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Business English - Job interview - Level 3

Violeta Gil Lespinar

Created on April 14, 2024

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Transcript

Business English:Job interview

Business workshop module 2

šŸ“„

Start

Menu

01

Common questions

02

Before you start, discuss:

Practice

Have you ever had a job interview? How did it go?

03

Tips

04

More vocabulary

Extra

Useful links

1. Complete the questions with the missing words 2. Classify them. (Click on each question to see tips and answers)

Common questions

answers

Experience and qualifications
Personal questions

What experience/you have?

What/your strengths?

Behavioural questions

Tell me/yourself.

Where/you see yourself in five years?

Tell me/a time you had to work as a team.

Why/you want this job?

What/your greatest weakness?

Tell me/a time you made a mistake at work.

Walk me through your resume

2 questions you should ask

Let's practice!

You're going to play a board game to practise INTERVIEW QUESTIONS. For most questions, you'll find some useful expressions and vocabulary you can use to answer. 1. Choose a job you'd like to be interviewed for OR use this example. 2. Play the game on the next page. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST!

Play

Job interview snakes and ladders

46

50

52

39

37

13

35

32

31

17

Roll the die!

18

23

21

Instructions

Read the tips for having a job interview and discuss the questions

Tips

Research. Do some research on the company you want to work for (on their website, Google, LinkedIn). It shows interest. Is this something you usually do?

04

First of all: your mindset. Remember they want to hire you! Do you ever have feelings of self-doubt before an interview?

01

Prepare questions for the end of the interview. You should always have 4 to 5 questions ready, and the more specific, the better. What questions would you ask? (Video with ideas)

05

Review the job description. During the interview, use the keywords in the job description. Practise answering some common questions using these keywords. What kind of information should you look for in a job description?

02

Prepare your outfit and look neat. It’s always safe to wear something between business casual and business formal, so as not to be underdressed. Describe what you would wear to a job interview.

06

Prepare stories. The interviewer will want to know, for example, about a time you disagreed with a coworker or about a time you failed 😯 Have you ever been asked anything similar?

Practise. Do a mock interview with someone who’s going to be honest and give you real feedback. And don’t forget: 65% of what we communicate is through body language! Are you aware of your body language during job interviews?

07

03

Vocabulary

hard-working

Describing yourself

team

1. Discuss the following questions (if necessary, check the meaning and pronunciation of the words) Are you a hard-working person? Do you work better alone or as part of a team? Are you a good problem-solver? How do you solve problems? What skills do you have? How often do you procrastinate? Are you skilled at multitasking? What tasks can you do at the same time? Which is more important: salary or work-life balance? What are you qualified in? What languages do you speak?

problem-solver

skills

procrastinate

skilled

multitasking

salary

work-life balance

qualified

Useful links and resources

Tips, vocabulary and sample answers:

  • The Muse. For example:
  • Indeed (look up on Google: "Indeed + tell me about yourself", for example)
  • On Instagram/YouTube: Advice with Erin
Vocabulary & expressions

Why do you want this job?

Square 21

I’ve always been passionate about (topic/area), and I think you’re doing great things, so I want to be a part of itJoining a (company) like yours makes sense to me because I think I’ll be able to...I’ve always loved how you (do something) ... so I was really excited when I came across this posting for a (job description)Working for (company) as the (role) would let me use both my knowledge of (area) and my experience in (area).I want to work at (company) because I believe I can achieve my professional goal of (doing something).

More ideas

What are your strenghts?

Square 5

Vocabulary

Useful expressions

I think some of my greatest strengths are my (... skills) and my ability to (do/be something) My greatest strength is probably...I think that one of my biggest strengths is being able to...I’m good at (doing something), and especially at (doing something else related to the previous idea) For example, as a (role), I noticed that...I love (doing something) so I always...By (doing something), I’m usually able to...

detail-oriented (= detallista)loyal ( = fiel, leal)punctual (= puntual)responsible (= responsable)consistent (= constante)trustworthy/reliable/dependable (=confiable)innovative (= innovador/a)open-minded (= de mentalidad abierta)committed (= comprometido/a)collaborative/team player (= colaborador, que trabaja bien en equipo)communication (skills)

More ideas

2 questions you should ask

at the end of the interview
  • If you receive a concrete job offer, don't accept immediately. Instead, say:"Thank you so much for this opportunity. I'm really excited to work here/get started. Is this negotiable?"That way, you make sure they give you their BEST offer, which is not always the first one they make.
  • At the very end of the interview, ask:"When can I expect to hear back about next steps?"Also, you could send a thank-you email the next day. And, if you don't hear back within the expected time, send a check-in email reiteraiting interest!
TALKING ABOUT yourself

