Being convincing to an employer in the USA

Job hunting and interviewing IF selected is somewhat different in the USA, Here are a few points to think about and be aware of.

1. Cultural differences - naturally it does depend on the industry and position applied for but many interviews are now less formal. though do not be fooled, still make sure you make an outstanding first impression and consider best etiquette.

It is better to be over then under dressed. My suggestion is to wear a comfortable outfit that you can dress down if needed, take off a tie, jacket or let your hair down (literally if you can).  Try and align to the interviewers behavior and mimic gestures, facial expressions  and body language - BUT do not appear over confident.

Questions being asked and to ask -  in case you are used to interview in Europe you may be surprised of some of the questions you may be asked. In the US it can happen that you are being asked about your family circumstances etc.  Before you start your interview, think of a few questions that you will want to ask at the end, this shows that you are interested and have researched the job and company.

Finally - if you are not a US citizen make this your advantage. Often interviewers prefer people that are little different or may NOT sound american. Important though that you are clearly understood and that you illustrate that the work environment or job is not 'alien' to you.

So to recap - consider what your will wear, be prepared for more personal questions and take advantage of having a different background. Good luck !

Depending on the type of job, while in Europe an applicant may be given the opportunity to show his/her value to fulfill a position, or the opportunity to learn the job while working even if not holding a diplom, certificate o bachelor, in the US what an employer is very often unfortunately firstly looking at if you do posses a degree.

I say unfortunately because there are many jobs that can be very well learnt while working and so without the need of a degree. All is needed is simply a little dedication and willingness to learn. For that, you may be paid less, but hey, it’s acceptable because in exchange you are given by your employer a chance, an the opportunity to learn a job and at the same time to live out of it and...in the future to advance and gain more.

For ceirtain jobs, earning a degree would not imperatively and automatically mean that you must be better. I knew people that earned degrees, but we’re mediocres and others that didn’t and we’re brilliant. But unfortunately in the US degrees counts more than everything!

So, bottom line is that I don’t agree about the previous advise stressing the importance in the US on your physical appearance at interviews and on trying to behave in a way to mimic your interviewer because... what matters to them most is your degree. Of course you don’t go to an interview in pigiama and of course you don’t go with an attitude, but you go as...yourself with...however, with a degree.

Manuela is right on the money like we say. I agree with all she said.
I personally came to the USA on an E2 visa which is an investment visa and for this reason did not get involved in any job search. If you have an investment of 200k+ Euro you could find interesting options all over.

Interview sometimes is a strange process. You can accidently say something that may diminish or increase your chances. However, one of the most important factors is that you must have a conversation with an interviewers. They trying to establish whether you are a person that they can work with and how well you will fit into a group. Therefore you should not keep a guard. Instead you should show your personality and ask questions.

Place yourself in a situation of high value.

Show and talk that you are a person of high value in your industry.

Talk confidently, have the credentials.

Of course, get some practice in by taking on several interviews.