We distinguish between structured, semi-structured, and unstructured interviews, although a combination of these formats is often used. To be prepared, it is therefore helpful to have a basic understanding of the different methods and techniques.

Structured interview
In a structured interview, the interviewer follows a predetermined interview process, and all candidates applying for a specific position are asked the same questions. This method allows the interviewers to compare the candidates. Rather than allowing discussion, the interview relies more on a question-answer format. If you notice this during the interview, make sure you communicate all the necessary information in your answers because the interviewer will ask few or no additional questions.

Semi-structured interview
In a semi-structured or partially structured interview, most questions have been prepared beforehand. However, the interviewer is free to choose the order in which the questions are asked. Most interviews are conducted in this form. You can recognize this format because the interviewer follows a script, responds to your answers, and asks follow-up questions or additional questions if necessary.

Unstructured interview
Unstructured interviews are not prepared using a script or guidelines. The interviewer may use notes with only the topic and a few key points, otherwise relying on their intuition. This type of interview is relatively rare. You will recognize it by the absence of predetermined or written down questions. Unstructured interviews allow you to steer the conversation in a particular direction, giving the interviewer the freedom to delve deeper into some topics and ask follow-up questions.

Possible Interview Questions
Here you will find possible interview questions to help you prepare for a job interview. We list the typical questions which are frequently asked in some form or another.

Possible Interview Questions

Interview Questions for Consulting Jobs
Here you will find examples of questions asked by interviewers in the consulting sector.

Consulting Interview Questions

Questions to ask at the job interview
Whenever an interviewer asks you if there is anything else you would like to know or if you have any questions, you should never remain silent or even shake your head: ALWAYS have some questions ready! Here are a few examples:

Questions to ask at the Job Interview

STAR Method for Interviews

The STAR method helps you structure your answers and formulate examples of your experience. This is especially useful in the case of competency-based questions.

The STAR method (also known as behavior-based questioning) originated in the United States. Today, the renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) also recommends it for storytelling and arguments used in interviews. Above all, it helps maintain a common thread and allows you not to get lost in detail.

Situation: Briefly describe the situation you were in. You can use the following elements: Where was this? What was the context? What was your role? Who else was involved?
Task/Target: What was your task, goal, problem, or task?
Action: What actions did you take? How did you personally contribute?
Result/Reflection: What was the final result?
Reflection/Lessons learned: What would you do differently? What were the success factors?

Example: “Company XY brought me on board as an intern to support the development of the business unit ABC (task), which did not exist there before (situation). As part of the team, I was given the tasks of XYZ (action). I contributed to increasing the sales in the business unit by ZZ percent within half a year (result).”

In addition to anticipating the content of an interview, another prerequisite for your success is a suitable technique. Here you will find further details to consider.

• Find out what online interviewing tool the company uses and make sure it works on your device. Double-check your settings and profile name.
  
  
• Ensure that your webcam, microphone, and LAN or Wi-Fi connection are operational; you can do this by video-calling a friend. To be safe, have a spare device ready if the worst happens and your device fails.
  
  
• Select the perfect camera angle and check how you appear on the screen beforehand. Is the framing correct? Are your head and shoulders big enough and clearly visible?
  
  
• Ideally, the camera should be slightly elevated in front of you (an ironing board or a stack of books can work as a tripod for a laptop). Your eyes should be in the upper third of the picture (golden ratio). To look directly at your interviewer in a video setting, you must look into the camera rather than at the screen. However, most applicants instinctively look at the other person’s image on the monitor during the online interview. It may then seem to the interviewer as if you are looking just past them. And remember: Always smile! This immediately makes you more likeable. Professionals stick a post-it with a smiley right next to the camera lens, so they do not forget to smile.
  
  
• If you want to use your smartphone for the video call, you need a cell phone tripod. In any case, place your cell phone so that it is at eye level and does not move.
  
  
• Also, check that your face is well lit and that there are no ugly shadows under your eyes or in the background. The best and most flattering lighting is daylight. Ideally, sit at a table in front of a window. Otherwise, use lamps that illuminate your face sufficiently without casting too many shadows.
  
  
• In addition to your image, sound is also essential for a successful interview. Many webcams have an integrated microphone, but the sound quality can be poor, especially with inexpensive models. You can usually get better sound with an additional microphone or a hands-free PC kit. Or you can use a good in-ear headset (wired headset) with a built-in microphone.
  
  
• Pay attention to the background, which should be as neutral as possible. Patterned walls, flashy pictures, vacation photos, or untidy shelves do not leave a good impression and are distracting. If you do not have a calm background, you can use a neutral virtual background (if the tool allows it).
  
  
• Posture is also important in a virtual setting. Sit up straight and tall, keep your hands steady and place them on the desk in front of you. If necessary, emphasize what you are saying with appropriate gestures.
  
  
• Make sure the room is quiet. Turn off all possible sources of interference. Turn off all active apps on your PC, put your cell phone (and your house phone) on silent, and close the door and the windows to exclude background noise, street noise, talking, and interruptions. You should also tell any roommates what you are doing so they do not suddenly walk through the picture or get too noisy.
  
  
• Attach post-its with important content points (e.g., your strengths, USP, names of contact persons) to the edge of the screen if necessary. This will give you confidence, and you will not have to look down at your desk.
  
  
• And finally: Practice, practice, practice. Make recordings, e.g., using the Zoom video conferencing tool or get feedback from friends. 
  

Your salary will depend on the industry, the company’s size, and your position. There are regional differences, not only in Switzerland but also in other countries. Furthermore, you should consider not only the salary itself but also the overall conditions.

Your total compensation can be divided into the following components:

1. Basic salary (annual salary paid out in 12 or 13 monthly instalments)
2. Performance bonus
3. Fringe benefits (not exhaustive):

• Pension fund contribution
• Number of vacation days
• Contribution to public transport (e.g., half-fare Halbtax or all-inclusive card GA)
• Company car
• Discounts on products or services

Above all, you should determine your “market value” in advance. When the interviewer asks about your salary expectations, they usually mean the annual rather than the monthly salary.

Example: a salary expectation of CHF 80,000/p.a. (refers to the actual salary and does not necessarily include fringe benefits).

The following pages give you an indication of the salary or compensation package you might expect (not exhaustive):

jobs.ch Stadt Zürich Präsidialdepartement bfs.admin FH SCHWEIZ SGB | USS berufsberatung.ch