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Research and Preparation
Prepare answers for common interview questions. Practice talking about your experiences, strengths, and goals. Be honest—you don’t have to avoid talking about challenges, but speak about them from the angle of how you responded constructively. For example, if you struggled with a classmate when working on a team project, talk about how you were able to fix the issue and get the work done.
Set Up Your Route or Space
Are you traveling in person to the interview site? Plan out how you’ll get there. If you’re driving, fill the gas tank a day or two before your interview, and check traffic reports before you leave. If you’re walking or taking transit, look out for construction or transit delays. No matter how you’re traveling, give yourself extra time to arrive. You should get there with a few minutes to spare, in case parking is challenging or you need to wait for an elevator.
It’s also wise to prepare for phone interviews or video interviews, even though you won’t be commuting. Have a glass of water at hand and check your wifi strength before joining the call. Plus, have a pen and paper or your favorite note-taking app ready.
Understand Cultural Differences
For example, in North America, Australia, and many parts of Western Europe, it’s important to use eye contact when your interviewer is speaking. It’s seen as a sign of engagement and respect. But in other cultures, like those of Japan or Korea, that approach is too direct, even invasive. Being aware of these differences and adjusting your behavior shows that you understand and respect different cultures.
Showcase Transferable Skills
Even if you don’t have direct experience in the job you’re applying for, you can still show you have skills that are useful in any job. These abilities are called transferable skills or “soft skills.” Important examples include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management.
During the interview, give specific examples of how you’ve used these skills. Talk about times when you worked well with others, solved problems, or balanced your time effectively. Showing that you have transferable skills will help employers see that you can be a valuable asset to their team.
Highlight Your International Experience
As an international student, you have unique experiences that will help you stand out in an interview. Talk about your time studying abroad and how it’s helped you develop important personal and professional skills. Employers like people who bring new perspectives to their work, and who can navigate different cultures. Plus, in some roles, the ability to speak more than one language (as many international students do!) can open new career paths.
