Job interviews
Preparing for interviews
When companies are recruiting1, they often have a set of criteria2(e.g. three years of experience in the
field, or a degree in a relevant area) which they use to find the most suitable candidates. If you are
shortlisted3 for an interview, make sure you do your homework first: find out as much as you can about
the company, its products, markets, competitors, etc. If you can, ask a friend to do a trial run4 with you.
This will help boost5 your confidence. The interview may be conducted by a panel (a group of people),
probably including your future line manager6. Don’t forget to make eye contact with all the interviewers
while you are talking. As you arrive for the interview, body language7 is important. Give a firm handshake
and speak up8. This will help to create a good first impression.
1
hiring (new staff)
2 requirements you use to make a decision
3
selected from a larger group
4
a practice of something new
5
improve or increase
6
the person who is directly responsible for your work
7
physical movements which show how you are feeling
8
speak (more) loudly and clearly
During an interview
A: So, can you talk us through1 your CV?
B: Well, I studied Engineering and then took a job as a trainee2 at F3 Telecom.
A: I’d like to ask about opportunities for professional development.
B: We have a very good in-house3 training programme for new recruits.
Can you give us an example of how you’ve worked well under pressure?
How would your colleagues / your supervisor describe you?
I’m keen to take on4 more responsibility.
A: We’re looking to fill the post5 fairly quickly. If you are successful, how soon could you start?
B: The notice period6 on my present job is just two weeks, so I could start very soon.
1
tell us about in more detail
2
a person who is learning a new job
3
within the company
4
start to have
5
find someone to do the job
6
time you need to work in your job after you have officially told the company you are leaving
A job offer
Dear Mr Malton,
Thank you for attending the interview last week. We very much enjoyed meeting you. We are delighted to
offer you the position of Trainee Programmer. We believe your qualifications and experience will be an
ideal fit1 for the job.
Please review the attached document outlining2 your salary, benefits (including paid leave3) and
reporting structure4, and sign where indicated. Return the document within five business days. Once we
have received the paperwork, we will contact you to arrange your start date.
We look forward to welcoming you as part of our team.
Kind regards
Melanie Stephens
1
very suitable for
2
giving an overview of
3
time off you are paid for, such as a holiday or parental leave
4
company structure and who you report to
Fill in the tips for a successful interview.
1. Before the interview, _____________ your_____________ : find out as much as you can about the
company and prepare answers to common interview questions.
2. If you can, do a_________ to practise how you will answer the interview questions.
3. You need to create a good________ with the interviewers. Dress smartly and professionally.
4. Remember that your _________also plays an important part. Don’t forget to smile! This will make you
seem more friendly, and might actually_______ your confidence too.
5. Make sure you greet your interviewer with a__________ . Make _______when you talk to them – look
at them directly.
6. During the interview, describe all your relevant education and experience to show how you fulfill all
the____________ for the job.
Choose the correct word to complete the sentences.
1 I’m afraid you’ll have to speak up / eye up / head up. I can hardly hear what you’re saying.
2 We are taking/recruiting/searching people for our new branch in the city centre.
3 If we can’t fill/fulfill/supply the post internally, we’ll have to advertise externally.
4 If I get the new job, I will have to take up / over/on more responsibility, but I will get a
salary increase.
5 I don’t like working under pressure / under stress / by force. I end up making mistakes.
Rewrite the following sentences using appropriate expressions.
1 Could you tell us about your previous experience in this field?
2 I think we should give the job to Ruth. She seems perfectly suited to the team.
3 Employees are entitled to 30 days’ holiday.
4 The group of interviewers will include your future line manager.
5 They just called me to say I have been chosen (as one of the best candidates) for an interview.
Correct the mistakes.
1 Please find attached a document overviewing your working conditions.
2 In some companies the leaving period can be as much as six months.
3 I’m going to be working as a superior, in charge of a team of 4 people.
4 The company doesn’t do any in-office training. It’s all done externally.
5 My begin date for the new job is 1 July.
6 I’m a trainer accountant. I haven’t passed my qualifying exams yet.
• What do you do before a stressful situation to boost your confidence?
• Would you rather have a lot of paid leave or a higher salary?
• Do you work better under pressure? Or do you prefer to have more time?
• Do you enjoy taking on extra responsibility? Or do you find it stressful?
