To ensure that the interview is a complete success, the following points should be avoided:

• Showing up late for a job interview
• Unkempt appearance and inappropriate outfit (chic but not too chic)
• Do not interrupt or interrupt the other person
• Don't beat about the bush: get to the point quickly in your answers
• Do not lie, but answer the questions truthfully
• Do not criticize and/or make disparaging remarks about current or former employers

In order to prevent such missteps and to be able to practise the "do's" accordingly, interview preparation is the be-all and end-all!

The self-presentation interview is still part of the standard program. But what does this mean and why is it done? And more importantly, what is expected and how can you score points with recruiters? Briefly explained: A self-presentation is a verbal introduction of yourself.

First of all, it should be noted here that preparation is also the be-all and end-all when it comes to the self-presentation for the interview. Spontaneity is not recommended here, as you run the risk of digressing (for example, not every point from your CV must/should be mentioned, but only those that are relevant or interesting for the vacancy/company) or getting stuck.

The self-presentation interview offers applicants the opportunity to present themselves well orally and be convincing. The self-presentation offers the personnel/recruiters a kind of opportunity to check the written documents already submitted by the candidate, such as the letter of application and the CV. They have presumably already formed a picture here, which they now want to round off with the personal impression. Any inconsistencies between the presentation and the application, as well as any gaps that have not yet been noticed, can also be localized with the self-presentation in the interview. The presentation also serves to make a personal impression and to assess your personality.

The job interview is a great opportunity and should therefore be well prepared. There are a few points to bear in mind when preparing for a job interview:

• Confirm appointment for the interview
• Gather information about the company and the vacancy, including annual reports, profit and turnover figures, number of employees, etc. Attention should be paid to the trustworthiness of the source.
• Preparing a self-presentation for a job interview
• Thinking through questions and possible answers
• Formulate queries, for example on the topic of duration, salary, tasks, job history, working hours, development opportunities, etc.
• Put together an application folder, this "companion" consists of the invitation, name and telephone number of the contact person, job advertisement, copy of personal application documents, note sheets, information about the company (preferably compiled in tabular form), questions for the employer.
• Put together an outfit (should be adapted to the industry)
• Find out how to get there and allow enough time for the journey by public transport or car

The self-presentation interview is an important tool for applicants to promote themselves orally and directly to decision-makers. The personal presentation usually only lasts a few minutes and should therefore be prepared accordingly in order to score points in the best possible way.

The following points belong in a self-presentation interview:

• Name, age, origin
• Training incl. focus areas
• Practical work experience
• Learning successes, projects and graduation
• Personal interests

It is important to show the connection to the company!

Depending on the situation, aids (e.g. Power Point, flip chart) may be allowed in the self-presentation, in which case it can be somewhat creative. It is best to find out about this in advance during preparation.

The self-presentation interview should also be practiced: You can talk through it once in front of the mirror, recite it to a colleague or record yourself and see how you come across.

The interview process is not usually structured - but the same topics are often discussed, for example:

• Welcome and introduction of the persons present
• Presentation of the company and the vacancy or position to be filled, its tasks, etc.
• Self-presentation of the applicant
• Suitability questions from the persons present to the candidate
• Opportunity for the candidate to ask questions (e.g. about career prospects or salary, etc.)
• Information on the next steps
• Farewell