Career Center » Interview Techniques

INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES

We have prepared some hints and tips to help you get that perfect overseas contract. These are recommendations only and will obviously depend on your exact situation.

»  Preparation
»  Goals of the Interview
»  The Interview
»  Pitfalls
»  Telephone Interviews
»  Videoconference Interviews
»  Face-to-Face Interviews
»  Psychometric Testing
»  Closing the Interview
»  Verbal Skills
»  Follow-Up
»  Specific Tips
 

Preparation
Planning and preparation are critical for any successful interview. Take advantage of resources that provide information about the place where employment is sought. Find out about the company by:

• Researching the company on the internet, both their own website and other websites that might refer to them.
• Ask old work contacts, family or friends if they know of the company.
• Request a company brochure or financial report.
• If possible, telephone the company and speak to current staff about what it is like to work there.
• Find out about the parent company, if applicable.
• If you are working through a recruitment agency, ensure the agency provides you with information on the company and the position.

The above will show the interviewer that you have a genuine interest in the opening and in their company. Ensure you know the name and position of the person who will be interviewing you. Try to fully comprehend the job description so that you have a sound understanding of what the employer is looking for.

Relax. Professional, proper and positive attitude needs to have been conveyed throughout the interview. Speak clearly, concisely and in a relatively slow manner.

Some examples of questions you could prepare include:

• When was the company established?
• Whom would you identify as your major competitors? What is your market share?
• What has been the company's major successes in recent years?
• What can you tell me about the individual to whom I would report?
• Can you tell me what training will be available?

 
Goals of the Interview
You have two principal goals throughout your interview:

• Convince the employer that you can make a positive contribution to their organisation; and
• Convince the employer that you will be a competent and compatible member of their team.
   

The Interview
If you are presented with a questionnaire / form, fill it out neatly and completely even if it asks for the same information on your resume / CV. Do not indicate "See resume / CV."

Most interviews start with the interviewer explaining about the company and the position. They may start to ask relevant questions, such as:

• Why did you apply for this job?
• What experience would you be able to offer our company?
• What appeals to you most about this position?
• In your previous employment what have you enjoyed about the job(s)?
• In your previous employment what was the most difficult situation you were faced with?
• What is your understanding and knowledge of working in the specific country?
• What would you say are your strengths and weaknesses?

Emphasize your strong points and experience. Stay calm and positive when challenged.

Respond to each question thoughtfully, truthfully, concisely, and completely. Get the interviewer to do most of the talking. Typically you should not go into any more detail than is necessary.

Be aware of your posture and body language - they communicate attitude and impressions, even when being interviewed over the telephone or by video conference.

When explaining your strengths and weaknesses, try and give examples of where your strengths lie. You may wish to acknowledge any weaknesses but ensure you explain how you could overcome these, ie: training, experience etc.

 
Pitfalls
Some common pitfalls to be aware of include:

• Never lie.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages prior to the interview (in some countries alcohol is even illegal).
• Avoid answering questions with a simple yes or no however still keep your answers concise.
• Do not smoke or chew gum.
• Never make derogatory statements about your present or former employers.
• Initially, do not inquire about salary, vacations, bonuses, retirement, or any other benefits. These points you can be addressed at second interview stage.
• Do not make excuses or be evasive for unfavorable factors in your background.
• Never be overbearing, overly aggressive, conceited, or leave the opinion that "you know it all."

 
Telephone Interviews
Telephone interviews are typically the preferred method of screening suitable candidates before inviting them in for a face-to-face or video conference interview. Recruiters also use telephone interviews to initially screen candidates prior to presenting the chosen candidates to perspective employers. Telephone interviews are a commonly employed method of interviewing for overseas contracts and are very important in the recruitment process. The key points to consider include:

• Keep a recent copy of your resume / CV, notes, pen and paper and list of relevant questions on hand.
• If the call is unexpected and it is not a suitable time to talk ask the interviewer if it is ok to re-schedule at a more convenient time.
• If the interview is scheduled ensure that you are in a quiet place where you will not be disturbed / receive any interruptions.
• If you have been asked to call the interviewer ensure that you call at the precise time. Calling too early shows over-keenness and may damage your negotiating position later. Calling too late shows lack of interest.
• If possible, a landline is preferable over a mobile.
• Try to use a speakerphone where possible and ensure you are in a quite location.

 
As telephone interviews are such a common method of interviewing for expat assignments we have compiled some detailed notes for telephone interview techniques. Simply click here to read them.

