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1. Tell me about yourself


This isnt a question, its a request for information. Its still a common way to start an interview, though. Remember, the interviewer wants to hear
about skills related to work, not your personal life. Dont say, I was born in Taipei, I like to play computer games, or I have two brothers.
Tell them about your career growth, what youve learned and specific skills that make you suitable for this job.

2. What are your strengths?


Go ahead, sell yourself! The key to this question is to give specific examples and back them up with evidence. Avoid simply offering a list, like:
Im really organized, punctual and get along well with others. Follow up anything you mention with, For example and then explain how
you demonstrated this quality in a previous job.

3. Why are you interested in working for our company?


Employers want to know why you want to work for them. So show them you understand what the company does and that youre enthusiastic
about the work. Dont start with Umm, I dont know, It seemed like a good career move, or I havent been able to find anything else
interesting. Get online and research the company beforehand so you are able to give a specific reasons why you want to join that company. Keep
in mind that the interviewer wants to know what you can bring to their company, not what the company can bring to you!

4. Why did you leave your last job?


Maybe your last job was terrible, but an interview is not the place to talk about it. Even if its true, never make negative or opinionated comments
about your current or past employers or co-workers: I didnt agree with the companys direction, I got no recognition for my work, My boss
was totally unreasonable. Statements like these make you sound unreasonable. Instead, focus on positive reasons for leaving like wanting to face
new challenges or expand your knowledge.

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5. Do you have any questions for me?


Interviewers usually finish an interview with this question. Ask specific questions that show you already know a lot about the company, but want
to know more. Do not ask questions that you should already know the answers to, like, What does your company do? Or, Could you tell me
your name again? Also, dont ask salary or vacation-related questions: When do you give raises? How much vacation time can I expect?
Save those questions for after you hear, Wed like to offer you the job.
Remember, the key to any interview is to be well prepared. Do your research and make sure you understand both the company and the position
before you go into the interview. Stay calm and remember that you have been invited there because the company is interested in you. Make sure
you can answer the questions above and use them as a starting point to make sure you excel in your next English job interview.

Personal
1. Tell me about yourself.
2. What are your strengths?
The word strength refers to what you do well, your positive qualities or effective skills.
3. What are your weaknesses?
The word weakness refers to what you dont do well, your negative qualities or skills.
4. What do you see as a major success in your life?
Major means important or big.
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5. Describe a major disappointment in your life.


A disappointment is something you were looking forward to and didnt happen.
6. What motivates you?
The word motivate means to give you the reason to do something, to inspire you, to encourage you.
7. What does success mean to you?
8. What are three of your greatest accomplishments?
The word accomplishment means an achievement, something you did well.
9. What are your plans for the future?
10. Have you done any volunteer work?
11. What are your hobbies?
12. What do you like to do in your spare time / free time?
Spare time means when youre free, when youre not working.
13. Where do you see yourself five years from now? Ten years from now?
14. Describe a time when you failed.
15. What is your favourite book / movie?
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16. What do you do for fun?


17. What would you do if you won the lottery?
Educational
18. Tell me about your educational background.
19. What academic courses did you like the most / the least?
20. Which academic course did you find most difficult?
21. Do you have plans for further education?
22. Why did you choose your major?
Your major is your main area of specialization in university.
Professional
23. Why do you want this job?
24. Why should we hire you?
To hire means to recruit, or give someone a job.
25. Why are you the best person for the job?
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26. Explain how you would be an asset to this company.


An asset is something valuable.
27. Why do you think you will be successful in this job?
28. What are your qualifications for this position?
Qualification means the educational and professional background or experience needed in a job.
29. What can you offer our company?
30. What do you know about this industry?
31. What is your personal mission statement?
32. Why do you think youre suited for this position?
Suited means appropriate, a good match.
33. Describe your work ethic.
Your work ethic is your attitude towards work and behavior at work.
34. Describe your management style.
35. What are your short-term goals?
Short-term means in the near future.

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36. What are your long-term goals?


