17 January 2026

What to Expect at a Bauhof or Site Interview

Many trade interviews mix a desk conversation with a walk through the yard or an active site. Preparation looks different from an office interview.

Arrive with sturdy shoes and clothes you would wear to a site visit. Some employers will stay indoors; others will show you the yard, vehicles, or a live project.

Expect questions about PPE habits, how you handle unclear instructions, and what you do when materials arrive late. These are daily realities on German sites.

Bring physical or clear digital copies of certificates. A Gesellenbrief, Meisterbrief, or foreign equivalent plus safety cards often get checked on the spot.

If you are invited for a Probearbeit, treat it as part of the interview: punctuality, tidy work, and how you ask questions matter as much as speed.

Prepare two honest questions of your own—crew size, travel between sites, or overtime patterns. Thoughtful questions signal you plan to stay.