Germany is at the very center of Europe, and therefore this country is very much influenced by other European cultures as well as partner countries. England and the United States have the greatest influence, so in many ways the cultural characteristics and rules of etiquette in the business sphere will be similar.
Before the interview, prepare at least 2-3 copies of your resume and cover letters in both English and German. Being thorough and attentive is the first thing German employers pay attention to.
If you did not get to the interview on time, keep in mind that your next appointment might take 3 to 4 months. In German companies HR managers have a very high workload and their appointments are scheduled several months in advance. Come on time and be punctual, then you will have a chance of getting a job.
Dress code: strict and tidy, should fit the position you are applying for. Choose pastel colors of clothing, avoid unnecessary accents, jewelry and perfume. It’s important to dress presentably, even if the interview will be via video conference.
When you have already arrived at the meeting, you will be greeted by a human resources officer – you can talk for a couple of minutes about the weather or whether you have been looking for the road for a long time. Handshakes are not customary everywhere in Germany, so when you say hello, wait until your interlocutor extends his hand first.
If you are met by a secretary, be polite to him or her – don’t underestimate their importance, as even the secretary can have an impact on the outcome of your interview.
During the interview, do not ask the interviewer too much detail – ask questions rarely but accurately, only about the most important aspects. By the way, here, as in the U.S., is a very strict issue of discrimination – you will not be asked about politics, religion or marital status.
During your story, you can use a board with chalk or a projector – take these options into account to prepare more thoroughly. Also, be sure to bring a notebook, so you can write down important points and questions you would like to ask the interviewee while he presents the company to the employer. This approach is also commendable.
After the interview, it is customary in Germany to say when the job seeker should expect a response about the results of the meeting.
The basis of any business in Germany is accuracy, attention to detail, high quality services and products. Therefore, if you have decided to apply for a job in a German company, it is important to take these characteristics into account and present yourself accordingly.
