international student guide to the us job interview

Lehigh University Career Services – International Student Interview Guide

International Student Guide to the

US Job Interview

Lehigh University Career Services Department

Rauch Business Center, Suite 484

Phone - 610-758-3710

www.lehigh.edu/careerservices

Monday - Friday 8:15 – 4:45

http://www.lehigh.edu/careerservices


The US Interview – A Cultural Roadmap for International Students

Lehigh University Career Services

in Collaboration with Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

Overview of the US Job Interview

Question: When should I begin to prepare for the interview?

Answer: You should begin preparing for the US job market from the moment you arrive in the US. Take the initiative

to learn about US culture and hone your English language skills. Take English language classes and, more importantly, immerse yourself in US culture and spend time around native speakers of English.

You should also begin to develop interests outside of your academic research area, early. A narrow focus on academics and academic research can be a huge disadvantage in a job interview and, more importantly, in

the long-run both professionally and personally.

Question: What is the US job interview all about? What will employers want to know about me

during an interview?

Answer: The interview process in the US is used to determine if job candidate and organization would be a good fit for one another. As such, the US job interview is all about perception. Perception equals reality in most US job

interview situations. How a recruiter perceives us during a formal interview is based not only upon evaluation

of our “work deliverables” but also on how we interact with the recruiter and others. “Work deliverables” and interactions with others are the two key targets of evaluation. The interview is not all about your technical

knowledge and grades.

**The US job interview is not a test to determine if you have studied and prepared the “right” answers to common interview questions. There are no “right” answers to interview questions. Recruiters want to know YOUR answers – after all, the job interview is about YOU and your unique offerings.**

Question: How important are my grades and education overall?

Answer: While your grades and education are certainly important, especially when it comes to being selected for an

interview, they are not the most important criteria for evaluation during the interview. Business is all about relationships, so recruiters are looking for top academic performers who also relate well to others. Relating to

others (known as “emotional intelligence”) in an effective way is highly valued by US recruiters.

First impressions are critical. Within the first 10 seconds of meeting anyone, that person will form an

impression of you by the way you are dressed and the way you carry yourself (posture, facial expression, emotional tone, energy level, tone of voice).

You must convey confidence. Relax your shoulders, maintain a straight but relaxed posture, and keep

your chin up and eyes facing forward. Make eye contact. Be aware of the expression on your face – relax your facial muscles and smile/have a pleasant look on your face. Speak up and with confidence, energy, and

enthusiasm.


Question: Is the first 10 seconds with the recruiter the only time I need to be aware of making a positive impression?

Answer: No. Creating a positive first impression becomes important from the moment you are in the vicinity of the employer – as soon as you pull into the company parking lot for a site interview or as soon as you enter the

waiting area for an on campus interview – until you leave the vicinity of the employer.

What you do, or how you behave before you even meet the interviewer can be a major factor in your success. Focus on building rapport, or “connecting” with others – at all levels – in a positive manner.

Express kindness and a positive attitude toward all company personnel you encounter, at all levels, from janitors to administrative assistants to the highest-level professionals. Smile. Say “please” and “thank you.”

Politely refuse offers of refreshments…administrative personnel are busy and may feel inconvenienced by

having to bring you refreshments, even though they offer.

Everyone you encounter will form an impression of you and may be asked to volunteer that information to

the hiring manager.

Sometimes, companies who interview on campus bring “greeters’” who sit in the waiting areas and socialize with job candidates before their interviews. They are there to help you relax, answer any questions you may

have and tell you more about their organizations. They also, most certainly, will provide feedback about you

to the recruiters. Be sociable and interested in them. Ask them questions. Show that you take pleasure in getting to know them. Most greeters are Lehigh alumni, so asking them about their Lehigh days can be a

great way to build a positive rapport and make a great impression.

Put away the cell phone. Keep it turned OFF!! Cell phone conversations in waiting areas can be

distracting and rude to others. Do not check your cell phone during the interview. Some recruiters ask for feedback from receptionists/greeters about job candidates and cell phone activity (making calls, texting,

checking messages, etc.) while waiting for the interview. These recruiters automatically reject those candidates who have been observed playing with their cell phones in the waiting area, regardless of their

performance during the interview. Don’t lose an opportunity based on cell phone behavior!

Question: Overall, how will people form an impression of me?

Answer: By how you look, what you do, what you say, and how you say it.

Question: How should I dress for the interview?

