An interview in English is not a language test. The company wants to know if you can do the job. Clear, simple English is enough. Here is how to prepare.
Write five answers
Most interviews ask the same things. Prepare five short answers.
Tell me about yourself. Why this job? What are you good at? A difficult moment. Your questions for us.
Write each answer in five sentences. Learn the ideas, not the words.
Use the star shape
For a story, use four steps: situation, task, action, result.
We had a problem with late orders. I made a new plan. We called every customer. Late orders fell by half.
Practise out loud
Reading is not enough. Say your answers out loud, slowly, three times.
Prepare three questions
Ask about the team, the first three months, and how success is measured.
What would a good first month look like?
If you do not understand
Ask. It is normal, even for native speakers.
Sorry, could you say that again, more slowly?
Words to remember
- interview — a meeting for a job
- experience — the work you have done
- result — what happened in the end
- team — the people you work with
Questions & answers
Q: What if my English is not strong?
Speak slowly and use short sentences. Clear English beats fast, complicated English.
Q: Should I memorise my answers?
Learn the main ideas, not every word. Memorised answers sound strange.
Q: What if they speak too fast?
Say, "Sorry, could you say that again?" They will slow down.
Q: How do I talk about a weakness?
Choose a real but small weakness, and say what you are doing about it.
Q: Do I need to be funny?
No. Be warm and clear. A smile helps more than a joke.