Interview questions in bank of america: Bank of America Interview Questionnaire

Опубликовано: November 30, 2022 в 11:48 pm

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Bank of America Interview Questionnaire

Bank of America is one of the American multinational investment banks as well as financial services holding company. With its headquarters located in Charlotte, North California, it is one of the largest banking institutions in the United States of America. Congratulations on landing the job at one of the finest banking institutes in the USA.

Now that you have landed the interview with the BoA, it is vital that you prepare well for the same. To help you there, here is the list of some frequently asked Bank of America Interview questions. So, wait no more. Get ready and start preparing for your interview today.

Frequently Asked Bank of America Interview Questions

Before appearing for an interview, you must first prepare for it well. The questions listed below will help you get a grip on the idea of what kind of questions you can expect during the interview. We have also shared a few answers to help you prepare for the interview.

1 Tell us about yourself

Ans. This is one of the most general questions that is asked in any sort of interview. This is the opportunity for you to elaborate on the good parts of yours and define yourself as a perfect fit for the role. Here, you need to be precisely focused on the qualities and experience you have that prove that you are the right fit for the position. The best thing you can do here is talk about all the experiences that you have had in previous jobs that define your strengths.

2 Why do you want to work with us?

Ans. Another question that generally comes up in all kinds of interviews is why are you interested to work with them. Here an interviewer is trying to understand your mindset and knowledge about the company.

Pro-Tip-

  • In case you are applying for an internship program at Bank of America, you can answer this question simply by saying that – I want to work with Bank of America because it is one of the top banks in the USA and has been listed as a top employer for new graduates by CNN today.
  • If you are applying for any other position, you can answer this question by mentioning how you would love to work with one of the Fortune 500 companies and learn your way while contributing the best you could.
  • Make sure, whatever you say, it reflects that you have a long-term career plan with them. This will increase your chances.

Good Answer –

Here is an example of a good answer to this question – I believe I am the right person for this job on the basis of my previous experience. I have observed how Bank of America provides services, and I have been impressed with the operations which is why I would love to work with Bank of America. Being a customer of Bank of America, I would really like to be a part of this growing team and contribute as much as possible along the way.

3 What can you tell us about Bank of America?

Ans. An interviewer asks this question with the goal of understanding how prepared you are for the interview. Along with that, it will also reflect your interest in their company. Here are some of the facts that you must know about BoA (Bank of America).

  • Their headquarters are located in Charlotte, North Carolina.
  • It is one of the first banks in America that initiated the credit card program – BankAmericard (now known as Visa).
  • Merrill Lynch was acquired by Bank of America in 2008.
  • In total, there are 4700 retail financial centers & around 16,000 ATMs of Bank of America.

These are a few things that you are supposed to know about the Bank of America.

Good Answer –

Bank of America is one of the most reputable and prestigious banks of the United States of America. It is, in fact, one of the banks that are recognized all around the world for their online banking services. Besides that, BoA is also famous for providing extraordinary customer service. From what information I have gathered, I believe that Bank of America has a welcoming work culture. The more I read about the bank, the more impressed I get.

4 Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Ans. This is also one of the very common questions that are asked during interviews. This is the question that lets the interviewers sneak a peek in your head understanding how serious you are with your career. Considering this, you need to make sure that you state clearly your interest in the banking line. The best way to prepare for this question is to go to their career page and find out the high-level post and state that you want to see yourself in that position in 5 years.

Good Answer –

I would like to be working with your bank in a managerial position in five years. That is what my plan is. I will love to start the career from the present job role and would learn all the way up the ladder. Apart from this, I am also dedicated to working hard for the ambition I have. I understand how hard this journey will be, but I believe I am capable of handling it.

5 What is your greatest weakness?

Ans. While this is one of the frequently asked interview questions, this is one of the trickiest ones for most of the candidates. This is the question where interviewers tend to find out what kind of personality you have. Nobody is perfect and therefore, you must have an answer to this question. While answering this question, you need to make sure that you focus on the weaknesses that have nothing to do with the job you are applying for.

6 How will you deal with an irritated customer?

Ans. In our experience, this is the most essential question that has to be answered very carefully. It is one of those questions where the interviewer is actually trying to make a decision on whether you are a fit for the job or not. Here, your past experience will come in handy. You should mention any situation in your past when you had to deal with an irritated customer.

Good Answer –

When dealing with an irritated customer, I would follow these steps:

  • Listen to the customer – This will help them vent out
  • Show them that you care about their problem.
  • Never blame anyone – It is neither the customer’s fault nor the company’s. Make sure you convey that to the interviewer.
  • Try to find out the solution to the problem or issue that the customer is facing.
  • Never make any false promises.
  • Never take it personally.

7 What is your greatest strength?

Ans. Again this is one of the obvious questions yet candidates fail to answer it properly. This is the question that is designed to understand the traits of your personality. This is the question where you get a chance to demonstrate how talented you are. Now, we here are not talking about your singing talent. Do not divert. Focus only on the strengths that you believe will help in the job you are applying for. Start by describing your skills and then elaborate on the experiences that you have had in the past.

8 Do you consider yourself to be a team player?

Ans. The answer has to be a yes. There is no company that can function without a team and if you are looking to crack the interview, make sure that you sound sure that yes, you are a team player. You can also answer that by reflecting on any incident that proves that you are a good team player. You should also make sure you inform the interviewer about any tough calls you may have taken in your previous job. This may be a customer-related incident or even an employee-related one. These are the kind of scenarios that will impress the interviewer.

Additional Questions That You Must Check Out

There are many other frequently asked questions that you must be prepared to answer while appearing for an interview at Bank of America.

  • What do you believe your former employers will tell us about you?
  • When are you planning to join us?
  • Why should we hire you?
  • What according to you will be the most challenging part of this job for you?
  • Share with us your experience with an angry customer?
  • How will you manage a long-hour shift if needed?
  • What makes you perfect for this role?
  • Describe the kind of work culture you like?
  • What inspires you the most in life?
  • Tell us about your experience at the last company you worked with?
  • Are you a fine leader?
  • How would you rate yourself in communication skills?
  • What do you consider is the best way to convince the customer?
  • Why are you leaving your current job?
  • What is your salary expectation?
  • Do you have any questions for us?
  • What can we expect from you in the first 3 months of joining?
  • Why do you want this job?
  • What are your hobbies?

Bank of America Interview Tips

Every company has a different interview process that they follow. BoA also has its own interview process that they follow. To make sure that you get the job, you must go through these tips before appearing for an interview at Bank of America.

First, work on your appearance. The phrase – “The first impression is the last impression” is indeed applicable here. This is why it is important that you dress the part. It is good if you wear formal attire and avoid your casual jeans & t-shirt. This will not just improve your impression in front of the interviewers, but will also reflect how serious you are about this job.