Answer: Wear a conservative dark-colored suit (black, navy blue, dark gray) to demonstrate professionalism in your

appearance. “Suit” refers to a jacket and pants or jacket and skirt.

Women, make sure midriff and chest areas are fully covered and make sure clothing is not skin tight and buttons don’t look as if they will pop open at any time. Women’s shoes should be closed-toe pumps with a

medium heel (no spike heels). Women may wear a skirt with a jacket. Skirt length should be 2 inches above the knee or longer. Also, if wearing a skirt, be sure to wear nylons. Bare legs are not appropriate in any

corporate setting.

Men should always wear dark-colored socks that match their interview outfit (do not wear white gym socks).

Men should also wear a neutral-colored shirt (white, off-white, light blue) under the jacket. Avoid brightly-colored shirts. Tie should look professional (no outrageous design or colors).


American recruiters (and Americans in general) have high standards for grooming and cleanliness. Be sure to

shower and wash hair in the morning, before the interview.

Avoid brightly-colored clothing.

Present yourself with an overall clean and neat, well-groomed appearance.

Sport conservative hair and jewelry – long hair should be pulled back or combed off face.

Do not wear perfume or cologne. Scents can be distracting to recruiters and some can be allergic. Do not

chew gum.

Know how your body reacts under stress. If your mouth gets dry, take a breath mint 10 minutes before the

interview. If you tend to sweat more, wear stronger deodorant.

Question: What should I bring with me to the interview? What shouldn’t I bring?

Answer: Carry a brief case or solid-colored folder containing your resume and list of references as well as some

samples of your work.

Do not carry a backpack. You are making the transition from student to professional and should look more like a professional. A backpack would make you look too much like a student.

Do not carry a water bottle, coffee, etc., with you.

Women can carry a purse that looks professional. It should not have any cute graphics or toys hanging from it.

Question: What about creating a positive impression while in the presence of the recruiter? What do I need to know

and what is the protocol for making introductions?

Answer: Before even entering the interview room, there are some key behaviors you should know about when

meeting the recruiter for the first time. These behaviors can really help you make a positive impression. Overall, your objective is to convey confidence and a pleasant attitude. Here is the typical protocol for

meeting a US recruiter for the first time:

Make eye contact with recruiter as he/she approaches.

When recruiter calls your name, say, “yes,” smile, stand up, and maintain eye contact.

Employer will introduce him/herself using the appropriate title (Ms., Mr., Dr.) or first and last name only. Pay

attention to this – address the employer according to how he/she introduces him/herself.

Question: What if I miss or forget how the employer introduces him/herself?

Answer: You can just avoid the issue altogether and respond with, “Hello, nice to meet you,” instead of “Hello Dr.

Jones, very nice to meet you.” (When in doubt, don’t use the employer’s name).

Question: (Introduction protocol continued…)

Answer: Next, anticipate a handshake. A brief handshake is a standard gesture of greeting in the US business world.


Employer will extend hand first.

Again, reply, “Hello ____(use interviewer’s name), very nice to meet you,” while looking employer in the eye.

Or - if you are unsure how to address the employer, you don’t have to use the employer’s name. Just say,

“Hello, very nice to meet you.” Remember to look the employer in the eye.

Grip employer’s hand for a firm hand shake. Don’t grasp the employer’s hand too softly or too tightly. Don’t

just grasp the fingers. Grasp the full hand. A Proper hand shake is very important. Practice! Get feedback from others, including Career Services.

The area between your thumb and forefinger should meet that of the recruiter, for a proper grasp. Move arm

in an up-and-down motion 2 or 3 times only, and then release.

Follow recruiter to interview room, walking tall with shoulders back.

Question: What should I say while walking with the recruiter to the interview room?

Answer: The recruiter will usually initiate conversation while walking to interview room. You do not have to initiate conversation at this time but you should be prepared to answer some casual questions the recruiter may ask

as you approach the interview room. The recruiter may also wait until reaching the interview room to ask these casual/informal questions.

To explain, many US and UK speakers do an informal “set up” at the beginning of any meeting/conversation. This type of social “warm-up” is especially used by recruiters to start up a dialogue as a means of trying to

draw out some of the candidate’s personality, to determine how well he/she is likely to interact with the remainder of the team. Where, by comparison, some from other countries are more formal. Be prepared to

respond to the informal/casual line of questioning.

A question may be, “How are you today?” to which you can give a brief and appreciative reply, “Very well,

thank you. How are you?” (with a smile). Try not to look perplexed.

