Here’s how to pass a job interview in a foreign language with flying colours

Daunting in its own right, the idea of job searching can come equipped with a lot of stress for an individual. From writing your CV, sending in applications, or even beginning your first day in a new job, perhaps the most important part is the interview. That time old formality of showcasing yourself to an employer and telling them exactly why they should recruit you over any other candidate. Even in your native language this could be a challenge. Now, imagine you are about to go through that entire process in another language… maybe a job with a foreign company has taken your fancy? Or perhaps you’re a graduate set on bagging a job abroad. Whatever the reason requiring you to take your interview in another tongue, here are a few pointers to set you on the right tracks.

Listen carefully

It seems that listening with care to your interviewer could be the most crucial part to success, even more so when interviewing in a language that is not your mother tongue. To improve the levels of communication, never fee afraid to request that the interviewer speaks slightly slower to accommodate you. Once the question is asked, take a minute to think over what was asked before you execute your answer. Identify any words you seem as key words and be sure to address these clearly in your response.

Honesty is the best policy

When it comes to language, it can be a bad idea to overestimate your skills. Be honest with yourself and more importantly your employer. This seems to be something to address way before your interview, be clear about your levels of proficiency in your CV and application. Ensure your employer knows exactly what they are getting from you.

Do your research

Doing your research can set you strides ahead if it’s done correctly. More often than not, most organisations will ask you similar questions during the interview process. So, if you like to be prepared there is no harm in sourcing these questions and preparing answers to them in the target language. This way, you minimalize the chance of any nasty surprises.

Immerse yourself into the language pre interview

Possibly a day or so before your interview, you could try completely immersing yourself into the language. From listening to music in the language, watching tv or interviews or talking in it where possible, total language immersion can help you pick up common idioms and gestures which could really impress your interviewer!

Final thoughts

In order to prepare for your interview, time and effort can pay off. By following and considering these simple steps you can set yourself up for success! Bagging a job can go way beyond what is on your CV, as 9 times out of ten an employer is more interested in the person behind the document.

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