With few exceptions, the majority of the refugees will not be able to get an initial job on a par with their qualifications and skills because of the language barrier. However, the language barrier makes it less likely that they will be turned down for a job because they are over-qualified. Good interview skills can only work to their advantage. The five sample interviews reflect how our strategy accommodates a broad range of educational and work experience. Class discusses difference between short answers and the longer, more confident answers.
Participants prepare sample responses to typical interview questions.
We respond with enthusiasm to the clients' individual depictions of their work in their home country and demonstrate that their initial responses to our questions do not adequately reflect their skills and experience. Role play interviews with personalized attention so that the interview process is more individualized. In the context of the interviews we encourage the clients to learn or improve their English as quickly as possible so that they can move from a lesser job into a job better suited to their skills and experience. I'm a secretary. As a secretary you have acquired many skills which you can use in different jobs, because of course to be a secretary in the U.S. you must speak fluent English.