Long-term means in the distant or far future.
37. Why did you choose this field?
Field means an area of work, such as computers, engineering or medicine.
38. Please describe your work experience.
39. Why do you want to work for our company?
40. What do you know about our company?
41. What is most important to you in a job?
42. Describe your previous jobs.
The word previous means what came or happened before.
43. Why did you leave your previous job?
44. What were your responsibilities in your previous position?
The word responsibility refers to what you are supposed to do, what you are in charge of.
45. What did you like the most about your last job?
46. What did you like the least about your last job?
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47. What did you learn in your previous job?


48. Do you work well under pressure?
The word pressure means stress.
49. Are you punctual?
To be punctual means that to arrive on time, to not be late.
50. How long do you plan to stay in this job?
51. Can you multi-task?
To multi-task means to do many things at one time.
52. Describe your ideal job.
Ideal basically means perfect here.
53. How would your co-workers describe you?
54. How do you feel about learning new things?
55. Have you ever had trouble with a boss? How did you handle it?
56. What major problems or challenges have you faced?
57. Why did you resign?
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58. Why were you fired?


59. Are you a risk-taker?
A risk-taker is someone who is willing to take chances.
60. What have you been doing since your last job?
61. Whats the best movie youve seen in the past year?
62. Whats the most interesting book youve read in the past year?
63. How soon can you start work?
64. Do you have any questions?
Job Specifics
65. Are you looking for full- or part-time work?
66. Are you looking for a day or night job?
67. Are you seeking a permanent or temporary position?
68. Can you work weekends?

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69. Are you willing to work overtime?


Overtime means hours outside of regular work hours.
70. Can you work nights?
71. Are you willing to travel?
72. Are you willing to relocate?
To relocate means to move to another location.
73. Do you have a drivers licence?
74. Do you like working with the public?
75. Do you like working with numbers?
76. How are your writing skills?
77. Hows your spelling?
78. What computer programs are you familiar with?
79. Do you know any foreign languages?

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80. Have you worked in a multicultural environment before?


Multicultural means many cultures.
81. How do you relate to people from diverse cultures?
Diverse means different.
Salary
82. What are your salary expectations?
Salary expectation is how much money you think you will get.
83. What salary do you want to earn?
To earn means to make, to receive.
84. What kind of compensation are you looking for?
Compensation refers to salary plus benefits.
Leadership
85. Do you consider yourself a leader?
86. What leadership or managerial positions have you held?
Independence

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87. Do you like working alone?


88. How well do you work independently?
89. How do you feel about working by yourself?
Teamwork
90. Are you a team player?
91. Do you work well with others?
92. What strengths would you bring to a team?
93. Do you prefer working on a team or by yourself?
References
94. May we contact your previous employers?
95. Can we contact your references?
References are people who are willing to talk about you, your abilities or your character.
Questions You Can Ask the Interviewer

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96. If you were to offer me the job, how soon would you want me to start?
97. When could I expect to hear from you?
98. Are there any further steps in the interview process?
99. What are the major responsibilities of this position?
100.

Are there possibilities for advancement?

So youre looking for a job.


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Searching for jobs is already stressful.


Its even more nerve-wracking (stressful) when they finally call you up for an interview.
And once youve got the job interview, congratulations
but now youve got something else to worry about.
The job interview is English!
Time to panic!
How do I answer this?
What are they going to ask?
What do I say to really impress them and make them choose me?
OK, actually, its time to calm down and relax.
Dont worry.
Almost everybody who ever goes for a job interview is a little bit afraid after all, this opportunity could really change your life, forever!
Here are 8 questions that they will likely ask, along with answers to help you rock (do well on) your interview.
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There is some great news when it comes to job interviews. Its not all doom and gloom (bad). Most recruiters these days ask the interviewees
(you) the same basic questions. So with a little preparation, you can speak very well at your interview. Instead of saying goodbye to your
dream job, you can say hello.
Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

8 Common English Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them Well
1. Tell me about yourself
After greeting, shaking hands and introducing yourself, the next thing that interviewers are probably going to ask you to do is to talk about
yourself.
Now, this might seem easy for you youve practiced it in your English class so much, but they dont want to hear every single detail. Avoid
saying something like: I was born in Beijing. I love playing the computer and surfing the net. or I have two sisters. They dont want to know
everything about you. They want to know about you and your career growth; they want to know about you related to the job youre applying for.
Also, make sure you dont use any informal slang or make any basic grammar mistakes.
For example:
Ive been working as a junior chef at a small Italian restaurant for 2 years and my duties included assisting the head chef and preparing salads. I
have always been interested in food and cooking which was why I chose to follow this career path. I studied at ******* college, where I gained
my first level cooking diploma.