Other casual questions the recruiter may ask could be about the weather, your travel to the office, or recreation.

Example: “What’s the weather like out there?” “How was your trip?” Did you find our office O.K?”

“What did you think of the game last night? Are you a sports fan?”

The best way to answer is with more than one word. Give some details about the weather and your trip

instead of just uttering a single word response. Just relax and think of it like chatting with a friend.

Sample responses: “It’s raining out, unfortunately, but I think it is supposed to clear up by this afternoon.”

“My trip was just fine. I left my home very early and was able to miss a lot of traffic.”

“I wasn’t able to watch the game last night but I heard it was a close contest!”

Question: Should I just follow the interviewer to the interview room? What should I do when we get to the room?

Answer: Walk slightly behind the interviewer but match walking speed (don’t lag far behind or rush ahead).

Wait until the recruiter invites you to sit down (don’t rush into the room and sit down). The recruiter will typically say, “Please, sit down.” or “Have a seat right here.”

Take a seat and a silent deep breath to help calm yourself and relax those shoulders.


Question: Regarding the interview atmosphere…how should I respond or adapt?

Answer: The best US interviews resemble a conversation between two colleagues so it is important to establish a rapport with the recruiter. Recruiters are not really considered authority figures but partners in the interview

process. Don’t make the mistake of bowing to authority by sitting perfectly still and passively answering

questions. Consider the following relationship-building strategies:

Body language

Active listening – employers are more attracted to active listeners - they

appear to have more potential. Active listening can be demonstrated by: o Open posture (keeping arms and legs uncrossed)

o Lean in slightly o Make and maintain eye contact at least 60% of the time - VERY IMPORTANT

o Make noises like “mm hmm” on occasion, during pauses when the recruiter is speaking

o Nod head when appropriate

o Smile (but don’t grin) o Focus gestures and posture on the speaker

Question: Why is eye contact so important? I think I will feel very uncomfortable making eye

contact with the employer because this would not be appropriate in my culture.

Answer: In the US, casting eyes down may be perceived as dishonesty, shiftiness

(untrustworthiness), lack of confidence, lack of assertiveness, disinterest, or lack of social skills. In the US, eye contact is viewed as being interested and engaged.

Since eye contact can be difficult to learn, it can be used effectively for short periods of time to emphasize important points and demonstrate interest during

transitions (from question to question).

If looking into someone’s eyes feels uncomfortable, you may focus your gaze on the

middle of the recruiter’s forehead. It will appear to the recruiter that you are looking into his/her eyes, even though you are not.

Question: How can I use gestures as leverage during an interview?

Is it better to use my hands while I speak or to stay still and not move?

Answer: If you sit perfectly still, you may be perceived as a “rigid” or unsociable person. Use natural hand gestures that appear genuine, not contrived – shows

you are personable.

Here are some additional tips about body language during the

interview:

Don’t slouch in chair but don’t be overly stiff in your posture.

Refrain from touching your face.

Keep your feet on the floor and your hands on your lap (don’t

grip table if there is one in front of you).

Refrain from tapping feet and hands or twirling hair (demonstrates nervousness

and is distracting to recruiter).


It is a good idea to take a few notes during a second round interview (but don’t take notes constantly). The recruiter will perceive you as interested and engaged if

you do so.

Question: What is the best overall strategy for approaching the interview? I am especially unsure about the balance

between confidence and modesty. In what manner should I present myself?

Answer: This is not the time to be modest or understated. In the US, interviewees are expected to talk openly and confidently about their achievements and accomplishments. In the US there is a saying, “You have to toot

your own horn.” This means that you have to draw attention to your individual achievements. Tell the

employer what value you can contribute.

Of course, bragging is not a good idea. Use examples and speak with confidence, not arrogance.

Be prepared to not only talk about your resume and academic record but have other extra-curricular activities and experiences to draw on. This will lead to

opening a casual conversation with the interviewer, finding a point of interest to

talk about. Being prepared to answer questions not related to academics is key as you will have plenty of opportunity to talk on your academic success.

The interpersonal skills it takes to have people feel like you can not only be a good employee but a good peer, will go a long way.

**Make the link between your qualifications and the reason you would be a good fit for the position. Draw parallels between what you have done/studied in the past and the job for which you are interviewing.**

Question: But isn’t this implied by my education and technical skills?

