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The job interview is a decisive moment in your application process. It’s your opportunity to showcase your best self and convince the company of your suitability for the role. To help you prepare effectively, check out our previous article on interview preparation. In this article, we’ll provide valuable tips on how to conduct yourself professionally during the interview and avoid common pitfalls, ensuring you leave a lasting and positive impression.


1. First Impressions Matter: Greeting and Body Language

The opening moments of an interview are crucial, as this is often when the HR professional forms their first impression of you. Ensure a friendly and professional greeting with a firm handshake and a warm smile to exude confidence and approachability. Your body language should convey positivity and enthusiasm for the role.

Our Tip: Sit upright, face your interviewer, and keep your hands relaxed in your lap while placing your feet slightly angled. Avoid crossing your arms, as this can appear defensive or closed-off.


2. Self-Presentation: Your Chance to Shine

During the first few minutes, you’ll have the opportunity to introduce yourself. This is a critical phase to showcase your qualifications and achievements. Keep your introduction concise and structured: provide a three-to-five-minute summary of your career path, highlighting key experiences and successes. Use specific examples to demonstrate your strengths and emphasize your suitability for the position. Make sure your presentation is authentic and to the point.

Our tip: Practice your elevator pitch—what would you say to someone if you only had the duration of an elevator ride to impress them?


3. Asking the Right Questions

A job interview is not just a chance for the employer to get to know you—it’s also your opportunity to learn more about the company and the role. Demonstrate your interest by asking thoughtful questions about the company culture, growth opportunities, or the position's goals. This shows your enthusiasm and preparation. Avoid asking about salary or vacation too early; these topics are best left to the employer to bring up.


4. Conduct During the Interview: Stay Calm and Be Authentic

Interviews can sometimes be challenging, especially when faced with unexpected or difficult questions. It’s essential to remain calm and focused in these moments. If you need a moment to think, don’t hesitate to take it. Ensure your answers are clear and structured, highlighting your skills and willingness to grow.

Avoid speaking negatively about past employers or colleagues. Even if your experiences weren’t always positive, present them diplomatically and focus on what you learned. Emphasize how these lessons can benefit your new role.


5. A Professional Close: Leave a Lasting Impression

The end of the interview is just as important as the beginning. Often, interviews conclude with the question, “Is there anything you’d like to add?” Use this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and thank the interviewer for their time. A courteous and professional closing—such as asking about the next steps—rounds off the conversation on a positive note. Even if you feel the interview wasn’t perfect, always leave with a respectful goodbye and a smile.


A job interview is your chance to highlight your skills and demonstrate your interest in the role and the company. Remember, practice makes perfect! No one is born an expert, and rehearsing an interview can help improve your confidence and communication skills. Stay authentic and show that you have the right abilities and motivation for the position. After the interview, take time to reflect on what went well and identify areas for improvement to refine your approach further. By preparing thoroughly, staying calm, and communicating your strengths effectively, you can leave a positive and lasting impression, paving the way for a successful application.

If you’d like to learn more about the previous steps in the application process, explore our other articles covering the application portfolio, the cover letter, the cover page, the resume and and preparing for the job interview.


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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a key force in the digital transformation of the workplace, reshaping how we work in profound ways. While only about twelve percent of companies in Germany currently use AI technologies, according to the Federal Statistical Office, a clear trend is emerging: AI is becoming increasingly essential. It's crucial for companies to understand these developments and take the right actions. The goal is to seize the wide-ranging opportunities AI offers while effectively managing the associated challenges.


But what opportunities does the use of AI offer?

Integrating AI into daily work routines opens up numerous possibilities to significantly enhance both efficiency and innovation in businesses.


Increased Efficiency and Automation
AI can automate routine tasks, enhancing efficiency across companies. Automated systems help speed up workflows and reduce human errors.

New Fields of Work and Innovation
AI opens up new business models and job roles. AI-powered systems enable complex data analysis and the development of innovative solutions, helping companies tap into new markets. This not only boosts economic competitiveness but also supports the creation of new jobs.

