If you are applying for a job in the United States it is important for you to know a little about what customarily happens at a job interview as well as some of the cultural norms related to job interviews in the United States.<\/p>\n
First of all, before you even go to a job interview you will have to have a resume ready.\u00a0 A resume is a brief summary of a person’s academic, occupational, and personal achievements.\u00a0 Some resumes are just a page long, while others are multiple pages long.\u00a0 This depends on a person’s work experience and what type of job the person is applying to. Before attending an interview you will need to prepare your resume.\u00a0 This United States government website gives great information about preparing a resume for the American job market: www.careeronestop.org\/ResumesInterviews<\/a>.<\/p>\n Once your resume is prepared and you have been invited to an interview there a few cultural norms you should be aware of before going to the interview.\u00a0 First, it is customary to arrive for an interview 15 minutes before the interview is set to begin.\u00a0 When arriving for an interview you (the interviewee) should let the secretary know you are there and be prepared to wait in case the person interviewing you (the interviewer) is running late.\u00a0 It is generally considered very bad etiquette to arrive to a job interview late.\u00a0 Dressing appropriately for your interview is vital as well.\u00a0 Dressing in a business suit or other nice professional wear is important in order to give off a good first impression.\u00a0 When you meet your interviewer you should shake his or her hand and introduce yourself by first and last name.\u00a0 It may be appropriate to hand your interviewer your resume at the outset of your interview, but if you do not do this you should be sure to leave your resume with your interviewer at the end of your interview.<\/p>\n During a job interview it is common to be asked a number of questions, but it is important for you to ask questions too.\u00a0 Thinking of questions you have about the job or company ahead of time is a good idea, though you probably shouldn’t bring your written list of questions with you, you should keep your questions in mind to ask at appropriate times throughout the interview.<\/p>\n While talking with your interviewer, it is important to remain professional, not ask the interviewer questions that are too personal or talk too personally about yourself or your life.\u00a0 Also, it is a no-no to talk badly about a former employer during a job interview.\u00a0 It is best to keep this type of negative commentary to yourself.<\/p>\n During a typical interview in the United States you are likely to be asked some of the following questions.\u00a0 After each question below I have given some tips on how to answer these questions in parentheses.<\/p>\n Can you tell me about yourself? \u00a0<\/strong> What are your strengths?<\/strong> What are your weaknesses?<\/strong> What is your ideal job?<\/strong> Why are you leaving your current job?<\/strong> Do you have any questions for me?<\/strong> Is knowing how to speak English better something you will need for your next job interview?\u00a0 Be sure to check out all the resources Transparent Language<\/a> offers to help you learn English<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" If you are applying for a job in the United States it is important for you to know a little about what customarily happens at a job interview as well as some of the cultural norms related to job interviews in the United States. First of all, before you even go to a job interview…<\/p>\n
\n(Be brief and limit your comments to your professional life for the most part.)<\/p>\n
\n(This is your chance to tell them the best parts about yourself, don’t be shy or too modest.)<\/p>\n
\n(This is not an invitation to talk in depth about your personal life, you should try to make this into something positive.)<\/p>\n
\n(Talk about why the job you are interviewing for is your ideal job, even if it is not.\u00a0 Alternatively, talk about how the job you are interviewing for will help you to obtain your ideal job.)<\/p>\n
\n(Remember to not speak badly about your current employer or job.\u00a0 You might discuss why you are looking for new opportunities.)<\/p>\n
\n(Yes!\u00a0 Always ask some thoughtful questions.)<\/p>\n