Note: Interview Etiquette Checklist
Similar to “fine dining,” there is a business etiquette you should follow when interviewing. Whether it is one-on-one, phone, video, or even meal interviews, you must be professional in all possible situations.
First impression is key. Arrive 10~15 minutes early (especially for in-person interviews). If running late, make sure to let the interviewer know before the start of the interview.
Dress appropriately. Dress up from the dress code of the company you are interviewing for (especially for face-to-face interaction).
Make sure to confirm who to ask for when you arrive or confirm who you will be calling you for the interview, in advance.
Bring additional copies of your resume, references, or work portfolio (for in-person interviews).
Understand the role you are applying for. Prepare a list of questions you want to ask during the interview.
If you know who the interviewer is, learn about their background and tenure with the company before the interview. Address interviewers by their names.
Be confident, maintain eye contact, and listen carefully.
Avoid answering interview questions with one-liners. Answer with a story to make your response memorable. Expand on your answers to provide additional insights about yourself.
Do not bring up salary until an offer is made. If an offer is made, know what you are worth beforehand to talk about salary and compensation.
Answer questions about “working status” and “sponsorships” with “I am authorized to work in the United States.” If visa sponsorship is required, talk with an immigration lawyer before the interview to learn more about the process. You want to be able to answer questions regarding sponsorship when asked.
Ask for the interviewer’s business card (if applicable).
Situation:
International student with OPT requiring Visa sponsorship to continue working past the OPT term.
Action Taken:
A year before graduating, he reached out to multiple HR managers at different companies to introduce himself well in advance, and sought proper career consulting from a recruiting agency for guidance.
He continued to build his network to increase his chance of getting an interview, even before graduating college.
He was willing to accept a role that was not his strongest suit to show his willingness to learn.
GP put in his time and effort early on in his career to prepare for the future. Not only did GP contact and connect with HR managers a year before graduation, but he also sought out consulting from a recruiting agency to increase their chance of obtaining a job. These actions were compelling to the
hiring company, even though the role was something GP was not confident in. Building his network early and showing initiative differentiated GP from all the other candidates. GP was able to stand out from others, get a successful offer with visa sponsorship, and even apply for a Green Card.
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