1. Vocabulary and Customs
Thursday, November 9th

2. Interview Questions
Please answer the interview questions in your folder
Be prepared to share

3. Customs of the Professional World
A ‘custom’ is a social norm practiced in a society
Not participating in this can make you seem rude
Let’s explore some around the world…

4. Cameroon
In Cameroon, you would be considered impolite for crossing your legs if you are a man

5. Russia In the US, it is very impolite to make your host wait
In Russia, it is customary to make your hosts wait, as it will test their commitment
Too much smiling also comes across as insincere

6. Japan Business cards are extremely important
They should not be written on, played with, or put in your back pocket

7. India Asking for seconds in the US is considered polite to the hosts
In India, you should wait, it implies you weren’t satisfied

8. France
While shaking hands is polite in the US, France prefers a different greeting
It is customary to ‘air kiss’ three times – right cheek, left, and right

9. Denmark
When eating lunch with Danes, do not leave any food on your plate

10. Taiwan
You should leave a little bit of rice in your bowl

11. United Kingdom ‘Dinner’ means lunch ‘Tea’ means dinner
Also, tapping your nose means you’re about to discuss something private
Don’t give the ‘peace’ sign

12. South Korea Never pour your own glass
If you are out with friends, it is their obligation to pour your drink for you

13. What are yours?
Take time to think about customs from your native country – share with the class
Also, what is an American custom that has taken time getting used to?

14. Vocabulary
Please take time to fill out the vocabulary worksheets

15. Asking Questions
Every interview will end with “do you have any questions for us?”
Always make sure to ask questions
Have at least three prepared

16. The morning of… Get plenty of sleep Make sure your phone is charged
Set your alarm
Eat a good breakfast
Make sure you shower and brush your teeth

17. Know where you’re going
And how are you getting there?
Make sure you account for traffic, rush hour, parking, etc.

18. Arriving at the Interview
You should arrive 15 minutes early
Make sure you know where in the building you’re going
Not just the address
Be polite
Strike up a conversation with the receptionist

19. Another option (this is what I do)
Get to the area early
Find a café and bring your laptop (if you have one) or use your phone
Do last minute research. Write out your thoughts

20. Customs of the Interview
The handshake
Very important
Handshake should be firm
Make eye contact, smile

21. Customs of the Interview
Speaking
Be honest
Speak positively
Don’t bad talk previous employers

22. Customs of the Interview
Body Language
Project confidence by
Smiling
Sitting up straight
Making eye contact

23. The beginning of the interview
Usually begins with an introduction
The first question is usually “what brings you here” or “why are you interested?”

24. Rest of the interview Most interview questions are not unique
Questions will be specific to the job
It’s good to research some interview questions
Don’t come off as too scripted

25. Give it a shot!
You will each get a turn as an applicant for an office position
You each have a sheet of question to ask the applicant
You have 2 minutes to ask questions. After 2 minutes, give 1 minute of feedback
Then switch

26. Asking Questions
Every interview will end with “do you have any questions for us?”
Always make sure to ask questions
Have at least three prepared

27. Good questions vs. bad questions
The questions you ask will be important
While it is imperative to ask questions, not all questions are equal
What are some examples?