What does “Vorstellungsgespräch” mean in German?

Martin walks you through his workday in HR, and after lunch he says it’s time for a Vorstellungsgespräch — a job interview. It looks like one long word, but it’s really two ideas stuck together: “Vorstellung” (introducing yourself, presenting) plus “Gespräch” (a talk). So it’s the talk where you introduce yourself to a company. This is the everyday word German speakers use for a job interview, whether they’re the one asking the questions or the one answering them.

“Und schon geht es weiter mit einem Vorstellungsgespräch.” — “And right away it’s on to a job interview.” Ich habe morgen ein Vorstellungsgespräch. — I have a job interview tomorrow. Wie war dein Vorstellungsgespräch? — How was your interview? Sie lädt drei Bewerber zum Vorstellungsgespräch ein. — She’s inviting three applicants to an interview. Usage notes: This is the normal, neutral word for a job interview — fine in formal emails and in casual talk. Note it covers a job interview only, not an interview on TV or in a newspaper (that’s “Interview”). You can drop it if it’s clear from context and just say “das Gespräch” (the talk/meeting).