How much can you remember?

Do not assume interviewers know what you did in your

previous job. It is important not to use technical language.

If they interviewers don’t hear you, it may mean your

interpersonal and communication skills are not very good.

Don’t talk for too long and talk about the topic. It’s important
that the interviewers don’t get bored. Talk the necessary
amount.

Most lies or exaggerations get discovered and you would

make a negative impression.

If you personally did something, say ‘I did’. Don’t say ‘we did’
or ‘it was’.

The way you walk, sit and act may influence your
interviewer’s opinion of you as much as what you actually
say.
• The president was an energetic campaigner.

• Working with young people helps me to be a little more tolerant.

• He was a cheerful man with a kind word for everybody.

• She had a pleasant matter and was popular with everyone.

• He has a very calm manner.

• a friendly, easygoing type of guy

• Be patient with her – she’s very young.

• a hardworking employee

• Do you feel nervous during exams?

• He is very organised – his desk is always clean and tidy.

Which of the following words are ‘weaknesses’?

collaborative empathetic patient

committed enthusiastic procrastinator

creative flexible reliable

critical honest respectful

determined inexperienced shy

disorganised innovative unfamiliar

 Choose the correct alternative.
1. A weakness must / cannot be a personality trait.

2. A weakness can be a situation / a person that makes you feel that

way.

3. You must / mustn’t give examples of your strengths.

4. When you talk about a weakness you have to / don’t have to say
what you are doing to solve this problem.

5. Don’t / List multiple strengths.

6. Make / Don’t make jokes.

7. Be / Don’t be arrogant.

8. If necessary / Never lie about your abilities.

1. Connect your answers to the skills necessary for the job.

2. Consider extracurricular activities.

3. Answer honestly.

4. Prepare for the interview.

5. Support your answers with an example.

6. Always make a positive impression.

1. I’m _______________ all deliveries out of the factory.

2. I have to _______________ any complaints.

3. I _______________ the coffee bar and restaurant in the

museum.

4. I have to _______________ a lot of meetings.

5. I visit/see/meet _______________.

6. I _______________ clients.

7. It involves _______________ quite a lot of _______________.

 Tell me about a time you worked in a
team.

Describe a situation where you solved a

problem.

Give an example of a time when you

made a difficult decision.

Describe a situation where you showed

leadership.

Tell me about a time you took

responsibility for a project.
SITUATION

TASK

ACTION

RESULT
1. Are there opportunities for professional development?

2. Did I get the job?

3. How did I do in this interview?

4. How do you measure performance?

5. How do you reward good work?

6. How long does this process usually take?

7. How often do you give bonuses?

8. How often do you raise the salary?

9. What does this company do?

10. What’s the next step in the hiring process?

11. What are the principal responsibilities of the position?

12. What are the prospects for growth?

13. What kind of benefits do you give?

14. When can I have holidays?

15. When will you call me?

16. Would I need to travel for the position?

Which do you do before the interview and which
during the interview?
1. Browse the company’s website and its mission statement.

1. Check the company’s blog and LinkedIn page.

1. Give examples of past experiences.

1. Link your answers to the position and the company’s aims.

1. Read the job description carefully for any specific skills.

1. Refer to previous positions.

1. Use the present simple / past simple / second conditional

 Expressions to gain time:

1. Let me think / see, …

2. I haven’t thought much about this, …

3. Pardon?

4. Can you repeat the question, please?

5. Interesting question.

6. That’s an interesting topic to talk about.

SUCCESSFUL JOB INTERVIEWS
Final task
 Questions for interviewer A

1. Can you tell me/us something about yourself?

2. Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
3. What are your weaknesses?
4. What did you choose your major?
5. Tell me/us about your work experience?
6. Are you willing to work at weekends?
7. Describe a situation where you solved a problem.
8. What would you do if you and a colleague disagreed?
9. Do you have any questions for me/us?
 Questions for interviewer B

1. Can you tell me/us something about yourself?

2. What do you like doing in your free time?
3. What do you see as your strengths?
4. Tell me/us about your education.
5. What are your career goals?
6. Are you looking for a permanent or a temporary position?
7. Tell me about a time you worked in a team?
8. What would you do if you had a different opinion from your
boss?
9. Do you have any questions for me/us?
SUCCESSFUL JOB INTERVIEWS