Job interviews in 2026:

Those attending job interviews in 2026 will often encounter new formats and changed expectations. In addition to traditional interviews, structured interviews, short skill checks, (asynchronous) video interviews and AI-supported steps in the application process are becoming increasingly relevant.

In this article, you will learn what will be particularly important in 2026 – and which techniques you can use to make a clear, confident and professional impression.

Why job interviews will have changed in 2026

Many companies today are focusing more on practical skills and demonstrable competencies – and less exclusively on degrees or a seamless CV. In the application process, what counts more often is how you solve tasks, how you work and what results you have already achieved.

At the same time, recruiting is becoming increasingly digital and technical: AI-supported tools provide assistance in many areas – for example, in pre-selection, video interviews or the evaluation of tests. For candidates, this means that job interviews in 2026 will often be more structured and focus more on practical relevance, clear thinking and an authentic presentation.

The three success factors in job interviews in 2026

1. Clarity: You will score points if you can explain your experience in a few structured sentences – without digressions. This is especially true in digital formats, where attention spans are shorter.

2. Substance: In 2026, proof will count: what can you really do – and how do you apply it? Skill questions, mini-cases or work samples are therefore more common in interviews.

3. Credibility: AI can help with preparation – but companies are paying more attention to whether answers suit you and don't seem ‘too smooth’. This is exactly where preparation differs from ‘pre-written texts’.

Technique 1: The 90-second introduction that immediately convinces

First impressions are often formed in the first few minutes. Therefore, prepare a short self-introduction that does not seem ‘memorised’ but is clearly structured. The following has proven successful:

• Role/profile (who are you professionally?)

• 2–3 core strengths (what do you bring to the table?)

• Evidence (a brief example)

• Goal (why this position?)

To ensure that your strengths are clearly visible not only in the interview but also in your documents, it is worth having a professionally structured CV. With the CV Designer, you can quickly and clearly prepare your CV – particularly helpful if you want to clearly highlight your skills.

Technique 2: STAR method – answers that have substance

Many questions in a job interview focus on how you act in practice. The STAR method helps you to ensure that your answers are not vague:

• Situation: brief context

• Task: your task or responsibility

• Action: your approach (specific)

• Result: outcome and learning effect

It is important that in the ‘Action’ section, you really explain what you did – and not just what ‘the team’ did. This will make your performance tangible.

Technique 3: Master practical checks and tasks with confidence

In 2026, many companies will place greater emphasis on practical relevance: short tasks, small cases or questions where you are asked to explain your approach. These rarely focus on the ‘one perfect solution’, but rather on structure, prioritisation and clear thinking.

Here's how to prepare yourself in practical terms:

• Practise with realistic mini-tasks (e.g. short prioritisation, email draft, Excel logic, customer case).

• Train yourself to think out loud (‘This is how I proceed...’). This demonstrates structure and decision-making ability.

• Plan a short summary at the end: ‘This is my solution – and these would be the next steps.’

Technique 4: Video interviews and digital conversations – appearing confident

Digital interviews have long been standard. The difference often lies in the basics. Three points immediately make a professional impression:

• Technical check (sound beats image – a headset is worthwhile)

• Camera at eye level + calm background

• Look at the camera when making key statements (creates the effect of real eye contact)

If questions are answered asynchronously (video recording instead of live conversation), a short pause to think helps. A clear opening sentence (‘I approach this in three steps...’) ensures that your answer appears structured and calm.

Technique 5: The salary question 2026 – realistic, prepared, confident

At some point in the conversation, you will often be asked about your salary expectations. Good preparation here does not mean memorising a fixed figure, but having a realistic assessment: What responsibilities does the role entail? What qualifications do you have? What range makes sense for you?

It is particularly helpful to be able to roughly estimate your net income – because at the end of the day, what actually arrives at the end of the month is what counts. You can use the salary calculator for this. It helps you to better understand the differences between wages and salaries, as well as between gross and net income – and to build your argumentation in the interview on a more solid foundation.

Technique 6: Use AI cleverly – without risk

In 2026, AI is a preparation tool for many candidates (e.g. practising answers, smoothing out wording). At the same time, companies are sensitive to ‘AI traces’ or inappropriate standard texts.

Safe use:

• Use AI for structure, not for a ‘ready-made personality’.

• In the end, formulate everything in your own language.

• If rules for AI use are mentioned in the process, adhere to them.

Mini checklist for your interview preparation

To ensure that you are not just ‘somewhat prepared’ but truly confident, it is worth doing a quick check before the appointment:

• Your self-introduction is clear, concise and natural

• You have prepared 2–3 STAR examples (success, challenge, learning)

• You can explain your approach to tasks/cases

• Technology has been tested (sound, camera, internet)

• Your salary expectations are justified

Conclusion: Approach the 2026 job interview with structure, practical relevance and calmness

In 2026, job interviews are often more structured, more digital and more focused on specific skills. Those who communicate clearly, provide convincing examples and are also prepared for short tasks or video formats significantly increase their chances. Therefore, use your preparation not only for ‘correct answers’, but above all for a common thread, tangible examples and a confident appearance.

If you are planning your next career move, it is worth taking a look at the job search. And to ensure that your strengths are visible at first glance, the CV designer will help you create a professional CV.

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