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2. What are your strengths?


When your interviewer asks you this question, they want to know all your positive qualities. These positive qualities need to relate to what they
want and are looking for.
So before you head into your interview, make sure you do your research as to what kind of person suits this job, especially if youre a newbie
(new) and entering the workforce for the first time. Treat this question as a chance to advertise yourself you are the product, now market
yourself. The thing to remember here is not to just list a number of adjectives (anyone can do this). Instead, use examples to support your point.
For example, you could answer with any of the following:
To be punctual to be on time.
Im a punctual person. I always arrive early and complete my work on time. My previous job had a lot of deadlines (time when you must finish
something by) and I made sure that I was organized and adhered to (respected) all my jobs.
To be a team-player to work well with others. I consider myself to be a team-player. I like to work with other people and I find that its much
easier to achieve something when everyone works together and communicates well.
To be ambitious to have goals. Im ambitious. I have always set myself goals and it motivates me to work hard. I have achieved my goals so
far with my training, education and work experience and now I am looking for ways to improve myself and grow.
To take initiative to do something without having to be told to do it. When I work, I always take initiative. If I see something that needs doing,
I dont wait for instruction, I do it. I believe that to be get anywhere in life, you need this quality.

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To be proactive To do things and make them happen. Im proactive. When I think about things, I do them. I like to see results and its important
in this industry to be proactive and responsible for your own actions.
To keep your cool To stay calm in all kinds of situations. I think its really important to be able to stay calm when youre working as a reporter.
It can get really stressful, but one of my greatest qualities is that I can keep my cool and I dont allow the pressure to get to me, which helps me
achieve all my goals and remain focused. Here are a number of other words that can help you answer this question:
Focused (Adj) To concentrate well
Confident (adj)
Not shy
Problem-solver Can find answers to problems easily
Team building skills (N) Youre able to take the lead and be the leader of the
(N)
group.
Negotiate (V)
To be able to get a better deal that is
To have a good work ethic To work hard, follow the rules and respect your
favorable to you
(V)
duties of the job.
REMEMBER: Its really important that you give good, solid answers and back them up with evidence otherwise its just going to sound like
youve memorized what youre saying. Some companies wont directly ask you what your strengths are, they could ask the same thing, but using
different words, such as:

Why do you think we should hire you?

Why do you think youre the best person for this job?

What can you offer us?

What makes you a good fit for our company?

3. What are your weaknesses?


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What? I dont have any weaknesses! Of course you do no ones perfect. Everyone has weaknesses, but what theyre checking for here is how
you try to fix your weaknesses and they also want to know how self-aware (how much you know about yourself) you are.
Another trick here is to turn those weaker qualities into positive qualities. For example, your weakness is that you spend too much time on
projects which makes you work slower. Turn that into a positive by saying: I sometimes am slower in completing my tasks compared to others
because I really want to get things right. I will double or sometimes triple-check documents and files to make sure everything is accurate
(correct).
Another great trick is to talk about a weakness (like being disorganized) and mention some methods that you are using to help overcome this: e.g.
I have created a time-management system, which allows me to list all my duties and organize my deadlines so I have a clearer idea of what I
need to do.

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4. Why did you leave your last job?


If youre applying for your first job, this question is not for you.
However, if youve worked before, the interviewer wants to find out why you left your old job. Did you leave because you were fired? (Your old
boss asked you to leave for doing something wrong). Did you quit? (Resign Did you choose to stop working?) Or were you laid off? (Made
redundant no longer needed because the job is no longer available?)
If you chose to leave your old job, avoid saying anything negative about your old workplace or boss (even if this is true). The person or people
interviewing you will just look at you in a negative way. You can say the following:

Im looking for new challenges.