Another tip that might help you crack the interview at Bank of America is to prepare well before the interview. Before appearing for an interview, make sure that you get all the information about the bank. The more knowledge you have about the Bank of America, the more are your chances of getting hired. Another thing that you need to keep in mind is that – you should always appear at least 10-15 minutes before the interview time. Always turn off your phone and bring at least 3 copies of your CV or resume. While interviewing, keep a note that you should not be too fast as it will sound like you are nervous. This does not mean that you can go as slow as you like because that will make you sound boring and the interviewers will lose their interest in you.

Tip – Maintain a consistent tone that is understandable and interesting while interviewing with Bank of America. Always be calm and confident. Always keep eye contact while answering the questions and ensure that you have the right posture.

Dos And Don’ts

Dos

Here are some things that you must consider doing while appearing for an interview at BoA:

  • Always be to the point. Never misdirect
  • Always be work-specific meaning there is no need to direct the interviewer to your personal life.
  • Do research well about the company, especially the role you are applying for.
  • Go through the job postings twice to make sure you know what responsibilities they are expecting you to handle.

Don’ts

  • Do not start any kind of personal conversations.
  • Never show fear
  • You should never reveal your bad experiences.
  • Never bad-mouth your previous employers or colleagues.

Conclusion

So, here you go. Above you will find the frequently asked questions at Bank of America interviews. If you are here, you must have landed an interview with BoA. This questionnaire will help you prepare for the interview and will also boost up your confidence.

Considering how big an opportunity it is, it is vital that you are well-prepared for the interview. It might be your dream job so, do not leave any stone unturned and play it wisely. Make yourself aware of all the banks and try following the tips mentioned above. So, all the best and we hope you get the job.

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    Bank of America Interview Questions [+Includes Best Answers]

    Bank of America Interview

    If you are looking for Bank of America Interview Questions you have come to the right place.

    However, we all know that interviews are stressful and competition is fierce!

    But with a little bit of preparation, you can ace the Bank of America Interview.

    Here you will find a step-by-step guide on how to successfully interview at Bank of America.

    We will discuss the Bank of America Interview Process, how to prepare for the interview, advice on how to successfully answer interview questions, and finally, review great interview tips. 

    Please note these are practice interview questions and we are not affiliated with the company mentioned in this post.

    Skip to

    • Teller Interview Questions
    • BofA Interview Process

    Tell us about yourself?

    • It’s okay to discuss your hobbies and interests but keep it brief. Try and focus on related work experience. Remember having related work experience will put you ahead of the competition.

    Why do you want to work for Bank of America?

    • Say you would like a career in banking and feel you could learn a lot by working at a Fortune 100 company. Mention you are impressed that B of A was considerd Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For, and Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies
    • If possible tell the interviewer that the position you are applying for aligns with your long-term career goals. For example, if you want to become a project mangaer at a banking and you are interviewing for a busines analyst (BA) position, then state how a career as a BA will help you becoming a project manager.
    • Ask yourself why is BofA better than its competitors?

    What is your greatest strength?

    • The best way to respond to this question is to describe the skills and experience that directly correlate with the job you are applying for. With this in mind, review the job description and reassure the interviewer that you have the experience and skills to do the job.

    What is your greatest weakness?

    • You should not deny you have a weakness or state strengths as a weakness (I am a perfectionist, or I work too hard and neglect my friends and family).  State a fault that is required for the role but not a dealbreaker if you don’t have it.
    • When you state your weakness make sure you say what you are doing to overcome that weakness. For example, I have a fear of public speaking and enrolled in a public speaking class to overcome my fear.

    Where do you see yourself in five years?

    • It’s best to state you want a career in the banking industry as they want to see if you are a good fit for the job.
    • Have a look at other Bank of America’s jobs and find a position you can see yourself doing in five years. For example, if you are applying for the position of quality assurance tester maybe you can find a quality assurance manager.
    Company Information

    What can you tell us about Bank of America?

    Here is the deal:

    You are wondering why I am asking this question after making you take the quiz.

    But I can’t emphasize enough that not knowing the company is the single biggest interview mistake you can make!

    About Bank of America

    • The headquarters are in Charlotte North Carolina.
    • Bank of America started the first national credit card program called BankAmericard (now known as Visa).
    • There are 4,700 retail financial centers and 16,000 ATMs.
    • Bank of America acquired Merrill Lynch in 2008.
    • The bank’s eight lines of business are retail, preferred and small business, Merril Lynch Wealth Management, Business Banking, Global Commercial Banking, and Global Corporate and Investment Banking.
    • Think you know a lot about Bank of America?  Take our interview preparation quiz and see how well you do?

    Who is Bank of America’s competitors?

    • Its competitors are JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citigroup.
    Additional Interview Questions

    What motivates you?

    Employers ask this question because they want to see your resiliency, and determination in how you’ll handle challenges and setbacks.  

    Do Say!

    • Meeting deadlines, targets, or goals
    • Mentoring and coaching others
    • Learning new things.
    • Coming up with creative ideas to improve something, or make something new.
    • Working well as part of a team.
    • Finding a way to solve a problem, or overcome a challenge.

    Don’t Say!

    • Money is your motivator. The only exception is if you are in sales
    • Employee Discounts.

    Why is there a gap in your resume?

    • Honesty is the best approach when answering this question. Being honest about your situation gives the employer a sense of your integrity and confidence.

    How did you find this job?

    • Interviewers ask this question because they want to hire someone who is being specific in their job hunt.
    • Basically, employers want to hire someone who knows what they want. Therefore, state you have been actively monitoring jobs on the company’s website and that you are happy to get the interview.
    • Note you have to be honest when answering this question as they may already know how you applied for this position.

    Why did you leave you last job?

    Interviewers ask this question for the following reasons.

    • Did you leave for a good reason?
    • Did you leave voluntarily?
    • Did you leave on good terms?
    • What are your work values?

    Here is a sample response

    “I enjoyed my last job at Company XYZ, however, I felt growth was minimal and I was no longer learning. I want to explore new challenges”.

    How would your previous boss descibe you?

    Stating your boss would describe you with any of the characteristics below is a great way to answer this question. 

    • My boss would describe me as motivated, enthusiastic, respectful, curious, presentable, happy, honest, polite, smart, ambitious, high energy, hospitable, and conscientious.
    Questions to ask at the end of the interview

    Do you have any questions for us?

    • What do you like best about working here?
    • How would you describe your ideal candidate for this position?
    • What about this position is the most important?
    • How would you measure my success and what could I do to succeed in your expectations?
    • Which part of the position has the steepest learning curve? What can I do in order to get up to speed quickly?
    • What opportunities will I have to learn and grow?
    Bank of America Interview Process

    The Bank of America Interview Process states they use competency-based interviews to measure key aptitudes, attributes, and values that an individual must demonstrate to be successful in the job.

