A job interview is a face-to-face meeting between you and a potential employer to see if you’re a good fit for a job opening. It’s a two-way street where you also learn about the company and its role. Job interview preparation is crucial for landing your dream role. It can make the difference between a nervous wreck fumbling through questions and a confident candidate who shines.

Both Norway and Germany have strong work cultures, but with some key differences. Here’s how to prepare for your interview in each country.

Landing a job interview in Norway is great! To prepare and impress, here are some tips keeping in mind the work culture there:

Before the interview: 

• Research the Company: Deep dive into the company’s website, social media, and news articles. Understand their work and values. This shows genuine interest.
• The position: Reread the job description thoroughly. Determine the essential qualifications and experience they seek. Tailor your resume and interview answers to highlight how you meet those requirements. 
• Practice Makes Perfect: Rehearse answering common interview questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, and Result).
• Technical skills: Be prepared for technical questions relevant to the position. Brush up on your skills and be ready to discuss relevant projects or experiences.
• Dress Code: Norwegians favour a smart casual look. Dress professionally but comfortably. Research the company’s culture for specifics.
• Honesty and modesty: Norwegians value honesty and a team-oriented approach. Focus on your qualifications, but avoid overselling yourself. Let your accomplishments speak for themselves.

There are three rounds in an interview.

1. Aptitude test

The first round for most of the companies is a written round. This round is a screening round and easy to crack. It consists of mainly four sections:

• English proficiency
• Quantitative Aptitude
• Verbal reasoning
• Technical written test

2. Technical Interview Round

The next round is a technical interview. During this stage of in-person interviews, candidates are chosen based on their technical abilities. In this round, candidates can be asked questions on various programming languages such as C, C++, Java, HTML, JavaScript, data-structure, etc.

3. HR interview round

The final round of interviews is the HR one, during which candidates are evaluated based on their soft skills, communication abilities, confidence level, etc. This is an easy but important round because it can easily get you into the company or you may be disqualified from that company, so a positive attitude and confidence are two essential components for winning this round.

Understanding Norwegian Work Culture:

• Equality and Flat Hierarchy: Hierarchy is flatter in Norway. Focus on collaboration and teamwork in your responses.
• Work-Life Balance: Healthy work-life balance is highly valued by Norwegians. Show you understand this by expressing interest in their flexible work arrangements.
• Directness with Respect: Norwegians are generally direct, but politeness is key. Maintain a respectful and professional tone.
• Interview style: Norwegian interviews tend to be more conversational and collaborative. Be prepared to ask questions and actively participate in the discussion. However, avoid interrupting the interviewer.

Landing a job interview in Germany is great! To prepare and impress, here are some tips, keeping in mind the work culture there:

 Before the interview:

• Research: Deep dive into the company, their projects, and the IT scene in Germany. This shows genuine interest.
• Refine your application materials: Reread your CV and cover letter to refresh your memory and ensure details align with the job description. 
• Prepare technical questions: Depending on the role, brush up on technical skills and be ready for scenario-based questions or coding challenges. 
• Dress for Success: In Germany, professional attire is standard. Opt for a suit or business dress for a safe choice.
• Research the company culture: German work culture tends to be more formal than in some countries. Understanding this can help you tailor your interview approach.

Understanding German Work Culture:

• Efficiency and Organisation: Germans value punctuality, meeting deadlines, and a well-structured approach to work. This reflects their concept of “Ordnung” (order), where things are planned and executed systematically.
• Direct Communication: Communication tends to be direct and to the point. Meetings are often focused on achieving a specific goal, and Germans may come prepared to discuss solutions rather than just problems.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: While Germans value individual competence, there’s also a strong emphasis on teamwork and collaboration. Building consensus and working together towards a common goal is important.
• Work-Life Balance: Germans tend to have a good work-life balance. There are strict laws limiting working hours, and overtime is generally discouraged. Taking vacations and breaks are important, and there’s a clear separation between work life and personal life.

The importance of job interview preparation.

• Stronger First Impression.
• Showcase Your Fit.
• Confidence Boost.
• Impress the Employer.
• Shows Enthusiasm.
• Reduced Stress.

While both countries value qualifications, Norway leans towards informality and teamwork, while Germany prioritises punctuality and formality. Research the company’s culture beforehand. In both, strong English is usually sufficient, but basic language skills (even greetings) can be a plus. Practice common interview questions and prepare your own about the role and company. Dress professionally, but with a slight adjustment for each country: Norway leans towards business casual, while Germany favours a more traditional suit. Confidence and a genuine interest go a long way!