Interview Tips for International Students
Lynn Walsh, Career Advisor
Differences Between Interviews in Canada
& Other Countries
Communication Styles: Expected to be direct and assertive, including a
firm handshake, eye contact, and a confident posture; interviewers
typically ask direct questions and for further evidence of a particular
skill or experience.
 In other cultures, the interviewer may expect to do most of
the talking, or may be indirect about asking for information.
Self-disclosure: Many cultures consider personal questions about your
likes/dislikes or strengths/weaknesses to be an invasion of one's
privacy.
Differences Between Interviews in North
America & Other Countries
Self-promotion: Important to be confident in
discussing your accomplishments and goals, and
assertive in contacting employers.
• In some other cultures, it is more appropriate
for you to show modesty and respect, and wait
to be asked before volunteering information.
Individual Responsibility: Using a wide variety of
resources to identify jobs (friends, family, faculty,
associations, etc.) is common. This is your network!
• In some cultures, jobs are found through one
resource, often family or government.
Cont…
Career Self-Awareness: Demonstrate knowledge of
self, career goals, and how they relate to a job.
• In other cultures, jobs may be assigned and
questions about one’s role in a company might
indicate potential disloyalty.
• Eye contact may be disrespectful; persons of higher
status
• Researching an organization in advance may show too
much initiative and independence
• Being late may not be a problem; personal
relationships matter more than time
A Job Interview Is…
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An opportunity to meet face to face
To discuss your qualifications
To assess your ability and skills
To demonstrate your skills and personality
To sell yourself
The Keys to a Successful Interview in
Canada
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Convey a positive attitude and show confidence
Be enthusiastic & keep eye contact with interviewer
Beware of non-verbal communication
Pay attention to physical appearance
Be knowledgeable of the company
Don’t talk yourself out of a job; remain calm and collected
Don’t keep the interviewer waiting; arrive 10-15 mins early
Listen attentively
The Keys to a Successful Interview in
Canada
Be Prepared:
• Have extra resumes on hand.
Have references on hand if not attached to resume.
Conduct background research on organization.
Remain calm when faced with periods of silence
• Silence is not always bad but don’t wait to long.
Know your resume
• Reread it before going into an interview.
Keys to Successful Interview in Other
Countries
• Interviewers look for information regarding character
or personality
• Age, race, sex, or martial status may be important
topics
• Jobs may be assigned by government or family
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- Companies assign work based on what is
available and they expect individuals to take what is
available
• Inquiring about status of application may seem rude
Pre-Interview Stage…getting started
• Assess your career path
• Research company and position you are
seeking
• Find out what type of interview it is
• Develop list of potential questions and
responses
• Confirm date, time and location
Interview Stage
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Appropriate dress
Create a good first impression
Ensure that you understand the question
Be yourself
Maintain eye contact with the interviewers
Appear confident
Listen carefully to the questions
Bring extra copies of resume and references
Interview Stage…prepping
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If you have a career portfolio, bring it
Ask questions
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What is the organization's plan for the next five
years?
What kind of work can I expect to be doing the
first year?
How much assistance is made available in
developing career goals?
What are the opportunities for advancement?
Thank them, shake hands & ask for business
card
Interview Stage - International scope
• Citing accomplishments on your resume may
seem boastful, self-serving etc.
• Interviewers may talk for the majority of the
interview
• Asking about the interview process may seem
too forward
Post-Interview Stage…once it’s over
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Recap interview
Request feedback from interviewer
Send thank-you letter or email
Follow-up within 24 hours
Express gratitude for the employer’s time
Highlight qualifications
Restate your interest in the company/career
area
• Communicate enthusiasm to have met with
them
4 Types of Interviews
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4.
Case Interview
Behavior Based Interview
Telephone Interview
Videoconference Interview
Case Interview
• Used to assess logical thinking and problem
solving skills
• Classic business cases are used to test analytic
ability to sort key facts and stay focused
• Example: This is the situation, what would you
do?
Behavior Based Interview
• Used to determine if you have skills /
attributes needed for the position
• Use specific examples from work history,
education and extracurricular activities to
demonstrate the skill the interviewer is
assessing
• Example: Tell me about a time when…
Telephone Interview
• Sound friendly, confident and calm
• Thank the interviewer for the call
• Collect your thoughts
• Smile
• Get company information
• Tip: Dress up as if you’re meeting face-to-face
Videoconference Interview
• Dress professionally – they can see you
• Speak slowly
• Prepare for silence due to a 5 sec audio delay
• Be aware of extra movements and noises
• Be patient – sounds may be distorted
• Speak up and project your voice
• Relax and smile
Common Interview Mistakes
(Based on feedback from recruiters)
• Lack of preparation
• Inappropriate appearance
• Failure to ask questions
• Poor attitude
• Exaggerating or being deceitful
• Poor non-verbal communication
• Over or under answering questions
Important Service
We do mock interviews!
• What is a this?
• Practice/pretend interview to get you ready for the
real one.
• You are asked questions and given feedback on
your answers and performance
• Can be booked for an upcoming interview or just
wanting to see your interview performance
• Your only cost is time!
• About 1 hour in length
• 30 mins interview and 30 mins feedback
Contact:
Lynn Walsh
International Student Career Advisor
p: 709-737-8167 or 737-8895
lwalsh@mun.ca
Office Hours:
Mon., Tues. & Fri. (9am – 5pm): Centre for Career Development
(CCD), 4th floor of UC
Wed. & Thurs. (9am – 4:45pm): ISA Office, Corte Real