What to Expect During Your Interview A Guide

What to Expect During Your Interview: A Guide for International Students

What to Expect Interviewers try to answer four basic questions: 1. What does the candidate want to do? 2. Can the person do the job? 3. Will the person do the job 4. Will the person be compatible with the existing team/organization? If you are an international student, you will most likely find that the US interview process is different than the one(s) used in other countries. The process, however, can be easily mastered if you know what to expect ahead of time.

International vs. US Interviewing US interviews are somewhat different than interviews in other countries. Some major differences may include: Illegal and inappropriate questions Speak confidently Make eye contact Interviewer may be male or female Offer a firm handshake Expect direct questions Offer direct answers Showing interest and initiative is expected Be prepared to ask questions yourself Follow up is recommended and expected

First Impressions • Professional Image • Handshake • Smile • Eye Contact

Professional Image - Appropriate

Professional Image - Inappropriate

Good Communication is Key! Excellent communication skills are important – for native speakers and equally so for non-native speakers The need for effective communication has nothing to do with a preference for US or international workers, but rather out of a need to get things done, to be clearly understood, and to clearly understand the person speaking to you If you have an accent, make sure that during the interview you speak slowly and enunciate all of the words clearly and correctly If you have heavy accent, you should work with someone who will help you become easier to understand This is an issue you need to take care of as it could make a difference in getting a job or not

Types of Interviews • Standard Interview • Panel Interview • Group Interview • Behavioral Interview • Case Interview • Stress Interview • Phone Interview • Skype Interview

Interview Preparation The most important element in the interview process is to be prepared! Understand what the recruiter’s expectations are and be able to meet them. This is your opportunity to show that you are a good fit for the job. • Research the company • Understand the job you are applying for • Know what you have to offer • Know what type of interview to prepare for • Review your resume • Use Linked. In

Interviewing Strategy STAR: S = Situation: Describe the situation/problem T = Task: Describe task A = Action: Describe the action you took R = Results: Explain the results

Do’s and Don’ts Do: • Be prepared with notes for yourself on the company • Be prepared for the most common questions (what are your strengths, what are your accomplishments, what you have done • Ask prepared questions about the company and position • Be able to describe the specific duties of your present or last job • Speak positively about yourself and your previous jobs • Answer all questions succinctly and efficiently • Make eye contact

Do’s and Don’ts Don’t: • • • Do not ask about salary or benefits Do not give a definite salary figure at which you will take the job Do not talk negatively or gossip about any employer or co-worker Do not chew gum or candy Do not slouch or lean on desk Do not ask irrelevant questions

Questions?