How To Maximise Your Overseas Degree To Impress Job Interviewers

It’s no surprise that the job market today is tough with fierce competition both locally and globally.

To stand out and make a positive impression, you’ll need to tap on a powerful advantage that few might have - your overseas degree!

One of the most critical parts of the job interview process is the interview process, which is where you must perform and impress your interviewer with what you can offer as a potential employee.

Utilising your study abroad experience is one unique angle that you should present, however, you will need to showcase the right aspects and experience that matters to the interviewer - there’s no need to highlight that exciting day surfing at the beach!

In this article, we will bring you through what you need to show and bring forth about your overseas degree during your job interview to gain that much needed competitive edge.

6 Aspects Of Your Overseas Degree To Showcase During Your Job Interview

Before you head to the interview, be sure to carefully analyse the job description, the role as well as the company.

You’d want to tailor these six aspects of your overseas degree to align with what the role expects from you and the values of the company itself.

1. Learning In An International Environment With Cross-Cultural Course Mates

One key advantage of studying abroad is having the experience of learning in an international environment which is essential for today’s business setting which demands cross-cultural awareness.

From dealing with foreign colleagues or clients across a spectrum of cultures, employers today treasure the ability of their new hires to blend well with an international workforce. Be sure to highlight this to showcase your ability to work cross-culturally throughout the organisation.

This is doubly true if you are applying for a client-facing position such as a sales role or representative. Our overseas degree helps you set the foundation to work with global teams and network in an international environment.

2. Time Management Skills & Multitasking

We live in a fast-paced world where multiple tasks coincide with strict deadlines. Employees are required to juggle a myriad of tasks and responsibilities throughout their working day and being goal-oriented is key to success.

This is one aspect of obtaining your overseas degree that you should play up.

As an international student, you had to juggle multiple responsibilities that include:

• Studying for your degree’s coursework

• Staying organized with your finances

• Learning new technical and soft skills

Be sure to showcase this in the form of anecdotal experiences. This can include a time where you had to juggle a part-time job while still studying for an examination while being part of the campus debate team.

3. Being Thorough & Detail Oriented

Companies today are increasingly aware of the need for new hires that are meticulous and detail-oriented.

This helps the business to identify business opportunities that they never knew existed or to pinpoint problems that need to be solved. Employees that are thorough help businesses increase their revenue, save time and innovate ahead of the competition.

As an international student, you probably have experience with multiple projects or dissertations throughout your coursework.

You’d want to highlight those and dive deep into the details to showcase your research process, the keen attention to detail you have given as well as the results accomplished.

4. Showcase Your Academic & Non-Academic Achievements

One advantage studying overseas brings is the access to a multitude of opportunities to attain academic excellence as well as making your mark in non-academic pursuits.

Due to the increased exposure to new ideas and ways of thinking, it is easy for students to participate in sports, become an athlete and be part of a competitive environment. In addition, many students also start their own business or side-hustle as well.

During the interview, you’d want to highlight a list of your achievements, especially those that profile yourself as being a go-getter, team leader and being responsible.

This includes scholarships you have attained, triathlons and marathons you have completed and any types of business activities you have undertaken during your time as an undergraduate.

5. Being Independent In Unfamiliar Settings

One of the biggest advantages as an overseas degree holder that you should play up is how you have developed independence throughout your student journey.

Studying overseas isn’t easy, it requires you to navigate alone through a whole host of situations from accommodations to finding part-time work and making international friends in an unfamiliar setting.

Even having the ability to travel alone holds value to prospective employers. You’d want to play up how being independent can add value to their business’s interest and how the experience has shaped you to become someone more confident and assertive.

6. Showcase Your Language Skills

If you had the opportunity to learn a second language while studying overseas, such as French or German, this is one key aspect that puts you at a big advantage over other applicants!

Many employers today would like to better connect with their foreign clients and that requires having native speakers on their team.

Additionally, if you are studying in a country whose native language isn’t your own, you can highlight that you picked up the language immersively instead of just being in a classroom.

In a highly globalized world, you’ll be able to stand head and shoulders above the competition to employers if you have additional language skills.

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Score In Your Interview With An Overseas Degree For That Dream Job!

Securing your dream job means performing well and showcasing your best in your interview, and with an overseas degree, you’ll be able to stand out from the crowd.

If you are considering an overseas degree and would like to maximise your career potential by studying overseas, we are here to help!

At IDP, we will help you navigate through your application process to help tailor the right study destination with the course that best fits your career aspirations and needs.

Book your counselling session today and let our education counsellors provide you with valuable course advice and insights.

You can also meet us virtually in the comfort of your home here as well.