Route and Punctuality
Before an in-person job interview, the route should be planned well in advance. Applicants should know the exact address of the company and gather information ahead of time about the best route. Depending on the mode of transportation (car, public transport), sufficient time reserves should be included for unforeseen delays, such as traffic jams or delays. Punctuality is a key factor in making a good first impression, and it is recommended to arrive at the company about 10 to 15 minutes before the appointment.
Prepare Documents
It is important to bring all relevant application documents to the interview. This includes the resume, cover letter, certificates, and possibly references. These should be well organized in a clean application folder. A notepad and a pen can also be useful for jotting down important information during the personal conversation. Some companies expect applicants to bring a printed version of their application documents, even if these are already available digitally.
Dress Code
The choice of clothing is particularly important before a personal job interview, as the first impression counts. The clothing should be clean, neat, and appropriate for the company and industry. In conservative sectors, like banking or administration, formal wear is appropriate. In creative or crafts professions, the style can be somewhat more casual, but it should always leave a professional impression.
Body Language in Direct Conversation
In a face-to-face job interview, body language plays a significant role. The first handshake should be firm, but not too strong. An upright posture and open eye contact signal self-confidence and interest. During the conversation, one should actively listen and occasionally nod to show attention. Nervous gestures, such as playing with one’s hands or frequent fidgeting, should be avoided in order to project calmness and control.
Preparation for the First Impression
The first impression begins as soon as one enters the company. Being friendly to the reception staff, giving a polite greeting, and showing respectful behavior signal professionalism and good manners to the potential employer. A candidate’s behavior in the waiting area can also be observed by employees, so a calm, relaxed demeanor is advantageous.
Practicing Greeting and Introduction
At the beginning of the conversation, a brief introduction round is typically conducted. Here, applicants should have prepared their self-presentation well. This involves introducing oneself briefly, summarizing one’s previous career path, and explaining why the desired apprenticeship aligns with one’s interests and abilities. This self-presentation should not last longer than one to two minutes and should be clearly structured.
Questions About the Company and Apprenticeship
Even during a personal interview, it is essential to have well-prepared questions about the company and the apprenticeship position. Such questions demonstrate interest and commitment. Suitable questions may relate to future tasks, the work environment, or opportunities for further training. Personal conversations often provide the opportunity to learn more about the working atmosphere and colleagues, which should be utilized through targeted questions.
Polite Farewell
The conclusion of the conversation is just as important as the beginning. Applicants should express their thanks politely and kindly, both to the interviewers and possibly again to the reception staff. A brief handshake (if appropriate in the current situation) and a final smile leave a positive last impression. Additionally, it is advisable to send a thank-you email after the job interview to reaffirm interest in the apprenticeship position.
Focus on Offline Communication
Since the interview takes place in a personal setting, applicants must concentrate on non-verbal signals and direct communication. This means speaking clearly and distinctly, paying attention to tone, and responding to the reactions of the other person. Personal discussions often provide more room for spontaneous questions, to which one should respond flexibly.