Sample answer

Tips

  • Be concise. Keep it short and stick to the facts.
  • This is an opportunity to spotlight the skills and experience that make you an ideal candidate/fit for the job
  • Clearly explain how you're qualified for this particular job and why you want it
  • Don't make your answer too personal
  • Don't talk negatively about current/previous jobs

Simple and effective formula for structuring your response: Present: Talk a little bit about what your current role is, the scope of it, and perhaps a big recent accomplishment. Past: Tell the interviewer how you got there and/or mention previous experience that’s relevant to the job and company you’re applying for. Future: Explain what you’re looking to do next and why you’re interested in this position (and a great fit for it, too). ā€œI've been in the marketing industry for over five years, primarily working in account and project management roles. I most recently worked as a senior PM for a large tech company managing large marketing campaigns and overseeing other project managers. And now I'm looking to expand my experience across different industries, which is why I'm so interested in joining an agency like yours.ā€

future goals

Sample answer

Tips

My current short-term goal is to develop and use my marketing and communications skills in a job like this one. However, I eventually want to develop into a position that allows me to continue to use these skills while also managing a marketing group. I will prepare for this goal by taking on leadership positions in team projects, and by developing my professional career through attending leadership conferences such as the one put on annually by your company.

  • Employers ask about the future to ensure that your goals align with those of the organization
  • The interviewer wants to make sure that you intend to stay a while at the company.
  • However, the interviewer also wants to make sure you have ambitions and goals for your future.
  • Include the steps you intend to take to achieve your career goals (short-term and long-term).
  • Mention that one of your goals is to work for a company like the one for which you’re interviewing.
TALKING ABOUT strengths

Tips

  • Mention your strength cleary. Look for key words in the job description, e.g.: We are looking for a passionate and dedicated Elementary School Teacher to join our team.
  • Choose a skill that is appropriate for your area. E.g.: project manager - organization.
  • Give more information about it - you can give an example or tell a story, e.g.: I'm highly organized, and apply my natural skill for organizing people and projects to all aspects of my work.

What are your strenghts?

Square 6

Vocabulary

Useful expressions

I think some of my greatest strengths are my (... skills) and my ability to (do/be something) My greatest strength is probably...I think that one of my biggest strengths is being able to...I’m good at (doing something), and especially at (doing something else related to the previous idea) For example, as a (role), I noticed that...I love (doing something) so I always...By (doing something), I’m usually able to...

detail-oriented (= detallista)loyal ( = fiel, leal)punctual (= puntual)responsible (= responsable)consistent (= constante)trustworthy/reliable/dependable (=confiable)innovative (= innovador/a)open-minded (= de mentalidad abierta)committed (= comprometido/a)collaborative/team player (= colaborador, que trabaja bien en equipo)communication (skills)

More ideas

Vocabulary & expressions

Why do you want this job?

Square 1

I’ve always been passionate about (topic/area), and I think you’re doing great things, so I want to be a part of itJoining a (company) like yours makes sense to me because I think I’ll be able to...I’ve always loved how you (do something) ... so I was really excited when I came across this posting for a (job description)Working for (company) as the (role) would let me use both my knowledge of (area) and my experience in (area).I want to work at (company) because I believe I can achieve my professional goal of (doing something).

More ideas

More ideas

LADDERS

SNAKES

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Choose your token (an animal). 2. Roll the die and move to the corresponding square. 3. If there's a ladder, you go up to the corresponding square. If there's a snake, you go down! 4. If there's a number on the square, click on it: you will see a job interview question. Read it aloud so that everyone can answer.5. If it's a repeated question, throw again!

If you land on a suqare where there's a snake, be careful! If you land on its tail, you'll have to go down to the square where its head is.

SNAKES

If you land on the bottom of a ladder, you'll have to go up until you reach its top! Lucky you!

LADDERS

Vocabulary & expressions

Square 23

Tell me about a time you made a mistake

STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result):Early in my career, I (made a mistake) that ended up (having negative consequences). There were a lot of factors that contributed to this, but ultimately, I was the one who dropped the ball. From that experience, I went back and thought really hard about what I could’ve controlled and what I would’ve changed. It turns out that I was not nearly as (skill) as I thought I was. I sat down with my boss, asked for suggestions on how to improve my (skill), and a few months later (positive results)When working at (company), I made the mistake of (doing something). To remedy the situation, I (solution). Now I understand the importance of (doing something). This situation made me realize that I need to (something you should do).

