Deutsche Bahn Interview Questions
& Process

The interview was about an hour long with three people: a recruiter and two team leads. The offer process isn't fully done yet. I thought it would be more general/personal questions like strengths/weaknesses, but it went straight into advanced stuff. So, it was mostly about my technical skills and the programs I use. They really wanted to know how my past tools and experience match the job. They asked about projects I've done with specific software and projects I've managed before. Basic project management approaches like multi-stage processes also came up. The vibe was good, not tense, more like a technical discussion where it's okay not to know everything perfectly. Towards the end, they presented the company, the job scope, and the work environment. They also asked if I could see myself working in that city and if I'm open to relocating.

First, the company and the team's responsibilities were presented. Then, they asked me about myself, my motivation, my resume, and my qualifications. After that, they tested my technical knowledge with some rather indirect questions. Finally, there was a small case study with calculations. The conversation was friendly and felt like an equal exchange.

The interview begins with introductions from the interviewers (e.g., Head of Department, Team Lead, HR) and an overview of what to expect. Then, you'll be asked to introduce yourself, covering your education, relevant experience, motivation, and any particular interest in the railway sector. Following this, expect detailed questions about your past experiences, such as internships, working student roles, or construction projects, with a focus on construction site organization, supervision, and collaboration with contractors. There will also be technical questions on construction management basics (e.g., site processes, planning, VOB) and potentially on safety, which is crucial for the railway (like work safety and security monitoring). The interview will also delve into your motivation and soft skills: why you want to be a Construction Manager at the railway, how you handle stress or multiple sites, and your collaboration with different teams. Afterwards, they'll provide information about the role, including typical project locations, site scope, onboarding, and required qualifications (like the "Railway Construction Supervisor" training). Finally, you'll have the chance to ask your own questions about training, current projects, or flexible working arrangements, before they conclude with information on the next steps (feedback within 1-2 weeks) and thank you.

I was escorted to a room by a trainer. There, I met a JAV member, a third-year apprentice, and my future supervisors. The interview covered typical questions about my motivations, why I'm the right candidate, any prior knowledge I might have, and my reasons for choosing this company over others. I also had the chance to ask questions about the daily life of a train driver and the training program. Following that, I was asked technical and geographical questions related to the job. Finally, I was told I'd receive a call soon with a job offer or rejection and was walked out by the apprentice coordinator.