ESL Blogs

Job interviews - for English learners.

By Dayne Collins.

I am sure we all LOVE job interviews, right? (Perhaps the next article will be about mastering sarcasm.)

Unfortunately for most of us they are something we can not avoid. If you want the job, you must succeed at the interview. In today's international job market, many big companies require the use of English, and as a result many job interviews for the positions people want around the world are likely to be conducted in English.

Although the language may be different, luckily the rules are much the same. Learn how to promote yourself as a potential employee, this means learning to talk about your strengths with absolute confidence in yourself, and your abilities. Check your modesty at the door. But not all of it!
 
Practice your listening skills: Job interviews work on a question and answer basis, so it should be obvious that understanding the questions you are being asked is very important.

Speak clearly and with confidence: We know that understanding the questions is important, but it is equally important that your potential employer understands your answers too.

Research the company: Learn about the company you have applied to work for, then think of some questions you may be able to ask your interviewer. This shows you have a real interest in the company. Asking relevant questions will also impress the interviewer, and shows you have self confidence, and confidence in your English speaking skills.

Interview etiquette: It is important to understand interview etiquette. Etiquette can be different, depending on where you are, and the local culture. But there are some things that never change, no matter where you are. The basics are... Well...Basic. Dress appropriately, and avoid asking about money. $$$

Talking about past employment:
Be prepared to be asked about previous jobs. It is important to focus on the positives of your previous employment. No, this doesn't mean you should lie, but if you think your last boss was a jerk, and you hated your last job, it is best to avoid mentioning that in your interview.

Be prepared to be asked some odd questions: In some interviews you may be asked some questions that may seem a little bit abstract. Answer these as well as you can, these questions are designed to put you on the spot, so being able to answer without hesitation will impress your interviewer, even if your answer is as abstract as their question.

I would love to hear about your job interview experiences, as well as any strange questions you have been asked in a job interview. Please share them in the comment section below.