Improved Working Conditions
AI can contribute to better working conditions. Cognitive assistance systems and smart protective gear are examples of how AI helps reduce employee strain and safeguard their health. Inclusive technologies also support the design of barrier-free workplaces.


Despite the promising benefits, the introduction of AI also brings significant challenges that need to be overcome.


Workplace Changes and Uncertainty
AI can alter existing job roles and workplaces. While some tasks may be automated, new fields of work will emerge. This requires employees to adapt their skills, which can create uncertainty about their professional future.

Technological and Ethical Issues
Implementing AI presents technical challenges, such as integrating it into existing systems and ensuring data quality. Additionally, ethical concerns about data protection and transparency arise, which must be carefully addressed to build trust in AI technologies.

Regulation and Security
To harness the benefits of AI and minimize risks, appropriate regulations are necessary. The federal government and international organizations are currently working on legal frameworks to ensure the responsible use of AI while encouraging innovation.


AI has the potential to significantly improve and transform the world of work. However, companies should take proactive measures to dispel concerns about AI and demonstrate that AI is designed to support people, not replace them. Through targeted training and the adaptation of work processes, the potential of AI can be optimally exploited and the associated risks minimised. AI is undoubtedly a topic of the future that will change the world of work forever.

At Trenkwalder, we are forward-looking and ready to play an active role in shaping this change. Whether AI, automation or smart data - thanks to constant innovation and technical expertise, we find the best digital solution for every situation. Whether in the front end or back end - we have customised solutions for your needs and requirements.


Click here to start your requirement analysis now.

Interested? Then get in touch with us through our contact form.

You can find more information on our homepage.


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The range of products and services offered by Trenkwalder is just as diverse as the different business requirements. Nevertheless, it is not always clear at first glance what exactly we do and what services we offer.


The clearest way to explain Trenkwalder's range of services is to look at our three core competencies:


Competency 1: HR Service

Finding and retaining suitable employees is difficult these days - but with us it is much easier. With over 1,000,000 applications that we receive every year from 16 countries, we are sure to have the perfect candidate for your company's vacancy. Whether it's recruitment, temporary employment or freelancing/contracting - we will find your ‘perfect match’.

With Master Vendoring, we organise your entire personnel planning. With our tools, we ensure efficient deployment planning through workforce optimisation. By linking shift and output planning, we achieve increased productivity for you through software and on-site management.


Competency 2: Outsourcing

Of course you can do everything yourself, but you don't have to. Our customers have understood this and can concentrate fully on their core business by outsourcing tasks and processes to us. Thanks to our flexible outsourcing solutions, we achieve process excellence and cost reduction and, above all, guarantee speed with success.

Whether Customer Experience, Financial, Health Care or Energy Services, Special and Recruiting Process Outsourcing (RPO) - we are happy to support you.


Competency 3: Technology

AI, automation, smart data - thanks to constant innovation and technical expertise, we find the best digital solution for every situation. Whether in the front end or back end - we have customised solutions for your needs and requirements.

Thanks to these three key competences, we can help companies from a wide range of industries to integrate new technologies and manage both talent and processes effectively. After all, it is no longer just about finding the right candidates, but also about creating an environment in which they can be successful in the long term.

We work with you to shape the future of HR.


Click here to start your requirement analysis now.

Interested? Then get in touch with us through our contact form.

You can find more information on our homepage.

Interested in finding out more? Then stay tuned!

The job interview is often the final hurdle on the way to your dream job. Proper preparation is essential to present yourself confidently and convince the recruiter. In this part of our series on application tips, we will show you how to prepare effectively for your interview— that you not only clear the hurdle but also cross the finish line successfully.


1. Organizational Preparation

Before your interview, check these essential points off your list:

• Confirm the appointment: Ensure the interview date is set and confirm it in writing or by phone.
  

