Cultural Differences Gender Differences Interview Tips: Before, During, and After

Cultural Differences U.S. INTERVIEW Be 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 INTERVIEW Personal 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. INTERVIEWS Interviewer may do most of the talking or may expect the candidate to do most of the talking. Direct questions regarding competency, experience Questions regarding age, race, sex, and marital status are illegal. INTERNATIONAL INTERVIEWS Interviewer may talk for the majority of the interview. Indirect questions regarding competency, experience Age, 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. INTERVIEWS Open discussion of accomplishment and skills 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 INTERVIEWS Citing accomplishments 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? Individualistic vs. Collectivistic Competition vs. Cooperation Face Negotiation

Overcoming the Gap Practice framing your strengths in the cultural value, i.e. moving from individualistic to collectivistic It is similar to learning a new language so you need practice. Uncertainty Reduction

8 interview mistakes women need to avoid Being Too Chatty Dressing Inappropriately Appearing Too Stiff Not Negotiating the Offer Talking About What You Don't Know Failing to Market Yourself Issuing Disclaimers Worrying too much

Why the difference? Gender Dialectics Rapport vs. Report Content vs. Context Double Bind Theory Femininity vs. Confidence Breaking the Bind

Overcoming the Difference Direct concise language Maintaining Assertiveness Practice Cross-Talk

Strengthen Interview Presence Practice is even more important. Don't assume the interviewer knows about your university or the education system in your country. Become familiar with some of the field specific terminology. Be more direct and succinct.

Strengthen Interview Presence Provide positive rather than negative answers. If you don't understand, ask for clarification. Don't be apologetic for your accent. Make the fact that you are international a selling point.

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 international student, your diversity remains a strength - just find the right story.

How to Sell the Product Be the Solution Be Specific Prepare Sound Bites Prepare to Talk About Your Resume Be Aware of Nonverbal Communication Be 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 Differences Gender Differences Interview Tips: Before, During, and After