Hello my beautiful students!
Interviews can be daunting, particularly if English isn't your first language. However, with the right preparation and practice, you can proficiently articulate your abilities and experiences, making a great impression on your potential employers.
A job interview is an opportunity to sell yourself to prospective employers. It's your chance to showcase your skills, experiences, and qualities that make you the perfect fit for the job. Interviewers want to see that you can communicate effectively, and in a professional setting, this often means using formal, polished English.
This article will provide tips on how to present yourself professionally in a job interview using appropriate English.
Teacher Caroline's Tip: Also be sure to checkout our blog post for 15 Tips to Mastering the Art of Small Talk in business English!
1. Start with a Strong Introduction
Your introduction sets the tone for the rest of the interview. Always greet your interviewers with a polite 'Hello,' followed by their title and last name (e.g., "Hello, Mr. Smith"). Following this, you can say, "It's a pleasure to meet you" or "Thank you for giving me this opportunity."
It's also common for interviewers to start the conversation with, "Tell me about yourself." In this case, you should provide a concise summary of your professional background and experiences relevant to the job role, using formal and clear language.
For example: "I'm a software engineer with five years of experience in mobile app development. I specialize in Android programming and have a strong interest in developing intuitive user interfaces. In my previous role at XYZ company, I was part of a team that developed award-winning applications."
2. Show Confidence and Enthusiasm
Using confident language can leave a lasting positive impression. Practice using power words such as 'achieved,' 'managed,' 'led,' and 'developed.' These words indicate that you take an active role in your work.
Your enthusiasm for the job role and company is equally essential. You can express this by stating, "I'm excited about the opportunity to work here because…" followed by specific reasons that are pertinent to the job or company.
3. Be Clear and Specific
Avoid using jargon and acronyms that the interviewer might not understand, unless they are commonly used in the industry. Instead, use clear, specific language to describe your skills and experiences.
For instance, instead of saying "I'm experienced in customer relations," say, "I have three years of experience managing a customer service team in a telecommunications company, where I was responsible for resolving customer complaints and improving customer satisfaction rates."
4. Use Proper Tenses
Proper use of tenses is crucial in an interview. If you're talking about previous roles, use the past tense ("I led a team of five"). For your current role or ongoing actions, use the present tense ("I am currently leading a project on...").
5. Ask Thoughtful Questions
Towards the end of the interview, you will usually be given the opportunity to ask questions. This is an excellent chance to show your interest in the role and the company. Here are a few examples of thoughtful questions:
- "What does a typical day look like for someone in this position?"
- "What are the opportunities for professional development within the company?"
- "Could you describe the company's culture?"
6. Finish with a Positive Closing
At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer for their time. You might say, "Thank you for considering my application. I'm looking forward to the possibility of contributing to your team."
Practice Makes Perfect
Becoming proficient in English interview skills doesn't happen overnight. Take time to practice responding to typical interview questions and listen to native speakers to pick up natural rhythms and patterns. You can even participate in mock interviews with a mentor or English teacher - if you'd like to practice with me, you can join my Patreon for one-on-one coaching!*
The more you practice, the more confident and professional you will become, bringing you one step closer to acing that job interview.
Remember, everyone feels nervous during interviews, even native English speakers. So, don't be too hard on yourself. Good preparation and practice will help you overcome any language barriers and let your true professional shine through. You've got this!
*Note: only the Advanced Patreon tier offers coaching at the time of this post being published.
Happy practicing!
