International Resources



Interviewing for the position:

There are also some differences between the job interview in the U.S. and the job interview in other countries.Career Services staff are available to help you prepare for the interviewing process, including conducting a mock interview, so you have a chance to practice your interviewing technique. Some cultural differences to be aware of include:

1. In the U.S., the interviewee should show initiative and demonstrate they have knowledge about a subject. In some other countries, it is more appropriate for the interviewee to show modesty and respect, and to wait to be asked before volunteering information.

2. Being asked to provide references is common. In the U.S., references who can attest to an interviewee's professional competence are often more important than character references. In some other countries, references that can attest to the character of the interviewee are more important.

3. In some countries, the interviewer may begin with small talk about the interviewee's background or another subject; the interviewer may be looking for someone with a similar outlook or for some indication of personality or character. In the U.S. there may be some small talk, but getting down to business is important.

4. In some countries, the interviewer may expect to do most of the talking, or may be indirect about asking for information. In the U.S., interviewers typically ask direct questions, or even ask for evidence of a particular skill or experience.