Learn how to prepare for a job interview with an American company. Explore using culture maps to understand cultural differences and their impact on interview performance. Discover tips for answering behavior interview questions and developing positive working relationships. Gain insights into communication styles, language use, and feedback in different countries. Understand the value of communication skills for career advancement.
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Quick takeaways
Cultural awareness is essential in job interviews, as understanding and adapting to different cultural perspectives can greatly influence success.
Candidates should aim for clear and concise communication in American job interviews, using precise language, showcasing confidence, and avoiding assumptions or shared information.
Deep dives
Understanding Cultural Influences in Job Interviews
Christine Kanata discusses the importance of cultural awareness in job interviews. She introduces culture maps developed by Erin Mayer, which highlight the impact of culture on various areas of business, such as communication, decision-making, and feedback. These maps provide insights into different cultural perspectives and help individuals recognize their default behaviors in interviews. By understanding cultural differences, job seekers can make adjustments to better connect with interviewers. Kanata emphasizes the need for candidates to be open and adaptable when discussing cultural differences during interviews.
Adapting Answering Techniques in Job Interviews
Kanata provides examples of how cultural differences influence answering techniques in job interviews. For instance, decision-making styles vary across cultures, with some emphasizing consensus and others relying on the boss's authority. Kanata advises candidates to be honest and share their experiences while educating interviewers about cultural influences. By explaining that their approach may differ from the cultural norms of the interviewer's company, candidates can demonstrate self-awareness and adaptability. Kanata highlights the need for candidates to frame their responses in a way that showcases their individual contributions while still acknowledging teamwork.
Communication Tips for Job Interviews in American Companies
Kanata shares communication tips for job interviews with American companies. She emphasizes that interviews tend to be more casual and conversational in nature. Candidates should aim to connect with the interviewer and show curiosity and interest. Kanata recommends using precise and clear language when communicating with Americans, making it simple and almost like communicating with a teenager. Confidence is key, and candidates should confidently take moments to think before answering questions, effectively communicating their self-assurance. Kanata also emphasizes the importance of low-context communication, where candidates provide clear explanations and avoid assuming shared information.
This episode is for you if you want to work for an American company!
Kristine Knutter shares her tips for successful job interviews. In the conversation we talk about:
- Erin Meyer's 'Culture Maps' and how they help you prepare for interviews - how to answer typical 'behaviour' interview questions - 3 crucial speaking tips for American interviews - typical management styles and how to develop positive working relationships in American and British companies
Links in this episode Express to Impress (Kristine's website and podcast) The Culture Map (Erin Meyer's work on understanding cultural differences)