 
Video Conference Interviews
Video interviews are becoming more conventional in the workplace, especially for overseas positions. For the job seeker video conferencing can be quite intimidating. It is hard enough to interview face-to-face, let alone in front of a camera, some points to consider when faced with this challenge:

• Make sure that you send any materials (resume / CV, etc.) that the recruiter / interviewer may need in advance.
• Plan your route to the video conference facility, whether by car or by public transport and, if possible, familiarize yourself with the area where the interview will be conducted so you know where you are going.
• Video Conference facilities are normally situated in hotels or serviced offices, but it may be in another office of the company you are interviewing for, so be aware that you may come into contact with staff from the company you are seeking employment from.
• In some cases you may also be requested to use your own webcam and complete the interview at your own choice of location. In such an instance ensure you choose a quiet and clean location.  
• Dress conservatively and in a professional manner - it always makes a good first impression and will show on the Video Conference.
• Establish what amenities are available at the video conferencing facility, you may wish to bring a bottle of water with you if this and other amenities are not readily available.
• Arrive prior to the scheduled start of the video interview so you have time to become familiar and comfortable with the surroundings.
• Seek assistance if you're not sure how to use the equipment. Nobody expects you to be technically qualified to deal with all of the equipment, so ask if you are not sure.
• Locate the camera to ensure eye contact can be maintained.

If there is more than one person interviewing you ensure you direct your answers and keep eye contact with all of the people on the screen as much as possible.
 
During the Video Interview

• Make sure that the area is clean and neat and tidy.
• Ensure you maintain eye contact otherwise the camera will be focused on the top of your head.
• If available use the Picture-in-Picture feature so you can see how you appear to the interviewer. Ask if this option is available.
• Try not to distract the interviewer with excessive noise or movement - be aware that the microphone can pick up on other noises in the room.
• Allow for transmission delay when questions are asked and responses given. The interview process will be the same as a face-face interview. The interviewer's objective to screen candidates for employment is the same.
• Pay attention to small actions (e.g. tapping, shuffling, looking away from the camera and fidgeting with hands, pencils, etc.) because they look larger on camera, which can be distracting and convey unintended messages.
• The most important thing to consider is that this type of interview is just as important as if you were meeting the interviewer in their office.
• If the picture or sound quality decrease or even stops, then inform the technical support at your end as soon as possible.

Face-to-face Interviews
This is the most common form of interview but most people also find it the most daunting particularly if you are in a foreign country! Ensure that you:

• Dress conservatively and in a professional manner - it always makes a good first impression.
• Plan your route, whether by car or by public transport and if possible, familiarize yourself with the area where the interview will be conducted so you know where you are going.
• Ensure you arrive in plenty of time, so that you are calm and composed before the interview.
• If there is more than one person interviewing you ensure you direct your answers and keep eye contact with all of the people in the room.
• Shake hands firmly, but don't squeeze. Smile. Make and maintain eye contact and greet the interviewer(s).
• Sit up straight, lean forwards a little to show eagerness and to portray a confident image.

Pschometric Testing and Assessment Centers
Companies, in particular large multinational companies often use assessment centers and / or psychometric testing to assist them with finding a suitable candidate. Typically, these forms of assessment are performed following the initial telephone interview. For further information on psychometric testing and assessment centers simply click here.


Closing the Interview
The cardinal rule is: Respectfully thank the interviewer for his/her time; let him/her know that you enjoyed learning more about the company and position; and finally, that you will look forward to hearing from the interviewer.


Verbal Skills
It is important to be clear and concise and have a positive tone when being interviewed over the telephone as candidates are evaluated solely on what they say and how they say it.

• Be polite. Do not interrupt the interviewer.
• Be succinct/concise (don't waffle).
• Don't use jargon, swear or use colloquialisms. Particularly in other cultures and countries these can be rude or simply not understood.
• Use the other person's name regularly throughout the conversation (but not all the time). Also, use the company name a few times.

 
Follow Up
After a telephone interview, send a thank-you that recaps your best selling points and add anything that you deem relevant that you may have forgotten to bring up in the interview.

 
Specific tips for Overseas Employment

• Always consider Time Zone differences and note them to the interviewer / recruiter when necessary.
• Take time to familiarize yourself with the cultural differences in business etiquette.
• It is difficult to give specific cultural tips for different nationalities, but be aware that Westerners are generally seen to be more abrupt or brash than people from the Middle of Far East. Remember not to be too aggressive when dealing with other nationalities in an interview.
• If your interviewer’s first language is not English, then remember to speak slowly and clearly.
• Be prepared to travel overseas for interviews and ensure your interviewer is aware of your flight details. Your flights and other interview associated costs should be covered by the prospective employer however this is not always the case.
• Ensure that your passport is in date (some countries require at least 6 months remaining on your passport).
• If you do travel overseas for an interview, make sure you take with you all of the contact details of the company and the interviewer.
• If your flight is delayed or there is a problem, let your contact know as soon as possible.