NON-NATIVE INTERVIEW PREPARATION 101

PREPARATION FOR THE NON-NATIVE INTERVIEW

RESEARCH THE COMPANY

For a non-native interview, or any interview the first thing that needs to be done is of course researching the company which you will be interviewing for. When you research this helps you to be prepared for the interview as you would have knowledge. Not only that of course you would practice talking about the company in English.

PREPARE SMALL TALK

This really depends on where you are from and what interview processes are like, not all companies usually do small talk conversation. It is however important to practice this beforehand. Small Talk can be about simple things such as the weather, finding your way to the interview location etc.

PREPARE YOUR OUTFIT

Ensure that you put together a professional outfit in advance, don't wait until the last minute. Make sure that you dress appropriately. Again this may be different based on your country so ensure that you research what is appropriate in your country.

STUDY POSSIBLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

I will do another post in the future with a few questions and possible answers that you can take a look at. It can be helpful to practice some of these of course adjusting them to your profession and skills will help you to feel more prepared and confident when these questions come up during the interview.

Also, practice some questions that you can ask them. I listed some below.

PRACTICE VOCABULARY WITHIN YOUR FIELD

Based on your career path there are some vocabulary words that are aligned with it. It would be smart to practice these also as it will help you talk about your experience and skills better as well as help you with confidence.

PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE

This goes without saying, practice, practice, practice as much as you can, find a friend or a speaking partner or even do an online lesson just to practice and help you prepare for the interview.

HOW TO MAKE SURE YOU ACE THE NON-NATIVE INTERVIEW

BE PUNCTUAL

First impressions last. My recommendation is for you to be at least 10-15 minutes early. That way you can get there and relax your mind.

GREET EVERYONE POLITELY

Always enter the room with a smile on your face. Smiling makes the room lighter and brings around a level of comfort.

BODY LANGUAGE/NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION

• Body language plays a big role in an interview as well. Here are some suggestions:
• Don't be fidgety. (Don't move around)
• Don't cross your arms as it is seen as disrespectful.
• Ensure that your posture is good, sit upright, don't slouch.
• Look interested as you go through the entire process.
• Make eye contact.
• Smile 😁

THINK QUALITY OVER QUANTITY WHEN YOU SPEAK

As you answer the questions that the interviewer asks, be short and concise but make sure it answers the question asked in the best way possible but make sure it is quality over quantity. Make sure that what you say holds weight.

STAY CALM

For a non-native interview there may be a bit of nerves and fear around an interview,

LISTEN CAREFULLY

As you do the interview you must listen carefully

BE HONEST

Pleaseeeee if you are doing a job interview be honest. Don't go lying about your skills because when the true test comes, if you cannot perform you will lose it just the same. So it just makes sense to be honest from the start.

HAVE A QUESTION OR 2 FOR INTERVIEWER

This may or may not happen, but at the end of the interview you may be given the opportunity to ask some questions. At this point you want to ask the questions you practiced.

SPEAK SLOWLY

For a non-native interview, my suggestion is that you speak slowly, however not too slow. Also speaking slowly gives you time to really think and put your thoughts together.

APPEAR CONFIDENT

No matter how you may shaking in your boots don't let it show(lol), easier said than done, I know, however if you appear confident it does help out.

AT THE END

ASK QUESTIONS

You also need to practice possible questions you can also ask them. The most important one being what is the nest step moving forward.

Questions such as:

• What is the workplace culture like?
• What are the next steps moving forward?
• Can you tell me about the day-to-day responsibilities for the role?

SAY THANKS

Take the time to thank the interviewer for giving you the opportunity.

Example: Thank you for taking the time out to interview me, I truly appreciate it.

Thank you for taking the time out to see if I am a good fit for your organization.

AFTER - SEND A THANK YOU NOTE

The day after the interview you can send an e-mail or a note thanking them again for the time and opportunity.

THINGS THAT CAN RUIN A JOB INTERVIEW

Over-sharing - try not to talk too much about things that are unnecessary.

Not Listening - for a non-native interview listening is very important, actively listening.

Attitude - Go into the interview with a good attitude, don't be negative or rude.

Late - Make sure you are on time.

Over Confidence - Don't be over confident and cocky. (It's just too much)

HOW TO ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT WEAKNESSES?

This is a tricky one, usually you don't want to spend too much time talking about your weaknesses. I usually recommend sharing just one weakness and many strengths. Another tip is to try and make the weakness a strength. Here is an example:

My weakness is that I am not very proficient in the English Language, however I am currently doing English lessons in order to improve. (So this way you show that it is work in progress)

I do hope that for your next non-native interview you will feel ready and prepared. Also here is a post on collocations related to mentorship as this could be useful.