Preparing for an International Job Interview

After creating a powerful resume to land an international job interview, the next essential part of landing a job abroad is the first meeting.

An interview allows you to sell your skills and show the interviewer why you are suitable for a particular position. Accordingly, preparation is critical.

Here are some tips on preparing for an international job interview.

Before The Interview

1. Review the advertisement and think about the various ways in which you meet the job criteria. Then review your resume, note your relevant skills, which can be mentioned when answering questions.

2. Always dress professionally for the interview. If you’re interviewing for a job abroad, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with local professional attire so that you can dress appropriately.

3. Interviews for jobs abroad typically include questions about the local culture and traditions and your plans to adjust to life in a different country. Thus, you should familiarize yourself with the local culture before your interview and have a clear answer to why you want to work in that particular country.

4. Prepare a list of questions the interviewer is likely to ask. Think about how you might answer these questions and practice accordingly. Here are some sample questions you may be asked:

  • Have you ever lived, traveled, or worked abroad? If yes, did you find it difficult to adjust to cultural differences?
  • Working in our country may be a little difficult as the professional atmosphere here may not be as advanced as your home country. How will you handle this?
  • Why did you choose this country to work in?
  • What interests you about our company?
  • Do you speak any foreign languages? Are you prepared to learn our local language?
  • Where do you see yourself three years from now?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?

These are examples of questions you may be asked during your international interview. Always be enthusiastic and honest when answering. Never lie!

Even if you don’t know an answer, admit you don’t, but emphasize you are willing and eager to learn to find the answer.

The Interview

  • Arrive on time and be dressed appropriately.
  • Wait for the interviewer to ask you to be seated before you sit down.
  • Talk at an excellent speech rate (140-160 words per minute) and enunciate your words perfectly. English may not be the first language of your interviewer; you may need to adjust your speed accordingly.
  • Come across as optimistic and positive. Your interviewer may not necessarily be looking for someone who has the best credentials but may be looking for someone who can inspire their team and fit in well with their company culture.
  • If you do not understand a particular question, don’t try and fumble through the answer. Ask the interviewer to clarify.
  • Never answer with “Yes” or “No” or other monosyllabic responses. Elaborate a bit, if appropriate.

Essentially, the way you communicate at your international job interview will indicate how you communicate on the job. It’s imperative you speak clearly, concisely, and positively.

Remember that you are interviewing to work abroad, so talk about your interest in the company and living abroad and traveling, as well as previous travel experiences and the true reasons behind your desire to work overseas.

Have you gotten a job in another country? Comment and share your experience below! Need help with your international job search? Reach out to Candace to learn more!