Answer: Not necessarily. The recruiter will be expecting you, as the job candidate, to further sell yourself, or demonstrate your suitability for the position during the interview. The recruiter will not assume that you

know how to connect your skills and background to the job. You must make the case. In doing so, it is very important that you express interest in the company and verbalize enthusiasm…it’s all about how your words

and behaviors make the recruiter feel.

No recruiter can be expected to read minds…be assertive in expressing to the recruiter that you want the

job. The recruiter won’t make this assumption just because you are in the job market. Express that you want the job by demonstrating your knowledge of the company in the questions you ask and, as mentioned

previously, by presenting yourself with energy and enthusiasm.

Be honest. Recruiters want to hear your answers…not “the correct” answer. Again, there

is no “list” of correct answers.

The length of your answers is important, too. Give direct answers and be concise. Keep all answers under 2 minutes so that you do not lose the interviewer’s attention.

Question: But wouldn’t it be rude to be direct and concise with the interviewer? Two minutes does not seem like much time to deliver an answer – especially when I am being

so careful to use correct grammar.

Answer: It is important to give direct answers and not round-about answers, which may

seem strange in the context of your own culture. Remember, the employer is not considered an authority figure but a partner in the interview process. Taking too

long to explain a point is more of a problem than using perfect grammar, primarily because you will lose the employer’s attention and direct communication is valued


in the US workplace. Practice giving concise explanations of the key points you

wish to convey during the interview.

Question: I am worried that my less than perfect English language skills will be viewed negatively by the employer. What impact will this have on the interview? How

important is it to use perfect English?

Answer: It is important that you work on improving your English language skills on an on-

going basis, from the moment you arrive in the US. The better your English skills, the more positively you will be perceived during the interview.

However, precise use of English is not required. You won’t necessarily be eliminated from consideration for less than perfect English skills. What’s important

is the ability to communicate thoughts effectively.

But if you can’t communicate, you really can’t compensate. Take courses to help language skills prior to interviewing. More importantly, spend time around native

speakers of English to improve your fluency. Again, this preparation begins from the moment you arrive in

the US. You should consider improving your English and learning about American culture as an integral part of your education here at Lehigh.

Generally speaking, grammar mistakes are viewed more negatively than accent. However, energy and

enthusiasm, positive self-esteem and confidence are more important than perfect grammar. It’s a lot easier

to tweak your attitude than fix your English in the few days before the interview.

Don’t lower the volume of your voice when you don’t know how to pronounce a word…it is better to say the word at a volume the interviewer can hear, so interviewer can “guess” at the word you meant.

Also, don’t apologize for your poor English skills. Language proficiency is

subjective. You may speak and be understood better than you think.

Question: How should I prepare to answer interview questions? Should I memorize answers

to specific questions that are commonly asked?

Answer: You will never know exactly which questions you will be asked during an interview, but what you do know

is yourself. Prepare specific points about yourself that you would like to make – and the words and sentences you would like to use – but don’t memorize answers to specific interview questions.

Be sure to understand and emphasize your strengths as an international student job

candidate: bilingual, diverse experiences, adaptable, technical expertise, high-level

of education, hard-working. Weave these strengths into your answers.

It is very important that you practice your interview skills out loud and not just prepare answers in your mind. Contact Career Services to inquire about mock interview services.

Another tip for those who are not confident in their English speaking capabilities is to prepare several examples or stories from past experiences that

demonstrate your skills and finest personal qualities.

Question: Examples from my past? What do my past experiences have to do with how I will

be perceived?

Answer: Americans normally like to use an example and a process to express how successful and how good they are, rather than just saying, “I am very good at…”

The interviewer is more interested in “how” than “what.”


In fact, there is a type of question that is very common in the US interview scenario. This question is called the “behavioral interview question.”

Question: What are behavioral interview questions and what do they evaluate?

Answer: Behavioral interview questions are used to evaluate how you might approach a situation in the future,

based upon how you approached that same situation with others in the past.

They usually begin with the words, “Tell me about a time when…” What is important to remember about behavioral interview questions is to talk about your individual actions. Use the pronoun “I” and not “we.”

The employer is interested in knowing specifically what you did, or how you behaved, within the context of a team.

Behavioral interview questions evaluate a candidate’s “soft skills.” Soft skills include communication,

behavioral flexibility, initiative, leadership/influence, planning/organizing, decision-making, and more. A list

of sample behavioral interview questions and the soft skills commonly evaluated can be found at the end of this document.

