As an international student, you will likely have at least one, if not more, interview during your time in the states, whether for a job, an internship, or graduate school.
As an international student, you will likely have at least one, if not more, interview during your time in the states, whether for a job, an internship, or graduate school. Interviewing is stressful for everyone, but as an international student, you have the added concern of language and cultural barriers. Here are a few tips to help you succeed in your next interview.
Although culture and values vary between different regions and groups in the US, there are some commonly held cultural norms in American society. These values include:
This is the most common interview advice that you will find. Make sure that your thoroughly research the organization with which you will be interviewing beforehand. This may sound like a given, but you would be surprised by how many people do not take the time to familiarize themselves with the companies or schools with which they interview, and this will hurt them in the long run. If you are prepared to answer basic questions, this will give you more confidence when answering the harder ones.
For more tips to help you prepare for your interview, check out our Checklist on Coming Prepared to your Interview.
If English is not your first language, communication between you and your interviewer might take a little extra effort. Try to make this as easy as possible, even if it means speaking much slower and louder than feels natural. As long as your interviewer can understand you, the language barrier should not be a problem.
You can use your status as an international student to your advantage, as it highlights your independence, ability to adapt to a new environment, and language skills. Remember that your unique experiences can make for great stories to share with your interviewer, and you might even be the most interesting candidate they've spoken to for the position.
Whatever you do, stay confident and believe in yourself!
Whether we like it or not, judgments based on first impressions happen all the time, and studies show that people are paid more or less depending on their appearance. Because of this, it’s important to ensure that your wardrobe speaks just as highly as your actual responses during the interview.
Even if you don’t have a single interview on your calendar, there is no better time to start piecing together a crisp interview outfit that will help guide your first impression in the right direction. Best of all, having a predetermined “power outfit” hanging in the closet gives you one less thing to stress about during the interview process.
Since the interview is the first, and perhaps only opportunity you will have to prove to the hiring manager that you are the best candidate, investing in an ‘interview outfit’ is always a great idea. And while options are nice, these pieces are must-haves for any professional wardrobe and can easily transition from interview to office wear:
While we all seem to lean towards plain black suits, navy is actually considered to be a more flattering color on most people; but if you aren’t ready to make the navy leap, charcoal is always a classic option. When choosing a shirt to wear under your new suit, remember that while it doesn’t have to be a solid color, it should be complementary. And while a white long sleeved shirt is the traditional route, feel free to venture off of the beaten path (just a little) and opt for a little more color.
A Few Professional Color Palettes:
When it comes to interviews, it’s imperative to dress to impress. While it’s important to consider the companies’ culture ahead of time, it’s impossible to be dressed too professionally for the initial interview. With this in mind, a $3,000 suit can still look out of place if it doesn't fit properly.
While you are trying on dress clothes, always take a few minutes to ask yourself “does this fit?” Going to a tailor will ensure that everything fits perfectly and will not only make you more comfortable during your interview, but will also make you appear more put together, credible and best of all, confident.
Since your attire is often called a ‘visual’ resume, it’s important to send a message of precision, cleanliness and professionalism. Keep in mind that employers know that attention to detail in your attire (like nice tie clips and ironed slacks) will transfer to your work performance.
So after you have chosen the perfect interview outfit, be sure to pay specific attention to these details:
While interviews can be overwhelming, wearing an outfit you are comfortable in can help ease the anxiety of the situation. After you have chosen a polished look, wear it during your mock interviews with friends or family members because testing your outfit will help you feel more comfortable when it's time for the real interview and can serve as an instant confidence booster!
Approximately 92 percent of adults experience anxiety when it comes to job interviews, so it’s completely normal to feel a little nervous beforehand. Whether this will be your first interview or you’ve had a bit more practice, it’s always a good idea familiarize yourself with different types of interviews so that you will feel prepared when the big day comes. To help prepare yourself, you can always ask your potential employer what kind of interview he or she will be hosting, either on the phone, one-on-one, panel, or group interview.