• Clarify travel expense reimbursement: For longer trips, ask if the company will cover travel costs. This is often applicable under § 670 BGB.
  

• Plan your journey: Include a generous time buffer (40–50%) to account for delays like traffic or train disruptions.

• Print application documents: Bring copies of your application documents to refer to or share if needed.

These preparations will help you approach the interview calmly and stress-free.


2. Research the Company

Good preparation also means understanding the company you’re applying to. Who are its key players? What products or services does it offer, and what is its market position?

• Products and services: Learn about the company’s core offerings and understand what defines it.

• Leadership: Familiarize yourself with the CEO and key leadership team members to gain insight into the company’s culture and strategy.
  

• Competitors and industry: Investigate competitors and current trends in the industry. This will help you ask informed questions and show interest in the broader business context.
  

• Company image: Use the company’s social media to understand its branding and values.
  

Review the job posting again to ensure you fully grasp the employer’s expectations.


3. Prepare for Common Interview Questions

To keep calm during the interview, prepare for common questions often asked. These are not "traps" but opportunities to present yourself effectively.

• “Why did you apply to our company?”: Highlight your research about the company by mentioning two or three aspects that appeal to you, linking them to your motivation.

• “Why are you the best candidate for this position?”: Refer to your application and key qualifications, using examples to back up your strengths.

• "Where do you see yourself in 3, 5, or 10 years?”: Share a glimpse of your professional aspirations, whether it’s a specific role or taking on leadership responsibilities.
  

With thorough preparation, you can excel in your job interview and leave a lasting impression. Research the company in advance, practice responses to common questions, and remember: your demeanor is as important as your knowledge and experience.

For more helpful application tips, check out our previous posts on application portfolio, cover letters, cover pages, and resumes. With Trenkwalder, your dream job is within reach!

Are you looking for a new job? Then explore our diverse job opportunities today!



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For most HR managers, the CV is the most important document in the application and is often read first.

A tabular CV should therefore be standard in the application. Its clear two-column structure makes it very easy to read and allows the most important information to be captured in a short space of time.

As an applicant, you should make sure that everything important and relevant to the advertised position is immediately apparent.

Use facts, keywords and key terms from the job advert.

The motto is: short and concise - that's how your CV should be.


What should I bear in mind when structuring my CV?

Start with a title and heading.

You can also put your photo, personal details and an introductory sentence on a cover page. This gives you more space in your CV for your career.

Our tip: You can find out what to include on the cover page and photo here in our blog article.

State the position you are applying for.

The next points are your professional career path, your education and special skills.

Organise the individual sections ‘antichronologically’ by starting with your last position, your last place of training or your last further training course. This way, your counterpart in the HR department will know what you have recently done.


What information should be included in your CV?

For a perfect CV, all mandatory information must be included. This includes:

• Personal details

• Professional experience / career path

• Education and training

• Relevant knowledge

• Place, date

• Signature
  
  

There is also voluntary information to supplement and complete your CV:

• Application photo

• Additional qualifications

• Interests & hobbies

• Social commitment / honorary posts

• Awards.
  

Our tip: Create an individual CV for each position. The order of the individual points may vary. In any case, make sure that your strongest arguments and unique selling points are at the top of the CV and are therefore read first.


Did you know that there are ready-made application designs and samples in Microsoft Word? They provide a good guide to how your application documents should look. The Internet also offers many free templates.

Or you can simply use the Trenkwalder CV designer on our website.


Further Tips for your Application

Pay attention to the overall impression. HR managers respond to a professional appearance - 66.2% according to a study by Ruhr University Bochum.

That's why your application should look like a unified whole. Use the same font and font size, pay attention to indents, line spacing and colours.

Under no circumstances should each part of your application look different and not match the other documents.


Missed the start of our series? Discover the articles on the application portfolio, cover letter, cover page and photo now.

Test your new application knowledge and apply now for one of the many jobs on our website.

No suitable job listed? Then send us your unsolicited application.

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