Stories for English Learners
Master Your Job Interview in English: A Complete Guide by ChidoLingo
In this comprehensive guide, we'll arm you with the tools, techniques, and confidence you need to succeed in your English job interview.
Unlock success in your next English job interview. From common questions to body language, ChidoLingo’s comprehensive guide has you covered. Start preparing now!
- Uriel Benitez
- Idioms Course 1
- More stories
Warm Up
Tell me about yourself
The most common interview question you’ll likely encounter is “Tell me about yourself.” So, for our warm-up, let’s dive into figuring out the best way to tackle this question.
Brainstorm: Take 2 minutes to jot down key points about your professional background, skills, and career goals.
Structure: Use the “Past, Present, Future” method to organize your thoughts.
- Past: Briefly discuss your past experiences that are relevant to the job.
- Present: Talk about what you’re currently doing or have recently done.
- Future: Mention what you’re looking to achieve next in your career.
Practice: Now try to combine these into a 1-2 minute speech. Aim to be clear and focused, avoiding any unnecessary details.
Example
Hi, my name is Emily and I’m originally from San Francisco. I’m a marketing professional with over 4 years of experience specializing in social media and content creation. Currently, I’m working as a freelance digital marketer where I assist small businesses in amplifying their online presence. Outside of work, I’m passionate about photography and love to explore the great outdoors. I’m seeking a position where I can leverage my skills in a team-oriented environment to drive brand growth.
Specific Vocabulary in Interviews
Objective
To familiarize yourself with key terms and phrases often used in job interviews.
Applicant
As an applicant for this marketing role, I've researched your company extensively and I'm excited about the prospect of joining your team.
Qualifications
My qualifications include a Master's degree in Computer Science and four years of hands-on experience in full-stack development.
To Delegate
In my previous role, I learned how to effectively delegate tasks to optimize team productivity.
Portfolio
I've compiled a portfolio of my previous design work, which includes both personal projects and professional assignments.
Compensation
In terms of compensation, I'm looking for a package that not only includes a competitive salary but also opportunities for professional development.
Initiative
I took the initiative to reorganize the filing system, which increased departmental efficiency by 20%.
Freelancer
I worked as a freelancer for several years, which taught me how to manage my time and meet deadlines without direct supervision.
Deadline
I pride myself on never missing a deadline and delivering high-quality work in a timely manner.
Reference
I can provide references from my previous employers who will attest to my strong work ethic and reliability.
Common Questions and Answers
For the Applicant
Objective
To prepare for common interview questions by understanding what employers are looking for and practicing your responses.
For the Interviewer
Objective
To learn how to ask insightful questions that show your interest and understanding of the role.
What to Ask:
- What's the company culture like here?
- Can you describe the team I'll be working with?
- What opportunities for professional growth are available?
- What is your expectation of me working on a normal day?
What not to Ask:
- Questions about salary or benefits too early in the interview.
- Anything you could easily find online (e.g., "What does your company do?").
Common Mistakes
Objective
To be aware of common mistakes made during interviews and how to avoid them.
1. Body Language:
Poor eye contact, not smiling, bad posture, fidgeting.
2. Filler Words:
Using "um," "uh," "you know," "so," "actually," etc.
3. Talking Too Much or Too Little:
Over-explaining, going off-topic, or being too reserved.
4. Not Listening:
Interrupting the interviewer, not answering the question asked.
5. Poor Preparation:
Not knowing much about the company or the role.
6. Negative Language:
Talking poorly about previous employers or colleagues.
7. Not Asking Questions:
Failing to show interest in the company or role.
Practical Activity - Homework
Objective
- Use our ChidoLingo submission form to upload your video.
- In your video, address some common interview questions we’ve covered in class like, “Tell me about yourself,” “Why are you interested in this job?” and so forth.
- Implement the skills and tips you’ve learned in class, including body language and avoiding filler words.
Recommendations
- Quickly outline the key points you want to touch on to avoid rambling.
- Practice your speech one or two times before hitting the record button on the final video.
Alex
Hello, I’m Alex, originally from Seattle. I graduated with a degree in Computer Science from the University of Washington. I’ve spent the last six years in software engineering, and I’m currently leading a team of five, focusing on backend technologies like Node.js and Ruby on Rails. Before this role, I worked at a startup, where I honed my skills in agile methodologies and cloud-based solutions. Outside the office, I’m an avid hiker and a vintage car enthusiast. I’m on the hunt for a role that will challenge me and provide opportunities for growth.
Do you have any comment or question? Let us Know!
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Recuerda que si este ejercicio te resulta desafiante, siempre puedes recurrir a Señor Scholar para recibir ayuda.
¡Solo dile en que ejercicios tienes problemas y él te ayudará!
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