitability for the position and the company. They use various types of questions to uncover not only the professional qualities but also personal attributes, motivation, and behavioral aspects. The most common questions can be divided into several categories: Standard, Personality, Motivation and Goals, Professional, Behavior, and Expectations. Each of these categories has its importance and helps the employer to get a complete picture of the candidate.

Standard Questions Asked in a Job Interview

These are basic and general questions asked to obtain fundamental information about the candidate and their professional background. They often include questions about work experience, education, skills, and key accomplishments. They are asked to understand the candidate's general qualifications and to determine how they align with the main requirements of the position.

Tell us about yourself. Why do you want to work in our company?

To answer these questions, prepare a brief but informative overview of your professional background. Highlight key achievements and experiences that are relevant to the position. Research the company to clearly explain why you are interested in it.

Common Personality Questions Asked in a Job Interview

The personality questions in a job interview help the employer understand your personal qualities, values, and work style. They help assess whether you are a good team player and fit well with the company culture.

What are your strengths and weaknesses? How do you handle stress?

Analyze your personal qualities and prepare examples to support your strengths. Be honest about your weaknesses and how you are working to improve them. Prepare specific examples where you demonstrate effective handling of stressful situations. Learn more about how to address strengths and weaknesses questions in a job interview.

Questions about Your Motivation

With questions about motivation in a job interview, the interviewer can find out what motivates you and what your career goals are. They help assess whether your ambitions align with the company's skills and direction.

Where do you see yourself in five years? What motivates you in your work?

Before going to the job interview, think about your long-term career goals and how this position can help you achieve them. Identify the key factors that motivate you and connect them with the opportunities the company offers.

Job-Specific Questions Frequently Asked in Interviews

These refer to the specific knowledge and skills required to perform the tasks of the position. They help assess your professional competence.

Tell us about your experiences with [specific technology/process]. How do you usually approach technical issues?

Review your professional resume and prepare examples that demonstrate your knowledge and skills. Be prepared to discuss specific projects and tasks you have undertaken, highlighting your role and accomplishments.

Teamwork Questions

With teamwork questions, an assessment is made of how you react to different situations, how you can solve problems, and how well you can work in a team. They are asked to understand how you behaved in the past and how you could behave in the future.

Tell us about a situation where you had to resolve a conflict in a team. How did you deal with challenging projects?

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for structured answers.
Prepare examples from your past that show how you resolved conflicts and mastered difficult tasks.

Questions about Expectations

Questions about expectations in a job interview help employers understand your professional and personal expectations for working at the company. This way, companies can assess if your expectations align with the opportunities at the company.

What are your expectations for the work environment? Which leadership style suits you best?

Name your key expectations for the workplace, such as working conditions, company culture, and leadership style. Be prepared to explain why these expectations are important for your performance and job satisfaction.

The answers to these questions allow the employer to get a comprehensive view of you as an applicant and help determine if you are well-suited for the position and the company as a whole. Your preparation will determine whether you can win over the interviewer.

After the Job Interview: Steps you can take to increase your chances of success after the job interview

There are some additional steps you can take after the job interview to significantly increase your chances of landing the desired position. Here is a brief description of the possible steps.

Sending a Thank-You Note

Send a thank-you note to your interviewer no later than one day after the interview. This is an appreciative email thanking them for their time and the opportunity to meet and reaffirming your desire to work in the company. By doing this, you show that you are polite and interested in the position. Only a few applicants do this. Those who do, leave a positive impression.

An example of a thank-you note:

Dear Mr./Ms. (Interviewer's Name),

Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the open position for (Job Title) in your company. It was a pleasure to learn more about your team and your projects. I am very interested in this position and believe that my skills and experiences will be of great value to your company. I look forward to hearing your feedback.

Best regards

(Your Name)

Preparing Additional Materials

If additional documents or materials were mentioned during the interview (e.g., portfolio, references, or work samples), send them as soon as possible. By doing this, you demonstrate that you are organized and ready to collaborate.

An example of a cover letter for such documents:

Dear Mr./Ms. (Interviewer's Name),

As discussed during the interview, I am sending you my portfolio/recommendations/work samples. I hope they will assist you in your decision-making process. If you have any further questions, please let me know.

Best regards

(Your Name)

Staying in Touch

One week after the job interview, you can send a polite email to inquire about the status of your application. By doing this, you demonstrate your interest and remind the interviewer of your presence.

Sample letter:

Dear Mr./Ms. (Interviewer's Name),

I hope you are doing well. May I kindly inquire about the status of my application for the position of (Job Title). If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am very interested in the opportunity to work in your team and look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards
(Your Name)

Analyzing the Job Interview

After the job interview, it is useful to conduct a self-analysis. Remember which questions were challenging for you and which aspects of your experience were particularly interesting to the interviewer. This way, you can better prepare for future job interviews and improve your self-presentation skills.

Improve your skills

If it turns out during the job interview that you lack certain skills or knowledge, you should work on improving them. This may include online courses, seminars, or workshops. Getting a job offer shows the employer that you are willing to continue developing.

Look for additional opportunities

Continue actively searching for other positions, even if you think your job interview went well. This helps you maintain a positive attitude and avoid disappointment in case of a negative response.

After the job interview, don't just sit around. Send a thank-you note, prepare additional documents, stay in touch with the interviewer, analyze your mistakes, and improve your skills. These actions will help you make a positive impression and significantly increase your chances of getting the desired job.