外資系企業の最終面接を徹底対策!通過のポイントや注意点を解説Thorough preparation for the final interview at a foreign company! Explanation of key points and cautions for passing the interview.

What is the key to passing the final interview at a foreign company?

I want to know what I should pay attention to and what I should prepare for the final interview at a foreign company.

This article introduces the following for those who have these questions.

• Points to look for in the final interview at a foreign company
• Points to pass the final interview at a foreign company
• Precautions and preparations you should know before the final interview

Please refer to this section if you want to be well prepared for the final interview at a foreign company.

The final interview at a foreign company is not necessarily with a board member.

Generally, after the normal interview process, the final selection stage involves an interview with a key decision maker such as management. However, in the final interview at a foreign company, it is not always with a board member, but often with a general employee or a leader of the desired department.

It is difficult to pass the final interview at a foreign company.

It is said that it is difficult to pass the final interview at a foreign company. This is because, unlike a general final interview, the final interview at a foreign company checks the applicant's skills and personality from various perspectives.

In addition, since applicants are often compared with other applicants in the final interview, the more outstanding applicants remain, the more difficult it becomes to pass the interview.

Therefore, it is important for applicants to emphasize their strengths and unique elements and show why they are better suited than other applicants.

So what specific points will be looked for in the final interview?

The following are some of the key points to look for in a final interview with a foreign company

• Affinity with the position
• Appropriateness with the corporate culture
• Match with the applicant's vision
• The applicant's personality.

The following is a detailed explanation.

Affinity for the Position

The affinity with the position for which the applicant has applied is the most important factor.

Specifically, in many cases, attention is paid to whether the applicant's skills and experience are suitable for the position for which he or she is applying. In this regard, specific demonstration of aptitude and understanding of the job is considered important.

In addition, the applicant must have a deep understanding of the duties and responsibilities of the position for which he/she is applying. In this regard, it is important to talk about specific points that match the expectations of the company.

Appropriateness with the corporate culture

Suitability to the corporate culture is another important evaluation point.

Specifically, the question is whether the applicant can empathize with and embody the values and code of conduct that the company emphasizes. Applicants should demonstrate how their own values align with the company's philosophy.

In addition, in a corporate culture where collaboration is emphasized, cooperative and teamwork skills are required. In this regard, it is a good idea to focus on past cooperative experiences and collaborative skills.

Thus, in the final interview, it is expected that the applicant's aptitude for the position to which he/she has applied and his/her suitability for the corporate culture are clear. The key to success is to be positive and specific, emphasizing the match between your strengths and these factors.

Match with the applicant's vision

The match between the applicant's vision for the future and the company's vision is also important.

Foreign companies will check to see what kind of vision the applicant has and how they intend to achieve it, in order to determine how well it matches their company's vision.

Therefore, the key to success is to present shared values and direction.

It is also important to be specific about what steps and actions the applicant will take to achieve their vision for the future, as they will be expected to present concrete plans and strategies.

Human qualities of the applicant

The applicant's humanity is another factor that is evaluated.

For example, one indicator of humanity is communication skills. Therefore, it is effective to show that you can communicate smoothly in a leadership role.

In addition, in companies where the corporate culture emphasizes teamwork, aptitude as a team player is also tested. In this regard, it is a good idea to emphasize specific team achievements and cooperative experiences.

Thus, in the final interview, the degree of match between your vision and the company's vision and your human qualities are expected to be clear. Reinforce these points and clearly communicate your strengths and values.

The key points to pass the final interview with a foreign company are as follows

• Show enthusiasm
• Be consistent in your answers
• Show initiative and adaptability

Each point is explained below.

Show enthusiasm

Foreign companies are looking for applicants who are proactive and motivated. Therefore, it is important to show enthusiasm during the final interview at a foreign company.

Specifically, it is important to be specific about your reasons for applying for the position, and be specific and passionate about the company and position you are applying for.

At the same time, it is important to speak confidently about your experience and accomplishments, and to demonstrate your enthusiasm for past achievements.

Be specific about how passionate you are about working toward a common goal with the company.

Be consistent in your answers.

Foreign companies are looking for proactive and motivated applicants. Therefore, it is important to be specific and passionate about your passion for the company and the position.

Specifically, speak confidently about your experience and accomplishments, and show enthusiasm for your past achievements.

Another key point is to convey your passion for your vision for the future. Be specific about how passionate you are about working toward a common goal with the company.

Show your proactive attitude and adaptability.

The key to success in a final interview at a foreign company is to strongly emphasize your proactive attitude and adaptability.

