Interviewing
Cultural DifferencesGender DifferencesInterview Tips: Before, During, and After
Cultural Differences
U.S. INTERVIEWBe punctual. Arrive 5 to 10 minutes prior to appointment.Eye contact is expected and shows confidence.Interviewer styles vary. May begin with direct questions or minimal small talk. .
INTERNATIONAL INTERVIEWPersonal relationships may be more important than time. Being late may not be a problem.Eye contact, especially with persons of higher status, may be disrespectful.Interviewers commonly start with small talk and look for information regarding character or personality.
Cultural Differences
U.S. INTERVIEWSInterviewermay do most of the talking or may expect the candidate to do most of the talking.Directquestions regarding competency,experienceQuestions regarding age, race, sex, and marital status are illegal.
INTERNATIONAL INTERVIEWSInterviewermay talk for the majority of the interview.Indirect questions regarding competency,experienceAge, race, sex, or marital status may be issues in the interview. Males may be expected to dominate interactions with females. Younger people may be expected to show deference to older people.
Cultural Differences
U.S.INTERVIEWSOpendiscussion ofaccomplishment andskills shows confidence.Show clear self knowledge, career goals and long-term plans NOTE: It may be important to be flexible, however, to initially obtain employment.Interviewer may expect immediate competency and look at each new employee for a 2 to 5 year commitment.
INTERNATIONAL INTERVIEWSCitingaccomplishments and skills might be considered boastful, self-serving, or too individualistic.Jobs may be assigned by government or family. Questioning one's role in a company may be seen as disloyal. Companies sometimes assign work and expect individuals to accept what is available.Interviewer may not expect immediate competence and instead be looking for a long-term employee
Why the Gap?
Individualisticvs. CollectivisticCompetitionvs. CooperationFaceNegotiation
Overcoming the Gap
Practice framing your strengths in the cultural value, i.e. moving from individualistic to collectivisticIt is similar to learning a new language so you need practice.Uncertainty Reduction
8 interview mistakes women need to avoid
Being Too ChattyDressing InappropriatelyAppearing Too StiffNot Negotiating the OfferTalking About What You Don't KnowFailing to Market YourselfIssuing DisclaimersWorrying too much
Why the difference?
Gender DialecticsRapport vs. ReportContent vs. ContextDouble Bind TheoryFemininity vs. ConfidenceBreaking the Bind
Overcoming the Difference
Direct conciselanguageMaintainingAssertivenessPractice Cross-Talk
Strengthen Interview Presence
Practice is even more important.Don't assume the interviewer knows about your university or the education system in yourcountry.Become familiar with some of thefield specificterminology.Be more direct and succinct.
Strengthen Interview Presence
Provide positive rather than negative answers.If you don't understand, ask forclarification.Don't be apologetic for youraccent.Make the fact that you are international a sellingpoint.
Selling a Product: You
Most employers are looking for diversity of thought, languages and experience and, as such, want to hear about your relevant international experience. Make an effort to find the right spin for yours story and then practice delivering your message with confidence. Don't be seen as shy or unsure of yourself - particularly as it relates to being an internationalstudent, yourdiversity remains a strength - just find the right story.
How to Sell the Product
Be the SolutionBe SpecificPrepare Sound BitesPrepare to Talk About Your ResumeBe Aware of Nonverbal CommunicationBe Positive
Interview Preparation
Learn about the organization.Have a specific job or jobs in mind.Review your qualifications for the job.Be ready to briefly describe your experience, showing how it relates it the job.Be ready to answer broad questions, such as "Why should I hire you?" "Why do you want this job?" "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"Mock Interview
During the Interview
Relax! Think of the interview as a conversation, not an interrogation.Be enthusiastic, confident, courteous, and honest.Listen to the questions carefully and give clear, concise, and thoughtful answers.Convey interest in the organization and knowledge of the position.Ask relevant questions about the job or department.Present a list of your references and any letters of recommendation or reference that you may have to offer.End the interview with a firm handshake and thank the interview panel for their time and consideration.
Post Interview
Send a concise 1 – 3 paragraph thank-you letter within 24 to 48 hours of the interview. Reiterate your interest in the position, mention anything you know reinforces you as a good fit for the job, and your contact information.If you are not selected for the job, it is OK to politely ask an interviewer which area(s) you could improve on in the future! This allows you to better prepare for the next interview.
Cultural DifferencesGender DifferencesInterview Tips: Before, During, and After
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