Job Interview basics (with culture tips)

If you've been in the US or Canada for long enough, you've probably noticed there are some significant cultural differences from your home country.

For example, people here talk openly and in a friendly manner to total strangers.

It's less hierarchical in companies and universities so you can criticize your boss' or professor's ideas without fear of negative consequences. In fact, they want you to do it.

People often state their opinions and emotions directly and aren't as careful to avoid confrontation.

There are many other differences of course, but how many of us think about how culture differences can impact or even cripple your job search? Not enough, in my experience.

I've noticed that both international job seekers and those who give job search advice on Linked In and on the internet don't always take into consideration the cultural differences that impact the job search

In fact, I've seen students drop out of the job search game altogether because the culture differences are just too hard to understand or overcome.

So here is a list of the common job search techniques but with some advice on how to "hack" the culture barriers that might be getting in your way.

Basics

1.Prepare and practice common interview questions + use STAR technique for behavioral questions.

We all know that we have to practice the common interview questions. And I hope you're familiar with the STAR technique for the behavioral questions. For those who aren't, here it is:

https://www.themuse.com/advice/star-interview-method

But let me give you some culture tips on top of the STAR technique.

Culture tips:

A.American interviewers want to hear you boast a little. You need to sound confident. It might feel awkward to you to do this because your culture encourages you to be quiet, humble, and not toot your own horn. But it's necessary in these conversations to show your value and achievements directly and let them know the great impact you can have. Do not be shy.

B.Organize your response and be concise (for all interview questions). Remember the traumatic TOEFL test? On the Speaking section, you had to answer using a template. "I prefer to travel by plane for two reasons. First...." I know this created a lot of pain for many international students!

The reason this structure is on the TOEFL is that it's a common cultural norm in the US to present information in this way.

So, you can use it in interviews to answer a question such as "Why are you interested in working for this company?"

Answer: "That's a great question! I have a couple reasons actually.

The first is.....

The second is....

2.Always show passion and enthusiasm. This one is big nowadays in the US in the hiring process. They want to hear about your passion and your feelings, your enthusiasm. But passion is a cultural concept, and so is the way we express it.

Culture tip:

You don't have to do it like Americans do it. "OMG I am SO excited about this project and I TOTALLY LOVE coding."

You don't have to raise your voice and sound super excited. You don't have to exaggerate. However you do have to state how you feel. You should say "I love...." I can't wait to start...." I'm excited about....."

Just say it. You don't have to emote. This may also feel culturally awkward but if you don't do it, the interviewer may think you're not that interested.

3.Research the companies, projects, and interviewers on a deep level and pro-actively bring up your research in the interview.

Culture tip:

This is a little bit less obvious but hiring managers in North America love proactive candidates. You need to show that you're curious and that you've put a lot of personal time into your research.

The quality here is demonstrating that you took initiative and didn't just wait to be told to research something.Bring value and insight to the interview based on that research and you'll be seen as someone who will do that once you're hired.

4.Match or align your answers with the company mission, culture, and with the job description exactly. I've seen too many international job seekers creating generic resumes, cover letters, and interview responses.

I don't have a culture tip on this one exactly - all I'm saying is make sure you're not generic!

5.Ask good questions. If you don't ask good questions (or you don't ask questions at all), the interviewer will probably think you're not interested in the position, that you didn't do any research, or that you're not intellectually curious.

Culture tips:

A.Curiosity and being proactive are very important in the North American workplace. You need to take initiative, work in ambiguity, explore areas that are new and unfamiliar (where innovation happens), and be interested.

Bringing some great questions to the interview based on your research is an excellent way to show them that you can do all this.

B. Ask about how they got into the industry. This one can be seem like a no-no from a cultural perspective. Like it's not your business or the interviewer will be annoyed by you. But this is not true - people here love to talk about their journey and their background. They will appreciate your interest, and more importantly, they might remember you as someone who cared about them!

6.Use small talk and make a personal connection so they remember you! American-style small talk is always challenging if you come from another culture. Why do we need to talk about the weather or sports or what part of the city you live in? It's just business, right?

Culture tip:

It's not just business. Practicing small talk and getting familiar with how to do it can help you break the ice with the interviewer. Not only that because remember that the interview is a chance for them to assess what you'll be like as a co-worker and a colleague. They may want someone they'll be able to chat with about other topics and bond on a personal level.

Show your personality a little bit, joke around - try to be lighthearted - you can also bring up something they've mentioned on their social media. If they like Thai food, say you also like it and ask for a restaurant recommendation....

Again these approaches will feel strange and awkward at first, but over time they will improve your interview experience and your ability to really bond with native speaker co-workers across cultures.

Oh one more thing and this is not cultural but please please please USE INDUSTRY VOCABULARY in your interview. You are a professional now. Sound like one!