Mastering the Job Interview

5 Key Tips from Recruiting Expert Samira Hadaya

For many candidates, the job interview is the decisive step in the recruitment process.

Their application documents have already made a strong impression — now it is time to demonstrate in person why they are the right person for the position.

Yet this is also where uncertainty often arises: How can I prepare effectively for a job interview? What questions can I expect? And what do recruiters pay particular attention to?

Samira Hadaya, Recruiting Expert at Pavelka-Denk, supports candidates and companies throughout the recruitment process every day. She knows first-hand which factors can make the difference in a job interview.

Here, she shares her five most important tips for a successful job interview.

Why the job interview is so important

A job interview is not just about assessing professional qualifications.
For companies, it is also about finding out:

Does the person fit into the team?
Is the candidate genuinely motivated for the position?
Are the expectations of both sides aligned?
How does the candidate present themselves personally?

“A job interview is not about giving perfect answers. What matters much more is being authentic and showing who you really are,” explains Samira Hadaya.

Tip 1: Good preparation is half the battle

One of the most common causes of uncertainty during a job interview is a lack of preparation.

Before the interview, candidates should therefore:
Visit the company website

Read the job description carefully again

Find out about the company’s products, services and current topics

Review their CV once more

Reflect on their most important professional achievements

Being well prepared automatically helps candidates appear more confident and composed.

Tip 2: Be clear about your motivation

There is one question that comes up in almost every job interview:

“Why are you interested in this particular position?”

Many candidates focus exclusively on their qualifications and forget to explain their motivation.

Before the interview, take some time to consider:

Why am I interested in this role?
Why would I like to work for this company?
What are my professional goals?

Recruiters want to see that candidates have consciously considered the position and the company.

Tip 3: Support your strengths with examples

Statements such as “I am a team player” or “I am well organised” are things recruiters hear frequently.
These statements only become truly convincing when supported by specific examples.
Instead, think about:
What challenge have I successfully overcome?
Which project am I particularly proud of?
What results have I achieved?

Practical examples make your skills tangible and credible.

Tip 4: Prepare your own questions

A job interview is not a one-way conversation.
Candidates should also use the opportunity to ask questions.

For example:

What does the onboarding process look like?
What expectations are there during the first few months?
How is the team structured?
What development opportunities are available?

Asking your own questions demonstrates genuine interest. At the same time, it helps you determine whether the position really matches your expectations and career goals.

Tip 5: Stay authentic

Samira Hadaya’s most important piece of advice is:
Authenticity beats perfection.

Many candidates try to give the answers they believe are the “right” ones during an interview. In the long run, however, an honest and natural approach is far more effective.

This means:

– Communicating openly
– Knowing your strengths
– Addressing areas for development honestly
– Listening actively
– Staying true to yourself

Ultimately, companies are not looking for the perfect person — they are looking for the right person.

Samira’s Recruiting Tip

“A successful job interview begins long before the actual appointment. Candidates who prepare thoroughly, understand their motivation and present themselves authentically have already created the best conditions for making a strong impression.”

The Most Common Job Interview Mistakes

In her daily work, Samira Hadaya repeatedly sees candidates make similar mistakes:

– Insufficient preparation
– Lack of knowledge about the company
– Overly general answers
– Failing to ask questions
– Arriving late
– Overly strong self-promotion
– Negative comments about previous employers

Many of these mistakes can easily be avoided with proper preparation.

Conclusion: A Job Interview Is About More Than Your CV

Professional qualifications are important — but during a job interview, personality, motivation and preparation often make the real difference.
Candidates who take the time to understand the company, reflect on their own motivation and present themselves authentically create the best possible conditions for taking the next successful step in their career.

Samira Hadaya’s five tips show that a successful job interview has little to do with perfection — and a lot to do with preparation, self-reflection and authenticity.

Because ultimately, companies are not just looking for qualifications. They are looking for people who are the right fit for the team — both professionally and personally.