Preparing for Job Interviews: A Guide for Migrant Women

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re a migrant woman who’s trying to get a foot in the door of the professional world. You might already have the education and experience you need, but you’re not sure about the nuances of the job application process that can make or break your chances of landing that desired role.

As someone who’s been through the process myself, I remember the frustration and fear when I didn’t get called back for interviews, despite knowing that I had the relevant skills and qualifications. In fact, so many of our mentees expressed the same feelings at this part of their recruitment process. However, although interview skills present a new learning curb all together, it is important to remind ourself that every part of the process is a steps in the wright direction, even if it feels slow at first. Here I want to share some of the obstacles that I had to overcome and tips and tricks that I used to secure my first professional job.

Communication Barriers:

One of the most significant challenges that migrant women face during job interviews is communication barriers. They might struggle with language proficiency, which can lead to anxiety and nervousness. It’s crucial to brush up on your language skills and practice communicating with others in advance of the interview. Your focus should be on the technical language of your chosen field.

Cultural Differences:

Cultural differences can also impact how migrant women approach job interviews. In many cultures, women are taught to be more humble and not speak out of turn. However, during a job interview, you need to be confident and able to articulate your skills and strengths. Practice talking about your accomplishments and experience in a way that demonstrates your confidence without coming across as arrogant. That could be difficult for some people, so repeating your accomplishment out load can be very helpful.

Misunderstanding the Interview Format:

As mentioned earlier, there are different types of interview formats, including situational and behavioural interviews. In situational interviews, employers ask hypothetical questions, and in behavioural interviews, employers ask you to provide examples of past experiences. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the different formats and practice answering questions for each type. You can find many samples of questions online and practice answering them out loud.

Lack of structure: 

Lastly, one of the most significant challenges that migrant women face during an interview is providing structured answers to questions. Employers often use the STAR method as a way to evaluate candidates. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This model ensures that you provide a well-structured answer that demonstrates your skills, experience, and problem-solving capabilities.

Lack of Research:

Before an interview, companies will expect you to conduct research on their organization and the position you are applying for. Migrant women may not understand the importance of this research and fail to prepare adequately. To impress employers during the interview, research the company’s mission and values, review their website, and scan their social media channels. Also, look into the specific duties that the position entails and how your skills align with the job requirements.

Job interviews can feel overwhelming for migrant women, but with the right growth mindset, preparation, and practice, you can conquer these challenges. I was fortunate enough to receive the support I needed during my own journey, but I understand that not all migrants have the same access to help. That’s why I’ve created a book filled with valuable information and worksheets based on my personal experience and advice from industry professionals. It’s designed to assist other migrant women on their own journeys. Get your copy here and empower yourself for success.

By Fabiola Campbell

Founder PMW