International job interview questions

How do I prepare for an overseas interview?

Securing a job interview is a key step in the job search process. Job interviews are your chance to show potential international employers that you are a good fit for the company and that you are enthusiastic about the role. It’s a chance to show off your confidence, attitude, and competence. 

Start preparing for your international interview by reviewing the description of the job you applied for and thinking of specific examples of how your background, skills, and experience are relevant to that role. You could even research similar roles at other companies and read their job descriptions. This can give you a baseline understanding of what employers value and which criteria are important. This may also give you some insight into what types of questions the employers may ask in job interviews. 

7 common international job interview questions and how to answer them

The first step in preparing for an interview is knowing what questions to anticipate. For international positions, employers will inquire not only about your skills and experiences relevant to the job but also about your motivation to relocate and work in their specific country. 

Keep in mind that interview questions can vary based on cultural and regional contexts, so it’s essential to tailor your responses accordingly. Remember, employers may ask questions beyond what we’ve included here—so be ready to showcase your fit for an international role across multiple topics.

1. Why do you want to work abroad?

When applying for international positions, it’s crucial to demonstrate genuine intentions for relocating. Employers seek candidates who are committed to the role and the company, rather than those looking for a quick placement. If the position is temporary, that may be acceptable, but if it aligns with your long-term career goals, it’s essential to approach it with seriousness and dedication.

Understanding your true motivations for working abroad can help employers assess whether you will be a good fit for their organization. They are looking for candidates who are committed and genuinely interested in contributing to their team, so being transparent about your intentions can help establish a personal connection during the interview process.

Interview tips:

• Articulate what you expect to achieve both professionally and personally by working in another country.

• Highlight how this opportunity aligns with your overall career path. Be specific about how the international experience will contribute to your long-term career aspirations. 
• Approach your interview with confidence and preparedness. Convey that you have a clear vision for your future and a defined strategy to achieve it.
• Clearly communicate your intentions. Whether you intend to work abroad temporarily or have plans for long-term relocation, honesty is essential to establish trust and clarity with your potential employer.

Example answer: “I am eager to advance my career in business development, particularly in the APAC region. As a key innovation and business hub, Singapore offers invaluable insights into the dynamic market and landscape in Asia. I’m especially drawn to your company’s commitment to innovation and your impressive projects in the region. This position represents not just a job for me but a critical step toward achieving my long-term career aspirations.” 

What not to say: Avoid vague reasons and overemphasizing travel in your answers. While honesty is important, your responses should strategically highlight your professional goals and how this opportunity aligns with them.

2. Why do you want to work in this city, country, or region? 

Employers want to make sure you will commit to the role long-term to make the hiring process worthwhile. If you genuinely want to work and live where the job is located, you are more likely to follow through with the relocation and adapt well to your new job and home. Show employers that you have carefully considered what working and living abroad entails.

Interview tips: 

• Convey commitment to the region. Explain why this specific location and company align with your career goals.
• Research the local economy. Understand the job market in the specific area where the job is located.
• Identify industry hotspots. Look for opportunities that align with your career goals to articulate how this location will benefit your professional growth.
• Understand the local lifestyle. Familiarize yourself with cultural and social norms.

Example answer: “I’ve extensively researched the Medicon Valley region and its thriving life sciences sector, and I believe this area is perfect for my career growth. I’m particularly attracted to the innovation and collaboration happening in this biomedical hub. Beyond its professional opportunities, I appreciate the vibrant culture and quality of life in Copenhagen and southern Sweden.” 

What not to say: “Around the world is fine; I don’t care where I am.” Even if this is true, it’s not what employers want to hear. Be prepared with a thoughtful answer.

3. Tell us about your work experience.

Employers are looking for more than just a general summary of your work experience. They can see that on your resume. Instead, they are looking for evidence that shows your background aligns with the job description, company values, and culture. Here’s how to nail it:

Interview tips:

• Highlight relevant experience. Emphasize roles and responsibilities that are directly applicable to the job.

• Quantify your successes. Share specific, measurable achievements that showcase your impact. 
• Include global experience. Highlight any instances where you studied, volunteered, or worked abroad, or participated in projects that involved collaboration with international teams.
• Demonstrate flexibility. Showcase your ability to adapt to new environments and work cultures, emphasizing experiences where you successfully navigated challenging or unfamiliar situations across different teams and functions.
• Show language skills (if relevant). If you speak multiple languages, highlight how you’ve used them professionally or in academic settings. Even a basic understanding of the local language can be a plus.

Example answers: “While working on a marketing project for a tech company, I collaborated with a team based in India. We held regular virtual meetings to align our strategies, which helped us successfully launch a product that exceeded initial sales projections by 25% in the first quarter.”

What not to say: Avoid saying, “I do not have a lot of work experience” or “I have no international experience.” There’s always something to leverage, whether it’s internships or volunteer work. 

4. What do you know about our company and its operations in this country?

Employers value candidates who have done their homework. This question allows you to demonstrate your initiative and genuine interest in the company.

Interview tips:

• Research the company’s mission and values. Start with their website and social media, but also consult external sources like news articles and employee reviews to gain a well-rounded perspective.
• Investigate local operations. Look into specific initiatives, recent news, or expansion efforts in that country to understand how the company operates on the ground.
• Express enthusiasm. Share your excitement for the company’s work and explain how your skills align with its goals.

Example answer: “I’ve learned that your company is renowned for its high-quality cybersecurity services and plans to expand into new markets in the coming years. I’m particularly impressed by your innovations in tracking and automated recovery. My background in machine learning positions me well to contribute to these initiatives.”

What not to say: Avoid generic statements or superficial facts about the company. Ensure your research reflects deeper insights. Steer clear of discussing rumors or unverified information, and refrain from overly focusing on the company’s challenges. 