The hiring manager will receive an overwhelming number of applicants for an open position, and will set aside the most qualified, organized and relevant resumes. Those who pass this scan are either asked to give supplemental documents, asked to schedule a phone interview, or asked to come to an in-person interview.
If asked for a phone interview, make sure you take it as seriously as an in-person interview. Many applicants get cut at this stage due to lack of attention or unprofessionalism. These interviews will only last 15 to 20 minutes, but will give the hiring manager a good idea about whether or not they want you to come in for an in-person interview.
The next phase tends to be the most stressful, but with practice you will be a pro in no time! The in-person interview is typically the last stage before employers hire someone new into the company. Most interviews will last from a half hour to an hour (in some cases they can last even longer) and you can prepare by choosing your most respectable outfit, rehearsing possible questions and performing mock interviews. When it comes time for the interview, you will feel much more at ease if you’ve thought through the situation and feel mentally prepared.
From the instant you arrive at the interview site, there will be eyes watching (from the receptionist to potential coworkers in the parking lot), so appear professional at all times. Often, employers will ask their employees for their thoughts on your professionalism and manners. Even opening the front door for a stranger could help impact your interview in a positive way.
Typically potential employers will greet you warmly, shake your hand and guide you to where the interview itself will take place. A good handshake takes practice; it should be firm and confident with complete eye contact. This is typically the first impression you will leave, so ensure your handshake is as confident as you are (or, how you want to appear!).
It is fine to place your portfolio in front of you, with a pen to take notes (if necessary), and always ask the employer if he or she would like a fresh copy of your resume. Since it’s often impossible to know how many people will be interviewing you, it’s best to have at least 4 copies on hand so you can supply as many as needed and still have one copy for yourself. Having a personal copy of your resume is a great way to stay on topic while having a guided list of your experiences to refer to, when necessary.
There are three main types of in-person interviews:
These are the most common interviews and will most likely be conducted by a direct supervisor or someone from Human Resources. For these interviews it is important that you research the company thoroughly and know how you fit into its vision. Practice all types of sample interview questions such as situational, behavioral, skill-set, and resume-related questions.
Others interviews will be panel format. They are conducted by two or more interviewers in order to reduce the bias that often comes with individual interviewers. Make eye contact with the person asking the question, but make sure you are also giving each member on the panel your attention. Treat them all with equal respect and importance.
Some interviews may be in a group setting, in which several candidates are interviewed simultaneously. This style gives employers an opportunity to notice leadership potential and teamwork. Group interviews can be the hardest because you are sharing the attention of the interviewers and may feel like you are being compared to your competition with each question that is asked. Take a deep breath and offer your answers when asked and be respectful of everyone at the table, especially the other candidates. Offering to answer a question first is a great way to set you apart from the pack early on, but avoid power struggles, as they may tell the hiring manager that you would be difficult to work with.
Asking for a business card from the interviewer is a great way to get the spelling of their full name and contact information that you will need to write a personalized thank you note. Sending a simple email or a traditional card after you leave the premises is a great way to remind an employer about your interview, and to also reinforce your interest in the position.
Though each interview will be different, every interviewer will respect a candidate who comes in prepared. Research the company before you go and practice, practice, practice to ensure you are adequately equipped. Whenever you get nervous, think of it this way – by simply asking you to interview, the company already has faith that you are qualified to fill their position.
Q: Do you know the best way to calm your pre-interview jitters?
A: Practice answering the most commonly asked interview questions so you will appear as calm, cool and collected as possible.
A thirty minute interview isn’t a lot of time to showcase all of your experience, skills, ethics and affiliations – so make every minute count. Preparation is the key to a great interview and with practice, you will be able to answer some of the most commonly asked questions with poise and insight, which will make you appear knowledgeable, professional, and ideally, the best candidate for the job.
Keep in mind that interviewers tend to focus on open-ended questions, allowing you to elaborate with past experiences or details relevant to the topic. While that gate is left wide open for you to direct the conversation, keep in mind that your answers need to be focused and free of unnecessary tangents.
Most interviewers will ask similar questions, and it is important to practice commonly asked interview questions. Many of the common questions will be about yourself, your strengths and attributes, your experience and your interests.