Question: What is the best way to answer behavioral interview questions?

Answer: Use the STAR technique. S – describe the situation, T – describe the task at hand, A – describe the action you took and R – describe the results.

Use actual stories from your past. BE HONEST! Don’t make up a story. Recruiters can tell when you are

lying and lying will greatly hurt your chances. Remember, answers should be under 2 minutes.

Be sure to select stories that end with a positive result. Never be critical. Never say anything

negative/complain about places you have worked in the past or people you have worked with in the past.

Question: How should I prepare for behavioral interview questions?

Answer: Prepare stories/accounts of real experiences you have had in the past that demonstrate your very best communication, behavioral flexibility, initiative, etc. Your answers can be drawn from academic experiences

as well as from your extracurricular/community activities.

Question: I’ve heard that a very common question asked during US interviews is, “Tell me about your greatest weakness.” What are the best tips for answering?

Answer: Understand that this question is all about opportunity. Have you recognized an opportunity for self-improvement and are you doing something about it?

There are actually three parts to the answer. 1. State the weakness. This can be either a character flaw or

skill deficit. 2. State your awareness of the problem, 3. State what you are doing to improve yourself.

Our greatest strength is usually our greatest weakness as well. (Weaknesses are over-developed

strengths).

The ability to talk about weaknesses also demonstrates maturity in the US.


We ALL have weaknesses! Do not reply by stating you don’t have any.

Question: What about my technical skills? How can I best present my technical skills during

an interview?

Answer: You will most certainly be asked questions related to your academics and skills. The best way to handle

these questions is to tell a coherent story with good reasons for what’s been done and how it was done. Focus on the main points and be concise.

Be factual rather than presenting opinions, unless asked to provide an opinion.

It is also a good idea to prepare a portfolio of some of your best projects (no more than 20 pages). This can serve as concrete evidence of your skills – if the

employer wishes to view it. Not all employers are interested in portfolios, but it can’t hurt to bring one along. The employer will tell you whether or not he/she

wishes to view your portfolio.

Always keep in mind that technical skills are just one of many aspects evaluated

during a US job interview.

Question: What if I am asked a question to which I do not know the answer?

Answer: In that case, never just say “no” and leave it at that. Try and relate your answer to

a parallel skill or, explain how you would go about finding the answer.

Question: I have also heard that employers like to ask questions like, “So, tell me about yourself…” or “Why should I

hire you?” What is the best way to respond?

Answer: These questions are opportunity questions…opportunities for you to promote yourself.

Prepare a marketing pitch – one short and one long - Succinct, Sincere, Specific

Provide a skills-based rationale without repeating the content of your

resume. (Not a play-by-play of your background). Show behaviors.

Summarize who you are and what you’ve accomplished – make the link between your qualifications and the reason you would be a good fit for the position.

Think of two things you would like the employer to know about you.

Question: What if I have questions. Is it appropriate to ask questions during the interview?

Answer: Absolutely. Interviewing is also about asking the right questions – not just giving

answers.

Just be careful not to ask questions that are clearly answered on the company web site.

And don’t ask “me” centered questions, like, “Would my office have a window?”

Question: What types of questions should I ask?


Answer: Think like a consultant. The level of sophistication of your questions as

well as follow up comments will add great credibility to your candidacy. Think about what you might like to know about the company in terms of its growth, markets, challenges,

suppliers, etc.

Also prepare some questions to ask that show your interest in the company/position, corporate culture,

geographic region, opportunities in the company, career opportunities, industry dynamics, etc.

Some international students tend to be too conservative and do not initiate good topics beyond closely- related-to-interview topics. Try to ask more questions, not just answer questions

passively. Typically, the interviewers, especially HR, are not technical people. It is easy to give a good impression by “chatting” with them rather than “being

interviewed.”

Also, prepare 3-4 specific questions to ask at the end of the interview, as interviewers always ask

candidates if they have questions. Again, asking questions is a key strategy because it demonstrates your interest in the company.

Question: What about the visa issue? How should I handle the issue of my visa status during the interview?

Answer: The employer should initiate discussion of the visa. Don’t you, as the candidate, ask the question, “Do you

sponsor the H1B visa?” This is especially a mistake during the initial interview. The employer will most likely say “no” because you have not given a reason for him/her to consider it. You must first focus on promoting

yourself to the employer. Give the employer a reason to believe that sponsorship for you is worth pursuing.

