JOB INTERVIEW
Questions typically asked by employers: Complete the job interview:
Could you tell me something about yourself?
Why do you want to work for our company?
Employer: Good Morning Mr Brown. Please take a seat.
What do/did you study? Tell me about your education.
Candidate: Good morning, it’s a pleasure to meet you.
What are you best qualities?
E: Ok, can you tell me ……………………………………………………………………?
Can you tell me about your work experience?
What are your greatest strengths? What are your weaknesses? C: I’m a customer of your company and I think you give excellent
Are you ready to work in shifts? service. I want to work in a company which cares both about its
employees and its clients. I’m looking for a part-time job to help me
Why should we hire you and not somebody else?
through colleague.
How much would you like to earn?
E: Could you …………………………………………………………………………..……..?
How will you contribute to our company?
What are your future plans? Where do you see yourself in 10 years? C: I’m 19 years old, I come from Poland and I study architecture. I
want to be an architect in the future.
Have you got any experience in ……?
What do you know about our company? E: What is ………………………………………………………………………..……………?
C: I’ve always helped my parents in their shop. I assisted customers,
ordered products and put them in the shelves. Last summer I also
worked in a restaurant as a waiter, so I believe I have much
experience in serving clients.
Questions typically asked by candidates: E: Very well. ………………………………………………………………………………..?
What will be my main responsibilities?
C: Yes, I don’t mind it. I can work in the morning and in the evening.
How much will I earn?
No problem.
When can I start?
Will I have to do some training? E: …………………………………………………………………………………………………?
Is it a part-time or full-time job? C: I’m really hard-working and I like working with people. I’m very
Will I get a contract of employment? patient and polite so clients like me. What’s more I know many
What are the working hours? foreign languages: German, French, Polish and a little bit of
When will I know if I have been successful? Spanish, so I can attend customers from other countries.
E: …………………………………………………………………..……………………………?
employer/employee C: Unfortunately, sometimes I’m late and I’m not good at
Useful work vocabulary: graduate computers.
strengths/weaknesses E: That’s OK. Now, do you have any questions you'd like to ask me
salary/wage
about the position?
full-time/part-time/seasonal job to hire/to employ
C: Yes. Could you tell me what hours I'd have to work?
contract of employment to fire/to dismiss
E: Well, we work in 2 shifts. The first is from 6 am to 2 pm, and the
to work in shifts job
second one starts at 2 pm and finishes at 10 pm. Is it ok?
job experience advertisement/offer
C: Yes, that sounds very good. When will I know if I have been
training to earn successful?
placement/traineeship to apply for a job E: We will call you on Friday. Thank you very much.
unemployed/jobless
Useful
job interview
to get tips:
promoted
Work in pairs:
1) Before the job interview practice answering interview questions and practice your
A: You are applying for a job. You
responses to the typical questions most employers ask.
2) Prepare a response so you are ready for the question "What do you know about our want to be a waiter during the
company?”. summer time because you want to
3) Be on time for the interview. On time means five to ten minutes early. Never be late! earn money for your studies.
4) Wear suitable smart clothes. Prepare for the interview (why do
5) Do not smoke, chew gum during the interview. Don’t eat garlic and use perfumes before you want to be a waiter/what is your
the meeting. work experience/what are your
6) Answer the interview question by more than a simple yes or no but try not to go over greatest strengths etc.). Think about
the 60 second limit. the questions you would like to ask
7) Stress your achievements, undermine your weaknesses. your prospect employer.
8) Avoid at all cost complaining about your current or former employer in your job
interview. B: You are the employer. You are
9) Be enthusiastic and show it in your replies and body language. Be professional but show looking for a waiter to your
also your sense of humour. restaurant just for the summer time.
10) Never ask about the salary during the first meeting. Think about the questions you will
ask your candidate.
