Career Advice
17 International Job Interview Etiquettes You Need To Learn Now!
Glassdoor Team
Glassdoor Team | Author & Career Expert at Glassdoor | 8 Jan 2018
Wait for handshake offer in UAE, knock three times (not two) in Japan and prepare an opening gambit in India!
No matter where you are in the world, first impressions are absolutely vital during the interview process. If you get this wrong, your interview could be over before it has even begun. You need to make sure you are as informed as possible and take time to research customs and local etiquettes as well as company cultures and values when applying.
So, to help you secure your next role (wherever it may be in the world), here are 17 global interview etiquette tips for 2018:
Japan
- Always knock three times when entering the interview room. Knocking twice is frowned upon because it’s associated with checking if a toilet cubicle is vacant.(1)
- It’s a good idea to prepare an opening speech discussing who you are and what you do. Always eat with your right hand if being taken out for lunch, your left is considered unclean. Never touch someone’s head without permission as it’s seen as the ‘seat of the soul’.(2)
- If you’re phone interviewing, Russians typically don’t linger on the phone when a conversation is over. Hanging up once an agreement is made doesn’t mean the interviewer is being rude. Russians just don’t tend to engage in small talk as much.(3)
- In this country profanity has a natural place in the vocabulary. It can be regularly used in workplaces to express frustration or to exaggerate situations. For example, “bastard” is frequently a term of endearment. We are not suggesting you swear in your interviews, but it’s something to be aware of.(4)
- Once you get through any greetings, deliver a concise introduction to remind the person why you are thankful for their time and what you hope to speak about during the interview. You’ll make a good impression in this market through a simple and factual presentation, showing you can deliver results.(5)
- Italians are as serious about their clothes as they are about their food. Depending on the role, you’ll be expected to wear a high quality, tailored suit. This will be noticed. Also, make the effort to learn a few words. Say Buongiorno (good morning), or Buonasera (good afternoon) upon arrival.(6)
- Body language is very important. Chinese people are very warm and expressive with people they are familiar with, however, when meeting your interviewer for the first time don’t display too much emotion, be overly affectionate or make too much eye contact. Non verbal communication really matters in this culture. Focus on keeping a good posture, speaking calmly and keeping hands close to the body.(7)
- It is important to remember that the UAE is an Islamic country, and therefore the customary handshake is not always appropriate. Wait for members of the opposite sex to offer first before you try and shake their hands.(8)
- During your interview the Dutch may be very direct in questioning, to some people perhaps a little over-confident and rude. It comes from the fact that the Dutch are very honest and open. They are taught to share their opinions from an early age. (9)
- Mexicans generally stand closer together when conversing, don’t show signs of discomfort if you’re not used to talking to a stranger up close for the very first time. This is a normal part of their culture. Business lunches tend to start from 2pm and can last for three to four hours.(10)
- If interviewing over lunch be ready for a long and formal experience. A very important rule is to keep your hands resting on the table, never on your lap. If your wine glass is empty, be prepared for it to be topped up regularly.(11)
- During your very first meeting avoid overly personal personal contact beyond the all important firm handshake. If interviewing over a meal, it will hopefully follow the German toast ‘Erst mach’ dein’ Sach dann trink’ und lach!’ (First take care of business, then drink and laugh!) (12)
- Purple and black represent mourning in Brazil, so avoid these clothing colours or if you plan to present a gift in your interview. Good gift choices can include small tech devices, books or gifts unique to the country. (13)
- Even if done in a light-hearted way, avoid winking at someone during your interview in Hong Kong as it is often considered a rude gesture. Pointing with an index finger is not advisable as this is generally used only for animals. Make sure you ask about your interviewer’s health and wellbeing upon arrival. (14)
- Business attire is generally less formal in Canada. As in the U.S., the Canadians prefer a direct style of communication, though they tend to be more reserved and less open in terms of showing emotion. A ‘hard-sell’ approach should be avoided and signs of aggression during your interview will be looked down upon. (15)
- Spanish people in a business environment can be generally described as cheerful and outgoing and they will use expansive body language to express that. In conversation, the Spanish aren’t likely to stand uncomfortably close, but physical contact such as a pat on the back or shoulder is not rare in a business environment. (16)
- As you get further in the interview process you are expected to follow up the over email to thank senior figures for their time and say that you remain interested. If you don’t, UK employers may think you’re not that keen. (17)
- Japan Times - Knocking, ‘recruit suits’ and bowing: Etiquette key for Japan’s jobseekers
- jobERA - Indian job interview tips
- Russia Direct - 12 Business Etiquette Tips You Need To Know To Success in Russia
- Business Insider - 20 Things About Aus Working Culture That Can Surprise Foreigners
- Glassdoor US blog - How To Ace Your Next Interview
- Takelessons - Useful Italian Phrases and Etiquette Tips For Doing Business
- TutorMing - Do’s And Don'ts Of Interviewing In China
- Gulf News Careers - How To Pass A Job Interview in Dubai
- Quora - What Should I know About Interviewing in Netherlands
- eDiplomat - Cultural Etiquette Mexico
- The Local - Ten Tips on French Business Etiquette
- The Local - Ten Tips on German Business Etiquette
- USA Today - Business Etiquette in Brazil
- eDiplomat - Cultural Etiquette Hong Kong
- eDiplomat - Cultural Etiquette Canada
- Today Translations - Doing Business in Spain
- Glassdoor UK Blog - How To Follow Up After An Interview
- GLASSDOOR’S INFORMED CANDIDATE SURVEY 2017: UNDERSTANDING THE CANDIDATE. Glassdoor surveyed 750 US/UK hiring decision makers to define and understand the value of today’s candidate in the short and long term. Respondents are those who have primary responsibility for or significant influence on hiring decisions. (August 2017) Official Source: Glassdoor, Informed Candidate Survey, August 2017
Glassdoor Team
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