Keep discussion of visa issue toward the end of the interview when mutual interest is established. It needs to be explicitly discussed – ideally during the final round interview.

Read and understand immigration laws and know the limitations on the recruiter, particularly on topics that the candidate might wish to raise, like dual career opportunities.

Question: What if I am asked about my salary expectations during the interview? How should I respond?

Answer: You should be ready to answer the question but don’t initiate it.

Before the interview, you should research your market value and determine a salary range. You can consult Career Services for resources to conduct salary research and also use online resources such as Monster.com

and Salary.com, and O*NET Online.

Defer discussion of salary for as long as possible. Your initial response to the question can be something like,

“I’m not ready to discuss salary right now, but if we both feel this is a good fit between myself and the position, I’m sure we can work something out that will be agreeable to us both.” If recruiter presses, give a

range. Never give one number.

Question: Is there anything I need to know in particular about site interviews?

Answer: Sometimes, site interviews last for several hours and include unstructured time such as a group lunch. These

unstructured times are part of the interview.

“You are always being interviewed.” Your actions never go unnoticed.

Question: What will the employer want to know about me during lunch or other unstructured time?


Answer: During unstructured time, the employer will want to see how well you blend with the group. The employer will try to determine if you can be a good peer by how well you join with others.

Question: How can I best prepare for this unstructured time?

Answer: Have 4 or 5 casual conversation topics (known as “small talk”) prepared before the interview. This is the time for you to ask less formal questions.

Question: What are some examples of topics that would be appropriate? What topics should I avoid?

Answer: Appropriate small talk topics:

Weather

Sports (American football, baseball) Traffic (your trip to the site interview)

Current events in the area How long have you been in this career?

What do you like best about your job? How long have you been with the company?

If you could change one thing about the company, what would it be?

Is flex time offered here? And other questions about the work environment

Interviewer’s day What are your favorite restaurants in this area?

Small talk topics to avoid: Politics, religion and sex (these are considered controversial issues in the US)

Health issues (health is considered too personal in the US to discuss among people who just meet) Mean gossip about anyone (can make you sound like a person who causes trouble)

Personal questions like how much someone paid for outfit (can make you sound too intrusive).

Question: I am not very comfortable talking about some of these topics, especially sports. Are there any other topics

you can suggest?

Answer: Yes. Small talk is not limited to sports and weather. You can also talk about your extracurricular activities.

Describe a club activity you are involved with or academic project. Include meaningful information about yourself, such as the soft skills you developed in these activities, like communication, flexibility, teamwork,

leadership, etc.

With small talk, be genuine.

Also ask questions about the local community (where are local parks/shopping, what are the local school

districts, etc.) …this will demonstrate to the employers that you are thinking about living in the area – hence, open to relocation.

Question: What if I have certain dietary restrictions? How should I handle this if a lunch or dinner is involved in the site

interview?

Answer: You should state dietary restrictions up front. Don’t feel awkward about doing this. This is a common request.


Question: Suppose at lunch or dinner members of the group order alcoholic beverages and I do not wish to drink

alcohol. Will I place myself at a disadvantage for refusing alcohol?

Answer: During a site interview lunch or dinner…it is O.K. to politely refuse ordering an alcoholic beverage if offered or if others in the group are ordering them.

Sometimes, employers want to see if a candidate can manage alcohol during such a situation, especially if having lunch or dinner with clients will be a regular function on the job. If you do choose to have an alcoholic

beverage, limit yourself to just one.

Question: I am very interested in the final result of my interview. How can I convey this to the recruiter?

Answer: During the interview itself, your focus should not be on the final results. Rather, it is important that you give

the impression you are really interested in what you are interviewing for.

Question: What are the best tips regarding my personality and emotional tone during the interview?

Answer: Your personality/emotional tone during the interview should match that of the recruiter…if recruiter is very

serious, mirror back a serious tone of voice and facial expression. If recruiter is more of a friendly person, smile more and mirror back a more friendly tone of voice.

Question: Will the way I answer, such as my tone of my voice, have any bearing on the interview?

Answer: Your voice should sound relaxed (conversational) with pitch rising and falling, and not rigid or “rehearsed” as if giving a report.

But don’t be nonchalant (don’t confuse “relaxed” with disinterested).

Some languages tend to be spoken at a very fast pace. Speaking English at the same rate will be difficult to understand. Speak slowly and clearly.

In speaking slowly and clearly and using proper intonation, you present yourself as a confident person. This

can also help mitigate your shortcomings in your English language skills.

