JOB interview in the US

It has been awhile since I last attended a job interview.  Every time seems to be new experience, you are meeting new people.  Each interview panel has different expectation, so having said that, it is always a challenge.  I am pretty nervous of going for an interview, being interview in a different country didn't help calm my nerve.  If you are serious of getting the job, you have to be prepared.

The Process
My interview was 1st done on the phone,  I guess the company would screen the candidate before they decided to work out schedule with the management to attend the interview for us candidate.  However before they schedule me for phone interview, they were gracious enough to give me a heads up and let me decide my available time for that. 

The phone interview lasted about 45 minutes, you will need your resume with you as the interviewer would verify the details stated in your resume.  They will first ask about your citizenship, PR status etc.  Once that was done, they would proceed to introduce the company to you.  The phone interview in my case was conducted by HR personnel, so most questions are pretty generic and you can pretty much answer based on your resume, job experience and education background. 
Once I passed the phone interview, the company set up an interview for me.  They sent an interview package, giving me names of the people who would be interviewing me, documents to bring, time and direction to the office.

What to wear
1st impression is a lasting impression.  Take this in mind, regardless what job you apply for, you should at least make an afford to dress for success.   How you dress shown your character, it doesn't have to be new attire.  Clean and appropriate wear is adequate.  Freshen your appearance with natural make-up and keep your hair neat.

Interview Trivia
I have to endure 4 interviewers and it took 4 hours as they came in to the interview room individually.
Question ask that they was a blend of technical, general know-how on the job you apply for.

Here's some questions I was asked that day:

1. How do you know of this company? 
2. Why do you choose this company?
3. what do you know about this job?
4. Can you briefly tell me about your previous employment?
5. Why did you leave last job?
6. What is your strength?
7. What is your weakness?
8. What is your education background?
9. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
10. Describe yourself in 3 words.

Don't let the interviewer ask all the question, it is good to keep the conversation flow both-ways, ask them some relevant questions of your own to show your interest of the job or company you are interviewed for.  Here's some example:

1. What do you look for in an employee?
2. How long and why is the job vacant?
3. What is the culture of the workplace?
4. How long have you been with the company and what do you like about this company?

I attended total of 3 interviews (including phone interview) by 7 people and altogether, I do appreciate the company's time to meet up with me and wanted to know me personally.  The interview was not very strict and too formal.  They managers make me feel comfortable and engaged with the topic at hand.  So it went pretty smoothly.

More tips:

• Arrive early
• Smile and do not forget your manners, greet, shake hands and be cordial.
• Eye contact
• If you don't understand the question, ask.
• Study and research about the job.
• Ask friends or families who has interview experience in the country you apply to, this helps me alot! Normally your interviewer are looking for something different that made you stand out among other candidate. Being foreign may become your best asset!  

I think what you do in any interview is be yourself.  They wanted to hire you as much as you want the job, you just have to prove to them that they made the right choice.

By the way, I got the job!