More ideas

Part-time Primary School Teacher

About the Role Qualifications: •Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a relevant subject area. •Previous experience in a primary teaching role •Excellent communication and teamwork skills. We Offer: •A competitive salary and benefits package. •Professional development opportunities and potential for future full-time employment. •A supportive and inclusive school community. Ready to join our team? We’d love to hear from you! Apply today by emailing your CV to careers@schooljotter.com

Job Advert Location: West Yorkshire Position: Part-Time Primary School Teacher (20 Hours/Week) About the Role: We invite applications for a passionate Part-Time Primary School Teacher in West Yorkshire. This role is perfectly suited to those seeking a work-life balance, offering 20 hours a week during school hours. Responsibilities: •Plan, prepare, and deliver engaging lessons •Assess and monitor pupils’ progress, providing timely feedback •Work collaboratively with staff, parents, and the wider school community to promote pupil wellbeing and academic success.

walk me through your resume

Tips

  • Your answer should group your qualifications by your past jobs and tell your career story
  • Interviewers want to know about the skills and experiences you have that qualify you for the job
  • Avoid spending longer than five minutes responding to this question
  • Avoid sharing your entire work history if it's not relevant
  • Connect each job to a skill or experience directly needed for the job. OR focus on highlighting the transferable skills you gained in one context or past experience that apply to another.
  • Choose the right structure for you. Forexample, in the ā€˜present, past, future’ format, you start by describing your current position before recounting past jobs and linking them both to the future.

Casilla 24

¿Sabías que las imÔgenes son un recurso estético que cuentan historias por sí mismas?

Vocabulary & expressions

Square 35

Tell me about a challenge or conflict you’ve faced at work, and how you dealt with it.

Remember the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result):

Ideas

Vocabulary & expressions

Tell me about yourself

Square 2

Intro: Sure! So I've always enjoyed (doing something related to the job)Present:I'm currently working as a/an (role) at (company) I've been working in the (area) industry for (time)Past:Before that, I worked as a (role) for (company), where I was in charge of (tasks)I most recently worked as a (role) at a (area) company, (doing tasks related to the job)Future:I realized I'm excited to take on a new opportunity.../ I'm looking to......so I jumped at the chance to apply when I saw the job opening./ ...which is why I'm so interested in joining your company.

More ideas

why you want this position

Possible answers

Tips

  • I'm interested in this position because I want to be part of an organization that values its employees and what they contribute to the workplace.
  • I want this job because it emphasizes sales and marketing, two of my greatest skill sets.
  • As I’ve read on your website, you’re planning to launch several new products in the coming months. I want to be a part of this business as it grows, and I know my experience in product development would help your company
  • This job is a good fit for what I've been doing and enjoying throughout my career.
  • Do research on the company
  • Be specific about why you're a good fit
  • Emphasize what you can contribute/Focus on how your abilities and experience can benefit the company and position
  • Keep the focus on the company and its needs.
  • You can say that you want to grow with the company
Vocabulary & expressions

Square 31

Walk me through your resume

Well, as you can see from my resume, I studied ...When I graduated, I found a job in (area) as a (role) for a (company), where I learned about...Then, I moved into a (another type of role in the same or a different area) at (company), where I was responsible for (tasks)As I continue to hone (refine, improve) my (skills), I’m really looking to find a role that...

More ideas

Casilla 55

Why are you leaving your current job?

Square 39

Ideas

Vocabulary & expressions

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Square 18

Step 1: Start your answer with one or two key goals:In five years, I’d like to be in a position where I...I’m someone who loves (doing something), so in the next five years, I see myself (doing something)Hopefully, in five years I’ll be (doing something)Some of my future goals for the next few years include (doing sometjing)Step 2: Say how and why you will have done these things:I will have gotten experience (doing something)I’ll have grown my ... skills and learned how to (do something)In a role like this, I’ll also learn more about how to (do something)I’m excited by the prospect of getting more experience in...More ideas: /https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-answer-where-do-you-see-yourself-in-5-years / https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/interview-question-where-do-you-see-yourself-in-five-years

TALKING ABOUT WEAKNESSES

Tips

  • The weakness you mention depends on your job title, e.g.: If you apply for a job as a therapist, you can't say that you have trouble listening.
  • Don't say you're a perfectionist! It's not authentic.
  • The interviewer wants to see if you know your weaknesses and what you do to improve them
  • Use these phrases:
I'm currently working on my listening skillsI struggle with time managementI tend to be disorganizedI'm not skilled at public speakingI somethimes find it difficult to ask for help
  • Say what you are doing to work on that weakness. E.g.: One thing I need to work on is time management, but I am actively improving by …
TALKING ABOUT a time when...

Tips

  • These questions are about situations you have faced in the past that can demonstrate a particular skill you have
  • Be ready with examples such as how you resolved conflict in your team or dealt with someone who was not working well
  • Read the job description carefully for the required skills and abilities and try to recall situations where you had to use these skills
  • Use the STAR technique when talking about these examples:Situation – Give details about the context of your example and what you were trying to do.Task – Describe your responsibilities and the challenges you faced.Action – Describe what steps you took to deal with the situation.Result – Talk about the end result and how you contributed to this outcome.