To demonstrate your initiative, cite your past experiences and accomplishments, and specifically show how much you have taken the initiative in your work. The key is to demonstrate your ability to take action and make decisions through your self-introduction and career history.

It is also important to have a plan for your future career, and to be specific about your attitude toward your goals.

At the same time, emphasizing your willingness to boldly take on new challenges and difficulties will give the impression that you are a valuable asset to the company.

Below are five questions commonly asked at final interviews at foreign companies and examples of answers.

Question 1

Please introduce yourself.

Sample answers

My name is 00. I majored in 00 at university and worked on a 00 project at my last job. My strength is 00, and I value cooperation with my team and have been proactive in solving problems.
[Example of NG response

Oh, yes. I am going to introduce myself. My name is 00. I don't have any particular hobbies.

[Key Points

Briefly summarize your strengths, background and interests to impress the interviewer.

Question 2.

Why did you apply to our company?

Sample answer: "Because of your company's unique values.

I was attracted to your company because of its unique values and sustainable vision. I am convinced that I can contribute to improving the company's business performance by utilizing the skills I have gained through my 00 experience at your company and participating in the 00 project.

[Example of NG response

I heard from a friend that foreign-affiliated companies are good. I feel it is a good fit for my career.

【Points

Emphasize that you share the company's values and vision, and that your skills and experience can contribute to the realization of these values and vision.

Question 3.

What was the most difficult project or assignment?

Sample answer: "The most difficult project at my last job.

The most difficult project at my last job was a project that I was faced with at the time was a very urgent issue. At the time, I was faced with an urgent challenge, but I worked with my team to achieve 00 and contributed to the success of the project.

[Example of NG response] "There was no project that I found difficult.

I have no particular project that I found difficult. I would like to work on such projects in the future.

Key Points

(3) Cite specific projects and explain in detail the difficulties and challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

Question 4.

How have you worked with your team?

Sample answer.

I place great importance on teamwork. In past projects, I proactively shared information and communicated well with members of the team. I also have leadership experience and have created a collaborative team environment."

[Example of NG response

I have never been particularly conscious about teamwork. I am confident in my communication skills and do not expect to have any problems in the future."

【Points

Emphasize the importance of teamwork and explain the roles of cooperation and leadership with specific examples.

Question 5.

What are your future visions and career goals?

Sample answer.

I would like to become a leader in the industry and lead projects such as 00 in the future. Through my experience at your company, I intend to enhance my skills and insights toward that goal.

[Sample NG response

As for my career, I would like to become an executive by the time I am in my 40s. I will do whatever it takes to achieve that goal.

【Points

Show a concrete vision of how you will utilize your current experience and skills to contribute to the company's future growth and performance.

The general flow of a final interview at a foreign company is as follows

1. Self-introduction 
2. Questions regarding reasons for applying for the position 
3. Time to demonstrate your achievements and abilities 
4. Reverse questions

The following is an explanation of each flow.

1.Self-introduction

In the final interview, as in the first interview, you will generally be asked to introduce yourself at the beginning.

During this self-introduction, you are expected to present your background and skills in a concise and attractive manner.

2.Questions about why you want to work for the company

The interviewer wants to find out "why you are applying to our company. For this reason, the final interview tends to include questions about "reasons for applying" and "questions about understanding the company.

At this time, it is important for applicants to be specific about their own enthusiasm and expectations of the company. If you are not specific, you will be considered "weakly persuasive" and your impression of the company may suffer.

3. Time to showcase achievements and abilities

Applicants will be given the opportunity to showcase their past experience and achievements, as well as their own strengths and skills.

At this time, it is important to emphasize your expertise and value by citing specific examples of projects and achievements. Be sure to organize examples that will appeal to the applicant in advance, so that you will be prepared to answer questions when asked.

4. Reverse Questions

At the end of the interview, time is reserved for applicants to ask questions. Prepare appropriate and sensible follow-up questions to deepen your understanding of the company and the position, and to demonstrate your fit.

These steps in the final interview with a foreign company are designed to evaluate the applicant's overall skills and fit with the company. Be well prepared and clearly communicate your strengths and motivation for applying for the position.

[Reverse Question].

Can you tell us about the style of work and projects we can expect in your first few months with the company?

[Recommendation.

Clarifying your expectations after joining the company and preparing appropriately will show that you are ready to work smoothly.

[Reverse question.

Can you tell us about your career path and opportunities for advancement at your company?

Reason for recommending

To show that you have thought about your future career plans and understand and sympathize with the career path and promotion policies within the company in line with your own personal growth.

