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    Episode 4: Job Interviews in English

    Overview

    Job interviews in English is part 4 of Applying for a Job in English by Preply. In this episode, we cover how to successfully prepare for a job interview. Knowing how to present yourself to an employer is key to standing out amongst other candidates and increasing your chances of getting the job. What you'll learn: Speaking techniques so you can better share your past behaviors and work experience, in addition to the most common interview questions and answers, and key words and phrases for the interview process. This episode also features a real-life interview scenario that demonstrates how to successfully navigate a job interview and respond to the questions. Finally, in episode 4 you'll discover some top tips and practises which are key for impressing the interviewer. Preparation for an interview is key so make sure you are ready with our Job Interviews in English course, featuring everything you need to know ahead of a job interview in English.

    Applying for a job exercises

    Free exercises for Preply students:

    Exercise 1

    Applying for a job

    Exercise 2

    Preparing for an interview

    Exercise 3

    Introductions

    Exercise 4

    A job interview

    English level test for companies

    Test your teams' level of business English with the Preply business English level test for companies.

    Get the English test

    Free business English video courses

    English for business communication

    English for business communication

    Whether you’re looking to impress your team in your next big presentation, to have a better presence in meetings and phone calls, or simply to be able to interact more casually with your colleagues in English, this course is the perfect place to start.

    Level

    B1, B2 Intermediate

    Lessons

    4 episodes

    Time

    23 minutes

    Additional

    4 blog posts

    Practice

    4 exercises

    Take the course

    Related business English blog articles

    Frequently asked questions

    This free course is tailored for anyone looking to apply for a job in English and carry out a successful interview. The "Job interviews in English" lesson serves as the final part of the Preply "Applying for a Job in English" course, and features invaluable insights to help aspiring candidates impress potential employers and enhance their job prospects. Particularly beneficial for non-native English speakers, in the “Job interviews in English” course you’ll learn speaking techniques that will help you successfully communicate your past and current experiences. In addition, the real-life interview scenario presented in this episode showcases common interview questions and provides an example of the ideal way to respond to them. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the necessary tools to navigate an interview in English and leave a positive impression.
    We advise having an English proficiency level of at least B1 to enroll in this course. If your proficiency level is lower, you can still try it with subtitles enabled. Even if you understand only 50-60% of the dialogue, you'll still gain new business English phrases and skills that can be beneficial for preparing for a job interview in English.

    To excel in an interview conducted in English, particularly as a non-native speaker, it's essential to consider various aspects:

     

    Dress Appropriately: Dress professionally and appropriately for the industry and company culture. This demonstrates respect for the interview process and your seriousness about the opportunity.

     

    Punctuality: Arrive on time for the interview or join the virtual meeting promptly. Being punctual shows reliability and respect for the interviewer's time.

     

    Honesty: Be honest and transparent in your responses. Integrity is valued in any interview, and honesty builds trust with the interviewer.

     

    Prepare Smart Questions: Prepare insightful questions to ask the interviewer about the company, the role, and the team. Thoughtful questions demonstrate your interest and engagement in the opportunity.

     

    Do Your Research: Research the company, its products or services, its culture, and recent news or developments. This knowledge allows you to tailor your responses and demonstrate your understanding of the company's goals and values.

     

    Body Language: Pay attention to your body language, including maintaining good posture, making eye contact, and offering a firm handshake (if applicable). Positive body language conveys confidence and professionalism.

     

    Active Listening: Listen actively to the interviewer's questions and respond thoughtfully. Take pauses to ensure you understand the question fully before providing your answer.

     

    Language Skills: Practice speaking clearly and confidently in English. Focus on articulating your thoughts effectively and using appropriate language for the professional setting.

     

    Follow-Up: After the interview, send a thank-you email to express your gratitude for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position. This shows appreciation and professionalism.

     

    By considering these aspects and preparing diligently, you can enhance your performance in an interview conducted in English, showcasing your qualifications and skills effectively.

    Here are some common job interview questions in English along with example answers:

     

    Tell me about yourself.

    • Example Answer: "Sure, I'm [Your Name]. I have [X years/months] of experience in [Your Field], where I've [mention a key accomplishment or responsibility]. I'm particularly drawn to this opportunity at [Company Name] because of [mention a specific aspect of the company or role that excites you]."

     

    Why do you want to work here?

    • Example Answer: "I'm impressed by [Company Name]'s commitment to [mention a company value or initiative]. I believe my skills in [Your Field] align well with the company's goals, and I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]'s success."

     

    What are your strengths and weaknesses?

    • Example Answer (Strengths): "One of my strengths is my ability to [mention a relevant skill or quality]. I've honed this skill through [mention relevant experience or training], and I believe it will be valuable in this role."
    • Example Answer (Weaknesses): "I'm always striving to improve my [mention a skill or area for improvement]. To address this, I've been [mention steps you're taking to improve], and I'm committed to continuous learning and growth."

     

    Can you provide an example of a challenging situation you faced and how you handled it?

    • Example Answer: "In my previous role at [Previous Company], we faced [mention the challenging situation]. I took the initiative to [mention your actions or strategies], and as a result, we were able to [mention the positive outcome or resolution]."

     

    How do you handle pressure or stressful situations?

    • Example Answer: "I thrive in fast-paced environments and remain calm under pressure. I prioritize tasks, communicate effectively with team members, and focus on finding solutions to challenges. For example, in my previous role during a tight deadline, I [mention specific action you took]."

     

    Why should we hire you?

    • Example Answer: "I believe my combination of [mention relevant skills, experiences, and qualities] make me a strong fit for this role. I'm enthusiastic about [mention a specific aspect of the role or company], and I'm confident in my ability to contribute positively to the team."

     

    Do you have any questions for us?

    • Example Answer: "Yes, I'm curious about [mention a specific aspect of the company, team, or role]. How does [mention the question] align with the company's long-term goals?"

     

    Remember to tailor your answers to fit the specific job and company you're interviewing for, and practice delivering them confidently before the interview.