    Bank of America Teller Interview Questions

    The next set of questions are specific Bank of America Tell Interview Questions.

    Why do you want to be a bank teller?

    Possible answers are

    • Say you would like a job that keeps you active.
    • Mention you feel you have strong communication skills which will allow you to work well with customers.
    • State you would like to grow your career in banking and feel BofA is a great place to do it.

    Why should we hire you as a bank teller?

    State any related work experience you have such as working in a bank, customer service, or in sales. Then state how that related work experience applies to being a teller.

    For example, in my last job I worked as a CSR at a major telecommunications company. In this position, I answered customers billing questions on their mobile plans. While answering questions I was able to recommend plan upgrades for their devices. During this time I gained valuable customer service and sales skills. I feel I can apply these skills if offered the teller position.

    How would you deal with an irate customer?

    1. Listen and let the customer vent.
    2. Show the customer you care.
    3. Don’t blame the customer or the company.
    4. Try to solve the problem or find someone who can.
    5. Don’t make promises you can’t keep.
    6. Finally, it is important not to take it personally.  If you get upset you will take it on future customers.

    How do you feel about standing for long periods of time?

    • Most teller jobs will require you to work on your feet for long periods of time. If possible tell the interviewer you do not have a problem with this. Try to wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes with a low heel, maintain good posture, and stay hydrated.

    What hours can you work?

    • The more flexible you are with your hours, the better your chance of getting hired, so be flexible!
    • If possible, let the interviewer know you can work on weekends and/or holidays.
    Bank of America Interview Tips
    • Leave early and allow travel time. Arrive 5-10 minutes early (don’t arrive too early, if you do kill time in the local cafe or lobby).
    • Turn off your phone.
    • Bring at least three copies of your resume.
    • Don’t speak too fast as you will sound nervous or too slow as you will sound boring.
    • Make good eye contact throughout the interview and have good posture.
    • Do as much research as you can on the company.
    See Also
    • 101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions (affiliate)
    • The Interview Checklist
    • General Interview Q&A
    • The Behavioral Interview
    • Interview Tips
    • Search for Jobs

    Bank of America Interview Questions and Answers

    Based on my experience with interviewing candidates for various positions at Bank of America, I chose and analyzed the most common interview questions.

    I also analyzed a common role play they use at the bank (especially when hiring new tellers and bankers), and other challenges you will have to deal with on a big day–when interviewing for the job with this banking giant.

    Let’s have a look at some questions right now.

    Tell me something about yourself

    Hint: You should focus on your personality, experience, education and professional interests. On the other hand, it is fine to show your outgoing and honest personality (suitable for many banking jobs), mentioning one or two things that occupy your body or mind while you are not working.

    Good answers:

    I am twenty years old, like to spend time with all kinds of people and socialize. I am keen to learn more about banking industry and finance in general. I graduated from the Lincoln High School just recently. In my free time, I like to play sports, learn something new, and spend time with my friends.

    Hi, my name is Jenni, I am from Toronto. I graduated from City University. Currently I am looking for a job where I can utilize my communication skills and knowledge from my studies. I believe that teller position would be a great start for my career. In my free time I like to read books and walk in the nature.

     

    Why do you want to work at Bank of America?

    Hint: You should focus on personal preferences for Bank of America, their vision, culture, working environment, portfolio, etc. You should simply focus on something that distinguishes them from other competitors, something that interviewers should be proud of.

    Interviewers understand that most job seekers would be happy to get a job at any bank, not only at Bank of America. However, you should do your best to convince them that Bank of America is your first choice. Research will help you greatly in this case…

    Good Answers

    I believe that I would fit here, at least considering from what I have observed as a client of this bank. That’s why I prefer to work at Bank of America. Though I submitted my job applications also to other banks, you will always be my first choice.

    I really like Bank of America. I, as well as other members of my family belong to the millions of satisfied clients of your bank. I believe this bank offers the widest portfolio of products, services and solutions for their clients. That’s why I would love to work here and would be proud of that.

     

    What do you know about Bank of America?

    Hint: You should definitely focus on good things. If you can pay them a compliment, do not hesitate for a second. Speaking numbers and facts, you present yourself as someone motivated to work for them, someone who did their homework. Again, research will help you greatly at this point.

    But it is an interview, not a lecture. You shouldn’t speak about the history of the bank or something similar. You should simply focus on relevant things that will clearly show that that you have some knowledge of their bank, and didn’t apply just because you need a job, or couldn’t find anything better.

    Good Answers:

    Bank of America is the most popular and biggest bank in the US, in terms of assets. It is widely recognized for its leading online banking services, top notch customer service and friendly tellers. I hope to become one of these tellers.

    Bank of America is well known with its friendly working culture, good possibilities for career growth and fair system of employee benefits. It’s also my dream place of work. Of course, I read a lot about goals, values and history of your institution, but I believe it’s not something you want to talk about right now.

     

    Why do you think you can be a good [name of the position you apply for]?

    Hint: If you have a similar working experience, focus on it. If not, you can mention the strengths and skills relevant for the job. And if this is your first job application, try to convince them that you have the right attitude and motivation, and would do anything to become a great analyst/banker/mortgage consultant/etc with them.

    Bank of America provides an excellent training for all new hires, so you do not need to be worried if you lack previous experience. Show motivation and the right attitude to work, and they won’t have any problem hiring you for one of their entry level jobs, or perhaps even for a better position.

    Good answers:

    I meet the requirements for this role better than for any other you advertise. On the top of that, I had the same job in the past, so I have the experience and I believe I can bring some value to your branch on this position, and that also other employees can learn something from me.

    While I have no previous experience with a job in a bank, I am eager to learn, and I am motivated to work hard. I have read wonderful things about your training program, and I am not worried I could not become a great teller. The personality is there, as well as the motivation. I just need some training to see how exactly to do the job in a most effective way.

     

    Where do you see yourself in five years time?

    Hint: They try to hire people who want to stay for long, and grow professionally in the bank.

    They have a career plan for nearly every entry level job, going all the way up to managerial roles. Therefore, your answer should correspond with the possibilities they offer to the candidates.

    Good answers

    I would like to have a managerial position in a bank in five years time. Ideal scenario would be to start working here as a teller, improve my skills and knowledge over time, do a good job, and end up working as a assistant manager in five years time. Let’s see if we can make it happen.

    I would like to have a senior financial analyst position in five years time. I know I need to learn a lot, and gain experience, but I am ready to commit my time and best effort to this dream. The entry level position in wealth management I am applying for sounds like a perfect foundation stone on my way to the job of a senior financial analyst.

