The job interview

A clear picture of the employer and the advertised position is appreciated and sometimes even requested in job interviews.

Obtaining comprehensive information in advance is worthwhile in several respects: you come across as prepared and motivated, you can save yourself redundant questions that have already been answered by your research and you can make a note of any points that remain unanswered, which you can pick up on in the interview. Asking questions shows interest.  

General information about the company can primarily be found on the company website and on social media channels. First of all, you should get an overview of the sector in which the company operates and which products or services are offered. It is also beneficial to know the company's goals and values, which ideally match your own. 

The history and structure of the company are also relevant - it is advisable to research when and by whom the company was founded, what levels and business areas there are and how many people are employed. If the company has several locations, you should at least have an overview of these. 

The most important information is listed in the job advertisement, which you should definitely save so that you can access it later if it is taken offline. In addition to the general conditions, such as place of work, number of hours, salary and starting date, the field of activity is particularly relevant. Read the tasks in the job advertisement carefully and use them to describe the day-to-day work. You can take any open questions with you to the interview - e.g. z. For example, which programs are used, how big the team is or which projects are planned. You may also find information about the number of colleagues, the culture and the level of the job in the job advertisement. Otherwise, a look at the website can reveal further details.

A convincing first impression in a job interview is not only the result of what is said but also depends heavily on body language and general appearance - even small signals can make the difference and lay the foundation for a successful interview.

Good preparation begins before the interview: Find out about your interviewer in advance (e.g. via LinkedIn and Google) and make sure you know the exact address of the company so that you can plan your journey in good time and ensure that you arrive on time - ideally five minutes before the agreed appointment. Think about what you want to wear on the day of the interview. Choose an outfit that suits the atmosphere of the company and in which you feel comfortable. You will look particularly well organized if you bring a notebook with your prepared questions to the interview, in which you can jot down important points in between. 

An open, self-confident attitude is crucial in a conversation. Stand up when greeting the interviewer, shake their hand and thank them for the invitation. Make sure you make natural, regular eye contact to signal interest and attention. As body language reveals a lot about your attitude, you should avoid crossed arms or hunched shoulders, as this makes you appear defensive or insecure. An upright, relaxed posture and an open, approachable demeanor have a positive effect on your charisma. 

Start your self-introduction with an overview of your education and professional career - preferably in chronological order from your first experiences to your current position. Emphasize the skills that are particularly important for the job you are applying for. Make sure that the introduction does not last longer than ten minutes and address relevant topics.

A well-chosen outfit contributes significantly to a positive first impression and should therefore be carefully considered.

The style of dress that is appropriate for the interview also depends on the respective industry or corporate culture. In conservative sectors, a formal look is required: men ideally wear a suit and tie, while women choose a trouser suit or a shift dress, for example. In most cases, however, the smart-casual look is the safe choice. As a general rule, the balance between a smart appearance and comfort is crucial in order to appear both professional and relaxed and to radiate self-confidence. 

Being convincing in a job interview means not only providing good answers but also asking the right questions. T

hese questions, for which time is usually allowed at the end of the interview, are an excellent opportunity to find out more about the position and the working environment. At the same time, you signal your serious interest in the job and show that you would like to expand on the content of the job advertisement and the interview. 

Examples of such questions could be What projects and goals are planned for the coming months or years? What challenges would I face in the role? What do you want from your future team member? What personal skills are advantageous for the position? What does day-to-day work typically look like? How does the team communicate, are there regular meetings? Which programs or systems are used? Please feel free to explain your question(s). 

Once you have answered your substantive questions, you can then discuss the general conditions such as working hours and resources, benefits such as working from home and flexi-time, and remuneration. This is a good time to ask about the further course of the application process, such as whether a second round or final feedback is planned. 

At the end of the interview, it is important to emphasize your motivation once again and leave a lasting impression.

Thank them for the invitation and inquire about the next steps. Let the interviewee know that you look forward to hearing back from them and are happy to answer any questions they may have. A short, friendly email a few days later in which you thank them again for the interview and the insights and continue to express your interest in the position can reinforce this positive impression. If you have not heard back after the agreed deadline, you can politely ask if there are any updates on the decision. This continues to show your interest in the position. 

In Austria, it is now common practice to start application processes with virtual interviews.

This is convenient for applicants, as time-consuming travel can be avoided. However, a face-to-face meeting is often desired in later phases, such as the final round of interviews or when getting a taste of the company. Since the Covid pandemic, many companies have become much more flexible and are increasingly relying on hybrid models that combine virtual and face-to-face interviews. 

TIp: Make it clear in the application documents if you are still abroad and the application process should therefore take place remotely! 

Tip: For a successful performance in online job interviews, it makes sense to test the video program, camera and microphone in advance and to ensure a quiet environment, a neutral background and optimal lighting. 

In addition to the points already described in the interview section, there are some additional aspects to consider during the virtual interview: 

Tip: If your internet connection is weak (e.g. pixelated image, delayed sound transmission), use your cell phone for a hotspot. If you are unsure whether the connection is sufficient or the technology works, make a short test call with a friend or family member beforehand. 

Despite the best preparation, problems can arise. Make a note of the contact details (telephone number or e-mail address) of the contact person so that you can get in touch quickly or offer an alternative in the event of a technical failure. 

If you are conducting a virtual job interview on your cell phone, it is particularly important to check the technical details in advance. Hold your phone horizontally during the call, as a picture in landscape format fits better with the recruiter's desktop screen and therefore looks more professional. In any case, it is important that your face and upper body are clearly visible so that facial expressions and gestures are easily recognizable to your interviewer.

Tips: 

• Research the company and the job 
• Define clear and realistic salary expectations Prepare common questions for applicants, note down your own questions 
• Pay attention to clothing, body language and expression 
• Anticipate the requirement for knowledge of German