Interviewers often sprinkle in a few tricky questions that may slip up other candidates during an interview. These questions can make or break an interview, so make sure that when you answer that you are being appropriate, professional and honest.
Some companies prefer to ask behavioral questions instead of questions related to skill. These are often the hardest questions to prepare for because they are so varied and depend on ethical choices in situations that you may or may not have had to deal with yet.
These questions could include:
Though these questions are not as fun because they highlight the not-so-pretty aspects of ourselves and future employment, it is important for the hiring manager to understand how you handle conflict. More and more employers are wanting to hire people with good interpersonal skills. By explaining a situation in which you overcame or handled conflict correctly, you will be able to answer the question in a way that will detail your conflict-resolution skills with the hiring manager.
Unfortunately there is no way to know exactly what you may be asked during an interview, but with preparation you will be much more likely to land the job. Practice interviewing with a family member or friend using the questions in this section and then branch off, asking your pseudo interviewer to come up with their own questions. Remember that even though you can’t know what will be asked, you can be prepared for any interviewer.
Always make sure that you have a few questions ready for the interviewer as well. This shows that you have done your homework and are enthusiastic about the position. Preparing for the interview may be difficult at first, but by researching the company, rehearsing sample questions and performing mock interviews, you will be more prepared and confident. Preparation and confidence is a large portion of what the employers are looking for.
Often, job applicants will turn in a brilliant resume, an outstanding cover letter and credible references, and still won't get hired for the job because they were unprepared for the interview. Whether it's arriving late, not knowing how to speak about their work experience, or not knowing enough about the company, job seekers who do not make a good first impression at the interview lessen their chances of getting hired. The key to a successful interview is showing up prepared and confident. In order to accomplish this, here are a few steps to complete before coming to the interview.
First, research the company's mission statement. The goal for the interview is to prove to the company that you can do the job and will fit right into the company. Memorize key parts of the mission statement and prepare to tell the company how you fit. It’s also helpful to research common salaries for your job field and location. This will help you prepare for salary questions, if asked.
You will also want to research the company and think about what questions you want to ask the hiring manager. The questions that you ask during and at the end of an interview will show how interested you really are in the position. For example, “I read that the company will be implementing new sales initiatives. How do you feel this change will affect the company moving forward?” Make a list of possible questions you would like to ask at the end of the interview. If possible, research the person who will be interviewing you to give you some potential talking points.
The more prepared you about the job, company, and your own work experience, the more confident and competent you will appear during your interview. Research sample interview questions and prepare answers for them. Ask a friend or family member you can trust to be critical and honest to do a mock interview with you. Prepare a few stories about yourself that showcase your positive traits in case you need them during the interview. Reread your resume and cover letter before you go into the interview. Many interviewers will ask you questions about something you included on your resume, and you do not want to be thrown off or unprepared to discuss it.
You don't want to choose an outfit the morning of your interview and discover that there is an issue with the clothing or the way you feel wearing it. Choose a couple outfits you may wear to the interview at least a few days prior. Wear the outfit during the mock interview to ensure that you are comfortable and confident in it. Make sure that the outfit fits the culture of the company atmosphere and appears professional and suiting to your personal style. Be sure to lay the outfit out the night before the interview - clean, ironed and ready to go.
Your portfolio will look different depending on the job to which you are applying. Make sure that you have at least two copies of the resume in your portfolio: one for you and one for the hiring manager. Also include your letters of recommendation and references, a pad and pen to take notes during your interview, a business card, and any professional documents you would like to include, such as samples of your work.
It's always a good idea to arrive 15 minutes early to the interview. To ensure you get there on time, take a test drive to the interview location around the same time your interview will be. This will give you an idea of where you are going, what the traffic should be like, and what the parking situation is before your interview day. Brainstorm some strategies for dealing with stress. The added 15 minutes you gave yourself should allow for time to collect your nerves before the interview. Keep your body language in-check. Always smile and appear as warm as possible.
