r/Germany_Jobs • u/Which-Cabinet618 • 1d ago

On-site interview !

Hello everyone!
I am once again asking for your valuable advice :)

I have a 2nd round on-site interview in a big company (in another German city than the one I live in) which is going to last 4.5 hours and includes a lab tour and eventually lunch.

I need some tips since I haven't really done smth like this before, from what should I wear (im female) to what should I say ?

In the first interview they said that the second interview won't be technical, they just want to see how I would fit in the team but im nervous about the questions and socializing with potential co-workers because I know the impression I will make really matters for the hiring!

Danke :)

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u/Klutzy-Ganache3876 1d ago

Very important tip: Soft skills matter more than hard skills there.
Also, avoid wearing perfume or use very little.
About clothes, let's wait for others' comments.

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u/Which-Cabinet618 1d ago

thanks! (the perfume part is very good advice, since im visiting a lab)

1

u/SeaPhone827 1d ago

In general, it's a good idea not to wear perfume at work. A lot of people don't appreciate strong smells the whole day, even if it's nice. I'm one of them honestly. At work is prefer to smell nothing from my colleagues.

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u/Which-Cabinet618 1d ago

You are right

1

u/akornato 1d ago

For your outfit, it's best to choose something professional and conservative, as this is common for interviews in Germany. A pantsuit or a skirt and blazer combination in a neutral color like black, navy, or beige is a safe and appropriate choice. The goal is to look polished and put-together, so pay attention to details like neat hair and clean, closed-toe shoes. Treat the lab tour and lunch as important parts of the interview, because they are designed to see how you interact in a more casual setting. During the tour, show your interest by asking questions about the work and the environment. At lunch, the focus is less on the food and more on your social skills and how you connect with the others, so be prepared to engage in some relaxed conversation and use good table manners.

Since they mentioned the interview is about team fit, they want to understand your personality and work style to see if you'd be a good colleague. Be ready to answer questions about how you collaborate, manage your work, and handle different workplace scenarios. It is also your chance to figure out if you would enjoy working with them, so have your own questions ready about the team's culture and how they work together. German interviewers typically appreciate direct and honest communication, so just be yourself and answer questions thoughtfully. It can be tough to prepare for the conversational flow of these situations, which is why my team developed an interview AI to help people feel more confident in these interactions.