Business Builder: How to sell yourself in the British Job Market

Every culture has different expectations in a job interview scenario. You may feel that knowing how to sell yourself in the American job market will help you in the UK. The truth is there are small cultural differences that will have a big impact on how you are seen in a British interview.

To help you prepare for your British job interview, make sure you read these tips:

• Greet your interviewer with a hello, a smile, a firm handshake, and engage in small talk – Do not pat their back, shout, wave, or make jokes. Be professional and friendly; do not ask personal questions.

• Do not bring gifts or make promises to provide things – You are interviewing to demonstrate your skill and knowledge, any items you bring will look like bribery.

• Sell yourself accurately with modesty - Describe your qualifications and your relevant experience accurately, do not exaggerate or behave in a way that makes you seem very proud of these achievements. British Business is modest, but don’t undersell yourself.

• Show interest in the team – You are interviewing for a position in a group. How well you will mix with the team will be part of the selection process.

• Be modestly confident, and openly answer all questions – British Businesses expect a realistic approach to problem solving. Be confident that as a team you can solve any issue, but also be aware that your interviewer expects you to know that there will be difficult times, and mistakes to learn from.

• Be honest about your biggest weakness – Identify an area where you are genuinely weaker. Perfectionism is not an acceptable answer. Honestly state what you find difficult and what you do to manage that difficulty and ensure that it does not damage your productivity.

• Never discuss politics, religion, or personal trauma – Avoid these conversations in the workplace, and never discuss these in an interview. This is too much information too soon, and is very unprofessional.

• Ask questions about the workplace, but make sure they only show interest in the position, the team, and company – Asking anything too specific about working conditions may make you seem like someone who has very specific needs and will be difficult to work with.

• If you have not been asked things you think are important to talk about, bring them up at the end. You are entitled to offer what you think is important at the end of the interview. This is considered to be assertive but not impolite, so go for it!

There are many tips I can give you for interviewing in Britain, but these are the most important for people from other cultures. Do you have any questions? Put them in the comments, let’s have a discussion!