I feel I wasnt able to show my talents.

Im looking for a job that suits my qualifications.

Im looking for a job where I can grow with the company.

5. Tell us about your education


Here they want to know everything youve studied related to the job. For example your training and further education (e.g. university,
polytechnic, college). You dont need to tell them everything youve done since elementary school, just the important things.
Your: Degrees 3-4 year qualification from university/college.
Diploma A short-term qualification (e.g. 1 year) from college/university/polytechnic.
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Certificate A piece of paper showing your participation in a course. NB: Make sure you take all the necessary documents with you, as they
may need proof!
If they ask you the question: tell us about your scholastic record, they want to know what kind of grades you received.
6. Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
Here, they are asking about your goals. Again, its related to your career, not your personal life. So if having a family is on the list, dont mention
it. Be careful what you say here, you need to be ambitious, but NOT too ambitious as those interviewing you may see you as a threat
(competition). You can mention: By then I will haveI would have liked to

Improved my skills

Created more of a name for myself in the industry (become more known for what you do).

Become more independent in what I do and productive (doing more).

Enhanced (improved) my knowledge.

Achieved a higher position.

Become a team leader

7. What kind of salary do you expect?


Here, they are asking you about how much money you would expect to earn from the job. Be reasonable. Make sure you do your research on the
internet about what the average salary is. Do not say I dont know, it makes you sound unsure. Be confident and name your price without selling
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yourself too short (going for less) or going too high. The truth of the matter is, they already have a salary in mind, but this is their way of
checking if you know the industry and if youre aware of your own skills.
8. Do you have any questions for me/us?
Yes, you do! This is how an interviewer will usually finish the interview. They are not just being polite they want you to speak.
Remember, theyre still judging you as you answer this question. So dont ask anything that will make you sound silly, such as what kind of work
does your company do? Or how much vacation time do I get each year? You want to find out more, and if you dont ask any questions, then they
may view this as you being not very interested in the job. Ask questions like:

Do you have any examples of projects that I would be working on if I were to be offered the job? This shows that youre interested in the
actual job and not just being employed.

What is the typical day for this position (job)? Find out what kind of duties are involved and what kind of things you would be expected
to do on a day-to-day basis.

Does the company offer in-house training to staff? This shows your interest in not only getting the job, but also wanting to improve and
grow.

What is the next step? Here, this is a way of asking what is next in the interview process. They will tell you how many days it will take to
make their decision and will inform you if you need to come back for a second interview.

Job interviews dont have to be scary. Remember first impressions count, think before you speak, and show your great English skills and give
awesome answers to win that job. GOOD LUCK!

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Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

Oh, and One More Thing


If you like learning real-world English, you should also check out the FluentU app. Like the website, the FluentU app lets you learn English from
popular talk shows, catchy music videos and funny commercials, as you can see here:

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If you want to watch it, the FluentU app has probably got it.
The FluentU app makes it really easy to watch English videos. There are captions that are interactive. That means you can tap on any word to see
an image, definition, and useful examples.

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FluentU lets you learn engaging content with world famous celebrities.
For example, when you tap on the word brought, you see this:

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FluentU lets you tap to look up any word.

Learn all the vocabulary in any video with quizzes. Swipe left or right to see more examples for the word youre learning.

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FluentU helps you learn fast with useful questions and multiple examples. Learn more.
The best part? FluentU remembers the vocabulary that youre learning. It recommends you examples and videos based on the words youve
already learned. You have a truly personalized experience.
Start using FluentU on the website with your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes store.

If you liked this post, something tells me that youll love FluentU, the best way to learn English with real-world videos.
ypical Interview Questions and Answers
Why do you want to work for this company? Why are you interested in this job?

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The interviewer is trying to determine what you know and like about the company, whether you will be willing to make a commitment to
the job, and if your skills match the job requirements. Your research will be a big help in formulating your answer to this question. Say as
many positive things about the company as possible, show your interest in whatever products/services they sell and explain why the
position fits with your career goals.

Have you done this kind of work before?