Speak up…do not speak in hushed tones.

Speak with a positive attitude – a “chip on your shoulder” will come across during an interview and really hurt

your chances.

Use a deeper voice – you will be perceived as calm, confident and in command.

Remember: Lower, louder, slower.

Be flexible. You should express willingness to venture into new fields, as this is common in American business

culture.

Treat the interviewer as an equal, not a superior. Some job candidates may be sensitive to hierarchy and

seniority and appear over-cautious or even timid as a result. Present yourself as confident and honest. If you remember that you are a talent that every company wants, you will feel more at ease.

Question: What if I need a little time to think before answering? Will this be viewed negatively?

Answer: Don’t rush to answer questions…make sure you understand the questions first. It is better to ask for clarification: “I’m sorry, could you please repeat the question?” than to give an answer that may not be

related to the question. Asking for clarification demonstrates carefulness on your part.


Pauses are acceptable – they give you time to think, help you slow down/calm yourself, and get rid of “Um”s and “Ah”s. Pauses give the impression that you think before you act. This is a desirable trait.

Question: What is the best way to conclude the interview? What should I say?

Answer: Be sure to have questions prepared to ask at the end of the interview if you didn’t ask questions during the interview. They can be written down in your portfolio.

Give longer version of your marketing pitch. Think of creating a 20 second commercial about yourself,

highlighting your best technical and soft skills. Providing this again at the end will further establish desirable

themes about yourself to the employer.

Ask about next steps.

Ask interviewer for business card – for purposes of follow-up and a Thank-You note.

Thank the recruiter for the opportunity to meet.

A hand-shake will be a parting gesture, as well.

Question: What is the protocol for follow-up after the interview?

Answer: Send a thank-you note to each and every person who interviewed you within 24 hours. Sometimes companies use the thank you note as a tie-breaker. Address the note the same way the interviewer

introduced him/herself. In the thank-you note, briefly reiterate what you bring to the position and your interest and enthusiasm.

Forward any supporting materials the company may ask for, in a timely manner.

Always ask the recruiter when you can expect to hear back. If the recruiter says two weeks, then contact them in two weeks and one day if you haven’t heard anything. Call or email, then wait for or five days and

contact them again. If you phoned the first time, then email the second, and vice versa (“multi-media

attack”). If you continue to do this for four or five weeks with no response, then it may be time for you to simply cut bait and move on.

Don’t be a stalker! Most companies have caller ID, so be mindful about calling, not getting a response, and

hanging up. Recruiters will take offense.

Question: How should I approach a company about their decision when I have other offers?

Answer: In the case of multiple interviews and a pending offer once another company has made an offer to you, you

may ask the first company who made the offer for an extension. Frame it with a positive tone. Reiterate your interest in the company and position with the statement, “I would like to explore all my options.” This can

make you look like a more attractive candidate. NEVER put companies in a bidding war for you.

Question: How should I prepare for a specific interview? What should be my plan of action?

Answer: Do Your Homework. Research, research, research. At minimum, know the information on the company web

site. Sometimes recruiters will ask questions during the interview that are clearly addressed on the web site –

in order to determine whether you took the time to read it. Specifically, you should know:

Products/services Markets


Competitors

Geographic locations Subsidiaries

Key Financials Key leaders

Mission Statement

Values Statement

Beyond the company web site, learn about current events. Search newspaper and magazine articles for information on new ventures, trends in the industry.

If on campus, attend company information sessions.

Do a full inventory of your personal qualities and skills…prepare yourself on how you can contribute to the company, strengths and weaknesses, willingness to relocate, etc. The job interview in the US is an exercise in

marketing. First determine what the company’s needs are…then be able to articulate how you can meet those needs/solve the company’s problems. In other words, already envision yourself in the position.

Conduct informational interviews with others who work in the company, to determine the kinds of qualities desired in job candidates. For contacts, work with your college/university career center.

Understand the Job Description. Sounds obvious, but many people enter job interviews without full

knowledge of the job description. This would make you appear unprepared and disinterested.

Practice by doing Mock Interviews. It is not enough to prepare interview answers in your mind. You must

practice as if in a real interview. Schedule a mock interview with Career Services.

Behavioral Interviewing Questions Communication

1. Tell me about a time when the ability to

communicate effectively was critical to the

success of a task or project. How did you

handle it?