     

    It was easy so far, wasn’t it? It was easy because you saw the hints and sample answers. And I analyzed the most simple questions from the list. Let’s try to answer the following questions, without my help:

    • How would your former colleagues describe your personality?
    • How far are you willing to travel/what location do you prefer?
    • Have you ever worked at a bank before?
    • Give an example of you dealing with an irate customer and what you did to fix the problem?
    • Give an example of a time you made a point to go above and beyond with customer service?
    • Talk about your successful sales experience.
    • What do you think will be the most challenging aspect of this job?
    • What did you like and dislike the most about your previous job?
    • Explain a time when you were very busy and needed to prioritize the tasks ahead of you.
    • Tell me about a time when you thought it was important to follow a rule. Why was it important to follow this rule and how did following this rule effect others?
    • Why did you choose Bank of America and not another bank and how does it relate to your career plan?
    • Why should we hire you, and not one of many other candidates?
    • ….

    So, did you manage? Can you come up with a great answer to each of these questions?

    I hope you can, but if not, and if you want to see great answers to all common Bank of America interview questions, I can help you.

    But it won’t be completely free. You will have to sacrifice money you’ll make in your first hour or two while working at the bank. And this is what I have for you for the price:

    In the eBook you will find:

    • How to ace screening, behavioral, and role play part of your job interview.
    • Tips for a group interview at Bank of America.
    • Two winning interview strategies you’ve likely never haven’t heard about.
    • Answers to most common behavioral and technical interview questions at Bank of America.
    • Two examples of a role play, with a detailed guide on how to flourish in each of them.
    • Interview follow-up guide.
    • … and other insider information.

    I designed this eBook for people who apply for positions of personal bankers, tellers, finance analysts, team managers, banking center managers, mortgage loan officers, product sales specialists and similar job openings at Bank of America.

    Some technical information about the book:

    • Format: PDF, you can read it on your desktop, mobile, or kindle, and you can easily print it if you want)
    • Author: Jacob Gates
    • Pages: 45
    • Published in 2014, updated for 2020
    • Price: $24.95 (You’ll easily make it back in two hours in your new job)
    • Simple checkout with PayPal, instant download, you can pay with your debit/credit card or PayPal account
    • Risk free 60 days money back guarantee
    • Click the button below to proceed to the payment:

    (After the payment you will be directed back to our website to download your Interview Guide. You will also receive a download link and instructions to your email, just to ensure that you will get the eBook without waiting, even if the redirect fails. )

     

    What the others think:

    I was looking for an interview advice on the pages of Yahoo Answers. Jacob contacted me and offered me a free review of his eBook called “Bank of America Interview Guide”. Twenty days later, I started to work for the bank! Jacob’s eBook helped me to deal with behavioral question and role-play, and to get rid of job interview stress for good.

    Angelica, Virginia Beach

    I had never received a call back after the interviews. To be honest, I thought it was impossible to land a serious job without having experience, or a good connection at the bank…. Then I submitted my application to Bank of America, bought your guide and here I am with a full time job contract for personal banker. Thank you Jacob!

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    Anything more to say? Do you have any questions?

    Jacob Gates, author of the eBook

    I do not want to waste your time with lengthy sales pages, or some imaginary 24 hours last-chance discounts, just like many other people do on their websites.

    You have read the samples (the five questions at the beginning of this article), you know what the eBook is about, and surely you can tell whether it will help you to get a job at Bank of America.

    I sincerely believe it will. And you can read it easily in two or three hours, it’s not super long (12,000 words).

    It’s just up to you to decide whether you want to sacrifice the money you will make in your new job in one or two hours, to ensure you will get that job at first place, or prefer to let this opportunity slip between your fingers, risking that you would not get any job (and not earn anything).

    In both cases, I wish you good luck!

     

    Two bonuses, just to help you make the right decision

    Learn how to answer the following interview questions:

    • Why did you leave your last job?
    • Why should we hire you?
    • What are your salary expectations?
    • What are your strengths?
    • Why do you want to work for us?
    • What are your weaknesses?
    • And other common interview questions
    • This priceless guide will help you and your loved ones in any interview, for many more years to come.

     

    • A popular digital recording from a reputable recruitment consultant from Europe.
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    Risk Free 60 days Money Back Guarantee

    If you don’t like the Bank of America Interview Guide for ANY reason, or no reason at all, just let me know within 60 days and I’ll give you a full refund.

    Drop me a message to my personal email address gates[at]jacob-gates[dot]com with your name and transaction details. No questions asked, just a full refund.

     

    Your interview does not have to be difficult. Get the eBook, learn how to answer all tough questions, and make a long lasting impression on the hiring managers.

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    Sincerely,

    Jacob Gates

    Your personal interview coach

    (You can pay with your credit/debit card, or with your PayPal account. After the payment you will be directed back to our website to download your interview guide. You will also receive a download link and instructions to your email, just to ensure that you will get the eBook without waiting)

    P.S. Feel free to message to my personal email if you are still not sure how this guide will help you to get a job at Bank of America. I try my best to answer all the messages within 24 hours.

    P.P.S. I am still in touch with my friends and former colleagues from Bank of America, in order to keep the book up to date.

    how to pass the interview and what is expected of you

    In the eyes of many foreign employers, Russian employees are considered very valuable specialists and a good investment for the company. This is especially true for specialists in technical areas: programmers, engineers, designers, geologists, oilmen and other “techies”. A strong technical school and the prestige of technical education in Russia puts Russian specialists among the best professionals and most desirable candidates for employers.

    Foreign employers are now widely represented in Russia, and those companies that have their own personnel departments in Russia are understandable and familiar to Russian job seekers. But many foreign companies do not have HR departments in Russia. In this case, the Russian candidate will need to communicate with foreigners who will conduct an interview in the company of interest to him. In this article, we will look at the main cultural characteristics of interviewing in American companies and the expectations of US employers from applicants for their vacancies. In subsequent articles of this cycle, we will consider the features of these processes in other Western (Germany, France, Sweden, Britain) and Eastern companies (India, Japan, China, South Korea).

    American Companies: Interview and Job Requirements

    In recent years, it has been common for most large companies around the world to use American personnel assessment technologies. The same is true in the way interviews are conducted. But still, in many companies there are clear national characteristics that applicants should consider in order to create a good impression about themselves.

    Let’s start with how interviews are conducted in American companies, and what American employers expect from applicants.

    US company interviews

    In the United States, each company has its own list of guidelines that determine whether a candidate is suitable for a position. These principles allow you to assess whether you have the necessary knowledge and skills, as well as to make sure that you fit into the corporate culture.

