Austria: Interview Conduct
November 19, 2018
By GoinGlobal
Punctuality is of the utmost importance in Austria. One who arrives on time gives the impression that they are orderly, detailed and can handle business projects. Make sure to arrive a few minutes early for the interview. If you are delayed for any reason, call ahead and inform the company immediately.
Austrians are well known for their good manners and courtesy. They are a conservative people who value moderate behavior. Greet the interviewer(s) with a handshake. Maintain a distance of an arm’s length when speaking. To come closer is considered impolite and an invasion of a person’s personal space. Shake hands again at the end of the interview.
Hand gestures or excessive talking are not appreciated. Maintain direct eye contact, which shows that you are interested in the conversation. Do not appear submissive. Austrian employers seek individuals who are self-assured but certainly not boastful, and open and polite yet moderate in their behavior.
People you meet when entering the building or office or while waiting may also be included in the decision-making process. Make sure to be friendly and proper with everyone you meet. It is also important to use the formal Sie form of address with everybody, including the receptionist and janitor, until invited to use the informal Du.
Titles are especially important. Address the interviewer(s) by their professional title(s), if applicable, and surname, such as ‘Herr Doktor Schulz.’ If they have a university degree, address them as magister followed by their surname. Use Doktor if they have a PhD. In fact, it is not uncommon to address an individual with more than one professional title, such as ‘Herr Professor Doktor Schulz.’ (If you get confused about which title to say first, just look at the business card.) If you use the wrong title or no title at all, it can mean the end of the interview. Some interviewers, however, might offer to be addressed without their academic titles.