We have listed a couple of examples that unfortunately keep happening in the application practice.
How embarrassing: The candidate does not know the name of the conversation partner anymore and the receptionist has to call everyone in the HR department in order to find the right person. This can be avoided very easily by taking the invitation letter with you and having a quick look at it before you enter the building.
Recruiters often ask questions like "What do you already know about the company?" One day a candidate answered - during a job interview with the market leader in consultancy software: " You do the same as the company X, but they are the market leader". You should also think about the job for which you apply, and make sure you have an idea about what the tasks are and the reason why you are the ideal candidate for this job.
"Well I would build up the sales documents totally differently and your company logo is not really beautiful. I have also had a look at your internet presentation and think that a lot of things can be improved." Recruiters often want to know your ideas and your feedback, but don't start criticizing the company. You want to work for that company, so be positive.
If your interviewer wants you to explain what you learned in your computer course, you probably have mentioned a certain training in your CV. Make sure you know right away what he or she is talking about and don't ask: "Where did you read that?"
Many candidates prepare themselves very conscientiously for the job interview by not only reading application guidebooks but literally learning them by heart. Remember that they can only be a guideline and are not an exact science. Don't force yourself to mention these statements in the job interview only because they are said to be very beneficial. You should stand out of the crowd and give an interesting and original presentation about yourself, not a standard one.
When being asked "Why did you apply for a job at our company?/ Why do you feel attracted by the vacancy?" many candidates start being impolite about their current company. They say things like "My boss does not appreciate what I do" or "I don't get along with my colleagues". Try to explain why you don't like your current job in a positive way. It is not always easy to explain why you don't like your job or why you left a company, after all you would not apply for the job if you were happy with your current job. Try to talk as much as possible about the future, this will help you finding the right words.
You have to know very well who you are and what you want to be able to convince a recruiter. Someone who does not find answers to questions about professional successes, personal strengths and weaknesses or motivation, is not only said to be badly prepared but also unqualified. You have to be able to present your career fluently and well structured - and this does not mean to only list the facts! Prepare answers to the most current questions and practice in front of your friends or family if you are not sure about yourself.
Candidates show interest when asking questions about the company.Generally they will be encouraged to do so at the end of the interview. Unfortunately most people cannot think of any questions at that time. Prepare questions but do not focus too much on them. It shows your ability to listen well, when you ask questions about things that came up during the interview. Your questions should also be important with regard to your job. One who only wants to know whether there is a canteen or if overtime has to be done very often, will definitely not leave a good impression.
To help you we give you an overview of the most frequently asked questions during job interviews:
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It's a well-known fact: being called to an interview is just one step in the job-hunting process. Here are a few tips to help you negotiate this minefield.