    The culture of communication in American companies is probably one of the most friendly. But at the same time, job seekers and employees are expected to be willing to put the company’s interests ahead of their own. For example, in most American companies it is the norm to give work urgent attention at any time of the day and even on weekends if necessary. Some American companies (for example, P&G, Coca-Cola, etc.) maintain a downright idolatrous culture of loyalty to their company. However, this is not unique to American companies. In Japanese and South Korean companies, employees are required even more in this regard.

    American Interview Etiquette

    Interviews are often stressful, especially for younger job seekers. The main strategy is to make calm and self-confidence: this is what always looks strong.

    American managers are usually very friendly, smiling and pleasant to talk to. American companies rarely use stress interview techniques. But, at the same time, Americans in HR are professionals in their field, and they know how to conduct a comprehensive assessment of your abilities. Therefore, you should not expect high marks from them only on the basis of a pleasant conversation.

    When answering questions, smile and feel free to think before answering a question. If you are offered water before the interview, take it. A sip of water before answering a question can give you time to think about the answer.

    Below are a few more tips to help you perform your best when interviewing at a US company.

    Maintain eye contact

    For American companies, self-confidence is an important trait of a future employee. Natural and steady eye contact gives the impression of confidence. Therefore, maintaining eye contact with the interviewer is both a sign of interest, respect, and a sign of your self-confidence.

    Use positive body language

    When you first greet your interviewer, you can offer an open smile and a firm handshake, and it is acceptable to shake hands with a person of the opposite sex. Try to sit up straight and avoid crossing your arms over your chest – you will look closed and defiant. Keep your phone turned off and don’t look at your watch every now and then. Your openness will tell the interviewer that you value time, are interested in the process, and are actively involved in the conversation.

    Show your qualifications

    In Russia and in many Eastern cultures, odes about yourself are not welcome. But at an interview with an American, on the contrary, it is better to talk about yourself in a positive way, without mentioning troubles. Be proud of the work you have done throughout your career and feel free to share your accomplishments. This will help the interviewer understand what makes you different from other applicants.

    Be prepared to provide specific facts and figures about your work that the interviewer will want to know. Don’t be shy about your accomplishments – let the interviewer know what a real contribution you can make to the company.

    Use examples with a short beginning, middle, and end

    Americans value time. If you are asked to talk about yourself or previous work, be brief. Your answer should include an introduction where you explain the situation, a body describing the problem or task, and an ending where you show how you solved the problem or task.

    A good way to help you develop a comprehensive response to interview questions is to use the STAR approach:

    Focus on the positive

    Some general interview questions require you to explain potentially negative situations, such as when you encountered a problem, how you handled an uncomfortable situation, or why you left your last job. You don’t have the opportunity to speak negatively about a past job or someone you’ve worked with. Your interviewer is trying to understand what you may have learned from negative experiences, your problem-solving skills, and how you can deal with pressure. Instead of showing the negative, focus your response on the positive aspects of the situation—how you overcame a challenge or learned from your mistakes.

    US Business Interview Questions

    In a successful interview, you should feel that you were able to convey your knowledge and skills and explain how the companies could benefit, as well as successfully demonstrate your personality. The overall tone of your interview should be positive.

    As a rule, an interview in American companies takes the form of a regular dialogue and it may seem that there is nothing complicated in it. This is a deceptive prejudice, it is necessary to prepare for it. One of the best ways to prepare is to practice interview questions.

    Here are some general questions you may be asked. These are general questions, they may not match what you will be asked in a real interview, but by using them you will get practice in answering other similar questions.

    Tell us about yourself.

    Your interviewer does not ask you to tell him about the facts of your personal life, and, in fact, he has no legal basis for this, he is interested in information about your previous career. Take this opportunity to talk about your past responsibilities and future career goals. Explain why you have chosen this field of activity and what you are going to achieve.

    What are your biggest strengths and weaknesses?

    Even if you don’t get this specific question, you need to know the answer to it, it will be useful for answering other questions. For example, if analytical skills are your forte, you can use that to talk about how you were able to use certain data to solve a problem.

    When asked to name your weaknesses, the interviewer is looking for examples of how you recognize your weaknesses and work on that basis. Focus your response on your job, not on personal weaknesses like credit card debt or a bad driving experience.

    A good example of this would be, “I spend more time than necessary on a task that can be assigned to someone else. Although I have never missed deadlines, I understand that my time could be used more rationally. I tried to set deadlines for myself, only then move on to the next task, and also set specific tasks and deadlines for them for all team members.

    This example identifies gaps in management issues and shows the process of solving the problem.

    Why are you interested in this position/company?

    It is important that you learn everything about the future position and the company as a whole before the interview. Even if you’ve applied for multiple positions and gone through multiple interviews, the interviewer will want to know that you’re interested in the job and that you’ve taken the time to look into the details. You could talk about an article you read about this company that impressed you. Give examples of how you think your skills can be used in the company.

    Tell me about a time when you were under a lot of pressure. How did you manage? What was the result?

    This is just one example of a behavioral interview question you may encounter. You need to give examples of real behavior in stressful situations. The use of the STAR approach is encouraged. Explain how you handled a stressful situation at work and how you ensured a positive outcome.

    What is your greatest achievement?

    This question is another example of where you can talk about your accomplishments. This must be done with confidence. Provide a response with a closing statement that goes something like this: “My accomplishment was to save hundreds of hours of work time for my company by developing and implementing an internal tool. ”

    Where do you see yourself in five years?

    With this question, your interviewer will want to make sure that you are not going to quit this job after a while. Convince them that you are interested in working in the company and career growth in its structure.

    Why should we hire you?

    This will be an opportunity to explain to your interviewer why you are the best for the job. Give examples from your previous experience, examples of accomplishments relevant to the job you are applying for. It would be appropriate to talk about your readiness to work in a team, organizational and communication skills and motivation. Your answers should be thoughtful, but short enough and linked to company information. Do not rely only on superficial information from the company’s website.

    Your Questions to the Interviewer

    We’ve written repeatedly about why it’s important that you also ask interview questions. This is especially important if you are interviewing for a foreign company where the culture is different.

    Examples might be: “Tell me about the day-to-day responsibilities of this position” or “Can you talk about a problem you have now and do you need someone to help solve it?” You should not ask in your first interview about salary and benefits. In American companies, this issue is usually considered in the process of subsequent interviews.

    Summing up the interview

    At the end of the interview, don’t forget to firmly shake the interviewer’s hand and thank him for the opportunity and his time. Ask about your next steps in the interview process to show you are interested in the job. Send an email to thank the employer representative again. In the letter, remind about your qualifications and why you are ideally suited for this position.

    The first interview can only be the first step in important meetings to get the job of your dreams. Stay positive. Regardless of the outcome of this interview, you are gaining valuable experience. The interview process may not be easy, but you are stronger and have already done a lot.

