International Advantage Session 4: Interview Skills

Brent Atwater, BPORendy Schrader, CDCBanu Alfar, CDC

Program

Today’s mission Interview structure Communication Non-verbal communication Role plays

Today’s Mission:

http://ucso.indiana.edu

Business Casual?

Women Dress/Skirt Heels Make-up?Men Khakis or dress

pants No tennis shoes Tie or jacket

Finishing Touches

DON’Ts Use heavy perfume Wear native dress Eat garlic/onion

DO’S Use deodorant Mints Use a lint brush Check teeth/hair Tuck in Other thoughts

Interview Structure

Be on time Greetings/offer resume Small talk, 5 minutes Interview questions 15-20 minutes Interviewee questions, 5-10

minutes Graceful exit

Communication

Greetings Introductions What to say Keeping their attention Visa questions Graceful exits

Greetings

Hi Hello

Jane, John Ms. Smith/Mr.

Jones Madame/

Ma’am/Sir

Introductions

Let me introduce myself: My name is (s-l-o-o-o-w and clear) I’m ________ (slow and clear) Consider: short version first name

only

Role Play

Be prepared

To answer tough questions To talk about yourself To talk about your best or worst

traits To talk about your former

experience To tell a few accomplishment

stories

“So, tell me about yourself……”

Don’ts Get too personal Talk too much Talk politics Dwell on family Sound practiced

Do’s Tie your story to

business needs Let your personal

traits shine Be straightforward Relax Be professional

Time Fillers

Good question, let me think about that a minute

So, you are asking if……. Can you repeat that question,

please? Wow! No one’s ever asked me

that one before….. Silence is okay, too

Keeping Their Attention

Connect your experience with the company: I’ve _____ You mentioned ______. That’s exactly

what I did in Marketing class/project I’m a great team player You mentioned “globalization” – that’s me

all the way! My real strong point is ______

Non-verbal Communication

Firm hand shake Look at them Maintain good eye contact Smile appropriately Nod if necessary Show enthusiasm Be alert and attentive Maintain good posture Be confident

Interpersonal Traits Confidence, not arrogance Communication skills Cross-cultural adeptness Enthusiasm/Positive Energy Team Player Strong sense of personal accountability/responsibility Honesty/Willingness to learn

Visa Question

Do NOT bring it up on your own Assure them that for internship/1st

year, they have no obligation “If you’re really globalizing, who

could be better?” IF you prove yourself and they help

you apply for an H-1B, you’ll pay for it, and you’ll be loyal for at least 3 years

Graceful Exits

Thank you for your time I appreciate it I will be looking forward to hearing

from you

Role Play and Practice