2. Describe a situation you observed or were a

part of where you felt communication was

handled particularly well by someone else.

What did they do? Why do you think it was

effective?

• Interviewer will evaluate your bias for written or

oral communication and match this to the needs of

the position. Recruiter will observe the role of

listening and your description of effective

communication. Interviewer will assess your ability to

communicate in a clear, concise, understandable

way.

Initiative

1. Describe a situation where initiative on the

part of you or someone else was critical.

Why was it important? How was it handled?

2. Tell me about a situation where your own

initiative made a difference in the outcome.

• Interviewer will determine how you value pro-

activity over reactivity. Interviewer will assess

judgment in the selection of the situation calling for

initiative, and the activities used to respond to it.

Recruiter will determine your willingness to go

beyond a given parameter if that is what is

required to do on the job.

Behavioral Flexibility

1. Describe an example of a time when you

had to approach several people for support

or cooperation whom you considered quite

different from one another. What did you

have to do differently with each person?

How did you know what to do differently?

2. Describe a situation in which your first

attempt to sell an idea failed. How did you

react to this? What other approaches did

you try?

• Interviewer will assess your ability to cooperate

and negotiate with different personalities.

Leadership/Influence

1. Tell me about one of the toughest groups you


have had to get cooperation from. Did you

have formal authority? What did you do?

2. Of the people you have encountered or

know about in public positions of leadership,

who do you look to as a model and why?

• Interviewer will assess your ability and willingness

to influence and be influenced by others. Recruiter

will determine your willingness to confront issues

honestly. Interviewer will determine to what degree

you model the behaviors expected from others.

Planning/Organizing

1. Describe a task or project you were in

charge of, and tell me how you set it up and

followed it through. Tell me about a situation

you observed or were part of where there

were time and/or resource constraints. What

happened? Why?

2. Describe a situation that required things to

be done at the same time. How did you

handle the situation? What was the result?

• Interviewer will assess your recognition of the

need to plan. Recruiter will determine your

effectiveness in gathering and organizing

information. Interviewer will assess your willingness

and ability to prioritize. Recruiter will assess your

identification of potential obstacles and ways of

dealing with them. Interviewer will assess the

candidate’s effective use of time and resources.

Problem Solving/Decision Making

1. Describe a situation where a prompt and

accurate decision on your part was critical.

What did you consider in reaching your

decision?

2. Describe two examples of good decisions

you have made in the last six months. What

were the alternatives? Why were they good

decisions? 3. Tell me about a decision you

made in the past that later proved to be a

wrong decision. Why was it wrong? What

would you do differently now, if anything, in

making that decision?

• Interviewer will assess your willingness and ability

to gather and analyze information. Recruiter will

determine your anticipation and consideration of

potential problems/opportunities. Interviewer will

assess your judgment and logical assumptions in light

of what was known prior to the decision. Recruiter

will assess your readiness to make a decision and

act on it.

Sales Ability/Persuasiveness

1. What are some of the best ideas you have

sold to others? What was your approach?

Describe a selling experience you have had.

2. Give me a specific example of a successful

or unsuccessful sale. Why was it successful or

unsuccessful?

• Interviewer will assess the candidate’s ability to

select the appropriate style for the situation.

Recruiter will assess your ability to gain agreement

or acceptance of his/her idea or plan.

Sensitivity/Team Effectiveness

1. When dealing with individuals or groups,

how do you determine when you are pushing

too hard? Tell me about a team where you

were the leader. How did you promote the

effectiveness of your team? What were the

results?

2. Describe some situations where you wished

you had acted differently with someone at

work/school. What did you do? What

happened?

• Interviewer will assess your consideration of

decisions on other team members. Recruiter will

consider your objectivity in looking at different

points of view and a willingness to confront

difference of opinion from other team members.

Work Standards

1. Is there a particular experience that stands

out as one you never want to repeat

because you did not meet your normal

standards of performance? What, and why?

2. What is the best job you have ever done on

an assignment, the standard of your own

performance that you used as a benchmark?

(The candidate should be specific about the

task; the interviewer will not settle for a

general discussion of what is good.)

• Interviewer will determine the degree to which

poor performance is unacceptable and will

determine your motivation to do a good job

consistently. Recruiter will assess work habits and

methods to achieve results. Interviewer will assess the

effectiveness of the candidate’s critique of his/her

own performance as the means of self-

improvement.

Lehigh University Career Services – US Job Interview

international student guide to the us job interview

Documents