It is often difficult to find the right words. So what should you do when you have a feedback meeting, an annual appraisal or a job interview? Here you will find tips and tricks for successful interviews. 

Even the thought of upcoming interviews, be it a job interview, a feedback meeting or the annual appraisal interview, can trigger a mixture of nervousness and anticipation. It is often difficult to find the right words to present your strengths or give constructive feedback. But with the right preparation, you can ensure that you shine in these interviews. Here are some tried and tested tips and tricks to successfully navigate through interviews. 

1. Understand the question your counterpart is asking:  
   The first step to a successful interview is a clear understanding of the question. Regardless of whether you are preparing for a job interview or conducting a feedback interview as a recruiter - understand the key questions. Analysing job descriptions, self-assessment and identifying key qualifications are crucial. Concrete examples from your past can make your answers lively and convincing.
2. Prepare yourself for frequently asked questions:  
   There are certain questions that come up in almost every interview. "Tell us something about yourself" or "Where do you see yourself in five years' time?" are classics. Create clear, concise answers to these questions in advance. Use STAR: STAR stands for situation, task, action and result. When employees or applicants present their experiences using these categories, competences and skills can be presented in a targeted manner.
3. Active listening and communication:  
   Good dialogue requires not only expressing your thoughts clearly, but also actively listening. Make sure you fully understand the questions and then answer them precisely. In feedback conversations, it is important not only to react to what you have heard, but also to ask questions to ensure that you are interpreting the information correctly.
4. Emotional intelligence and empathy:  
   Emotional intelligence is an invaluable asset in conversations. Team leaders should not only understand their own emotions, but also be able to recognise the emotions of their team members. Applicants can use empathy to show that they not only have professional qualifications, but also social skills.
5. Self-reflection after the interview:  
   After the interview is before the interview. Take time to reflect on your performance. What went well? What could be improved? This self-reflection is crucial in order to continuously develop and be even more successful in future interviews. 

Our tips for HR managers: Conduct successful interviews and identify talent 

HR managers play a crucial role in identifying and selecting talent. To conduct successful interviews and find the best candidates, HR managers should consider the following tips: 

1. Clear job descriptions and requirements: Before you go into an interview, make sure that the job description and requirements are clearly defined. This not only makes it easier to select the right questions, but also allows you to better evaluate the applicant's answers.
2. Use behavioural questions: To find out more about the applicant's practical skills and experience, use targeted behavioural questions. This means asking about the applicant's reactions and behaviour in certain situations in order to obtain concrete examples from the other person's past and to better assess their suitability for the position.
3. Check team culture and cooperation: Go beyond pure technical knowledge and evaluate how well the candidate's personality fits the team culture. Ask questions that provide insight into their preferred way of working, their ability to work in a team and their ability to collaborate.
4. Pay attention to soft skills: Soft skills are crucial to an employee's long-term success. During the interview, pay particular attention to communication skills, emotional intelligence, problem-solving skills and adaptability.
5. Structured evaluation and teamwork: Develop a structured evaluation matrix as a team to ensure an objective assessment. Discuss the most important criteria before the interview and make sure that all interviewers use the same evaluation method.
6. Allow questions: Give applicants the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the interview. This not only shows interest, but also allows you to find out more about their information research and their motivation for the position. 

Regardless of whether you are conducting the interview or taking part in it as a (potential) employee:   

Always remember that every interview is an opportunity to present yourself, get to know the other person better and grow. Use these opportunities to shape your path to success and that of your team.