When positioning in uniform we never waited for the pax boarding call. From Ops to the gate via security, collect boarding pass at the gate and proceed direct to aircraft, introduce ourselves to the IFS and cabin crew in F and/or J specifically and others should we cross paths.
Staff seats were allocated after all fare paying pax had been accommodated according to their seat request. Company kept a record of most popular seats in both premium cabins and these seats would only be available for staff after all revenue pax had boarded, if these seats were still vacant. We knew to keep well out of the way of cleaners and CC preparing the cabin.
Very surprised that, in LH, the crew paxing were still at the gate at the time pax boarding commenced. Hanging around at the gate holding area, in uniform, leads to being asked dozens of questions ranging from the timings of onward connecting flights way down the route to the choices they could expect on the in-flight menu!