This document discusses various aspects of cross-cultural understanding related to work practices and attitudes. It covers preparing for a job search, resume development, employer-employee relationships in the US, communication skills, time management values, work ethic, reactions to work, interview tips, and resume dos and don'ts. The overall message is that understanding cultural differences is important for navigating the workplace in a new cultural environment.

1. Cross Cultural Understanding
• Work: Practices and Attitudes
By: Fauzi Miftakh. S.Pd
Karawang Singaperbangsa University (UNSIKA)

2. Miracles can be made, but
only by sweating.
Giovanni Agnelli (1921-2003) an Italian
industrialist

3. Finding a Job
• Preparation
- Know your ability
- Go searching for information about job vacancies
(newspaper ads, job placement agencies,
internet)
• Networking
Becomes important in relation to widening your
chance of getting information or beingknown by
others.

4. Resume Development
• It is about “selling yourself” through the use of
resume and cover letter
• A resume: a summary of professional goals or
objectives, education, previous jobs, professional
skills, accomplishments, and honors.
• A cover letter: a letter containing a brief
information about one’s professional
background together with the position s/he
wishes to apply.

5. Employer-Employee Relationships
• The nature of the relationship is casual; however
status and hierarchy in the United States
organizations do exist.
• Outward appearances (i.e. people’s interactions)
make this fact less obvious.
• Subordinate-superior relationship is often
characterized by the use of first names in daily
conversations. Many outsiders may find it difficultto
identify “who the boss is”.

6. On-the-Job Communication Skills
• Directness and honesty becomes one of the
important issues here.
• When you don’t understand, say that you need
some more explanations.
• Silence may be seen as the sign of boredom or
being uninterested.
• Active verbal interaction becomes an integral
part in American business meeting.

7. “Time is money”
• One of American values: “time flies.”
• Promptness and punctuality are major
expectations in American workplace.
• Common workdays: 8-4, 9-5

8. Workaholics
• Two views on workaholics:
- Valuable members of society: productive and
embody the values of achievement and efficiency
- Recently seen a form of abuse to one’s physical
and mental state.

9. Work Ethic
• Action and work orientation is one of American
values. Work often define people; their identities
come from what they do.
• Driven by “achievement motivation” people try
hard to be productive and they work hard for
this.

10. Reactions to Work
• People work to survive; they work to make a
living.
• However, besides for survival, your jo can say
other things about you. “What you do” can
reflect “What you are” and “Who you are”

11. The interview
• It is worth remembering that “You are what you
say”
• Personal appearance and hygiene should be
carefully taken into account.
• Some common questions in an interview may be
culturally problematic to some people.
• Many Asians are taught not to boast about their
individual accomplishments.

12. TIPS and Quick Facts.
• To make a good impression at an interview: Do your
research, rehearse, then relax.
• Practice ahead of time with sample questions and
different interview styles.
• During the interview, be tactful, courteous, sincere,
polite and knowledgeable about the organization
and what you have to offer it.
• Always send a follow-up thank you letter to the
interviewer.

13. RESUME / CURRICULUM VITAE
• DO IT!!
• Make sure that your resume has been proofread
by someone else
• Have your resume printed professionally
• Write succinctly
• Limit your resume to 1-2 pages if possible
• Make sure your resume visually attractive
• Use good-quality white, off-white or gray paper

14. RESUME / CURRICULUM VITAE
• DON’T DO IT!!
• Exaggerate or lie about your experiences.
• Underestimate the importance of your
experiences
• Include information about salary
• Use personal pronouns or abbreviations
• Explain why you left your previous jobs
• Put your personal information (e.g. height,
weight, or marital status)

15. • Interview styles
Be prepared for a variety of interview styles. Some interviewers simply ask
questions from a list, some use a conversational style, and others may just
say something like, "Tell me about yourself and why you want this
opportunity." You may be asked to give a graphic representation of yourself
in words or symbols on a chalkboard or flip chart.
• Appearance
Plan how you will look. Don't try a new haircut or style, but do get a haircut
about a week before your interview. Makeup and jewelry, if worn, should be
moderate. Dress conservatively and comfortably, about one level above
what you would wear to work. Being clean and neat is most important. Plan
ahead so that you don't have to scramble at the last minute about what to
wear. Have a backup outfit ready just in case. No denim and no backpack.
• Practice, Practice, Practice
Practice answering questions. List your skills, talents and experiences that
directly apply to this opportunity, as well as any hobbies that relate to it, so
you can tell the interviewer(s) about what you can do.
http://www.ext.colostate.edu

16. THANK YOU !! 
BELIEVE, WE WILL SUCCEED