Career Guide

Interview Preparation

Common questions and tips for German job interviews

Before the Interview — Checklist

Research the company and its products/services
Review your CV thoroughly
Prepare specific examples of your achievements
Practice in front of a mirror or with a friend
Arrive 10-15 minutes before the appointment
Dress formally or semi-formally
Bring copies of your CV and certificates
Prepare questions to ask the interviewer

Most Common Questions with Answer Tips

1

Erzählen Sie von sich.

💡 Introduce yourself professionally: your education, experience, and why you're applying. 2-3 minutes is enough.

2

Was sind Ihre Stärken und Schwächen?

💡 Weakness: mention a real point but one you're working to improve. Example: 'I sometimes focus too much on details, but I'm learning to prioritize.'

3

Warum möchten Sie bei uns arbeiten?

💡 Research the company beforehand and mention something specific you admire — a project, company culture, or values.

4

Wo sehen Sie sich in 5 Jahren?

💡 Show realistic ambition aligned with the company's path. Avoid mentioning goals unrelated to the position.

5

Was sind Ihre Gehaltsvorstellungen?

💡 Research average salaries in your field beforehand. Offer a range, not a fixed number.

6

Haben Sie noch Fragen?

💡 Always ask questions! Example: 'What does the onboarding process look like?' or 'What do you value about the team culture?'

Questions Interviewers Cannot Legally Ask in Germany

Pregnancy, religion, political or sexual orientation. You have the legal right to refuse to answer these questions.