The interviewer wants to know if you can learn to do the job in a reasonable time and how much training you will need. Never say "no" to
this question. Instead, stress the experience you do have that will assist you in learning the new job quickly and efficiently. No two jobs
are alike and you never do exactly the same work. In all jobs, new skills, rules and details have to be learned. Be sure to mention the
following:

Your past work experience.

Your education and training related to the job.

Volunteer work that might relate to the job.

Any transferable skills - e.g. organizational skills, people skills.

Your ability to learn quickly and how quickly you learned that type of work in the past.

What kind of training or qualifications do you have?

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The interviewer is trying to find out what school credentials you have. If you have no formal school qualifications but have a lot of
experience, you might say:
o

I didn't get formal school training for this job but I have (number) of years of experience in the field. I'm willing to learn new
skills or go to school to get further training if I am offered the job. I learn quickly and I like to keep upgrading my skills.

If you have just completed a training course but have little work experience, you mightsay:
o

I took a one year training program in (name of program) at (name of school) which is related to the job I'm applying for. I look
forward to working in the field and putting into practice what I learned. I don't have a lot of work experience in this area but I
learn quickly. I know you will be happy with my work.

Tell me about yourself. Why should we hire you?


The interviewer is trying to find out about you, your job skills and how well you express yourself. Do not dwell on personal issues. State
your best qualifications for the job. Be specific and include examples to support your statements. Try to show that you meet the
employer's expectations. For example:
o

I am punctual, dependable and can be counted upon to finish what I start. I get a great deal of satisfaction from knowing that I
have done something well and on time. For example, at my present job, I was given different work orders every day. It was my
responsibility to finish the orders and make sure they all met quality and safety standards within a specific deadline. On occasion,
I had to familiarize myself with the product and the production process. I was always able to learn quickly and carry out my job
responsibilities. Our company was known for making excellent processed food products. In 1990, it received an award for being
on of Canada's top companies in the field. I feel I can use the same skills and hard work to do well on this job too.

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What do you do in your spare time?


Interviewers ask this question to see if your activities and hobbies might help the company and to get an idea of what kind of person you
are outside your work life. Describe any volunteer work you do and any hobbies or interests that might relate to the job in some way.
Stick to active hobbies, such as playing sports, carpentry,gardening, etc. Avoid mentioning inactive and non-creative activities such as
watching television.

What do you think of working in a group?


The interviewer is trying to find out about your ability to get along with others.Focus on the following:

The advantages of working in a group. Explain how the various individuals in a group complement one another in carrying out
certain tasks.

Give specific examples of your personal experience in a group

How do you react to instruction and criticism?


The interviewer is trying to find out how you get along with Supervisors and how you feel about authority. You might say:
o

I appreciate getting instruction and criticism when it is done fairly and constructively.

With the kind of work experience you have had, do you think this job would bore you?

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The interviewer may think you are over-qualified and want this job only until something better comes along. Stress that no job is ever
boring because you always learn new skills. Mention how you would benefit by working for the company and vice versa.

Why did you choose this line of work?


The interviewer is trying to find out about your commitment to your career choice. In other words do you do it because you love the work
or just take any job you can get for the money. If you did this work for many years and stopped due to a layoff,you might say:
o

I have done this for (number) of years. I like my work. The only reason I left my last workplace was because I was laid off.

How well do you work under pressure or tight deadlines?


This question indicates that the job you're applying for will involve working under pressure. Give examples of volunteer and paid work
that involved pressure and deadlines. You could mention that we are always faced with pressure and deadlines in our lives and you do not
mind the stress. Stressful situations are a learning and challenging experience. You might mention the following:

How you handled large rush orders at your last workplace.

How you prepared for exams and homework assignments while working full-time and attending school part-time.

How you managed a crisis situation. (For example: a car accident)

How often were you absent from work in your last job? Have you every had any serious illness or injuries? Do you have any
health problems?

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The interviewer is trying to find out if you have any health issues which will cause you to take a lot of sick days. You do not have to go
into your health history for the interviewer. If you have health problems that do not interfere with your work performance, do not give the
interviewer details about them. If you had a previous health problem that interfered with your work in the past, but is no longer a problem,
do not volunteer this information. It no longer affects your work, therefore the employer does not have to know.
If you have a health problem that will affect your work performance, explain your situation briefly and stress the positive points. I will be
helpful to have a positive reference letter from your previous employer. This letter should explain the type of duties you did and stress
that you are a steady worker who is responsible, hardworking and punctual.

