JobBank USA
Telephone, Face-to-Face, and the New 'Online Video' Interview
It's very important to prepare yourself for the journey that lies ahead. Interviews can be a little scary, but with the proper preparation and the following tips you will do much better and have much more confidence to secure your H1B job and visa sponsorship offer.
The most common structure and ways that H1B Job Interviews take place are:
Typically the larger the company / organization the more layers of interviews there are.
1. Employers normally start by arranging a Telephone Interview
Most employers will email first to arrange a time for the interview, or some may just pick up the phone and call you. Depending on the employers recruitment processes, some employers may just do one telephone interview, or some may do multiple
2. Many Employers are now using Online Video / Conferencing Systems
With the continual advancement of technology, it's now easy for employers to use various types of online systems to conduct interviews (similar to using Skype but at a business level). This method is now commonly used to interview candidates that are overseas. We have seen a very large increase in US employers now conducting interviews using online video systems.
3. Face-to-Face Personal Interviews
If you're outside the USA, the traditional face-to-face interview will typically be the last method used (especially now that online video systems can be used). If you're already in the USA then many employers may still prefer face-to-face interviews.
Section 1 - 7 tips for success in any interview
Plan Ahead
Do a little homework! Research the company, the position, and if possible the people you will meet at your interview. Review your work experiences. Be ready to support past career accomplishments with specific information targeted toward the companies needs. Have your facts ready!!
Role Play
Once you have finished studying, begin role playing (rehearsing). Use the general questions provided below (in sections 2 and 3). Write down answers if it helps to make your presentation more concise. Try to keep your answers to the information your new employer will want to know.
Eye Contact
Maintain eye contact with your interviewer. Show you want the job with your interest.
Be Positive
In particular, avoid negative comments about past employers.
Adapt
Listen and adapt. Be sensitive to the style of the interviewer. Pay attention to those details of dress, office furniture, and general decor which will afford helpful clues to assist you in tailoring your presentation.
Relate
Try to relate your answers to the interviewer and his or her company. Focus on achievements relevant to the position.
Encourage
Encourage the interviewer to share information about his or her company.
* Remember to always demonstrate your interest and sound positive and enthusiastic at all times.
Information and documents to bring to an interview:
. Resume. Although not all employers require applicants to bring a résumé, you should be able to furnish the interviewer information about your education, training, and previous employment.
. References. Employers typically require three references. Get permission before using anyone as a reference. Make sure that they will give you a good reference. Try to avoid using relatives as references.
. Transcripts. Employers may require an official copy of transcripts to verify grades, coursework, dates of attendance, and highest grade completed or degree awarded.
. Don't forget your Notepad and Pen.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 2 - questions you may be asked in the interview
Here are a few of the most common interview questions:
Tell me about yourself? (try to hold your response to 2 minutes)
What do you know about our company?
Why should we hire you?
What can you do for us that someone else can't?
What do you look for in a job?
What skills and qualifications are essential for success in the position of ______?
How long would it take for you to make a meaningful contribution?
How does this assignment fit into your overall career plan?
Describe your management style.
What do you believe is the most difficult part of being a supervisor of people?
Why are you looking for a new career?
How would your colleagues describe you?
How would your boss describe you?
How would you describe yourself?
What do you think of your present or past boss?
What were the five most significant accomplishments in your last assignment?
What were the five most significant accomplishments in your career so far?
Can you work well under deadlines or pressure?
How much do you expect if we offer you this position?
Why do you want to work for us?
What other positions are you considering?
Have you kept up in your field with additional training?
What are your career goals?
What are your strong points?
What are your weak points?
How did you do in school?
What position do you expect to have in 2 to 5 years?
If you took the job what would you accomplish in the first year?
What was wrong with your current or last position?
What kind of hours are you used to working or would like to work?
Do you have your reference list with you? (Remember don't give it out unless it is asked for).
Can you explain your salary history?
What questions didn't I ask that you expected?
Do you have any question for me? (See Questions for the Interviewer that you might want to ask below).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 3 - questions for You to ask the interviewer
Why is this position open?
How often has it been filled in the past five years? - What were the main reasons?
What would you like done differently by the next person who fills this position?
What are some of the objectives you would like to see accomplished in this job?
What is most pressing? What would you like to have done in the next 3 months.
