1. Question: What work experience have you gained that will help you with this job?
Context: This is a nice, friendly, warm up question which is there to put you at ease. Remember, the interviewer will already have seen the answer to this question on your application form. The key is to be concise. Say what you have done and why it will help. For this example, we will use the example of applying for a job as a waiter or waitress.
Model Answer: I have some strong work experience that will help me with this job if I am successful. I worked for a year as a student in a local Pizza restaurant. That helped me to get confidence in talking to the public, and also showed me that this is a job where I will need to work hard. I then worked for a short while in a kitchen, helping the chef. That showed me the other side of working in a restaurant, so I can understand the importance of giving the chef accurate information with orders. I also worked for a while in a bank. That shows that I am confident with handling money, which will help when I take payment for meals.
2. Question: What will be the most important part of your work?
Context: A tougher interview question. Although your work experience is not mentioned, you need to refer to it, otherwise your answer will lack authority. We will use the example of working in a retail store.
Model Answer: I think that dealing with customers will be the most important part of my work. For my previous work experience in a shop, I needed to develop a good understanding of the products we sold so I could help customers. I also learned to be polite and keep smiling, even with some of the more challenging shoppers.
Note: ‘more challenging’ is a euphemism. Using a language tool such as this demonstrates a good grasp of English. It is a polite way of saying rude. To call customers ‘rude’ or ‘impolite’ at interview is too literal; using a phrase such as ‘more challenging’ will bring a smile to the interviewer’s face.
3. Question: How would your friends and colleagues describe you?
Context: A good, but common question. You need to show that you are competent, but modest. Let us use the example of applying for a college course.
Model Answer: (Little Pause!) I think that I did well on my previous course. I got on well with other people, and really enjoyed working with them. At the same time, sometimes I had to put my work first, and make sure that I completed what I needed to do. So, I would say that they would describe me as disciplined, but friendly and supportive.
4. Question: What will you find most satisfying about this job?
Context:This interview question gives you a chance to show your true self. Be positive and show what an enthusiast you are. Let us use the example of applying for a post as a receptionist.
Model Answer: Where should I begin. There is so much I would enjoy about this job. Meeting people, helping the public, getting to know my colleagues. But I think best of all will be meeting a visitor who is confused, or worried, and helping them to know what they want. I would really enjoy doing that. When I worked at (your previous job) I loved helping my customers.
5. Question: What part of the job would you find hardest?
Context: A challenging question. You need to answer it, without suggesting that you are not able to do the work. Since English is not your first language, that is likely to be your biggest challenge whatever work you are trying to win. Again, bring your work experience in to show
Model Answer: You can hear that English is not my first language. But even when I was less good at speaking in my job as a (relevant work) I learned to cope. My English is getting better all the time, but I am not afraid to ask if I do not understand something, and my studies are helping me to improve.
6. Question: What has your work experience taught you about yourself?
Context: A tough interview question to finish. You need to answer the question honestly, but in a way that shows your positive side. Try to find an example from your work experience. Here we will use the example of becoming an assistant in a school.
Model Answer: The last time I worked as a language assistant, I found the work really interesting but sometimes hard. I learned a lot from my work experience. On one occasion I found two boys fighting in the playground. I managed to calm them down by being calm myself. I asked them what had happened and helped them to resolve their fight themselves. I thought that in a situation like that I would get angry myself, and perhaps take sides, but I did not. I think that this was a great lesson for me.
Of course, many questions about work experience can be asked at interview. However, those above are some of the most common. Preparing your own answers will not only help should these questions arise but will really be of use to give you confidence in responding to other questions about your previous work.
Tell me about yourself
This isn’t a question, it’s a request for information. It’s still a common way to start an interview, though. Remember, the interviewer wants to hear about skills related to work, not your personal life. Don’t say, “I was born in Taipei,” “I like to play computer games,” or “I have two brothers.” Tell them about your career growth, what you’ve learned and specific skills that make you suitable for this job.
What are your strengths?
Go ahead, sell yourself! The key to this question is to give specific examples and back them up with evidence. Avoid simply offering a list, like: “I’m really organized, punctual and get along well with others.” Follow up anything you mention with, “For example …” and then explain how you demonstrated this quality in a previous job.
Why are you interested in working for our company?
Employers want to know why you want to work for them. So show them you understand what the company does and that you’re enthusiastic about the work. Don’t start with “Umm,” “I don’t know,” “It seemed like a good career move,” or “I haven’t been able to find anything else interesting.” Get online and research the company beforehand so you are able to give a specific reasons why you want to join that company. Keep in mind that the interviewer wants to know what you can bring to their company, not what the company can bring to you!
Why did you leave your last job?
Maybe your last job was terrible, but an interview is not the place to talk about it. Even if it’s true, never make negative or opinionated comments about your current or past employers or co-workers: “I didn’t agree with the company’s direction,” “I got no recognition for my work,” “My boss was totally unreasonable.” Statements like these make you sound unreasonable. Instead, focus on positive reasons for leaving like wanting to face new challenges or expand your knowledge.
Do you have any questions for me?
Interviewers usually finish an interview with this question. Ask specific questions that show you already know a lot about the company, but want to know more. Do not ask questions that you should already know the answers to, like, “What does your company do?” Or, “Could you tell me your name again?” Also, don’t ask salary or vacation-related questions: “When do you give raises?” “How much vacation time can I expect?” Save those questions for after you hear, “We’d like to offer you the job.”