Are you bondable?


This question indicates that the job involves working with money or valuable merchandise. Very likely the employer's insurance company
requires that only bondable people be hired as a condition of their insurance policy.As long as you do not have a criminal record, and you
have not previously been denied a bond, you should answer "yes" to this question. Caution: If you answer yes when you are not legally
bondable it is very likely that the employer will discover this.

Have you ever been fired or quit a job?


The interviewer is looking for clues to any problems you have had in previous jobs and if you may have the same problems in a new job.
Try to:
o

Avoid saying anything negative about yourself or your previous employer. If you had problems, explain them without being
negative.

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Be careful not the use the word "fired" or "quit". Instead use words such as: "I changed jobs", "I was laid off", or "I needed a more
challenging job".

If you were fired and are not on good terms with your previous employer, explain the reason why you were fired. Stress that you
learned something from the previous situation.

Why haven't you worked recently?


The interviewer is looking for clues to serious problems or job difficulties that could carry over to a new job. You might say:

Since I was laid off from my previous employer, I have been actively looking for a job. However, as you know, there are many
people looking for work and applying for the same jobs. I have always worked steadily but I haven't been able to find a job in the
present job market.

After I got laid off from my previous employer, I decided to go back to school to upgrade my skills so I can get a better, more
secure job.

What are your long-term goals or career plans?


The interviewer may want to know if you are ambitious, plan ahead, or if you set goals for yourself. The interviewer may also want to
know what expectation you have of the company. You might say:
o

I hope to become very good at my job and perhaps take some schooling to become more skilled in my field of work.

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I intend to learn (name of area or skills) very well so that I can be promoted to a higher position in (name skill or department).

What do you feel are your greatest strengths?


This is your opportunity to brag a little bit. It is important that you have done your research about the type of work that you are applying
for. For example if you are applying as a production labourer and from your research you understand that this type of work required
people that have the ability to meet quotas, work as a team and make improvement suggestions, then it is important for you to incorporate
this into your strengths.
o

Example:
My greatest strength is that I have a lot of initiative. I am always looking for a better way to do things at work that I feel would
save the company money and I can always achieve my production quotas. For example one time I was working at my station and I
felt that I was wasting time by always having to walk to the other side of my station to get some parts. So I reorganized the station
and my supervisor was really impressed as it increased my quota.

What do you feel are your weaknesses?


You never want to give any indication of any weaknesses that you have. Turn you weaknesses into strengths by working it to the
employer's advantage.
o

Example:
I am the type of person or is very hard on myself. I am always expecting myself to do a little bit more. However, I guess this
works out well for my employer.
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Or
I never like to leave work until I have every thing finished completely. Sometimes this bothers me but I feel inside that it is
important.
Or
I am the type of person who always takes my work home with me. This sometimes interferes with my personal life but I feel that
work comes first.

How would you describe your last employer?


Never run down or say anything negative about anybody or anyone. The employer will feel that you will do it to them. You should state
the positive things such as he had high expectations and I really respected him for that. He was down to earth and really knew the job I
was doing, if I had any problems he was approachable and would always give me suggestion or he gave the responsibility to do a good
job.
o

Example:
I liked my employer. He/she treated me fairly and respected my work
Or:
I appreciated my previous employer having given me the opportunity to acquire a lot of skills and experiences in (name area of
work skill).
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What five words would be describe you?


These should be your transferrable skills such as reliable, punctual, organized,friendly, honest, cooperative, outgoing, easy to get along
with, hardworking,energetic, take pride in my work, responsible, respected,dedicated.

What did you like about your last job?


Say only positive things that you feel could transfer across to the position your are applying for.
o

Example:
I liked my last job because I got along well with my co-workers and the work was challenging, fast paced and I was given a lot of
responsibility to do a good job.

Why did you leave your last position?