5. What skills or experiences make you uniquely qualified for this position?

This is a common question in both domestic and international job interviews. Employers want to find a candidate who not only fits the company culture but is also ideally suited for the specific role. This is your opportunity to differentiate yourself from other candidates.

Interview tips:

• Align with the job description. Highlight experiences and skills that directly relate to the position you’re applying for. Reference the job description as needed.
• Emphasize your value. Clearly articulate the value you can bring to the company in this role, connecting your response to the company’s goals based on your research.
• Showcase a mix of skills. Include both technical skills and soft skills, such as time management and creativity.
• Leverage academic skills. If this will be your first job, think about the skills you’ve gained in school and how you can apply them in a professional context.

Example answer: “I am uniquely qualified for the finance analyst position due to my strong background in finance and data analytics, complemented by my internship at a leading investment firm in London, where I helped improve portfolio performance by 15%. My technical skills in financial modeling and data visualization, combined with my adaptability and strong communication abilities, enable me to present complex information clearly to diverse stakeholders. I thrive in fast-paced, international environments, making me well-suited to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. I’m excited to contribute my skills to [Company Name] and support your growth initiatives in the dynamic London market.”

What not to say: Avoid vague statements like, “I’m a hard worker” or “I have great communication skills.” Instead, focus on specific skills backed by concrete evidence to maintain credibility and demonstrate preparation.

6. How would you handle cultural challenges in the workplace?

This behavior-based question often reflects broader topics like teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience. Employers are interested in understanding how you navigate cultural differences when collaborating, tackling complex issues, or managing setbacks. Questions might include:

• Can you share a time when working with a diverse team was key to a project’s success?
• Have you encountered challenges in an international team setting, and how did you approach them?
• Describe a time you faced a cultural misunderstanding in a team and what you learned from it.

Interview tips: 

• Provide a specific example. Share a situation where you faced a cultural challenge at work or in a group setting, how you resolved it, and what you learned.
• Use the STAR method. Structure your answer using the Situation, Task, Action, and Result (STAR) framework.

Example answer: “When facing cultural challenges, I prioritize understanding and respect. For example, during a collaborative project with international classmates, we experienced misunderstandings due to differing communication styles and expectations. I initiated a discussion where we could openly share our cultural perspectives and communication preferences. This not only resolved the misunderstandings but also fostered a more cohesive team dynamic, leading to a successful project completion and deepening my appreciation for cross-cultural collaboration.”

What not to say: Avoid any remarks that may come off as culturally insensitive or dismissive. It’s important to demonstrate that you can navigate and respect cultural differences in a professional environment.

7. Do you need any support from us to obtain your work permit and relocate here?

Some companies may offer support with relocation costs, so it’s worth preparing an estimate for expenses like visa and permit fees, travel, and housing near your new job. Be ready to discuss how much you can cover personally and where you’d appreciate the company’s support.

Interview tips: 

• Research work permit requirements. Familiarize yourself with the work permit and visa process for the country you’re applying to.
• If you already have a permit, explain the type, eligibility, and duration to give the company a clear understanding of your status.
• If you don’t yet have a permit, outline your planned approach to obtain one, showing your readiness to navigate the process.
• Understand relocation packages. Research typical relocation offerings, keeping in mind that some companies may not offer extensive support depending on the role or level. 

Example answer: “”Thank you for asking! I’ve looked into the work permit process and understand the key steps involved. Any support with costs or logistics, such as locating housing, would be greatly appreciated. I’m eager to ensure a smooth transition so I can hit the ground running in this role.”

What not say: Avoid any misleading statements about your work permit status, as they could lead to complications down the line. Additionally, don’t make demands or present an ultimatum for relocation support. Instead, negotiate and show appreciation for any assistance they may provide.

Questions you can ask in your international job interview

At the end of a job interview, the interviewer or hiring manager will ask if you have any questions for them. You will want to have at least 2-3 thoughtful questions prepared. Asking questions during an international job interview can demonstrate your interest in the position and help you assess whether the company is the right fit for you. 

Interview questions about the company’s future and vision

• How does the company see this role evolving over the next few years?
• What are some of the company’s main goals for the upcoming year, and how does this team contribute to those goals?
• How is the company responding to trends or changes within the industry, especially with international markets?

Interview questions about the role

• What does a typical day look like for someone in this position?
• Who will I be working closely with, and what is the team structure like?
• How are you defining success in this role and how will my performance be evaluated?
• What metrics or goals are you hoping for someone to hit within the first 90 days, 6 months, and year?
• What qualities have helped employees succeed in this role in the past?

Interview questions about the company

• Can you describe the company culture?
• How does management support employees in their roles?
• How does the company support its international employees specifically?
• What are some common challenges faced by employees working in this region or country?
• What does work-life balance look like here?

Interview questions about growth opportunities

• What opportunities are there for professional development for an employee in my position?
• Are there opportunities for career advancement for international employees within the company?
• How does the company determine wages, raises, and compensation packages for international employees? 

Interview questions about relocation

• What is the process for obtaining a work visa, and how does the company assist with this?
• Does the company provide any relocation assistance for international employees?
• Does the company offer training or resources for new employees to help them adjust to living and working in another country?

Ace your international job interview with these tips

Preparing for an international job interview requires thoughtful planning and a deep dive into common interview questions, cultural norms, and industry standards in your target country. By investing time in research and practice, you can boost your chances of success and stand out from other candidates seeking global roles.

Success in international interviews is all about confidence and thorough preparation. Present yourself professionally, emphasize your unique strengths, and show employers why you’re the ideal candidate—no matter where the job takes you!