How to prepare for a job interview.
Do you know what common interview questions are? Do you want to improve your work related vocabulary in English? Do you know what answers you should not give in an interview in English? Do you want to be proficient in English to improve your salary?
A successful job interview in English is not as complicated as you might think. In this article we will look at conversations in English that will help you improve your interview skills.
An example of a typical interview in English
Mr Pitt is a restaurant manager and needs to hire a bartender, for weekend work, who could also help out in the kitchen. Paco Garcia needs a job and goes for the interview.
- Mr Pitt: Hello Mr Garcia. How are you? I’m pleased to meet you and thank you for your interest in the position of bartender and kitchen hand.
- Paco: Pleased to be here Mr Pitt.
- Mr Pitt: Well, Paco, I’ve been reviewing your application and I think you would be perfect for the role. If you don´t mind, I’m going to ask you some questions just to get to know you a little more.
- Paco: Yes, of course. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have, Mr Pitt.
- Mr Pitt: How long were you working at your last job and why did you apply for this position?
- Paco: Previously I worked as a kitchen hand for three years at a restaurant near the centre of London. The experience was very fulfilling. Sadly, the restaurant owner retired and consequently my position was made redundant. However I am certain that, with my experience, I would fit in nicely with the position you are offering.
- Mr Pitt: What were your previous duties in the restaurant? Besides waiter and kitchen hand, were you involved in other tasks, such as ordering, stock control, etc.?
- Paco: At first, I was only waiting tables but later I started cooking and preparing meals. After only one year I was involved in a multitude of tasks.
- Mr Pitt: If I were to speak with any of your regular customers, what would they say about you?
- Paco: I think they would be happy to recommend me for any hospitality position. I have always treated them with respect and they know that I am very responsible and friendly.
- Mr Pitt: Have you worked in any other restaurants?
- Paco: Yes, before I moved here, I used to spend my summers here and I always worked in hospitality. I have worked in ice cream shops, coffee shops, fast food restaurants etc.
- Mr Pitt: Could you tell me about your studies.
- Paco: Yes, I studied Hospitality in Mallorca and, from the first day I began my studies, I have been working in this sector.
- Mr Pitt: Perfect! When would you be able to start? Could you work weekends all year round?
- Paco: Yes, I can work weekends. I will be very reliable.
- Mr Pitt: Finally, Could you tell me why I should hire you?
- Paco: I am very responsible and hardworking and I have very good customer service skills.
Frequently asked interview questions in English
Questions about you
- Tell me about yourself?
- How would your friends describe you?
- What is the most interesting thing you’ve done in the past three years?
- Tell me about an interesting article you recently read in the newspaper.
- What’s the last non-school related book you read? What did you learn from this book?
Questions about your qualifications
- Why do you want to work here?
- Why should I hire you?
- Do you have the skills to work in this position/company?
- What specific skills have you acquired or used in previous jobs that related to this position?
- Tell me about what you learned from your previous jobs and internships.
- What did you like/dislike about your last job?
Questions about your understanding of the job/company
- What do you know about our company and this position?
- Why did you apply to our organization?
- What interests impress you about this organization?
- What criteria are you using to evaluate the organization for which you hope to work?
- What can you tell us about our company?
Do you want to improve your English? Find out more at Dexway!