Career Center – Interview Guide

By asking specific questions, companies aim to gain an insight into the candidate’s skills. Do they show initiative? Are they willing to take risks and adaptable? What insight do they have into human nature, and how do they behave towards others?

In addition to the answers, which should be backed up with illustrative examples, attention is paid to the interviewee’s facial expressions, body language and demeanour.

But you, too, can ask the company questions. This will allow you to demonstrate that you have given the company some thought. Make the most of this opportunity and prepare your questions carefully.

Opening remarks/welcome

• Introduction and welcome to the panellists
• Small talk to break the ice; people often use their interests or their journey to the meeting as a starting point
• You may wish to accept the offer of a drink

The applicant’s personal circumstances

• Brief summary of the CV
• Family situation
• Interests

School/Education

• Reasons for choosing a degree programme or changing degree programmes
• Duration of the studies
• Reasons for moving house

Career-related questions

• Why are you making an application to our company?
• Why did you submit an application for the advertised vacancy?
• What are your expectations of the future role or the company?
• Why are you the right candidate?
• Where would you like to be professionally in 5 years’ time?
• Why did you make that decision, as stated in your CV?
• Which tasks do you enjoy doing, and which do you enjoy less?
• Do you enjoy working as part of a team?
• How would you describe yourself?
• How would your friends describe you?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What has been your greatest achievement so far in your life?
• What has been the hardest decision you’ve ever had to make?
• What difficult situation have you managed to resolve recently?
• What do you expect from your line manager or colleagues?
• How do you deal with criticism?
• What human qualities do you value?
• What is important for your job satisfaction?
• What are your career goals?
• How open and flexible are you when it comes to change?
• For women: What are your plans for the future?
• What’s your view on overtime?
• Would you move to a different town for your job?
• What are your salary expectations?
• Why should we hire you in particular?

• It’s perfectly fine to prepare the questions in writing.
• What does the role involve in detail?
• Has the post been newly created, or is it being filled, and why?
• Is there a job description or a description of the duties involved?
• What decision-making powers are associated with the post?
• How is induction carried out, and who is responsible for it?
• Who is my line manager?
• Who are my colleagues?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and further training?
• What do you expect of me?
• What goals should I aim to achieve in the first (half) year?
• What sort of job is available to me?
• Where is my workplace?
• When will you make a decision? Will there be a second interview?

Referring to the terms and conditions (optional)

• What are the rules on working hours and overtime?
• How many days’ holiday am I entitled to?
• When is the earliest possible start date?
• How long is the probationary period?
• Is the employment contract fixed-term or permanent?
• Starting salary?
• What social security benefits are available?
• Is there a pension scheme?
• Are there any field assignments or postings abroad planned?

If you are asked inappropriate questions, you should remain friendly as a candidate. The company may be testing whether you can remain professional in a stressful situation. However, you are not obliged to answer these questions truthfully, and the company, for its part, is not exactly presenting itself as a reputable employer.

• Questions about race, origin and ethnicity
• Questions about family planning, marriage and pregnancy
• Questions about membership of a political party, trade union or church (unless you are making an application for a job there)
• Questions about illnesses
• Questions about criminal records, financial circumstances and most recent salary