    In general, American companies, in our opinion, are leaders in terms of people management, technology HR and management. And the American management culture is spreading all over the world, including in Russia.

    We believe that the key to success in getting your dream job is preparation. Spend 4-5 days on quality preparation: write a competent resume and cover letter, prepare for job tests and interviews, and you will get the job you want. Good luck!

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    US Embassy Interview: First Steps to Apply for a US Visa

    You are about to visit the US, either as a tourist or as a student. You ask yourself the question: “What is the procedure and procedure for applying for and obtaining a visa to the United States, how to successfully pass an interview at the US Embassy?”

    After reading this article, you will learn how to correctly answer questions at an interview at an American embassy, ​​what to say and how to say at an interview, what mistakes should not be made and how to become a happy owner of an American visa.

    Contents:

    1. How to make an appointment for an interview at the US Embassy
    2. List of required documents for obtaining a visa to the United States
    3. How to behave during a US visa interview
    4. Frequently asked questions and answers
    5. US Consulate Interview Errors
    6. The final stage of the interview: how to determine that the visa is approved?
    7. Case stories and testimonials

    How to make an appointment for an interview at the US Embassy

    1. The first thing to do is to pay the consular fee using the link

      http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ru_ru/ru-niv-paymentinfo.asp. The B1/B2 tourist visa fee and the F1 student visa fee is $160. However, it is paid in rubles at the current consular rate. You can pay for it online by bank card or in cash at specially equipped offices of the Russian Post. Download receipts for payment by mail (pdf)

      When obtaining F1 student visas, an additional SEVIS fee is paid.

      Citizens of certain countries (see Department of State website http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/fees/reciprocity-by-country.html for more information) may be subject to reciprocity fees for issuing a visa after it has been approved. For citizens of the Russian Federation, this fee has been abolished.

    2. Only after paying the fee can you proceed to the next step – filling out the DS-160 application.

      Recommendations for filling out DS -160 here (until I wrote a recommendation, this sentence can be temporarily deleted).

    3. After paying and filling out the DS-160, an appointment for an interview at the US Embassy will be opened in about a day. The date is chosen by any of the proposed.

      https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/?language=Russian&country=Russia

      If you do not have a created profile in the system yet, then click the “New user” button and follow the instructions.

    List of required documents for obtaining a visa to the USA

    Although your motivation is more important for the consul, how you behave during the interview and how you answer questions, but, nevertheless, you should not neglect the list of documents for obtaining a visa in USA. Therefore, we recommend that you prepare it conscientiously and in advance. Detailed list here.

    How to behave during an interview for a US visa

    Passing an interview at the embassy requires elementary rules:

    • First, check the address of the Embassy in advance, get an idea of ​​how long it will take you to arrive at the Embassy on time. Take time with a margin (40 minutes – an hour, at least), with the expectation of traffic jams and ignorance of the area. The interview is possible in 4 cities of Russia: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok. In Ukraine: in Kyiv.
    • Don’t take too many things with you.
    • Be prepared for a long queue, which you will definitely find outside the American Embassy.
    • Dress warmly so you don’t appear in front of the Consul as blue ice.
    • Look natural, not provocative. No need to dress up in formal attire (no need to wear a suit and tie). It is better to do without flashy colors, short skirts or dubious things. Clothing should be moderately modest, strict, neat and tidy. The best option is to dress the way you walk in everyday life.
    • Be aware that your belongings, as well as yourself, will be searched by a metal detector.
    • Be prepared to be asked to turn in your phone and other equipment.
    • Get ready to go through 3 queues: 1) for registration 2) for the prints of all 10 fingers 3) to receive a ticket and proceed to the queue for the interview itself.
    • Be sure to rehearse at home in front of a mirror or with friends possible questions and answers.

    The room where visa interviews are held is somewhat like a bank: many windows, an electronic queue and a crowd of people.

    Another question many tourists/students have in mind is “What language is the interview at the US Embassy in?”

    Officers speak both English and Russian. Depending on your purpose of travel and the type of visa requested, the officer will select the language of communication. It is logical that if you are going to study at a university or work, you must be proficient in English. In this case, the officer will want to check your level of English proficiency.

    If you are traveling to the USA as a tourist, you are not required to know English at all, in which case the interview is conducted in your native language. True, all officers have different levels of Russian proficiency, someone does not speak it perfectly, so speak slowly, clearly and in short phrases. On average, the interview itself at the US Consulate lasts from 1 to 5 minutes.

    Basic rules when communicating with an officer:

    1. Be natural, calm, smile (but if you can’t smile naturally, then it’s better without forced smiles).
    2. Look directly at the consul, even when he is not looking at you, but at the computer.
    3. Respond loudly, clearly and, most importantly, adequately only to the questions asked by the consul. Don’t talk too much, don’t interrupt.
    4. It is clear that there is excitement, but even if you are nervous, try to behave with dignity and confidence (but not insolently and impudently), answer everything as it is, tell the truth. Don’t fawn.
    5. If you misunderstood or misheard something, politely ask again or try to formulate the answer to the question as you understood it, adding: “Did you mean that, if I understood you correctly?”
    6. Show patriotism and strong ties to your homeland. You must convince the consul that you have somewhere to return: you have a well-paid job or a favorite study, family, friends, your beloved grandmother’s anniversary is in two months, and you just love Russia, a country with a rich culture, history, with the greatest outstanding figures (be prepared to give specific names and surnames). The most important thing is to convince the officer of the absence of immigration intentions.

    US Embassy Interview Frequently Asked Questions

    Download Frequently Asked Questions with persuasive answers in English here.

    What exactly is asked at the interview?

    All types of questions can be divided into several parts:

    The first block of questions: basic questions on the topic:

    1. Purpose of your trip to the USA. Tourism, study or work?

      For tourists:

      • Why do you want to go to America?
      • What cities are you planning to visit?
      • What caused the interest in the country, what do you know about America?
      • How many weeks are you coming?

      Students:

      • If you are going to study, why do you need a language course? Where are you going to apply the learned language? It is necessary to show a clear and inseparable connection between the knowledge that the student is going to receive and their application at home.
      • Why did you choose this particular educational institution. It can be answered that the school has a good reputation, is accredited by the educational organizations ACCET (Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training) and English USA, which has a lot of positive feedback about the school and the quality of education. You must have an invitation from the school with you so that you can present it to the officer on demand. Know the address where it is located, be able to give details about the school.
      • Accommodation reservation is not required. But if you already have it, take it with you, it is advisable to remember the address, the names of the host.
    2. Questions about your life in Russia: full name, occupation (where do you work, what does your company do, what are your responsibilities) and other personal information.
    3. The officer may also ask clarifying questions on the DS-160 application form if he notices errors.

