Lately, WIN has filled several jobs at US or global corporations. The following hints are for a Japanese candidate preparing to meet an American interviewer. There will be more hints in future articles.
1. Make eye contact.
It is important to make and sometimes hold eye contact. Americans place a high value on eye contact. When someone looks away all the time, they think the person is lying or hiding something.
2. Lighten up.
Try not to be too serious or formal. Smile naturally once in a while. Speak clearly.
3. Sit where you can concentrate.
Find out exactly where the interview will be. For a public location like a hotel lobby or a restaurant, plan to sit with your back to oncoming traffic. This way it will be easier to concentrate on your conversation. People walking towards you won’t distract you.
4. Do your research.
Be prepared. This may be the number one quality the interviewer will look at.
· Be a little early for the interview.
· Gather knowledge about the job and the company.
· Get a job description from your search consultant and study it.
· Find the company’s web site and read the information there.
· Know the company’s products, how big it is and where it has offices.
· Read news releases about new products
· Think about how your skills fit in with what you learn.
If you do this research, your interviewer will be impressed with your high level of interest and hard work.
5. Answer questions thoroughly, but be brief.
· Don’t ramble on.
· Don’t try to avoid a question by talking about something else.
· If you don’t understand a question, ask the interviewer to repeat or clarify it.
 6. Relax.
Try to relax and enjoy your interview as a learning experience. You have much to offer or you wouldn’t be having the interview. Find out if working for this company would be a good move for you.
7. Send a thank you note!
Express thanks and again state your interest in the job after the interview. If you send a thank you by e-mail, also send a paper copy. That way, it will be part of the file that others may review before the final decision.
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