I immigrated to the United States in 2014 after unsuccessfully applying and interviewing for multiple jobs. I applied and interviewed a lot, then a lot more, and then some more. Why unsuccessfully? - mostly because of my own mistakes, and partially because of my interviewers' mistakes. Yes, when both parties make mistakes, something goes wrong, especially on the interviewee's part.
All mistakes, so I believe, were not done on purpose rather than the lack of knowledge on both parties' behalf. Let's start laying out the common mistakes the a foreigner or immigrant might make, while part of the job seeking process. Mistakes immigrants make include (though not limited to):
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Be aware of the fact that resumes and CVs are often written and structured differently than in the country you are from. Thus, take the time to learn how to write, format, or structure your resume/CV.
Be aware of the differences between a CV and a resume; They are not the same; They are not always used interchangeably.
Research the most commonly used terms and phrases in the United States. Do not translate it literally or using a dictionary, especially when dealing with professional terms. For example, some languages do not have a word for the title "Dean", so they use "Headmaster" or "Director" instead. Yet, in the United Stated universities and colleges, a director is not perceived as an executive position as a dean is. This may lead to a misperception on the interviewers' end.
Try and use the closest titles on your resume as possible to the ones used in the United States. In addition, try and used common phrases to elaborate on which responsibilities your past positions included.
Research institutions in the United States that are similar in essence and size to the institutions you have work at in the past. Make sure to mention them on your resume/CV and during interviews.
Include a career goal statement at the beginning of your resume/CV. make sure it reflects the main goals of the industry you are part of. Research the goals, values, and most commonly used words, terms, and phrases on their website; Then use them in your resume/CV and/or interview.
Your goal is to prove to the hiring committee/individual, that you belong working with them. yes, working with them, not for them. People want someone they can work with day in, and day out.
Turn the fact that you are not originally from the United States into an advantage. Emphasize diversity, inclusiveness, global awareness, understanding minorities, and underserved populations. Emphasize your understanding of different cultures, and the ability to bridge differences with others.
Do not use the same cover letter nor CV/resume for all jobs you are applying for or interviewing for. cater to their specific needs, job requirements, and make sure that your resume/CV uses the terms most common to their job post.
Follow the other recommendations for interviewing in general.
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Let's review mistakes the the interviewers may make. The assumption at the basis of my advise is that the interviewers want to find the best suited person for the jobs regardless of their age, sex, gender, ethnicity, and more. Let's start laying out common mistakes while interviewing an immigrant or foreign candidate:
Not being aware of the fact that resumes and CVs are often written and structured differently in the United States than in the country the candidate is from. Thus, take the time and put in the effort to ask about anything and everything you are not sure about.
Confusing not understanding with something suspicious. As human beings, when we do not understand something, we become suspicious as a defense measure/mechanism. Make sure to check and differentiate between just cause to be suspicious, and a misunderstanding of the candidates' background, culture, experience, beliefs, religion, etc.
Assuming that what you see now, is all an immigrant (a person) could be. Yes, it is understood that you do not always get or have to give a second chance. Yet, focus on how successful the person can be over time. Focus on their advantages, and do not let cultural differences, an accent, limited interviewing experience (in the United States), appearance , etc.
Americans think the first official question in an interview should be "why us?" or "why (filling in their business'/institution's name)?". I have to share that I find that question problematic, very problematic indeed, since it is always asked in a way the implies that there are no other options. The United States is huge, and every state is not only the equivalent of a whole country in the world, they are often bigger in size than those countries. Bottom line, it causes the interviewers to be possibly be blind to other options the candidate may have, and lose great people and future colleague; All the time, causing the candidate to feel weird about it, or perceive it as illogical.
Insisting that "why us?" be the first question?! - make sure it is not the most important question! I have been witness to interviewers rejecting candidates just because they did not like the candidate's answer to this question. My suggestion: ask why they are best suited to the position? - this allows them to convince you without assuming they have no other option.
Avoid as much as possible the use of words that you are not 100% sure an American born and raised person with common education could handle or understand.
Follow the other recommendations for interviewing others in general.
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