Interviewing in the U.S. can be a challenging experience for international candidates. The key to success is being prepared.
Sell Yourself
Being attentive, humble and following the lead of the interviewer is favored in some cultures. In the U.S., your role in the interview is to market yourself proactively. You are expected to answer general, open-ended and sometimes futuristic questions, and to clearly articulate the benefits and skills you can bring to the company. It’s important to keep an upbeat, positive, and enthusiastic tone. Making negative comments about yourself is not appreciated.
Explain Your Background
Don’t expect interviewers to be knowledgeable about your country. Develop strategies to explain quickly and concisely the relevant aspects of your background, such as the education system, political context, social or economic environment.
Demonstrate Your Experience
U.S. employers want to know what you can do for them. Focus on what you have accomplished as an individual as opposed to what you have done as part of a team or group. Take credit for making changes, solving programs and developing new initiatives. Don't spend too much time talking about your degree, credentials, affiliations and social network; spend more time discussing your own talents, abilities and demonstrated interests as they relate to the job. Having interests extending beyond work and/or school is a great quality in the U.S. Other cultures may not place the same emphasis on these types of activities, but U.S. employers may ask you about membership or professional associations, volunteering experience and even personal interests.
Customize Your Style
Depending on the corporate culture or industry, your interview with the employer may be informal and unstructured, with the use of first names, humor, a relaxed attitude and spontaneous questions. Research and preparation are essential to understand the regional, organizational, and functional differences among companies in the U.S.
Simplify Your Answers
Speed of communication is often critical during an interview. Efficiency and time management are highly valued in the U.S., and U.S. interviewers expect quick responses and the ability to "think on your feet." To help keep your responses simple and to the point, develop bullet-point style answers and rely on the verbal cues of your interviewer to see if you are saying too much or not enough.
Be Prepared for Sponsorship Question
Although it is illegal for employers to ask about your immigration status, they can ask if you have authorization to work in the U.S. and if you will need visa sponsorship now or in the future. Make sure you fully understand your work authorization options under your visa status and respond accurately. Meet with an ISSO advisor for your specific work authorization.