INTERVIEWING AMERICAN STYLE

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INTERVIEWINGAMERICAN STYLE

• GETTING A JOB IN THE UNITED STATES

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OBJECTIVES

• Forget what you know about the job search process
• Competitive Disadvantages and how to overcome
  them
• Competitive Advantages and how to exploit them
• The Interview Process
• Interviewing Tips
• Career Center Resources

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Forget What You Know About The Job Search Process

• Market yourself very aggressively
• Job search is highly competitive
• With bright people all over the world, it is
  tough to shine
• Recruiters are restricted in terms of what they
  can ask
• Resumes are short and concise
• Cover letters are needed
• Follow-up is expected

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Competitive Disadvantages How To Overcome Them

• Language
• Culture
• Legal
• Background

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Competitive AdvantagesHow to Exploit Them

• Language and Culture
• You are Global
• Tied to Company
• Resourcefulness
• Savings

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The Interview ProcessWhat is an Interview?

• An interview is a two-way process
• The primary concern for each party should be to
  determine if they are willing to invest in the
  other based on the return they can expect on
  their investment

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THE INTERVIEW PROCESSPREPARATION

• Practice a lot
• Have answers prepared for common questions
• Sign up for as many interviews as you can in your
  area of interest
• Learn all you can about the company

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The Interview ProcessEmployer Expectations

• American Employer Expectation
• Confident and Self Promotion
• Flexibility and Change
• Goal Oriented
• Competitive
• Self-Sufficiency
• Direct Speech
• Efficiency and Time Control

• Contrasting Expectations
• Modesty and Group Orientation
• Honor Tradition and stability
• Focus on being, the past and human interaction
• Cooperation and group effort
• Birthright inheritance and group orientation
• Avoidance of criticism, politeness and eye
  contact relative to status
• Personal relationships more important than time
  or work

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The Interview ProcessTypes of Interviews

• On-Campus
• Phone
• Screening
• One-On-One
• Panel
• Group
• On-Site
• Teleconference (Video)

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The Interview ProcessTypes of Interviewers

• The Pro
• The Intellectual
• The Amateur
• The Pal
• The Power Player

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The Interview ProcessSetting the Tone

• Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and
  good eye contact in a friendly manner
• Make a point to remember the persons name and
  title
• Try to relax but maintain good posture and
  control nervous gestures
• Pay close attention to what the interviewer says.
  Avoid interruptions
• Be prepared to answer questions about your visa
  status.
• Do NOT dominate the interview but be ready to
  initiate conversation with appropriate questions
• Do NOT chew gum or smoke
• Do NOT look at your watch during the interview
• Do NOT read any documents on the interviewers
  desk

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The Interview ProcessDuring the Interview

• Listen carefully to the whole question and then
  if needed, ask for clarification
• Ask if your reply is appropriate or clear if you
  are unsure about your response
• Create opportunities to market your credentials
• Avoid saying what you cannot do
• Be alert
• Ask questions that demonstrate you have been
  listening

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The Interview Process Types of Questioning Styles

• Directed
• Non-Directed
• Traditional Interview Questions
• Behavioral Interview Questions
• Scenario/Case Questions
• Ethical Dilemma Questions
• Stress Questions

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The Interview ProcessHandling Difficult Questions

• Questions about your Visa status
• Certain questions are illegal in the United
  States
• Questions about past employment can be difficult
  if you left a position because of a problem
• Maintain your confidence and poise even if the
  interview is not going well

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The Interview ProcessEnding the Interview

• Be alert to signals that the interview is ending
• Be prepared to supply the interviewer with your
  references
• Always end the interview with a smile, a
  handshake and a thank you

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The Interviewing ProcessAfter the Interview

• Take account of your thoughts and reactions
• Send a thank you letter to the interviewer

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Career Center Resources

• Mock Interviews FREE to USC students
• On Call Hours Monday thru Friday, 1-4pm
• Tip Sheets on Interviewing are available on the
  Career Center web page http//www.sc.edu/career/
  ?idtipsheets
• Questions Employers Ask
• Illegal or Impermissible Questions
• Interviewee Questions
• Why Should I Hire You?
• Company/Organization Information
• Negotiating Salary
• Work Values

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QUESTIONS???Thank you for attending this
workshop!