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Your first job interview in the U.S.: what to expect

From small talk to 'tell me about yourself', here's how American interviews usually go.

JJames Carter · Sep 12, 2026 · 7 min read

Many interviews start with small talk about the weather or your commute. This is normal, and a friendly short answer is perfect.

'Tell me about yourself' is almost always the first real question. Prepare a 60-second answer: where you worked, what you're good at, and why you want this job.

At the end, the interviewer will ask if you have questions. Always ask one, such as 'What does a typical day look like?' It shows real interest.

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