What are some of the long term objectives you would like to see completed?
What are some of the more difficult problems one would have to face in this position?
How do you think these could best be handled?
What type of support does this position receive in terms of people, finances. etc?
What freedom would I have in determining my own work objectives, deadlines, and methods of measurement?
What advancement opportunities are available for the person who is successful in this position, and within what time frame?
In what ways has this organization been most successful in terms of products and services over the years?
What significant changes do you foresee in the near future?
How is one evaluated in this position?
What accounts for success within the company?
These questions are presented only as interviewing guidelines. They are meant to help you prepare for the interview. Some questions may or may not be appropriate for your personal interviewing situation.
By practicing your responses to some of these questions, hopefully you will not be taken off guard if asked one of them. Most importantly, relax, go with the flow, and before you know it, you'll be in your next job.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 4 - telephone interviews
With the lack of visual communication - Phone interviews can be tough. You must be able to rely on auditory feedback and be disciplined enough to keep focus. We have compiled this handy guide on phone interview preparation to help ease your fears.
With these interviewing tips, you will be able to face your phone call with confidence!
Preparation:
In order to be prepared for the unexpected phone call:
~ make sure you always keep proper materials near your phone or desk during your entire job search duration.
~ Keep a file of "employer research" near by as Company research can help you quickly come up with a few questions for your interviewer.
~ Keep a fresh copy of your resume. Your resume will allow you to easily answer questions about your past experiences..
~ Have a notepad and a 2 pens (just incase one runs out).
For expected phone interviews:
~ make sure you have a space set aside that is free of distractions.
~ Keep a glass of water nearby in case you need to clear your throat, and of course, make sure to use the restroom before the call.
~ Have a copy of your resume and any research you have done on the employer.
~ Keep a pen and paper on hand.
Remember, phone interviews are just as much of an interview as a traditional meeting. Always make sure you are properly prepared and professional in your approach.
Extra Tips and Advice That Can Help You:
Know your comfort zone.
Some people perform best in a quiet room, while others prefer to pace around. If sitting still is your style, a room free of distractions is best.
If you are the type of person that likes to walk-and-talk, consider determining a predefined route. This will help ensure that there are no outside noises or unexpected distractions like sirens. Make sure it is a leisurely walk so you can maintain calm breathing patterns.
Smile.
It comes through in the tone of your voice. Negativity or a uneasy attitude can easily show itself over a phone call. Before the interview, consider spending a few minutes listening to your favorite song or watching a funny video. Make sure you are in a good mood.
Disable call waiting.
If for some reason you are not able to disable call waiting, absolutely ignore it if someone calls.
Enforce a dress code.
Believe it or not, properly dressing in at least a business casual attire will make a big difference in your ability to focus on the interview. Wearing the right clothes and taking a serious approach to the call will help you maintain a professional attitude regardless of your surroundings.
If you are taking the call on a cell phone.
, make sure there is no wind in your vicinity. Wind noise will prevent you from hearing the questions and make it harder for them to hear your answers.
No chewing gum, cigarettes, food.
or other things that may interfere with your vocal chords during the interview.
Listen Very Carefully.
Without the visual communication of an in-person interview, it can be tough to know when to stop talking. If your nerves are high and your blood is flowing, you can easily make the mistake of saying too much. Make sure to speak slowly and articulately. When you have answered the question, allow for that possibly uncomfortable moment of silence. This will let the interviewer know that you are through, and then they will proceed. Listen and wait for them to finish with their next question, and then proceed. Consider taking notes on the key aspects of each question.
Stand up.
Stretching out your torso will allow you to have the full strength of your lungs. You will be able to speak more clearly and powerfully.
If you wear earrings, remove them before the call.
Many people tend to adjust the phone's headset during a call. Chances are that the earrings will rub up against the mic creating an awkward, distracting noise for everyone on the call.
Definitely No speaker phone.
Make sure to ask for & write down your interviewers name, title, company and address.
Make sure you follow up by sending a thank you note.
* Remember - Practice makes perfect. As with all interviews, practicing before hand helps you prepare for common interview questions. It's important to "play in practice exactly as you would do in the real interview." It will make a huge difference.
H1Base.com's information, resources and services are available to all people regardless of national origin and citizenship status.