    If you followed the above advice and answered convincingly and adequately, then, as a rule, the interview at the US Consulate will end successfully.

    The second block of questions: unexpected and tricky questions

    Sometimes an interview can take unexpected forms. You will notice that the officer talks to you longer than usual or asks some tricky or strange questions. Don’t worry, there are several reasons for this:

    1. Officers are people too, and it’s simply boring for them to ask the same questions day after day that are already written in the subcortex of their consciousness. They want to diversify their working day.
    2. The officer liked you, and your story aroused his sincere interest, so he asks you clarifying questions, because he is really curious, and this does not mean that he is “digging” and trying to “fill you up”.
    3. The officer found something in your story illogical or suspicious, he wants to dispel his doubts. Even under such a set of circumstances, do not worry and continue to behave naturally and with dignity. Tell the truth. Even if the “rehearsed truth”

    I will give some examples of non-standard questions

    • “How many legs does a chair have”, “how many legs does a horse have”;
    • Sing a Russian folk song or anthem – yes, yes, and this also happened in practice! – most importantly, do not get lost, but be resourceful, flexible and, most importantly, spontaneous.
    • Birthday of your parents;
    • What is the name of your teacher in economics/literature, etc.
    • What was the last topic in Biology/English, etc.
    • How many rooms are there in your flat?
    • What did you eat for breakfast today?
    • What color is your T-shirt?
    • Who is the Minister of Finance of the Russian Federation?
    • If you are not married, is there a serious relationship now?
    • And others

    Mistakes at the interview at the US Consulate

    Cannot:

    • Be late.
    • Be arrogant, be rude to the Embassy staff, talk loudly with other students, violate discipline. If the rules are not followed, students are taken out of the Embassy without giving a chance to be interviewed.
    • Unnecessarily fuss, twitch, freak out, get confused in their answers.
    • Take e-books, wires, headphones, tablets, laptops and other equipment with you. If you are traveling from another city to Moscow just for an interview, leave these things in advance in the luggage room at the station, or give them to friends who are waiting for you outside.
    • For girls: no need to wear 20 cm high heels, neckline, short skirts and bright make-up. For men: no need for expensive watches and suits.
    • Tell an officer that you are going to stay in America, that is, to immigrate, marry an American, or just to earn money.
    • To say that you don’t like, or even worse, “hate Raska” – God forbid you say this, with 90% certainty – you will be denied a visa.
    • Lie to an officer, be sure that he will feel it. And if you lie, then lie confidently and rehearsed so that there is no discrepancy in versions.
    • When it comes to summer exchange programs (for example, Work and Travel) or summer holidays, you should not sign up for a visa interview right up to the date of departure. Since behind the scenes there are limits on the issuance of such visas, and ambassadors are becoming more selective and harmful. And it is better to choose the morning time, while the consuls are full of energy and in a good mood. Didn’t have time to get tired or God forbid that the students / tourists in front of you did not spoil the mood of the ambassador.

    Final Interview: How do you know if a visa has been approved?

    How do you know if you have been granted a visa or not? It’s simple – if the officer took the passport – then the answer is yes. Wait for him with the coveted American visa, which will come via Pony Express. The waiting time for a passport after an interview is from 1-2 days to a week.

    True, there are exceptions here, about them separately here.

    If you are less fortunate, the officer will return your passport along with the official visa denial document. Do not try to beg him to change his mind – this will not help, also do not try to threaten or show your displeasure. Make a heroic decision and direct all your energy into a second attempt, which will be more successful. You can undertake it literally immediately, though you will have to pay the consular fee again. Sign up for a second interview, take into account your previous experience and tune in for a positive answer.

    Case stories and testimonials

    1. Student A of the Faculty of History, who traveled under the Work and Travel exchange program, was asked about the year the Great Patriotic War began – she did not answer, perhaps because she did not understand the question, since I did not expect to hear such a non-standard question. They didn’t let me in, they refused a visa. Since the officer’s logic is:
      You are a good student, the future elite in your homeland, this should be seen in the student’s appearance, intellect and answers. Such an ideal student, in the understanding of the officer, does not skip classes and clearly understands his specialty or, at least, should be able to answer elementary questions from his field. Such a student already knows where he will work (even if he is still in his first year).
    2. Journalism student B easily got his visa, as he convinced the officer that he simply needed to go to America, as he was collecting material for an article about America, which would form the basis of his term paper, and then become part of his thesis.
    3. Another student was rejected because she spoke English too well. The officer felt that she had no reason to go to the United States.
    4. Student G was interviewed at the US Embassy on May 10th. She was asked about holiday 9May, why he is important to her (if at all important, and he, of course, is important, and nothing else) and how she celebrated the holiday. And then a story followed about the great feat of the Russian people, about the fact that this is the greatest pride for our country, as well as the mention of military songs. Thank God they didn’t force her to sing.
    5. Student D was not given a visa, because she indicated in the questionnaire that she had no relatives in the United States, the officer decided to double-check this information and again asked the same question in person. And then the student could not lie and admitted that her sister lives in America. The visa was denied. Since the officer regarded it in such a way that when filling out the application, the student deliberately tried to deceive the Embassy and gave false information about herself.
    6. Student E was asked what other skills he had. He said he knew German. The ambassador asked him to demonstrate this. After successfully saying a couple of phrases in German, the visa was approved.

    We wish you good luck with your interview. The devil is not as scary as he is painted. Be positive and yourself and consider that the American visa is almost in your passport!

    How do I get a US visa interview?

    Get an education at one of the prestigious American universities, travel around a country that is so different from Russia, get a job. Or maybe you were invited by friends? There are many reasons to travel to the USA. But we all have one thing in common: you need to get an American visa – official permission from a consular officer. And here many questions arise: where, how?

    “Experts” assure that it is almost impossible to do this: the American authorities see an immigrant in everyone and impose a taboo on obtaining a visa. Oh, and it’s impossible to catch a free window for an interview.

    But this is not entirely true. It is important to do everything consistently. We offer step by step instructions. Move on it. And everything will depend on you, on attentiveness and responsibility.

    Let’s just say it’s important to be as honest as possible when filling out the questionnaire and at the interview. So you will not be nervous, and there will be no doubts about your profile. More precisely, according to your intentions.

    Contents

    1. What you need to know before your

      2. visa interview

    2. How is the interview at the embassy?
    3. Is it possible to get a US visa without an interview?
    4. What questions are asked in a US visa interview?
    5. How to quickly improve the level of English for a US visa interview?
    6. Useful US Consulate News Tracking Resources

    What you need to know before passing the interview for a visa

    We begin to carefully prepare for the interview. This is the first step towards obtaining a visa. Pay close attention to each item.

