Ten Tips for An International Job Interview (Q&A)

I think that many teachers have attended many international job interviews. And I think some teachers have already gained some experience of how to deal with an interview. But do you actually know how the interviewers think of you in the interview process? This article shares some tips from an experienced interviewer to help you to make a better performance in a job interview. 

Q1: Tell us about yourself

A1: Be confident and focused, use concise sentences to summarize your education, strengths, key experience (experience related to the job you are applying for), and broad interests to prove that you are the best candidate for the job, and keep your introduction within 1- 3 minutes.

Tips: Never mention your specific hobbies and weaknesses, and do some in advance to avoid stuttering.

Q2: Why you are interested in this job?

A2：First of all, you can talk about the company itself (like its excellent concept and office culture), and explain what you will bring to the company and what this job will bring you. (For example, "I can use my existing skills to create more value for the company, while this job allows me to develop new skills.")

Tips: Never mention your "private" motivations, such as "This city has great beaches so I will have more opportunities to barbecue with my friends." It will make your potential employers think you are very unreliable.

Q3: Tell us about your international experience

A3: "I used to teach English to third-grade students in a language school in Barcelona, Spain. / I used to learn Spanish in a host family in Argentina."

Tips: Never say: "I went to Barcelona to watch a football match last holiday. / I went to a holiday resort in Argentina." When talking about international experiences, you should emphasize how you explore the local culture and adapt to the new environment abroad. If you don’t have any international experience, you can explain your reasons for working abroad and strategies for dealing with language barriers and culture shock.

Q4: Within 5 years, what career goals/higher positions will you achieve?

A4: "I want to be the leader of the team and be recognized by this industry."

Tips: Never say "Sorry, I don't have any ideas about this." No motivation to work will make your potential employer think you have no determination and motivation to achieve greater goals. Even if you don’t have any specific vision, remember to mention "I will work hard to improve my professional skills to develop my career, and I am very interested in this industry."

Q5: What skills or experience do you have to ensure that you will be competent for this job?

A5: "I can speak three languages, English, Spanish, and Chinese. In addition, I have two years of teaching experience and many international travel experiences."

Tips: Never say "Emmmm, actually I don't have any work experience." You need to convince potential employers with unique skills or experience, such as language skills and negotiation skills. If you do not have any relevant qualifications or experience, mention your soft power, such as personality traits.

Q6: What makes you stand out among the many applicants?

A6: "I am very independent, adaptable, possess professional skills, and be determined to overcome all difficulties until I succeed."

Tips: Never say, "I am the one who is most eager to get this job of all people." Don't express too subjective ideas but give concrete examples to highlight your key skills and experience.

Q7: Tell us about your experience working with people from different cultural backgrounds

A7: "I used to work in a multinational company, and my team members are composed of colleagues from different countries. I can look at things from different cultural perspectives and get along with my colleagues. Sometimes, we also celebrate cultural festivals together."

Tips: Never say, "I have never worked overseas, so I don't have any cross-cultural communication experience." Cultural awareness is an important indicator of whether you can adapt to an international working environment. If you do not have any relevant experience, try to show your open mind and interest in other cultures.

Q8: How did you resolve the conflict between you and your colleagues?

A8：Answering this question requires you to give concrete examples, describing the causes, processes, and results of the conflict. Working overseas means that you are likely to work with people with different values ​​and customs, which is more likely to lead to conflict.

Tips: Don’t simply answer, “I reported to my boss directly.” If you have not had such experience, you can use some hypothetical sentences, such as “if...I will...” to tell your solution for potential employers.

Q9: Please describe your working style

A9: "I prefer teamwork to achieve work goals with my colleagues. I also pay attention to time management."

Tips: Never say, "I am a workaholic and perfectionist." The employer hopes to know your working style through this question and to judge whether you have a team spirit. Remember to be as specific as possible and avoid clichés.

Q10: What skills do you think you possess to help you adapt to work abroad?

A10: This question also requires you to use specific examples to illustrate your adaptability, such as adapting to new habits and overcoming homesickness.

Tips: Try to avoid mentioning things that are too "virtual", such as "I have a powerful laptop, so…" Employers use this question to see if you can work abroad for a long time, instead of quitting after a few weeks of work. If you don't know how to answer this question at all, ask potential employers to give specific challenges, and you will give some strategies or solutions.