Guide
Job interview: questions that often come up
What companies want to know, how to prepare and which questions you can ask yourself.
An invitation to an interview means: your dossier convinced them. Now the company wants to get to know you. Nobody expects perfect answers. What matters is that you are honest and show interest.
Preparation
- Read your own cover letter again. People often refer to it.
- Look at the company's website. What does it do, how many people work there?
- Think about how you will get there, and plan extra time.
- Choose clothes that are clean and suit the occupation. You do not have to dress up as someone else.
Questions that often come up
"Tell us about yourself."
Two or three sentences are enough: school, what interests you, why this occupation. You do not have to recite your whole CV, it is just a way to get started.
"Why this occupation?"
This is where experiences from your taster placement help. What did you do, what did you like?
"Why our company?"
Show that you have found out about it. An honest "I did a taster placement with you and felt good in the team" is a good answer too.
"What are your strengths and weaknesses?"
Name a strength with an example. For the weakness: pick something real that is not at the core of the occupation, and say what you do about it. "I am sometimes impatient. That is why I make a list for bigger tasks."
"How are your grades?"
Stay honest. If a grade is weak, say what you are working on.
"What do you do in your free time?"
There are no wrong answers here. Companies like to see that you commit to something.
Tip: Practise the questions out loud with someone. What sounds good in your head often sounds quite different when spoken.
Your own questions
At the end you are often asked: "Do you have any questions?" Never just say no. Good questions are for example:
- What does a normal day look like for apprentices at your company?
- Who will look after me during the apprenticeship?
- How many apprentices do you have, and can I talk to one of them?
- Is it possible to do the vocational baccalaureate?
- When can I expect a decision?
Afterwards
Thank them for the interview at the end. The next day you can write a short email: thank you for your time, and that you are still very interested.
If you hear nothing after the agreed time, you may follow up in a friendly way. That is not pushy. It shows that you are serious.