What is your greatest weakness?

Square 13

Useful expressions

Vocabulary

Step 1: Expose weakness:I tend to (be/do something negative), which can (do something negative). It can be difficult for me to (do/be something).I need to get much better at (doing something)Step 2: Give example of a time when it affected your work:When I was a (role) at (company), I (had this task). Unfortunately, (I did something) and (something negative happened).When I first started at my current job, I (did something negative).Step 3: what you're doing to improveThese days, I (do something positive to avoid negative results)So now, to ensure that (I don't do that again), I (do something positive)Nowadays, I’m making a huge effort to (do something)

delegation/delegate (= delegar tareas)impatient (= impaciente)self-critical (= autocrĆ­tico)public speaking (= hablar en pĆŗblico)listening skills (= escucha activa, saber escuchar)ask for help (= pedir ayuda)time management (= manejo del tiempo)disorganized (= desorganizado/a)procrastination take on too much responsibility (= asumir muchas responsabilidades)

More ideas

Square 32

Do you have any questions about the position?

Ideas

Tell me about your experience

Square 9

Vocabulary & expressions

Step 1: Past experience:When I graduated, I found a job in (area) for a (type of company) / Then, I moved into a (type of role) at a (type of company) where I was responsible for (doing something)I have (number of years) of experience in (area)I spent (number of years) working in (area) for (company)The majority of my work experience has come from (doing something)My ability to (do something positive) allowed me to get my next job as a (role), where I (did tasks).Step 2: Connect your experience to the position:I'm enthusiastic about continuing to develop my career in this exciting field...I'm eager to bring (something positive about yourself) to this companyI'm confident I can (do somehting positive) on your company

More ideas

What is your greatest weakness?

Square 13

Useful expressions

Vocabulary

Step 1: Expose weakness:I tend to (be/do something negative), which can (do something negative). It can be difficult for me to (do/be something).I need to get much better at (doing something)Step 2: Give example of a time when it affected your work:When I was a (role) at (company), I (had this task). Unfortunately, (I did something) and (something negative happened).When I first started at my current job, I (did something negative).Step 3: what you're doing to improveThese days, I (do something positive to avoid negative results)So now, to ensure that (I don't do that again), I (do something positive)Nowadays, I’m making a huge effort to (do something)

delegation/delegate (= delegar tareas)impatient (= impaciente)self-critical (= autocrĆ­tico)public speaking (= hablar en pĆŗblico)listening skills (= escucha activa, saber escuchar)ask for help (= pedir ayuda)time management (= manejo del tiempo)disorganized (= desorganizado/a)procrastination take on too much responsibility (= asumir muchas responsabilidades)

More ideas

Vocabulary & expressions

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Square 17

Step 1: Start your answer with one or two key goals:In five years, I’d like to be in a position where I...I’m someone who loves (doing something), so in the next five years, I see myself (doing something)Hopefully, in five years I’ll be (doing something)Some of my future goals for the next few years include (doing sometjing)Step 2: Say how and why you will have done these things:I will have gotten experience (doing something)I’ll have grown my ... skills and learned how to (do something)In a role like this, I’ll also learn more about how to (do something)I’m excited by the prospect of getting more experience in...

More ideas

More ideas

Tell me about your experience

Square 8

Vocabulary & expressions

Step 1: Past experience:When I graduated, I found a job in (area) for a (type of company) / Then, I moved into a (type of role) at a (type of company) where I was responsible for (doing something)I have (number of years) of experience in (area)I spent (number of years) working in (area) for (company)The majority of my work experience has come from (doing something)My ability to (do something positive) allowed me to get my next job as a (role), where I (did tasks).Step 2: Connect your experience to the position:I'm enthusiastic about continuing to develop my career in this exciting field...I'm eager to bring (something positive about yourself) to this companyI'm confident I can (do somehting positive) on your company

More ideas

Square 46

How would your boss and coworkers describe you?

Ideas

TALKING ABOUT a time when...

Tips

  • These questions are about situations you have faced in the past that can demonstrate a particular skill you have
  • Be ready with examples such as how you resolved conflict in your team or dealt with someone who was not working well
  • Read the job description carefully for the required skills and abilities and try to recall situations where you had to use these skills
  • Use the STAR technique when talking about these examples:Situation – Give details about the context of your example and what you were trying to do.Task – Describe your responsibilities and the challenges you faced.Action – Describe what steps you took to deal with the situation.Result – Talk about the end result and how you contributed to this outcome.

Square 50

How do you stay organized?

Vocabulary & expressions

Square 52

What are you passionate about?

One of my favorite pastimes is (doing something) — I love being able to (do something related to the activity). Of course, (the hobby) also requires (a skill/skills that could be useful for the job). Luckily, as a (profession/occupation) I have cultivated that quality!

More ideas