Keep this answer simple. If you were laid off simply say so, If your company downsized, simply say so. Do not go into a lot of detail. If
you were terminated you will have to say you were let go but always follow up that as a result you have learned how to overcome this and
feel it will not affect you in the future.

What are your long range goals?


The interviewer is trying to figure out whether or not you are going to be a long term employee or whether or not you will be using this
job as a stepping stone to another objective. So, you should try to assure him/her that your intention is to stay with the company and to

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grow in your career within the company. You should respond "I am looking for a position with a company where I can stay and grow with
and I feel this position would give me this opportunity."

What kind of machines or equipment have you worked with?


This is your opportunity to give some detail of what actual work skills you have. Don't be vague, supply all of the information that you
have to offer.

What type of salary are you looking for?


Do not get into this subject unless you are forced to. Even then you want to leave an impression that you are flexible in this area.

What do you know about our company?


This is your opportunity to show them that you have taken the time to research their company in particular.

Do you have any other skills of experiences that we have not discussed?
List any other skills that you have that are related to the position. You can also discuss any hobbies or volunteer experience you have and
discuss any interest courses or educational upgrading you have.

1. What was your biggest success during your career?

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Dont be modest

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. If you were successful


2. What was your biggest failure during your career?
Dont lie by saying that youve never experienced any failure. All people make mistakes and it is important to be able to admit them.
3. What is your main goal in your career?

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The possible answers: satisfaction, self-fulfillment

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, new knowledge, a lot of experience, etc. Making a lot of money is not the best answer!
4. Who are you going to be in 10 years?

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The possible answer: I would like to be a person who is happy about life, self-sufficient

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and satisfied with what Ive achieved at work. People usually have no idea of what theyd like to do in the future, so it is a good way t
o deal wit
5. What is the most important in your life?

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My job, lifelong learning should not be the only answers. You wont make a good impression if you seem too ambitious. The following answer
seems to be appropriate: It is the most important to keep the work-life balance

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, to feel satisfied with both, my career and my private life.


6. Do you prefer working individually or in a group?
Remember that your new job may involve both individual and group activities, so be diplomatic! If you prefer one of these more than the other,
you may say that you prefer working individually (in a group), but you are aware of the fact that some activities are more efficient when
performed with the others (alone) and that you are ready for that.
7. What do you know about our company?
It is essential that you find out as much as possible about your potential future workplace before the job interview.
8. How could you contribute to our companys success?

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Think about your strengths (e.g. creativity, self-confidence

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, communication skills, flexibility

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or determination?) mention them and explain why they are important and helpful at work.
9. What is your experience?
Your experience should already be noted in your curriculum vitae, so mention it again and tell something more about what you were doing there
and what youve learnt.
10. What do you consider the most satisfying in your career?
The possible answer: I get a strong satisfaction from gaining new knowledge and experience, making efforts that bring good results.
11. How much would you like to earn:
- during the probation
- after the probation
- after 1 year?

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It is essential that you find out about the average amount of salary in the job that you apply for. Your expectations shouldnt be too high and too
low, otherwise you may seem greedy

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or desperate to find a job. You may also say that you expect your salary to be commensurate with

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your efforts and results at work.


12. How would you react if you were denied something that really matters to you (by a subordinate or a co-worker)?

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You should explain patiently why the thing is important to you, give a good reason. Listen carefully to your interlocutors

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arguments (to show them that you dont ignore their opinion), present contra-arguments if you disagree and try to reach a consensus.

Talking about: JOB INTERVIEW


Here you can find some questions you can ask your partner during conversation about job interview:

Share

1. Do you have a job?


2. How did you get it?
3. Did you have to attend a job interview?
4. What requirements did you have to fulfill to be invited to the job interview?
5. What documents did you have to send before to be invited to the job interview?
6. How did you prepare for your job interview?
7. How did you dress for the job interview?
8. What questions may be expected during a job interview?
9. What questions were you asked in the job interview?
10. Was the job interview a stressful experience?

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11. How did you succeed in getting the job?


12. How many job interviews have you attended?
13. What was the worst job interview you have ever had?
14. Have you ever failed to answer any questions during a job interview?
15. What should you not do during the job interview?
16. What should women and men wear during a job interview?
17. Would you employ a person with a lot of experience or with a good education?
18. Does a typical job interview provide enough information about a candidate?

