Are you dreaming of landing a job abroad? No wonder! The international job market is filled with amazing career opportunities and thrilling life experiences.
However, trying to land a job abroad also comes with unique challenges. One of these is the job interview itself. The questions asked in an international job interview can be quite different from those you're used to. A different country, different culture, and a different set of rules.
For example, interviews for jobs abroad often delve into areas such as motivation to move abroad, cultural adaptability, relocation specifics, and work permits.
Being prepared for the most common interview questions for jobs abroad can make the difference between success and failure. In this blog post, we'll get into the 9 most common questions and provide you with valuable insights on how to tackle them confidently. Plus, we'll give you examples of the exact answers you can use in your international interviews.
Ready to wow your interviewers in an international job interview? Grab a pen and paper, and let's dive in!
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Most Common Questions in International Interviews
The first step in a successful interview preparation? Knowing what questions to expect and prepare for. For jobs abroad, most interview questions will be focused on your motivation to move abroad and work in the country you applied for. Besides that, the questions will revolve around your skills and experiences relevant to the job you're applying for, like in any other interview.
Let's dive deeper into the 9 most common interview questions in international interviews and tips on answering them.
Question #1: What Motivates You to Work Abroad?
Employers are nosey. They'll surely ask about your motivation to work abroad. This might even be one of their first questions. By asking that, they aim to understand your reasons for seeking job opportunities outside your home country. They also want to ensure that you don't have a romanticized idea of their country but realistic expectations towards working there.
International Interview Tips:
Focus on growth. To answer this effectively, demonstrate your passion for developing yourself further, gaining diverse experiences, going outside of your comfort zone, and embracing challenges that come with working in a different environment.
Highlight soft skills relevant to international job opportunities, such as your adaptability, open-mindedness, and desire for personal and professional growth.
How to Answer (Example):
Honestly, I’m motivated by the chance to grow both professionally and personally. Moving abroad isn’t just about changing scenery for me. It’s about immersing myself in new cultures, perspectives, and ways of working. I see it as an opportunity to stretch my adaptability and gain insights that only come from stepping into a different environment. I’m excited to bring my open-mindedness to the table and learn from the unique challenges I’ll encounter, knowing that each one will push me to grow in ways I couldn’t achieve by staying in my comfort zone.
Question #2: Why Would You Specifically Like to Move to X Country?
Next, employers will want to understand your motivation for wanting to relocate to their country or city. It's important to them that your desire to live and work there is genuine and not just a random choice. Articulating why you're specifically interested in their country can offer valuable insights into your goals, expectations, and your ability to adapt.
International Interview Tips:
Share what you're attracted to. When discussing your reasons for choosing a particular country, emphasize factors like career or personal development opportunities, cultural affinity, or personal connections.
Showcase your research about the country's economy, job market, and living conditions to demonstrate your preparedness and genuine interest in making a meaningful contribution to the local community.
Whenever possible, add country-specific information, like the exact employment rate, benefits for expats, or some other relevant details that could prove you've done your research.
How to Answer (Example):
I’m especially drawn to [X country] because of the rich opportunities it offers for growth on both a personal and professional level. The culture resonates with me deeply, and I have personal ties that make it feel like a natural fit. After researching the country’s thriving economy and job market, I’m confident it’s the ideal place to advance my career. Beyond that, I’m genuinely excited about contributing to the local community in a meaningful way, and I believe [X country] offers the perfect environment for that.
Do you have personal reasons for moving abroad? Moving for love? Or just because you've always pictured yourself in France, Italy, or some other dream country? Follow this interview guide to explain your personal reasons for moving in the next interview. (You'll find word-for-word sample answers there, too.)
By the way, if you're still unsure which country is the best for you, check this list of the 10 best European countries for expat women.
Question #3: Why Are You Looking to Leave Your Current Country?
Similarly, employers will be curious about your reasons for wanting to leave your current country. It's crucial to them that your decision to move is well-thought-out and not just a spur-of-the-moment decision. Explaining why you're specifically interested in leaving your current country can provide valuable insights into your aspirations, motivations, and readiness for change.
