1. Effective tips for job interviews abroad
EF Global Future Series . More on ef.com

2. Webinar presented by:
Eric Van Delden
Recruitment and Development Director
Education First
Former Online Marketing Director
David Pires
Social Media Manager
EF Education First
Former Recruiter at Danone
Effective Tips for Job Interviews Abroad

3. Agenda
1. The Job Interview Context
2. The interview preparation
3. Interview and follow-up
4.What else ?

4. 1. The job interview context

5. Congrats, you got a job interview!
You’ve done 75% of the job, now it’s all about the last step!
You have an
interesting
profile
You wrote a
great CV and
cover letter
You used social
networks

6. The Job Interview Process
From the job seeker’s perspective, what you do pre-interview
and post interview matter as much as the interview itself
“A job interview is a process in which a potential employee is evaluated by an employer
for prospective employment in their company, organization, or firm. During this process,
the employer hopes to determine whether or not the applicant is suitable for the role”
Wikipedia
Do you think this definition is complete?

7. LinkedIn Survey: The Biggest Interview Mistakes
It’s all about preparing properly!

8. 2. The interview preparation
 Get the basics right (timing
etc.)
 Do research
 Prepare your answers
 Prepare some questions

9. Checklist Interview Preparation - The Basics
Arrive on time
o Arrive to the interview site 15-30 min in advance
o Have your phone with you
Dress and Appearance
o Dress professionally, but be comfortable
o Don’t look messy, be clean!
Have your “interview package” with you
o Pen and papers
o Well-presented copy of your resume
o Bonus*: some personal notes with your key selling points
Unplug your phone/put it on silent
o Disconnect yourself and be fully available for your interviewer

10. Prepare answers to the most common interviews question
 Tell me about yourself, what’s your story
 What are your strengths and weaknesses?
 What can you bring us?
 Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
 Why do you want to work here?
 What things would your previous managers say about you ?
 What problems can you help us solve/how can you contribute?
 What are your salary expectations?
Practice answering these question by yourself at least once before the interview
and take notes!

11. Do your homework: Research!
– Google the company and its news, social media profiles
– Check industry trends
– Get insights about the job description
– Use your networks to gather relevant information
Bonus*: Do some research about the interviewer
Coming to an interview well prepare shows that you are proactive and
serious! Source: SavvySugar

12. Come with your own questions
Prepare open-ended questions about:
– The role
– The company culture
– Timeline / Next steps
Great questions will reveal your analytical skills and curiosity

13. 2. The Interview and the Follow-up
Source: Empirella.com

14. A good interviewee…
– Understands the job expectation quickly (don’t be afraid to
ask to clarify)
– Takes time to structure his/her answers
– Answers questions clearly and confidently
– Doesn’t talk about the “Big 3” (Religion, Politics and Sex)
– Asks questions
– Is friendly, smiling and energetic

15. Avoid the Deadly Skype Interviews Sins
– Wrath of Skype - Avoid the "Can you hear me now?“
– Consider your “Skype Appearance”
• Nickname, pictures, background, lights, etc.
– Keep your interview engaged and interesting

16. After The Interview: Send a Thank You Note
The Thank You Email should say a few simple
things:
– Thank you for meeting (or talking) with me.
– I really want this job.
– Quick plug about why I'm perfect for it

17. 4. What Else ?

18. What do global employers look at ?
Don’t feel intimidated because you are “only” a fresh grad!
• Education
• Professional background
• Language and Communication skills
• Personality
• Cross cultural ability
• Experience abroad
• Other achievements or interests
• Often recruit from Business schools or through company’s own network

19. Your competitiveness – An interview is just an image of you
• Strong academic background, minimum BA
• Higher education such as Master, MBA etc
• International degrees
• International work experience, Internships
• Excellent English skills
• Other languages
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Specialist or Management skills
Employment rate (age 15-29) 40.3%; employment rate of uni graduate: 58%, http://www.acrofan.com/ko-kr/live/news/20110609/00000034

20. Matching the dream job and the dream you
• What’s needed in your dream job ?
Skills you need to acquire
• What skills and personality traits do you have
today?

21. Developping new skills
Also...
• Get to know
the industry
• Get to know
people and
their jobs
• Network
Improve your academic
and analytic skills
•Through educational programs
Improve your business
skills
•Through on-job training,
internship, volunteering
Improve your language
and communication skills
•Through debate clubs,
discussions, language courses

22. Adding value to your professional profile
Experience Abroad
Academic Year or Language Course
Abroad from 2 to 52 weeks
International Internships
Work Experience
Relevant Internships / Jobs
Volunteering in a Non-Profit
EF Ambassador Experience
Academic Experience
Join a prestigious university
Follow the best programs
Explore your Passion
Have a life outside of work and
academics. Follow what drives you
Added Value
Experiences

23. About EF Education First
To break down the barriers of language
culture and geography
Our Mission
EF Today
World Leader in International Education. Founded in 1965, EF offers study abroad programs,
language education, educational and leisure tours, cultural exchange, academic programs and
more.

24. What’s Next
• Get the most of your EF Ambassador Experience
• What’s the story you will tell, the achievements and the
learning you will share?
• Get the slides at
www.ef.com/interviewambassadorswebinars
• My contact: david.pires@ef.com