Preparing for the interview ahead of time will take away most of the distractions, and make you feel more at ease. Coming to the interview on-time, prepared and secure shows respect, and this respect tells the hiring manager that you will perform the job to your best abilities.
Depending on the job title, company, and where the listing is posted, hundreds of resumes could land on a hiring manager’s desk when there is an open position to fill. With so many candidates, the average manager spends less than 30 seconds scanning each resume before tossing them into one of two piles. The best of the best resumes will be put in the much shorter “yes” stack, while most will be placed in the recycle bin without a second glance.
While searching for a job can be overwhelming and competitive, being prepared and applying for the right position in the right way can easily place you in front of the crowd. From your contacts to the resume itself, this article will guide you through landing the interview and the hours of work that go behind it.
Being referred by current employees or friends of the employer can be the fastest way to land an interview. Don't be afraid to allow people to help you with your job search. Employers are more likely to hire people they trust, and if you have a source of credibility who can talk to the hiring manager, your chances of landing an interview are increased significantly.
If you don't already know someone who can help you get an interview, networking is a great opportunity to find people who work at the company currently and others who are currently at a job you want to have. Find members of the team through career-related events and befriend them.
Use face-to face network events to show business professionals that you are looking for a position in their field. The individuals you meet will likely remember you and affirm you to the hiring manager. While attending a networking event, be sure to take business cards from the people you talk to and bring a pen to write notes on the back of their cards. This will help you remember exactly who they were, what they have to offer, and you have their contact information in the palm of your hand.
Online networking and ensuring you have a respectable web presence is also crucial. Or, as some employers say, if you can't be found online you don't exist. Make sure you have a way for people to get to know you and your professional history, as well as a way for them to contact you if needed. Create a LinkedIn account and keep it updated, especially during your job search.
Be sure to utilize various forms of social media as well, such as a Facebook and Twitter. These platforms will help round out your online presence, but they can do more harm than good if potential employers are able to see posts that were only meant for your friends. All social media sites have their own privacy settings, so be sure to set yours appropriately before you submit a resume. Chances are, your future employer will at least perform Google search for your first and last name and you want the results to be respectable.
A good cover letter can be just as important as the resume itself. Though the resume is extremely important for obtaining a job interview, many employers would prefer to read a well thought out cover letter that details the reasons why you want to work for the company and why the company should choose you.
The cover letter gives you the opportunity to write about your leadership, passion and competency in a way that is more personable than the bullet list on your resume. Remember to address your cover letter to the individual who will be reading it; if you don’t know who that is, research or call the office and find out. It also would be helpful to have a supplemental online blog or portfolio in addition to a resume and cover letter. This will put you ahead of the curve when employers begin to choose who they are going to bring in for an interview.
The best and perhaps easiest way to present your skills and career aptitude is to write a good resume. For specific information about resume tips, you’ll want to read through the Resume Writing Tips Guide. It’s worth checking out since this is usually the first impression you’ll make with your potential employer. It’s important to have more than one person read it over, and ensure the formatting is consistent and easy to follow.
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Unless you have a great deal of related experience that you can’t narrow down, be sure to keep it to one page and always mold it for each new position you apply for. Reread the job description before tailoring your resume. Incorporating words that appear in the description is also a great way to show your skills and goals align with the company.
Believe it or not, hiring managers will fact-check, so make sure that when you claim something on your resume you are telling the truth. There is nothing more embarrassing than stumbling over your words during an interview because you added too much fluff. Also, be ready to back up each of your bulleted points with examples and specific situations, because if you can’t show the hiring manager what you told them, you will lose credibility.
The time before you actually land an interview is crucial. It’s your networking, resume and cover letter that will ultimately decide if you get the opportunity to put on your power outfit and make your case in front of the hiring manager. All of the hard work that you put into crafting a resume and perfecting your cover letter are just the first steps in an interview process and can seem like a daunting task, especially if the position is competitive or far-reaching. Don’t let the stress stop you from applying for a position that you want, because oftentimes interviewers will call in a few resumes that they were on the boarder for, simply hoping that the candidate blows them away in an interview. With hard work and determination your resume is sure to land on the “yes” stack!
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