International Interview Tips:
Be (appropriately) transparent. Highlight factors such as the lack of career or personal development opportunities or cultural disconnect to show your awareness and the thought process behind your decision to relocate.
Ensure that your discussion doesn't solely focus on the negatives of your current country. Instead, pivot towards the positives by discussing why you're drawn to the country you're applying to. This approach shows employers that your motivation to relocate isn't just about escaping negatives but is driven by the positive aspects of the new country.
How to Answer (Example):
While I’m grateful for everything my current country has offered me, I’m looking for more opportunities to grow personally and professionally. That’s what excites me about the idea of moving to [X country]. I’m drawn to its dynamic culture, the potential for meaningful development, and the strong sense of community there. It feels like the ideal next step to continue my journey.
Question #4: Can You Tell Us About Your Work Experience?
Moving forward, employers will be eager to learn about your work experience. It's vital to them that your professional background aligns with the role you're applying for. Detailing your work experience, particularly any international experience, can offer valuable insights into your skills, adaptability, and global perspective.
International Interview Tips:
Keep it relevant. When discussing your work experience, highlight experiences relevant to the role you're applying for.
Emphasize any international work experience you have, such as leading a project that involved collaboration with teams from various countries or perhaps working abroad for a period of time. This can demonstrate your ability to adapt to different cultures and work environments.
Whenever possible, quantify your achievements. This could be in the form of sales you made, projects you completed, or any other measurable outcomes from your work.
How to Answer (Example):
In my previous roles, I had the opportunity to lead customer support teams across various countries, which gave me valuable insights into different cultures and work styles—a huge asset in today’s global business landscape. Through these experiences, I successfully led projects that boosted team efficiency by 20% and contributed to a 15% increase in sales. I’m genuinely excited about the chance to bring these skills to your team and help drive growth at your company.
Question #5: How Would You Handle Cultural Differences in the Workplace?
The ability to navigate cultural differences in the workplace is a highly sought-after skill, especially in an international setting. Employers want to know that you can work effectively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and adapt to different work cultures, so they'll surely ask about it.
International Interview Tips:
Make your answer as specific as possible by sharing a real-life example of how you've handled cultural differences in the past. This demonstrates that you have practical experience, not just theoretical knowledge.
Show that you're proactive in learning about different cultures and open to different perspectives. This can be through self-study, attending cultural events, or actively seeking out diverse viewpoints in your workplace.
How to Answer (Example):
I make it a priority to proactively learn about new cultures to bridge any cultural gaps and work smoothly with diverse teams. For example, in my previous role at Company X, I collaborated closely with a team based in Japan. Initially, we faced some communication challenges due to different work cultures and communication styles. I took the initiative to study Japanese business etiquette and communication norms, and I also encouraged open discussions within the team to address our cultural differences and find effective ways to collaborate. This approach not only enhanced our communication but also created a more inclusive, respectful environment. I believe these experiences have prepared me well to navigate cultural differences in any workplace.
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Question #6: What Challenges Have You Faced Working in Diverse Teams?
Collaboration with individuals from varied backgrounds can lead to innovative ideas, different perspectives, and enhanced problem-solving skills. But, it can also lead to unique challenges. And employers are perfectly aware of that. So, they'll be curious to know what challenges you've faced and how you handled them.
International Interview Tips:
Use specific examples to illustrate your points. This gives your answer credibility and makes it more relatable.
Keep it positive. When discussing challenges, make sure to also mention the positive resolutions and what you learned from these experiences. This shows that you're not just problem-focused but solution-oriented.
How to Answer (Example):
In my previous role at Company Y, I encountered challenges related to differing communication styles within our diverse team. Some members were very direct, while others communicated more subtly, which led to misunderstandings, especially around project feedback and timelines. Recognizing this as an opportunity, I initiated a team conversation about bridging these differences. We agreed on specific practices, like using a shared document to clarify project goals, setting up brief check-in meetings to confirm understanding, and providing feedback in both written and verbal forms to avoid ambiguity. These adjustments not only helped us avoid miscommunication but also brought us closer as a team by respecting each other’s preferred styles. It was a valuable lesson on the importance of open dialogue and adaptability.
