Once you’ve received a certification and feel proficient in your field, it’s time to start the exciting process of finding a job. While your school records will speak a lot about your dedication, commitment, and intelligence, many potential employers will also pay close attention to how you interact with them during an interview. The interview process is incredibly important to those who speak English as a second language in landing the perfect job. In order to ensure that you don’t miss out on a great opportunity, pay close attention to the following advice during your job interview.
Custom Tactics
While being yourself is an important part of interviewing, you also need to tailor your interview tactics to the specific job or company. Regardless of the industry in which you are applying, pay close attention to what the company does and what it is looking for in an employee.
Research the company before your interview, and come prepared with any questions you have about the mission or philosophy of the corporation. The more involved you are in the interview, the more you have a chance to open up to your potential employer and sell the things that are best about you.
Show Your Enthusiasm
If you’ve taken the time to enroll in an English language program in your field, you’re probably passionate about what you do. Allow that enthusiasm to shine through during your interview to show your employer that you will be an important asset to the company. Show examples from your own life that illustrate your desire to be part of the growing healthcare, business, or networking industries. Keep a positive attitude throughout the interview and work to always keep a smile on your face, regardless of the questions you are answering.
Be Ready for Your Audience
If the information is available, research who will be conducting your interview. This can be determined with a simple call to the receptionist asking how many resume copies you need to bring to the interview.
Many interviewees come fully prepared for the interview, and make the tragic mistake of forgetting the interviewer’s name during the meeting. Focus on who you are speaking to, and if you are unsure of their name, politely request it again. Make sure before you get started that you fully understand the purpose of each individual in the room. This helps you tailor your questions and answers to the right people.
Communicate and Listen
In an interview, it’s easy to get caught up in selling yourself, and you may forget to be quiet at times and simply listen to what the interviewer is saying. While the interviewer or panel wants to know more about you, they also want to speak when it’s their turn, in order to guarantee that you have all the relevant information you need to accept the position. Talk concisely and politely when it’s your turn, and don’t talk over the top of your interviewer.
Embrace Your Culture
When it comes down to it, your diversity is one of the best things about you, and can be a big asset to any company. While you want to display the things you’ve learned and how proficient you are in your field, don’t be afraid to embrace who you are and show the diverse parts of you during the interview.
