Job Application Tips for Germany

As Manager Talent Acquisition in Germany, Dennis Nautze interviews numerous candidates every week. What are the most important questions candidates should prepare for? Dennis gives some recommendations and insights into what questions might be asked in an interview. The most important point: Candidates will know best, what they want to share in an interview, but Dennis always suggests being yourself.

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Dennis, is a cover letter still necessary and if so, what does it need to include?

Definitely, yes, a cover letter is an important document for every application. The challenge of the cover letter is to highlight why we should have a first conversation. The document should have a clear structure: For the introduction, I like to understand the motivation of the candidate. How did you come across our opportunity? What is your current situation? Why would you like to change it? In the main part, it is important to focus on the position you are applying for, providing examples of what qualifies you to fulfill the requirements of the position. Furthermore, explain why you would like to work for Sartorius in this position and what you could contribute to our success.

For whatever reason, it is very common to just repeat the content of the CV in an essay format. I cannot recommend this. Ask yourself how the cover letter adds value to the information - compared to the other documents you are provide.

What is the best way to prepare for the interview?

Always prepare with the position and the company in mind. For example: Would you be responsible for a specific product line? Inform yourself about those products – e.g. on our website or YouTube channel. Think of your experiences and how those could contribute to be successful in the job and add value to the company’s goals. Ideally, you have specific examples ready: Tell me about projects or tasks where you have shown your capabilities in the past.

What’s also important: Be yourself during the interview. For us at Sartorius, it is important to create an open atmosphere that reflects our company values. It is always a conversation on equal footing. After all, you are applying for a job at our company, but we are also applying for you. Are you nervous about gaps in the CV, changing fields or unfinished degrees and may not want to share that? Of course, you know best, what you would like to share with us, but I always recommend being yourself. I am sure there are explanations if you have taken detours in your career – and I’d love to understand these and get to know you. It is better to create a trust-based interview environment than trying to hide yourself.

It is better to create a trust-based interview environment than trying to hide yourself.

Dennis Nautze, Manager Talent Acquisition Group, Göttingen, Germany

What questions should candidates prepare for in the job interview?

Every interview is different and of course it depends on what kind of role you are applying for. If I had to sum it up: 

• Your current situation: What is your motivation to change? What do you expect from the new role and from us as an organization?
• The position itself: What is your understanding of the role?
• Self-reflection: What was feedback you received, or a situation you experienced, that you were able to learn from?  How do you reflect on yourself in order to develop further personally?
• Future vision: Do you envision a development path and how does this position fit into that? Keep in mind: It is also okay to make small steps, everybody is different, and I encourage you to be transparent here when you did not think of long-term career goals yet.
• Conditions and start: Be prepared to answer the question about your salary expectation and your availability.
• Your questions: Prepare questions you want to clarify. We will be able to clarify some questions during our conversation, but there might be open points you will be able to ask about at the end. It shows that you are interested and prepared.

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