Question #7: Do You Have the Necessary Work Permits to Work in Our Country?
Onto the not-so-fun stuff: visas and work permits. When interviewing international candidates, employers want to ensure that they have legal eligibility to work in their country or at least know in advance if they need any support sorting this out. So, be prepared to discuss your work status and any necessary permits or visas.
International Interview Tips:
Be honest and straightforward about your work permit status. If you don't have a work permit, explain your plans to obtain one.
Have all the relevant documents at hand. If you already have a work permit, be prepared to provide details such as the type of permit and its validity period.
How to Answer (Example):
I don’t have a work permit for your country just yet, but I’m fully committed to this opportunity and have already started researching the application process. From what I’ve gathered so far, it looks like I meet the key criteria, and I’m ready to take the necessary steps to move things forward as quickly as possible. I hope this won’t be a barrier to contributing my skills and enthusiasm to your team.
Question #8: What Support Do You Need With Relocation?
Relocating for a job abroad comes with its own set of challenges. It's not as easy as simply traveling to a different location, as you would when starting a new job in your current city. It's more complex and requires serious logistical planning. Luckily, companies often provide relocation support for international candidates through relocation or expat packages. You can expect them to ask you for the support you need in your interview.
International Interview Tips:
Be honest about your needs, but also show flexibility. Employers appreciate candidates who are willing to adapt to new circumstances.
Research the relocation process and the company's typical relocation packages. This will help you answer this question more confidently and realistically.
How to Answer (Example):
For relocation, I’d really appreciate some help with the logistics—like navigating local taxes and getting a sense of the rental market. Support with the actual move, such as coordinating my belongings and flights, would also be incredibly helpful. That said, I’m flexible and understand that support varies based on company policy, so please let me know what assistance you typically offer.
Question #9: What Are Your Salary Expectations?
Discussing salary expectations can be a tricky part of any job interview, and it's even more complex when you're interviewing for an international position. However, it's important to be prepared and have a clear understanding of your value in the job market of the country you're applying to, as interviewers will surely ask about the expected salary.
International Interview Tips:
Do your research beforehand. Understand the average salary range for the role you're applying to in that specific country. This will help you provide a realistic and informed answer.
Avoid being vague or non-committal. Even though it's not your local job market, interviewers will expect you to have a specific number ready.
Be confident and assertive but also flexible. Show that you understand your worth but also that you're open to negotiation.
How to Answer (Example):
Based on my research of comparable salaries for this role and an understanding of the local cost of living, along with the skills and experience I bring, I would anticipate a salary in the range of X to Y (in local currency). That said, I’d be very interested in hearing your offer and am open to discussing further to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
Remember: Landing a job abroad doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your goals and accept any offer that comes your way. You can negotiate your salary, even when you're applying for those jobs abroad. Dive into the ultimate salary negotiation guide for expats and make the most of this exciting career and life move.
Conclusion
Interviewing for a job abroad? Prepare thoroughly for international interviews by familiarizing yourself with the most common questions, cultural nuances, and industry-specific expectations. By doing so, you can increase your chances of success and stand out among other candidates applying for international opportunities.
Remember, confidence, research, and adaptability are key when navigating job interviews in any context, including applications for jobs abroad. So, put your best foot forward, showcase your skills, and show your potential employers why you're the perfect fit for the job across borders.
Hi there! We're Matilda and Ana — the founders of MoreThanCareers, expats, international corporate recruiters, and HR professionals with 18+ years of combined HR experience. Since 2018, our career-building techniques, tools, and resources have helped over 500 coaching clients and 8,000 individuals worldwide land new, more fulfilling, higher-paying, and career-changing jobs.
Now it's your turn. And MoreThanCareers is here to help!