•What are the job opportunities in international business?

This question is being asked more often as college graduates look for an overseas job, particularly if they are familiar with a foreign language. With more companies globalizing their operations, opportunities for individuals with degrees in business, education, engineering and the health sciences have increased in many foreign countries. It is important that an overseas job will benefit your career in the long run. Plan to compete with nationals from that country for the position as well as students from other countries.

It is unusual to get your first position after graduation in a foreign country, but it is happening more often as students spend semesters in study-abroad programs, volunteer abroad, intern abroad, teach abroad or get a degree abroad. One of the best ways to get a chance to go overseas is with the Peace Corp. More students are also receiving graduate degrees in international business. If you are interested in getting a graduate degree in international business, the schools named most often by corporate recruiters are Thunderbird, INSEAD, London Business School, Columbia University, Harvard University and the University of South Carolina.

The average base salary for graduates of these programs was over $80,000 last year. You can search for overseas job opportunities on the Internet. You can learn about cost-of-living differences, tax implications, currency-exchange rates and cultural and communication differences by reading newspapers and magazines aimed at individuals looking to work overseas.

•In preparing for an interview, what are some of the key questions I can expect to be asked?

Interviewers will ask you questions that make you comfortable. Listen carefully before responding — listen to what is said, listen to what is not said and listen to what is meant. Among the areas for questions may be: tell me about yourself, your education, why you chose your area of interest, why you want to work for this company, what interests you most about this job, your major strengths and weaknesses, describe your best/worst boss, give examples of where you showed leadership and initiative, how others describe you, where you see yourself five years from now and how you contributed to team projects. You will also be asked if you have any questions for the interviewer.

Always respond yes and ask the interviewer questions such as how well is the position defined, can its duties be expanded, what is an average day on the job, what are the key challenges or problems of this position, when and how will I be evaluated and when will the hiring decision be made. You want to leave the interview giving the interviewer the impression that you are the best person for the job.

•As I enter the work force with a new graduate degree, what are the things I should consider before accepting a job?

You should have some strong ideas on what you consider important in selecting a position. Lifestyle factors are beginning to play a more significant role in whether or not an individual will accept a job offer. Some graduates will not interview with companies whose products they feel are wrong for society. Based on some recent surveys, here are factors that seem to matter to new graduates: ability to network with others, being intellectually stimulated on the job, opportunities to develop new ideas, being able to apply what you learned in school and having an opportunity to do what you do best on the job. Consideration is also given to flexible hours, location of the job, salary, health benefits, how you will be evaluated and job security. Job seekers also look for opportunities to develop new and advanced skills so that they can be promoted in the organization. It is also important to believe in the organization’s mission.

•What are the reasons why people do not get hired?

Some of the common reasons given to individuals who are not hired are that they do not have the educational credentials or experience for the position. Sometimes they are told they are over qualified. These reasons may be true, but it is also important to recognize that there were other reasons that came up during the interview process that include personal appearance, sloppy application or resumÉ, inability to answer questions, lack of interest and enthusiasm, lack of maturity, arriving late for the interview, no sense of humor, no interest in the job and overemphasis on salary. Negative attitude about past employers, vague responses given to questions, lack of maturity and courtesy are other reasons why individuals do not get hired. Do your homework before the interview so you are prepared. Know your strengths and weaknesses so you improve your chances of being hired.

•What skills are needed for a frontline supervisor to succeed in his/her first management position?

The supervisor’s role is to create a climate for employees to succeed. Employees are more productive if they have supervisors they respect and who provide feedback and recognition. The critical skills of a supervisor include creating a positive work environment, dealing fairly with employees, meeting the training needs of employees, communicating openly and honestly, building and coaching a team and managing workplace problems. A good supervisor does not hide in his/her office to avoid dealing with employees. An effective frontline supervisor is not afraid to make decisions.

Edward M. Mazze is Distinguished University Professor of Business Administration at the University of Rhode Island.