Remember, the key to any interview is to be well prepared. Do your research and make sure you understand both the company and the position before you go into the interview. Stay calm and remember that you have been invited there because the company is interested in you. Make sure you can answer the questions above and use them as a starting point to make sure you excel in your next English job interview.
What is a CV?
In the US:
The word CV is used in the US, but it tends to be restricted to the world of academia and university CVs. In America, a CV is generally far longer than a resume (think 10 pages instead of one or two), and contains a list of all of an applicant’s achievements, publications, awards, responsibilities, etc. It is not commonly called for when applying for non-technical or academic roles.
In the UK:
Traditionally, a CV is an in-depth document that gives an overview of a person’s entire career, in chronological order, spanning several pages. It includes detail of your academic grades, where you went to school, and any other accomplishments, like awards and honours. It also typically includes a small personal statement, detailing your aims, hobbies and interests outside of your career.
It is designed to give a complete picture of your ‘course of life’ and is supposed to be static – i.e., the same CV is used regardless of the job you apply for and you make changes only to your cover letter, not your CV.
Today however, a CV in the UK tends to fall somewhere between a traditional CV and a resume. As a general rule, employers don’t want to have to read pages and pages about every single one of your achievements. So today’s UK CVs have been slimmed down, typically to around two pages, detailing only the things that you have achieved that you think are relevant to the specific job you are applying for.
Everything is still listed in chronological order, and a little detail is still given about your education – although high school details tend to be omitted in favour of higher education only, i.e., forget your school grades, but do include details of your university or college course(s) and grades.
Today’s British CVs are now tailored for each different job that you apply for.
Which variant to use?
A resume is preferred in the US and also Canada. Americans and Canadians would only use a CV when they were applying for a job abroad, or if they were looking for an academic or research-oriented position.
A CV is preferred in the UK but also in countries that have more in common with the UK such as Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
Language differences
Spelling
Obviously, American English should be used for applying for US jobs, and British English for jobs in the UK. So remember the main spelling differences between the two – the biggest being ‘-ise’ and –‘ize’. In the US, ‘-ize’ is used, whereas in the UK ‘-ise’ is preferred but both are now perfectly acceptable.
Interning
There are several words that typically crop up on a CV or resume that differ between the US and the UK. In America the word ‘internship’ is used, whereas in the UK this is typically called a ‘work placement’ or ‘training period’. If you have been an ‘intern’ in the US, that means you have been a ‘trainee’ in the UK.
Four things to think about on your first day at work:
Confidence, confidence, confidence: We cannot stress this first advice enough. A good confidence is vital when meeting new people. Each person has their own level of confidence and while it’s quite hard to maintain good confidence on your first day at work when you’re surely quite nervous, there are some things that you should try to have in mind when you meet your new colleagues. When you beam with good confidence, other people will feel comfortable around you. But how do other people notice your good confidence? Have in mind your body language and posture when trying to make a good first impression. A good body language is for example a steady handshake, relaxed facial impression, arms unfolded and keeping a good eye contact with the people you speak with. It’s okay to be nervous, but also try to be happy and relaxed, after all they chose you for the position, so do not worry too much!
Dress appropriately: Every office place has its own dress code. So, the best thing you can do is to ask your manager before your first day what your office dress code is. Dress to impress on your first day or even on your first week at the office. You want to give the impression of professionalism on your first day, so remember to dress appropriately and professionally when meeting your new colleagues.
Be on time: It’s your first day at work and one of the more important things is to be on time! Since it’s your first day, things can go wrong on the way to work. This is a new route that you haven’t taken before so you might not be aware of the possible delays and traffic jams that might occur on this new route. Be well prepared for possible delays in traffic or getting lost on your first walk to work. Arriving early and prepared is better then showing up stressed and sweaty for your first day at work.
Smile: Don’t forget to smile! There is nothing like a contagious great smile. This is something that will help you when making a good first impression. A confident smile will be remembered and will make others feel happy around you.
Phrases to use on your first day at work to make a good first impression:
1. Would you like a hand with that?
Helping people put is always a good way to impress. Offer to help by saying “Would you like a hand with that” if it looks like a colleague is struggling with too much work.
2. Could I have your advice on this?
People are always flattered when they are treated as experts. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice and make sure you let people know that you value their opinions?
3. I’ll get right on it
If you can start working on a task immediately, let your colleagues know by saying “I’ll get right on it.” Make sure to only use this phrase if you do actually intend to do the task right away – nobody likes to be kept waiting.
4. It’s great to meet you / It’s a pleasure to meet you
If you meet a new colleague working at a similar level in the company to you, say “It’s great to meet you!” the first time you meet him or her. If you meet someone more senior than you, use the more formal “It’s a pleasure to meet you!”
5. I’m looking forward to working together
This is a particularly useful expression for emails and letters. When you start a project with a new colleague or a client, adding “I’m looking forward to working with you on this project” near the end of your email shows respect and that you are keen to get on well together.
6. That sounds like a plan
A nice informal expression to use when one of your colleagues has a good idea about how to do something. If you want to sound even more enthusiastic, you could say “That sounds like a great plan!”
7. Let’s put our heads/minds together
If you think it would be a good idea to work closely with a colleague to solve a problem, you can say “Let’s put our heads/minds together to solve this.” Sometimes, people also say “Two heads are better than one.” This means that it’s better to work together than alone.
8. Let’s get this done
When you are ready to start working on something, you can use a casual expression like “Let’s do this!” or “Let’s get this done!” to encourage your team and colleagues to get started.