{"id":64127,"date":"6. January 2024 <\/span> Personnel planning <\/span> Recruiting <\/span> Working world","date_gmt":"2024-01-06T01:42:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teamhero.de\/how-do-i-conduct-a-job-interview-the-right-questions\/"},"modified":"2025-08-25T13:59:20","modified_gmt":"2025-08-25T11:59:20","slug":"how-do-i-conduct-a-job-interview-the-right-questions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teamhero.de\/en\/how-do-i-conduct-a-job-interview-the-right-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"How do I conduct a job interview? The right questions"},"content":{"rendered":"

How do I conduct an effective and meaningful job interview as an employer or recruiter? We offer a comprehensive checklist and a collection of relevant questions to help you get to know applicants better and make an informed decision. <\/span><\/p>\n

We look at every step of the job interview together. You will learn how you can use targeted questions in the interview to delve deeper into the candidate’s qualifications and experience and understand their personality and working methods. We will also clarify which questions are legally permissible and which should be avoided. <\/span><\/p>\n

With this guide, you are ideally equipped to conduct job interviews in a professional, structured and successful manner.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Interview<\/p>\n

The job interview: Not only important for applicants<\/span><\/h2>\n

The question “How do I conduct a job interview?” is of great importance for recruiters and companies. The interview offers a unique opportunity to assess the suitability of candidates from both a professional and corporate culture perspective. <\/span><\/p>\n

Assessment of professional suitability<\/span><\/h3>\n

The interview allows employers to delve deeper into candidates’ technical qualifications and professional experience. By asking good questions in the interview, they can develop a better understanding of the candidate’s skills and knowledge. <\/span><\/p>\n

Understanding of personality and working methods<\/span><\/h3>\n

An interview provides information about the applicant’s personality and working style. Employers can assess how well candidates fit into the team and whether their values and work ethic match the corporate culture. <\/span><\/p>\n

Avoidance of incorrect appointments<\/span><\/h3>\n

A bad hire can be costly, both financially and in terms of team dynamics. A thorough interview helps to minimize the risk of a bad hire by ensuring that the candidate not only has the required skills, but is also a good fit for the company. <\/span><\/p>\n

Employer branding<\/span><\/h3>\n

The job interview is also an opportunity for the company to present itself as an attractive employer. A professionally conducted interview can strengthen the company’s image and help attract top talent to the company. <\/span><\/p>\n

Long-term planning and development<\/span><\/h3>\n

The interview also allows employers to assess the long-term potential of candidates. They can assess how well applicants can develop and contribute to future company goals. This is particularly important for the <\/span>strategic personnel planning<\/span><\/a> and the promotion of junior managers.<\/span><\/p>\n

The structure of a successful job interview<\/span><\/h2>\n

A job interview is a crucial opportunity not only to get to know potential employees, but also to make a convincing impression as a company. This requires a structured approach. <\/span><\/p>\n

Preparation: The foundation for success<\/span><\/h3>\n

Preparation is the be-all and end-all. Think in advance about what questions you want to ask in the interview and what information you want to convey about the company and the vacancy. <\/span><\/p>\n

In the case of <\/span>pre-employment screening<\/span><\/a> you should observe the applicable rules and regulations.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read the application documents carefully and make a note of relevant points. Make sure that the room is suitably prepared for the interview and that all the necessary materials are available. <\/span><\/p>\n

Phase 1: Greeting and small talk<\/span><\/h3>\n

The <\/span>first impression<\/span><\/a> counts. Start the interview with a friendly greeting and some small talk. This helps to create a relaxed atmosphere and reduce the applicant’s nervousness. Ask how they got here or offer them something to drink. A relaxed start makes the transition to the more formal parts of the interview easier. <\/span><\/p>\n

Phase 2: Presentation of the company<\/span><\/h3>\n

Take the opportunity to introduce your company. Tell them something about the history, the corporate culture, the team and the specific tasks of the advertised position. This gives applicants a first impression and provides them with points of reference for their own questions. <\/span><\/p>\n

Phase 3: Questions for the applicants<\/span><\/h3>\n

Now is the time to ask applicants questions. These should cover professional qualifications as well as personal characteristics and motivation for the position. Ask about previous experience, strengths, weaknesses and professional goals. Avoid standard questions and strive for a real dialog. <\/span><\/p>\n

Phase 4: Self-presentation of the applicants<\/span><\/h3>\n

Ask the applicants to tell you something about themselves. This gives them the opportunity to present their career and qualifications in a coherent context. Pay attention to how they present themselves and which aspects of their personality and career they emphasize. <\/span><\/p>\n

Phase 5: Questions from the applicants<\/span><\/h3>\n

Give applicants the opportunity to ask their own questions. This shows their interest in the company and the position. Be prepared to answer their questions openly and honestly to give a clear picture of the job and the company. <\/span><\/p>\n

Phase 6: Concluding the conversation<\/span><\/h3>\n

At the end of the interview, you should explain the rest of the application process. Inform the applicants when they can expect to hear back from you. Thank them for their time and interest in your company. <\/span><\/p>\n

How to conduct a job interview: the right questions<\/span><\/h2>\n

Here is a selection of interview questions that will help you to better understand the applicant in various aspects:<\/span><\/p>\n

Questions about motivation and personality<\/span><\/h3>\n