Reverse Questions

What values or skills are particularly important to you in a project or job?

Recommendation.

To understand the values and skills that are important to the company and to be able to demonstrate your own strengths and how they match with the company's values and skills.

Reverse Questions

Can you describe the atmosphere of teamwork and communication within the company?

Reason for recommendation

To recognize the importance of teamwork and to be able to demonstrate your adaptability to active communication.

[Reverse question

Can you tell us about your experience in the company and the atmosphere of teamwork and communication within the company?

Reason for recommendation

To show that you are proactive and willing to take on new challenges.

Reverse question

Can you tell me about your training program and support system after joining the company?

Reason for recommendation

Clarify expectations for training programs and support systems to ensure smooth job performance, and show your willingness to grow.

Reverse Question.

Can you tell us about past successes and accomplishments of your team members?

Reason for Recommendation

Demonstrate your willingness to learn and your own value from the company's success stories.

Reverse Question

Can you tell us about the company's future outlook and policies?

Reason for recommending.

To understand the company's future outlook and to show how well your vision matches it.

Reverse Questions

What are the expected results and evaluation points after joining the company?

Reason for recommending.

To understand the expectations after joining the company and the plans and initiatives to meet them in advance.

[Reverse question

Do you have any episodes of employees embodying the corporate culture and values?

Reason for recommendation

To demonstrate one's ability to adapt to the corporate culture and convey one's own values through an episode that demonstrates empathy.

Points to keep in mind when asking the reverse question

Be unique when asking reverse questions.

Instead of asking general questions, think of unique questions related to the company's unique culture and future prospects, and try to create a serious interest in the interviewer.

It is also important to focus on the quality of the questions rather than the number of questions. The more thought that goes into each question and the deeper the insight, the more memorable the question will be.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the questions should not duplicate the content of the interview conversation. If you digress from the conversation during the interview when asking a follow-up question, you may give a negative impression that you are a "distracted person" or a "person with poor listening skills.

The following are three things to keep in mind when the final interview is in English.

1. The meaning of "aizuchi" is different from that in Japan.
2. Avoid giving an answer that makes you sound unconfident.
3. Don't get hung up on details.

Each of these is explained below.

1. The meaning of aizuchi differs from that in Japan.

In English, aizuchi is used as part of conversation, but unlike in Japanese, it is used not only to show understanding, but also to express empathy and agreement. Therefore, in English final interviews, it is important to communicate in a positive and polite manner, including facial expressions and tone of voice.

2. Avoid giving answers that make you sound unconfident.

When responding in English, you are expected to communicate your intentions clearly and confidently. Hesitation or hesitation will hinder your self-expression and make it difficult to leave a good impression.

Therefore, it is important to use appropriate vocabulary and express your opinions and experiences with confidence during the final interview in English.

3. Don't get hung up on details

In general, you do not need to be perfect in grammar and pronunciation for the final interview at a foreign company. It is enough to be able to communicate smoothly and understand what is being said.

Therefore, focus on communicating your intentions rather than being overly concerned about your language skills during the interview.

The key to a successful final interview in English is to keep these points in mind and to go into the interview in a relaxed state.

The following are things to prepare for before the final interview with a foreign company

• Final check of your motivation for applying for the job 
• Establish your career plan 
• Preparing for the English interview

The following is an explanation of each of these points.

Final check of your reason for applying for the job

It is important to have a deep understanding of the company and appeal to your own aptitude and values. Therefore, before the final interview, review your previous interviews and your answers to further brush up on your motivation. If your answers match the characteristics of the company and your strengths, you will be more likely to receive a high evaluation.

Establish a career plan

It is a good idea to organize your thoughts on your post-employment career plan and prepare to present a concrete and clear vision at the interview.

In particular, it is important to ensure that your future goals and growth plans are consistent with the company's policies, so make sure that your answers are consistent with your own ideas.

Preparing for an English Interview

If the final interview is conducted in English, it is essential to prepare for the interview in English.

It is important to review the flow of your self-introduction, motivation, and work history, and practice to ensure that you can smoothly express yourself in English. In particular, it is important to review general business English conversation skills that are used in the workplace.

In this article, we introduced "points to pass the final interview at a foreign-capital company" and "points to keep in mind during the final interview.

The final interview at a gaishikei company differs from that at a Japanese company in many ways, such as the "possibility of an English interview" and "being considered more important than the first or second interview. Therefore, advance preparation as described in this article is essential.

It is also important to keep in mind that final interviews at foreign companies tend to take longer than those at Japanese companies.