Q: I am interviewing at a distance for a leadership role with an organization based in Abu Dhabi. What should I consider prior to the interview? What should I consider regarding cultural differences?
A: Overseas organizations are probably not going to fly you to a formal interview without somewhat getting to know you. Even though you did not specify the format of your interview, the likely solution is you are meeting at least via phone if not Skype.
If the meeting is via telephone, make sure you have access to a great land line with good reception. There is nothing more off-putting than trying to conduct a long-distance phone meeting with poor equipment. If necessary, rent a facility for the purpose. Some video conference facilities offer phone usage for a fee.
If your interview is via Skype or WebEx, there are more considerations to make. Foremost, if you don’t already have the specific program you will use for the interview at your home office, get it quickly and become familiar with the technology. You do not need to be trouble shooting the program or be surprised with how it works during an important conversation.
Along those lines, do several trial runs with friends or colleagues before the real date with a prospective employer not only to test the function itself but to also make sure you can evaluate how you present yourself. Make sure your face is centered on the screen and that your facial expression, tone and pace make it easy to watch you virtually. Lighting is another key factor when doing Skype interviews. Lighting from behind is often most flattering and prevents an awkward glare on your face. Also, make sure the background looks professional and is not distracting. All visuals should leave the interviewers with a pleasant, professional impression.
With regard to cultural considerations, I offer that senior leaders tend to be multicultural and probably understand how to conduct a successful Skype and in-person meetings with U.S. executives. Many have been educated in the United States and are very familiar with U.S. business norms. You are more likely to encounter cultural differences on the ground when you show up for the in-person meeting at which time it the best preparation is to speak with someone familiar with the culture before you arrive. Get a sense of basic social norms, learn how to conduct yourself in public and find out about particular issues of which you should be aware in the business context. Web research can also give you useful clues as will the organization’s Annual Reports and other documents. Learning about an overseas culture is very similar to learning about a new corporate culture here in the U.S. Research will reveal a whole lot.
An overseas pursuit brings with it a host of considerations from bridging the gap with technology to understanding different cultural norms. The keys to your success, though, are the same as a domestic interview: practice and research.
Contact Karen Alphonse at Karena@execSearches.com or visit ExecSearches.com for more information about our career coaching services.
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