Useful vocabulary connected with: JOB INTERVIEW


Share
modest (level: intermediate)
quiet about own achievements, success
She was too modest to boast about her promotion. It was her husband who told us about her success.
self-fulfillment (level: upper intermediate)
a pleasant feeling that youve achieved what you wanted
Shes finally found self-fulfillment in teaching children.
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self-sufficient (level: upper intermediate)


able to provide everything you need every day for yourself
Some countries cannot be self-sufficient in food and water and they need the others help.
work-life balance (level: upper intermediate)
being satisfied with both your career and your private life
Some managers find it impossible to achieve work-life balance their job takes too much time.
self-confidence (level: upper intermediate)
being calm because you are certain of your knowledge, experience, abilities
You should be self-confident if you want to achieve success.
flexibility (level: intermediate)
ability to change depending on the situation
Flexibility is desired by many workers who are keen on changes.
greedy (level: advanced)
wanting more than you need
Im fed up with my boss who is extremely greedy for money.
commensurate with (level: advanced)
in a suitable amount compared to something
My effort was not commensurate with the money I earned.

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interlocutor (level: advanced)


a person that you talk with
Peter is not a very nice interlocutor. He keeps interrupting when youre speaking or doesnt listen to you at all.
curriculum vitae (level: intermediate)
a document that informs about a persons life, education, qualifications
Curriculum vitae is the first and the most important step when seeking employment, because it makes your potential employer think of you as a
good candidate or not.
cover letter (level: upper intermediate)
letter of motivation, a letter that you attach to other documents, such as an application form or curriculum vitae
It is essential to write in your cover letter why you are suitable for the job and why youd like to get it.
job application form (level: upper intermediate)
A form that you may be asked to fill in when you want to apply for a job. It usually includes education, experience, expected salary, etc.
Its important to complete the job application form in details to give your potential employer enough information about yourself.
reference (level: upper intermediate)
information written by somebody that knows you (an employer, a principal, a teacher, etc.) describing you, your work, efforts, achievements and
whether you are suitable for a job, training, course, etc.
My last employer gave me a very good reference, which helped me a lot to get my current job.
marital status (level: upper intermediate)
whether you are married or not
Womens marital status is often the key information for employers, who consider a possible pregnancy a big problem.
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smart casual (level: upper intermediate)


a defined dress code, a combination of convenient but elegant clothes
Smart casual is the most popular dress code among young working people.
business casual (level: upper intermediate)
a popular, elegant dress code of people who work in offices and other white-collar workplaces
He didnt get this job, because he refused to accept wearing business casual instead of his loose-fitting clothes.
Prepare and practise giving responses to the questions without trying to memorize them.
Find out as much as possible about the company as well as the position you are interested in.
Remember to take an extra copy of your CV/rsum with you so that the employer can refer to it.

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Tell me about yourself.


How would you describe yourself? (character / personality)

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What are your strengths / weaknesses?
What do you do in your free time?
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What type of position do you think you are suited for / would suit you?
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How would you describe the position we have to offer?
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What aspects of the position are you most / least interested in?

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What would you like to find in this job that you didn't have in your previous job?
How do you think you could develop the position?
What would be your strategy to develop the position?
What have you got to offer us?
What could you contribute to our company?
What do you think you gained by working in your last job?
What were you responsible for?
What did your job involve?
What do you think of your (last) boss?
Why do you want to leave your present job?
Why do you want to change jobs?
What are your salary requirements?
How much would you hope to earn in this position?
How much do you think you should be offered for this position?
What salary would you expect (to be offered) for this position?
Have you received any offers of a job?
Why have you had to look for a job for so long?
Why have you been looking for a job for so long?
Why did it take so long to find a new job?
How do your feel about your future in the profession?
Have you had any failures? What failures have you had?
Have you had any negative experiences?
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If you had to recruit colleagues, what qualities would you look for?
Would you be willing to relocate/to move to another part of the country/to work abroad?
Don't you think you have too much experience / you are over-qualified for this job?

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