Véronique Beltz (www.PeopleEdge.ch) is a career coach specializing in helping technical managers make successful cross border moves. Sandy Weiner asked her about the cultural subtleties international professionals need to be aware of to interview successfully in Germany.

Véronique, I understand that you work with clients in many parts of Europe. Have you noticed that there is a different style of interviewing from country to country?

There are major differences, indeed, in the way interviews are conducted in various countries. The first difference occurs even before you get to the interview. In France or the UK, for instance, your first contact, most likely with the HR administrator, will be by telephone to schedule the face-to-face interview. In Germany, on the other hand, you are more likely to receive a formal letter or e-mail requesting your presence for the interview on a specific date and time. The German process seems slightly more rigid, although it is only a different approach. You will find the HR person to be accommodating if you need to change the time; however, be prepared to encounter slightly less flexibility.

Also, arriving “on time” in Germany means being there around 10 minutes early so as to start the interview exactly at the hour specified. In France, especially in Paris, you might be 15 minutes late and still have to wait for the interviewer.

I still strongly recommend arriving on time! If you cannot help being late, call to let them know!

Handshakes are usual and similar in all countries. Wait for the interviewers to put forward a hand first. It gives them a chance to show that they are leading the process. In Germany, the grip should be strong, but not overpowering.

How you address interviewers is very significant. In the USA, nearly everyone uses first names. In France and in the UK, you might be called by your first name. In Germany, it is common courtesy to always use your last name and Mr. or Mrs. During conversations, you will always be referred to by whatever title you hold and your last name. While this sounds a lot more formal than someone coming from outside the culture may be used to (especially if the interview is being conducted in English), it is important to accept this formality, not feel uncomfortable and return the same courtesy to the interviewer. If, as happens on occasion, the interviewer offers or starts to call you by your first name, then you may do the same.

Titles are very important. If your interviewer holds a doctorate, call him/her Herr Dr. Smith/Frau Dr. Smith. If you also have a doctorate, there is no need to address your interviewer as a Dr., too, as in this matter you are peers. A person may hold two doctorates; in this case you mention the highest title e.g. Frau Prof. Smith.

Can you share some tips about interviewing Germany?

Prepare well. Do your homework beforehand. Find out as much as you can about the company, the position and the competition. While these recommendations hold true for any country, I have noticed that applicants find their interviews far more successful in Germany when they can really show not only that they have the required skills, but also that they have taken the time to get to know the company they are interested in.

From the onset of the interview, Germans tend to be more direct and to go straight to the subject, whereas in other countries quite a bit of time may be spent on small talk. In Germany, you will be asked for hard facts, and the interview will be very well structured. It is important to know your facts and answer the questions directly.

You can gain an interview advantage by preparing a couple of good questions. At times I have found the quality and the sharpness of the question more important than the answer and the information you can get out of it. Your questions give the interviewer a sense of how interested and thorough you are.

One important thing to remember: never exaggerate. Respond to questions precisely and honestly.

If you are nervous, admit it. That can break the ice for everyone and allow you to move forward more relaxed.

Some applicants, when they are nervous, relax by telling jokes. How is this received in Germany?
Avoid jokes at the beginning, unless your mother tongue is the same as the interviewer’s. Humor can be very sensitive, and it is hard to get across in a foreign language, making it easy to blunder and moving the focus of the interview in the wrong direction. Also, do not assume that, because they all speak the same language, Swiss, German and Austrian people think the same way or have the same cultural orientation. They are all unique cultures, and have various subcultures throughout the countries as well, in perhaps the same way as the USA and Canada, with their various states and provinces.

Does it matter how you dress for an interview? Would you dress differently for an interview with HR than with the head of the department, for example?

Dress in strict business attire regardless of who you are meeting. I recommend that you wear clothes you are comfortable in. If brand new clothes make you feel self-conscious and distract you, wear something you feel more relaxed in, but still appropriate. Be yourself. If, for example, you normally wear cufflinks, wear them at your interview, too. For ladies, the usual tips apply: formal and not too short skirts, even if you feel comfortable in them. Avoid heavy perfumes and ostentatious jewelry.

Véronique, any final closing techniques or hints you can share with us?

Just before the end of the interview, ask your interviewers for honest feedback regarding the interview; or whether there is an area where they still have questions or concerns. This gives you a fantastic opportunity to re-emphasize what you have done and correct any misunderstanding, as well as to shed a light on areas where they still have doubts.

Do ask them what the next steps are and when you can expect to hear from them.

After the interview, what is an appropriate next step?
Send a card or an e-mail to thank them for the time spent interviewing you. Emphasize once more that you are interested (if you are) in the job and why you believe you are the right person for it. If you agreed on a next step, remind them of this step (either you agreed to call them or they will get in touch).

Are there other issues or pitfalls that applicants should be aware of?

Written job references are extremely important. HR departments will ask for them, and if they are not available, may call your previous employer. Do not attempt to conceal the truth about a previous position, as if found out, you would be eliminated from the running immediately.

About Author

Sandy Weiner, Master Certified Coach, Career Management Fellow, is a partner in the firm 1-Focus International, a coaching and organization enhancement firm. She is an American living in Berlin, working with clients internationally to help them be their best. For information regarding coaching contact http://www.1-focus.org or sandy.weiner@one-focus.org, with “re:goinglobal” in the subject field.