At Alliance Abroad, we believe in setting you up for success from the very beginning of your program, so we ensure all our participants have a guaranteed job secured before arriving in the USA. Each year, more than 10,000 young people from around the world take this journey with us, embracing work experience and travel abroad opportunities in the USA, Spain, and Australia.
Preparing for your interview with your host employer is a crucial step in this process. To help you shine and make a lasting impression, we’ve compiled some of our best advice to ensure you ace your interview and start your internship or trainee program with confidence.
Here are our top tips to help you stand out and secure your position in culinary and hospitality internships and other paid work opportunities abroad:
- Research the Company
When applying for any position, familiarize yourself with the specific host employer. Understand their services, locations, mission, values, and culture. Review their website, read reviews, and follow their social media. This information and insight will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate genuine interest in joining their team.
- Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences
Although the HR Manager has seen your resumé beforehand, you can really stand out by showcasing your relevant skills and experiences during the interview. Talk about your duties and experience from previous jobs, what you learned and enjoyed, and how you thrived in similar environments. Provide concrete examples, especially if you’ve worked in busy or high-pressure settings. This is vital for work experience abroad and international work placements.
- Practice Common Interview Questions in English
Practice answering common interview questions in English and out loud. It sounds simple, but this will really help build your confidence and fluency in the interview itself.
Typical questions to prepare for:
- Why do you want to work here?
- What excites you about this internship position?
- Why do you think you’re qualified for this position?
- Describe your perfect internship.
- What excites you about this internship position?
- What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
- What is one career goal you’d like to accomplish in the next two years? The next five years?
- Presentation Matters
First impressions count, so dress professionally, even for virtual interviews. Ensure your interview space is tidy, well-lit, and free from distractions. Test your technology beforehand to avoid any last-minute glitches and ensure a stable internet connection.
Be punctual. Smile and maintain eye contact. Employers want to know that you are a good communicator and will work well within their team, so take a deep breath and let your personality shine.
- Show Your Enthusiasm
Let your passion for the industry shine through. Be authentic and personable. Employers want to see your excitement and eagerness to contribute. Don’t just say what you think they want to hear. Be yourself, honest, and authentic. This approach is beneficial for both hospitality internships and other paid internships abroad.
- Ask Relevant Questions
You will have a chance to ask the Employer questions, so it’s smart to prepare thoughtful questions in advance. This shows that you’re engaged and genuinely interested in the role.
For example:
– Can you tell me more about the team I’d be working with?
– What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this internship role?
– What are the working hours for this intern/trainee opportunity?
– Are there any cultural activities or events in which the company encourages international trainees/interns to participate?
- Follow-Up Etiquette
After the interview, express your gratitude for the opportunity and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. Your Alliance Abroad contact will let you know how you got on and share any feedback with you.
With these tips, you’re well on your way to acing your employer interview and starting a fantastic adventure abroad!
Good luck.
