Interviewing for Americans

Martynt74 · 31 Dec 2016 at 17:31

I've got through to a final interview stage which will be a video call with 2 employees based in the American office (American based company) as there will be a lot of links with them.

I'd normally say i interview quite well and am often invited back for second stages, however i'm wondering i need to approach this slightly differently.

I've never had a video based interview before and not with Americans who may have a slightly different culture and attitude. One issue i often find is i'm not great at selling myself, i'll happily talk about my achievements and what i can bring to the company but i tend to use phrases like we/team rather than myself. Given the stereotypes around of Americans i wonder if this may work against me.

Any tips for winning around Americans and for video interviews in general?

Zefan · 31 Dec 2016 at 17:46

Say you'll make their company great again, drop a few racial slurs and call yourself tremendous with no evidence to back it up. Seems to work very well over there.

:edit: seriously though, your concern is an interesting one, one I have no experience with whatsoever so I'll be following this thread.

Mr^B · 31 Dec 2016 at 17:50

That's a bit broad, and depends almost entirely on what sort of company it is and where it is based.

A tech start-up in California will be a totally different proposition to a big bank in New York (for example).

Martynt74 · 31 Dec 2016 at 18:17

It's a manufacturing company. The UK division is pretty much just based on carpet and floor coverings but the US owners cover a wide range from manufacture to innovating chemicals.

http://www.milliken.com

Don't figure it would hurt to include the name of the company.

Rroff · 31 Dec 2016 at 18:37

As Mr^B said huge range - about half those I met out there accent aside weren't that hugely removed from your average European - one thing I found kind of odd and I think is still true today is that you will find for every American with a good exposure to European culture and ability to pickup quickly on aspects of culture or perspectives different to their own, etc. you'll find another that it is a complete mystery to and can't get their head around anything different to their way of life.

Only thing I'd say really is try not to get too focused or serious on detail unless its warranted - Americans tend to be a bit more relaxed about things that we seem to get overly serious about - you'll quickly see them sitting back slightly bemused if you get too carried away heh.

TJM · 31 Dec 2016 at 18:45

A friend of mine went for a promotion within the London office of a major American IT company and the move needed final approval from staff based in the US. He didn't get it and part of the feedback from his manager was that Americans expect candidates to talk themselves up to an extent that would almost be embarrassing. I'm sure this varies depending on the corporate culture, but admitting that you are still developing or sharing credit with others may not work to your advantage.

Mr^B · 31 Dec 2016 at 19:23

I wouldn't start double-guessing them - or behaving differently. If you have to effectively cover-up your personality during an interview, it doesn't bode well for the future.

Judging by the industry and location I shouldn't think they would have a problem with you just being yourself.

dowie · 31 Dec 2016 at 22:04

Yes their culture is a bit different in that they're a bit over the top in how they rate themselves, their skills etc... Though as Mr^B has already said I'm not sure you should try and change who you are though for the interview. Don't be afraid to point out achievements, things you're good at etc.. but generally I'd stick with the same approach you usually take in interview as it will be more natural to you.

The anecdote from TJM is unfortunate and really just short shortsightedness on the part of the hiring manager in that instance.

Martynt74 · 31 Dec 2016 at 23:36

Thanks guys. My role is finance based and I do have some experience of working with US based finance teams. Just not being interviewed by them.

Think I'll just prepare as I normally would and try to adapt as necessary. One thing I had thought of doing was to ask the first interviewer if he had any advice. Although I wasn't sure if this showed enthusiasm for the role and a willing to impress or if it looked like I wasn't capable of dealing with it on my own.