A Guide to Nailing your Interview at MyExpatTaxes

November 29, 2023 | | 6 minute read
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Updated October 23, 2024

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Updated October 23, 2024

We all know the stressful task of job searching, but why should the interview process be a guessing game? We here at MyExpatTaxes believe in a hiring process that is comfortable for you and for us. In this post, we chose to share our interview process so you know what we seek in an employee and potential colleague. Whether you’re knee-deep in the application screening process or simply considering applying, this is your backstage pass to the heart of MyExpatTaxes.

Our MyExpatTax team having an in-person meeting.

Let’s take a walk through our interview process with a few added tips to help you stand out. Listed below is the general outline of our process:

  1. Application Screening
  2. Introduction Call with our People Operations & Culture Manager
  3. Skill Fit Interview with Team Lead & CEO
  4. Occasional Third Interview
  5. Offer of Employment

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Step 1: Application Screening
– Where It All Begins

The first part of the interview process doesn’t even involve us; it just involves you and your application. You need to put yourself out there so we can take a look. Don’t worry – we review everyone’s application (yes, by a real person!). We’re not just looking at job titles; we’re interested in your experiences and skills.

To make you extra prepared for the application screening, we want you to start from the very beginning. Where is that? Your CV. Your CV can make you stand out against others to ensure you have the best odds; so we have listed some things to add to your CV if you haven’t already.

Two MyExpatTaxes employees doing some application screening.

Since application screening always begins with a look at your CV – keep in mind European CV’s (also known as resumes) have their own unique approach. Here at MyExpatTaxes, we default to the European CV as our Headquarters are in Vienna, Austria which may be a bit different than you are used to. Before applying, take a few minutes to include a couple of these features if you haven’t already:

  • Add a clear photo.
  • Use bullet points to make your CV reader-friendly.
  • Provide specifics, not just generic buzz words.
  • Keep it concise, ideally 1-2 pages.
  • Feel free to share your skills and even your hobbies.
  • A personal cover letter can tell us more about you.

As these are just a few of the basics for a European CV, take a look at some of the other important factors from ‘how to get hired at a startup’ written by our COO himself, Markus Finster.

The CV helps us to get to know you more before we meet you. We should get a sense of what type of person you are, what you would add, and how you align to the current opening needs. If we feel that you could be the right person based on experiences, skills, and overall impression, we’ll then contact you to schedule an intro call with our People Operations & Culture Manager. (Cool fact: if you are not the right fit for that role, but we have another you may fit well we will reach out to you about that one!)

Step 2: Introduction Call
– Your Meet & Greet with MyExpatTaxes

So you’ve progressed through the application screening, congratulations! Now, we’d like to meet with you for the introduction call. You could be the next person to work at the company, and even if not, having a great first experience matters. That is why we want the interview process to be a transparent, and hopefully fun, time. You will be chatting with our People Ops team, and we will always (try to at least) tell you ahead of time who is joining.

Interviews can seem terrifying and stressful, but remind yourself that we are people like you, and we were all once where you are. The intro call is a conversation where you will learn more about MyExpatTaxes and we will get to know more about you. It will take about 30 minutes of your time. As an internationally staffed company based in Vienna, we offer the option to meet online or in person. If you’re close by, we would love to meet you in-person, but we understand it’s not always possible, so both options are always available.

Preparation for your interview

  • Punctuality is key. Double-check the details to avoid any hiccups.
  • Show us that you’ve done your homework. Explore our website, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and even our TikTok.
  • Don’t just talk in generalities – we appreciate specific examples.
  • Relax; we want this to feel like a casual conversation.
  • Ask questions; it shows your genuine interest in our company.
Photo of someone on a remote call. Interview process - remote or in-person. Part of the application screening.

You’re thinking about applying from abroad? No worries! In the last few years, remote work has become a business norm. People are working less in the office and more from home. With this being the new way of work, we’ve collected some tips for you to implement BEFORE your remote interview.

Remote Interview

  • Find a cozy, quiet spot free from distractions.
  • Test your internet connection, video, and microphone in advance.
  • Take a deep breath to calm those interview nerves. Jot down some notes to stay on point.
  • Consider using a computer for better video quality.
  • And remember, life happens, especially in a home or café setting. So, no need to stress if you need a sip of water or a chat with your furry friend to leave you be.

Step 3: Skills Interview 
– Showcasing the Real You

This will be your second interview, and it will be a tad different from the first. Here we want to access deeper skill sets and overall, learn more about your personality. You could have every skill set we need but your personality will also be an indicator to whether or not MyExpatTaxes is the company for you. No – we do not need nor want you to be exactly like our current team members, we do however need to make sure you can all work together. We set this interview up with your potential Team Lead, HR Generalist and the COO. It’s an opportunity to shine and to make a good impression.

We do NOT have a take home project, live coding challenge, lightening round or any of those type of things. It is once more, a conversation, though a bit more in depth.

Markus Finster, CEO

The skill fit interview is when we grill you more about about your credentials, experience and know-how. We’re not trying to trap you into a misleading statement, but there’s only so much you can put on a CV. If you say you “worked with” a certain technology or you’re “an Excel expert”, then we’ll want to dive a little deeper and showcase your knowledge.”

Markus Finster (Chief Operating Officer & Managing Partner)

  

Step 4 (Occasionally):
Additional Chat – Going the Extra Mile

Sometimes we run into a need for further conversation. This may be that we or you want to meet more team members, or it could be because it is a more Senior position. We are a very diverse team and need someone who is open-minded and experienced with international team mates or clients, so maybe we want to know more of how you interact in that space. For this interview, we will let you know ahead of time the main agenda topics, whether it is preparing for in-depth questioning pertaining to the role or getting ready to meet new people.

Step 5: Offer of Employment 
– Making It Official

When it comes to the offer, you will sit down (virtually or in person) with the Human Resources/People Ops team to go over the finer details, such as: your start date, salary, working hours or visa items. We will also review the benefits & perks you get when you work at MyExpatTaxes as well as a career development plan. After that, the rest is up to you. Take time read over the potential contract, Flextime agreement, ask us any questions and of course, call your bestie. Hopefully, you’ll feel that we are the right fit for you too.

In-person interview when the deal is made and you are apart of the team. Shown with a handshake.

At MyExpatTaxes, our interview process is designed to create a meaningful connection between you and our team. We value transparency, a strong sense of community, and the shared commitment to success. We’re not just looking for employees; we’re seeking colleagues who will enrich our dynamic team. We believe in aligning skills and personalities for long-term success, and we invite you to take that first step toward a rewarding career with us. Start your journey!

Nathalie Goldstein - CEO and Co-Founder of MyExpatTaxes

Written by Nathalie Goldstein, EA

Nathalie Goldstein, EA is a leading expert on US taxes for Americans living abroad and CEO and Co-Founder of MyExpatTaxes. She contributes to Forbes and has been featured in Forbes, CNBC and Yahoo Finance discussing US expat tax.

November 29, 2023 | | 6 minute read

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