As an international student going through the interview process, impressing a prospective boss involves communicating effectively to “sell yourself” in a way that showcases you as the perfect fit for the sought after position. When preparing for an interview, you are bound to catch yourself wondering what to say, how to say it, and when to say it. Through all the anxious hours awaiting the final moment of truth just remember to breathe (wooosaaah).
Interviews have to be strategized and planned out on both ends to get the desired outcome- hence the long list of interview questions and your present level of anxiety in answering those questions. When your interviewer asks you “Can you tell me a little about yourself?”, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”, or “What are your professional strengths?”, going off topic, not showcasing your relevant skills, or a modest display of tight-lipped, wide eyed, and a “you can probably tell I’m qualified” look on your face will not land you the job.
Although being charming and amiable might make you a new friend, and the effort put towards those clean slacks, crisp shirt, and pearly whites is noticed and appreciated, your ability to demonstrate your skill set will prove to have a more definitive impact on whether you get the job or not. Using your resume as a foundation for this critical conversation will establish a confidence within, knowing that you have a go to whenever your palms get sweaty and your mind starts to feel like Jell-O.
In order to rely on your resume for conversational backbone, it probably needs to be spruced up a bit. Strengthening your resume is a never ending process. With each new professional experience, skill learned, and new job quests your resume requires revision. Begin this revision process by identifying the job you are aspiring for to know which of your skills are most important to fill this prized position. Other skills you have acquired are still considered valuable, but the skills being demanded by this position should be the most prominent in your resume.
Embodying the missing piece to a company/organization’s puzzle involves taking the time to craft a spotless resume. To see various resume templates including student, entry level, and professional samples, go to InternationalStudent.com.
Photo Credit: xianrendujia
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