    1. Pay the consular fee (you need to print a receipt from the official website of the Embassy, ​​fill it out and come to the Russian Post office, where you need to pay in rubles at the consular rate of $ 160. Be sure to save the receipt).
    2. Take a photo (photo 5×5 must be in digital JPG format, take a flash drive with you to the studio or ask to send a photo to your mail; a paper photo is needed for an interview). You can not be photographed in glasses, with a scarf, in a hat. The photo must be in color on a white background. Please check the visa photo requirements to be sure.
    3. Fill out the form (form DS – 160, please approach it responsibly. This is an important part of the application for a nonimmigrant visa to the United States. DS – 160 is an electronic form that must be completed by every applicant for a US visa, including children of any age. Questionnaire completed and submitted electronically).
    4. Sign up for an interview (it takes place in Moscow, Yekaterinburg or Vladivostok). To record, register on the website of the US diplomatic mission and set the time and date of the interview online one day after payment and filling out the questionnaire). Interviews cannot be avoided even by green card holders.

    How is the interview at the embassy?

    The second step is perhaps the most important. This is an interview at the Embassy. So you go for an interview. Check again against the list of documents. Make sure you take:

    A) Acting and previously issued passports,

    b) receipt of consular fee,

    c) A printed letter with an invitation to an interview,

    ) Printed confirmation of confirmation of the application of the application ds- 160,

    e) 1 photo in compliance with all requirements,

    f) any evidence of a close connection with Russia (a Russian passport is required).

    Make sure you work through the answers to possible questions (see examples below), rehearse them in front of a mirror or with friends. Do not forget to find out in advance the way to the Embassy and the travel time to it. You must come to the interview fully armed. Of course, you can’t be late. At the entrance to the Embassy you will be asked for a Russian passport. You will need other documents later.

    Be prepared to line up at the Embassy to be searched with a metal detector. These are the security requirements – nothing can be done. Don’t bring cell phones, smartwatches, laptops, and oversized bags. There are no left-luggage offices at the Embassy, ​​and you cannot take them with you to an interview.

    After the checkpoint in the first hall, present the prepared package of documents. Your fingerprints will be taken in a separate room. Now go to the waiting room. Don’t be afraid to get lost – the staff speaks Russian. They are always ready to help. There is an electronic scoreboard in the waiting room. Wait for the number assigned to you to light up. It’s printed on the ticket.

    In the meantime, calm down. During the interview, be friendly, smile naturally. You are ready! Come to the window with a smile, say hello. Give the officer a passport and confirmation of the completed application form. Now calmly wait for questions, even if the pause is prolonged. The Embassy employee is a professional psychologist, the moment of communication is important to him, not the documents.

    The interview lasts 2-3 minutes, so speak clearly and concisely. The officer finds out the intentions and reasons for the trip to the United States, visa history, your financial situation in Russia, and is interested in the place of work. The interview should take place in a calm atmosphere, do not fuss and do not twitch. Answer questions, smile and look at the officer.

    Depending on how the interview went, you may or may not get your passport back. Not returned – hurrah! So the answer is positive. Issuance of a visa – in 2 – 7 days. Its validity period is at least one year.

    No time to put off learning English! Complete the Conversational Marathon from English Show to feel at home abroad. In 2 months you will learn how to place an order by phone, call a taxi, explain the way, buy tickets / food / souvenirs – in general, you can solve any problem without a language barrier!

    Can I get a US visa without an interview?

    Yes, you can. The design of 2020 largely depends on the situation with the coronavirus in the world and the measures taken. Today, a visa without an interview is issued in case of repeated application. The applicant must meet the requirements: have a valid entry permit or within 24 months after its expiration. Absentee visas may be allowed for children under 14 years of age.

    What questions are asked in a US visa interview?

    Asked questions can be any, sometimes even tricky. But no matter what they ask you, be sure to show that you are a patriot of your country. You feel good in Russia: here are your relatives and friends, study or work. You can say that your mother’s birthday is in a month, and you want to bring her a gift from the trip. The officer must make sure you don’t want to immigrate.

    You are worried and justified. Before a responsible business, we are all worried. Look at these questions and rehearse the answers to them. This will help you calm down and confidently go to the interview. In parentheses is the answer. Do not think that this is the only correct one. Choose your answers.

    1. Why are you going to the US?/What is the purpose of your trip? – What is the purpose of your trip to the USA?
      (I am going for tourism purposes. – I am going for the purpose of tourism.)
    2. Where will you stay in the US? – Where do you plan to stay in the US?
      (I will stay at … . – I will stay at … .)
    3. How long will you stay in the US? – How long do you plan to stay in the US?
      (I want to stay for . .. . – I want to be there for … .)
    4. Who are you going with? – Who are you planning a trip with?
      (I’m going with my … . – I’m going with … .)
    5. Have you visited the United States previously? – Have you been to the USA before?
      (Yes/No – Yes/No)
    6. What level of English do you have?/What is your English level? – What is your level of English?
      (I speak English fluently. – I speak English fluently)
    7. Who is going to sponsor your visit? Why? – Who pays for the trip and why?
      (My … is going to sponsor my visit. – My trip is paid for by my … .)
    8. Why do you want to travel to the USA? – Why do you want to visit the USA?
      (Statue of Liberty is so amazing, so I dream to see it with my own eyes. – The Statue of Liberty is very impressive, so I dream of seeing it with my own eyes).

    These are such simple questions – but remember that we answer sincerely and honestly. This is very important in this situation. Do not forget that your answers are a direct road to the coveted visa.

    How to quickly improve the level of English for an interview for a US visa?

    Finally, the third step is your relationship with the English language.

    The interview can take place both in Russian and in English. It depends on the purpose of your trip. If you want to study at a US university, it would be strange that you do not speak English. The visa officer will expect convincing arguments from you that you know English at a sufficient level to feel free in a foreign country.

    No need to assure an officer of a brilliant knowledge of English during an interview, Americans do not like this.

    But it is important to be fluent in English for the trip. Only in this way will you feel comfortable in America. Pull up your conversational, go to courses. There are many offers, but you need to choose the best. Try English Show (@english_show) Why? See what you get:

    • lots of free video tutorials to see if this training is right for you,
    • convenient online format – no need to go anywhere,
    • learning via zoom – you see your teacher, who adapts to your pace of work,
    • individual approach to each student – everyone has a different base,
    • access to lessons at any time convenient for you – so time zones are not a problem,
    • C1 and above teachers who know how to teach you how to speak,
    • communication with native speakers – confident knowledge of spoken English is provided to you.

    Knowing English is an investment in your future. It is the most far-sighted. Language skills can come in handy for more than just traveling to the US. Many employers are looking for specialists with knowledge of English. You can also read, listen to music, watch movies.