This document discusses key aspects of U.S. culture that are important to understand for marketing yourself effectively in the hiring process. It outlines beliefs like equality and diversity, as well as social norms such as direct communication, thanking others, and arriving on time. The document also provides guidance on interview etiquette including making eye contact, discussing accomplishments, and following up with a thank you note. Understanding American workplace culture can help non-Americans network effectively and identify job opportunities. Resources like career centers can also assist with navigating the job search process in the United States.

1. U.S. CULTURE AND THE
HIRING PROCESS
_________________________________________________________________________________________
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO MARKET
YOURSELF EFFECTIVELY!
Jerry Donahue, Asst. Director,
Medill Career Services

2. Key Aspects of the U.S. Culture and How
That Impacts Your Efforts To Be Employed
• Key Beliefs of the U.S.
• Social Attitudes and Customs
• Language Concerns
• Interview Etiquette
• After the Interview

3. Key Beliefs
 Equality & respect of individual
 Multiethnic & multicultural nation
 Proud of country & welcoming
attitude

4. Social Attitudes & Customs
 Direct, explicit, and mostly verbal speech
 Independent, practical, work-oriented
 Men and women on equal footing
 Deal with conflict openly and directly
 Beliefs are a private matter and are
tolerated
 Greet people with a firm handshake
 Say “please” and “thank you”
 Express gratitude to others
 Relaxed table manners

5. Key Concepts In Your Job Search
• Informational Interviewing as a valuable tool
• Offering Value To Others
– Credible
– Likeable
– Helpful
• Referral To Job Opportunities by In-House
Contacts

6. Language Concerns
 Americans use a lot of slang in speech
 Humor and sarcasm are common,
interpret positively
 Use of abbreviations in speech is
common; ask for clarification if not
certain

7. Interview Etiquette
 Punctuality is essential
 Display confidence, optimism, team-orientation
 Make direct eye contact
 Claim credit for your
accomplishments
Employers seek positive
upbeat, energetic
employees

8. After the Interview
Polite to send a short
personal note of thanks
either electronically or
handwritten
This demonstrates diligence
and follow-through skills

9. Summary
Learn about American culture both through
on-campus and off-campus activities &
individuals.
Practice your verbal skills with an English-speaking
partner, if possible
Develop a network of contacts through social
media and in-person to help identify possible
job opportunities
Utilize the Medill Career Services Office!

10. Resources
• Medill Career Services office
• International Office – Northwestern University
• Myvisajobs.com
• GoinGlobal – Cultural Advice
• Adjusting to American Culture
• Power Ties- The International Student’s Guide to
Finding a Job in the United States, Dan Beaudry
• 3 Steps To Your Job In The USA, Steven Steinfeld with
Yingping Huang
(Books available on Amazon.com)

11. QUESTIONS?