Job Interview Tips for Overseas Students
A part-time job alongside studying abroad is an excellent option for overseas students to enhance their experience and support themselves. However, interviews can be nerve-racking, especially if the country you’re studying in has different customs and workplace environments than what you’re familiar to. We’ll go over some very important job interview tips for overseas students down below. These tactics will help you get the confidence you need to get through the interview process and increase your chances of landing a job.
Research and Preparation
It is important to do some research prior to the interview:
* Discover what the organization does, what they value, and any recent accomplishments.
* Research the most important abilities, skills and qualifications they’re looking for.
* Learn about the organization’s culture (official social media channels, blogs.) Go through sites like Glassdoor.
* Look out the person who will be interviewing you will help you to find common ground at the time of job interview.
* Make a list of few questions to ask your interviewer. Know what you would like to know more about the organization.
Prepare yourself to answer for most commonly asked questions during interviews. Practice expressing your experiences, strengths, and ambitions. Be truthful—you don’t have to avoid discussing challenges; but speak about them from your perspective and how you deal constructively.
For example, if you had a disagreement with a classmate while working on a team project or group assignment, explain how you resolved the issue and completed the work smoothly. Looking for assistance? Contact the career services office at your institution or university, or conduct mock interviews with a friend or family member. Practice your answers openly at least once. If you’ve uttered the words before then you’ll feel less anxious.
Set Up Your Route or Space
Are you anticipating the interview? Make a plan for how you’ll get there. In case you are driving, load up your gas tank a day or two before your interview, and check traffic reports before you depart. If you’re walking or utilising public transport, keep an eye out for construction or transit delays. Allow yourself additional time to arrive, no matter how you’re travelling. You should arrive with a few minutes to spare in case parking becomes problematic or you need to hold on for an elevator.
Even if you won’t be commuting, it’s a good idea to prepare for phone interview or video interviews. Before you join the call, grab a glass of water and double-check your wifi signal strength. Also, have a pen and paper or your preferred note-taking app on hand.
Tip: If you decide to utilise a note-taking app, inform the interviewer that you will be taking notes digitally. This way, they won’t think you’re inattentive during the interview.
Understand Cultural Differences
Different cultures have different anticipation for job interview. It is essential to understand what is appropriate in the country where you might be looking for a job. You should know how to greet people, and act during the interview include how attire yourself; lean a little more formal dress than the job you’re looking for.
In some countries like Australia, North America, and many parts of Western Europe, when your interviewer is speaking, it is extremely important to keep up eye contact with the interviewer. It is considered as a sign of involvement and respect. However, in other cultures, such as Japan or Korea, that approach is extremely direct, even invasive. Being aware of these differences and adapting your behavior demonstrates that you understand and respect other different countries’ cultures.
Furthermore, as Australian recruiting company Robert Walters advises, it is wise to “treat everyone you meet as your interviewer… From welcoming the receptionist to sharing a lift with… All of these are points of interaction with your potential future employer, and coworkers frequently share their impressions of visitors afterward.” To establish a good first impression, treat everyone with professionalism and politeness.
Pro Tip: Many in-person interviews are common at the start of with a handshake. If you're served a glass of water before the interview, keep it in your left hand so your hand isn't moist or icy when you shake (with your right hand)!
Showcase Transferable Skills
Even if you don’t have firsthand experience in the job you’re seeking for, you can demonstrate you have skills that are suitable in any job. These skills are known as transferable skills or “soft skills.” Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management are all important examples.
Give precise instances of how you’ve used these skills during the interview. Share those moments when you worked successfully with people, overcome challenges, or effectively balanced your time. Employers will realise that you have transferable skills and you can show how you can be an advantageous asset to their team.
Highlight Your International Experience
As an overseas student, you have exclusive experiences that will help you differentiate in an interview. Share your study abroad experience and how it has helped you build important professional as well as interpersonal skills. Employers value those who can navigate multiple cultures and bring innovative perspectives to their work.
Furthermore, the ability to speak more than one language (as many international students do!) might open up new career possibilities in various jobs. Share how you’ve performed well with people from different professions during the interview. Share how you addressed challenges and adapted to new surroundings. These examples demonstrate that you can be successful in a diverse workplace.
Everyone considers interviews can be challenging. However, you follow these job interview tips as overseas students, you will be well-prepared. Remember to conduct research, plan ahead, comprehend cultural differences, emphasise your international experience, and highlight your transferrable skills. Stay confident, be yourself, and maintain a positive attitude at all times.
Best wishes for successful job interviews!
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