7 tips on how to ace an international job interview

Are you currently looking for an international job opportunity or have you been faced with challenges in preparing for an international job interview?

Job interviews are your chance to show potential international employers that you’re a good fit for the company and that you’re enthusiastic about the role. 

However, certain peculiarities come with preparing for an international job interview, and having a grab of these peculiarities during your preparation for an interview is the key to securing that international job opportunity you desire.

This article has 7 tips that can help you better prepare for your next international interview. 

1. Make your findings about the company 

One of the most important tips you want to employ in preparing for your next international job interview is to research the company thoroughly. 

You are not just randomly scanning through the internet for the company’s website but you are interested in understanding their products/services, history, mission, vision, new products, mergers, investments, reports, and ultimately their challenges and how you can be of help in overcoming the challenges. 

Knowing the above can help you nail your interview as you are better able to answer their questions in the context of the company’s peculiarities. 

2. Review the job description 

To prepare for your international job interview, you must review the description of the job you applied for. 

You need to think of how your background, skills, and experience are relevant to the role you are applying for. 

You can additionally search for similar role descriptions in other organisations to broaden your knowledge and give you a baseline understanding of what employers value and which criteria are important. 

3. Cultural Awareness 

Another important tip in preparing for a job interview in a foreign country is to understand the cultural norms, etiquette, and cultural differences of the place you are applying to. 

Research the business norms and etiquette in the country you are applying to as well as what to wear, how to behave, and what to avoid during your interview. 

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4. Learn the language 

Similar to the above point, you should also learn the language of the country in which the organisation you are interested in working is based. 

Even if the job does not require fluency, showing some basic knowledge and willingness to learn can make a positive impression and demonstrate your motivation and adaptability. 

As a bonus point during your interview, you should at the least greet and thank your interviewer in such language.

5. Research the interview process

Either from the company’s website or from the email sent to you by the organisation, you will be provided with information on the format your interview will take. 

If this isn’t so, you can ask the HR department or hiring manager for the format so you can prepare accordingly. 

From the survey, interviews can either be in the form of Competency-based interviews, Panel interviews, or Sequential interviews.

6. Prepare for an online interview

In some international interviews, the first round will be an online interview as online interviews allow hiring managers to speak to candidates no matter where they are in the world. 

To have a seamless online interview, ensure the location from which you intend to join the interview is quiet, have a strong Wi-Fi signal, and do a practice interview with a friend or relative before the scheduled date.

7. Practice responses 

To be prepared for your next international interview, ensure you practice your responses to commonly asked interview questions before the scheduled date of your interview. 

You should think of examples from your previous work or education that demonstrate your skills, achievements, and personality. You should also prepare your elevator pitch, your strengths and weaknesses, your salary expectations, and your reasons for wanting to work abroad. 

Finally, you should practice your answers out loud, record yourself, or do a mock interview with a friend or relative.

Remember, interviews are a chance to show off your knowledge, professionalism, confidence, attitude, and competence. 

So, give it the best shot you can by getting yourself adequately prepared.