Interview in English: terms and exercise
Preparing for a Job Interview in English: Key Terms, Phrases, and Tips
Facing a job interview in English can be challenging, especially for those who are still learning the language. However, with proper preparation and a good understanding of essential phrases, you can confidently navigate this process. In this article, we’ll cover key terms, common phrases used during interviews, and useful tips for a successful interview experience. Additionally, we’ll include an exercise to help you practice. You’ll need to read the text and fill in the missing words.
Key Terms for Job Interviews
- Interview
Definition: An interview is a formal meeting where a candidate is assessed for a particular role or position.
Example: The interview is scheduled for next Monday. - Candidate
Definition: A candidate is a person applying for a job or position.
Example: The candidate showed great potential during the interview. - Resume (CV)
Definition: A resume (or CV) is a document that outlines a candidate’s work experience, education, and skills.
Example: Make sure your resume is up-to-date before the interview. - Strengths and Weaknesses
Definition: These refer to the positive attributes (strengths) and areas for improvement (weaknesses) of a candidate.
Example: During the interview, you will be asked about your strengths and weaknesses. - Qualifications
Definition: Qualifications refer to the education, skills, and experience that make a candidate suitable for a job.
Example: What qualifications do you have for this job? - Experience
Definition: Experience is the knowledge or skills gained through work in a particular field.
Example: Do you have any previous experience in this field? - Expectations
Definition: Expectations refer to what a candidate hopes to achieve or receive, such as salary or job role.
Example: What are your salary expectations? - Job Description
Definition: A job description is a document that outlines the responsibilities, duties, and qualifications required for a position.
Example: Please read the job description carefully before the interview. - References
Definition: References are people who can vouch for a candidate’s abilities and work ethic, usually from previous jobs.
Example: Could you provide references from your previous employers? - Salary
Definition: Salary is the amount of money a candidate expects to be paid for a job.
Example: What salary are you expecting for this position? - Skills
Definition: Skills are the abilities and expertise a candidate possesses that are relevant to the job.
Example: What skills do you bring to this job? - Teamwork
Definition: Teamwork refers to the ability to work effectively and harmoniously with others.
Example: Are you comfortable working in a team? - Vacancy
Definition: A vacancy is an available job position within a company.
Example: We have a vacancy in the marketing department. - Work Environment
Definition: The work environment is the setting and conditions in which a job is performed.
Example: What type of work environment do you thrive in? - Work-Life Balance
Definition: Work-life balance refers to the equilibrium between a person’s work responsibilities and personal life.
Example: How do you manage work-life balance?
Common Phrases for Answering Interview Questions
- Tell me about yourself.
Example: I am a dedicated student who enjoys learning new things. I have always been interested in healthcare, which is why I want to become a nurse. - Why do you want this job?
Example: I am passionate about helping others, and I believe this job will allow me to do that on a daily basis. - What are your strengths?
Example: I am a quick learner and a team player. I always strive to do my best in every situation. - What are your weaknesses?
Example: Sometimes I can be too detail-oriented, but I am working on finding a balance. - Where do you see yourself in five years?
Example: In five years, I see myself as a skilled nurse, working in a hospital and helping people every day.
Tips for a Successful Interview
- Preparation:
Tip: Prepare thoroughly for the interview by researching the company and the job requirements. Make sure you understand common questions and know how to answer them. For example, consider your strengths and weaknesses. - Attire:
Tip: Choose appropriate clothing for the interview. Dress professionally but comfortably to help you feel confident. For men, this might be a shirt and trousers; for women, it could be a blouse and skirt or pants. - Body Language:
Tip: Pay attention to your body language. Maintain eye contact, sit up straight, and avoid fidgeting. Your body communicates just as much as your words do. - Confidence:
Tip: Believe in yourself. Confidence is key to a successful interview. Remember, the interviewer wants to see you at your best, so relax and be yourself. - Practice:
Tip: Practice answering questions in English, either in front of a mirror or with a friend. This will help you remember phrases and feel more confident.
Common Words Used During Interviews
- Character – Refers to the qualities and personality traits of a person. In an interview context, this term often relates to discussing one’s personal attributes such as honesty, integrity, and work ethic.
Example: “One of the key characters a good nurse should possess is empathy.” - Considered – Means thinking carefully about something, especially before making a decision. During an interview, you might be asked about other career options you have considered, indicating your thought process behind your career choice.
Example: “Have you considered any other careers apart from nursing?” - Discuss – Means to talk about something with someone, especially to exchange ideas or opinions. In interviews, you may need to discuss your experiences, skills, or reasons for applying for the job.
Example: “Can you discuss your experience working in a team?” - Dress – Refers to the act of putting on clothes, especially in a way that is appropriate for the occasion. Dressing neatly and appropriately for an interview is crucial as it forms the first impression.
Example: “It’s important to dress professionally for the interview.” - Explanation – Refers to a statement or account that makes something clear. In an interview, you might need to provide explanations for your career choices, job preferences, or gaps in your employment history.
Example: “Could you give an explanation for the gap in your employment?” - Keen – Means having a strong interest or enthusiasm for something. Showing that you are keen during an interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.
Example: “I am keen to learn new skills and take on responsibilities in this position.” - Likely – Refers to something that is probable or expected to happen. In an interview, you may discuss what is likely to happen in certain situations or your likelihood of succeeding in the role.
Example: “It is likely that the company will expand its operations next year.” - Make – Is a general term used to indicate the act of creating or doing something. In the context of an interview, you might be asked about decisions you’ve made or mistakes you aim to avoid.
Example: “What makes you the right candidate for this position?” - Possible – Refers to something that could happen or be done. Interviewers may discuss possible outcomes or opportunities related to the job or your future career development.
Example: “It’s possible that you will need to relocate for this job in the future.” - Quality – Refers to a distinctive attribute or characteristic possessed by someone. In an interview, you may be asked about the qualities that make you suitable for the role, such as leadership, teamwork, or communication skills.
Example: “What qualities do you believe are important for a good nurse?” - Reason – Is the explanation or justification for something. During an interview, you’ll likely need to explain the reasons for your career choices, job preferences, or why you’re interested in the position.
Example: “Can you give a reason why you want to work in this field?” - Requested – Refers to something that has been asked for or demanded. During an interview, you might be requested to provide additional documents or information.
Example: “Please ensure that you have all the requested documents for the interview.” - Sure – Indicates certainty or confidence in something. Being sure of your answers and showing confidence during an interview is key to making a good impression.
Example: “I’m sure that my experience aligns well with the job requirements.” - Talk – Means to speak in order to give information or express ideas or feelings. During an interview, you will need to talk about your qualifications, experience, and why you are a good fit for the job.
Example: “Could you talk a bit more about your previous job experience?” - Wear – Refers to having clothes or accessories on your body. In an interview context, it is important to wear appropriate attire to make a positive first impression.
Example: “What should I wear to make a good impression during the interview?”
Practice Exercise – Becoming a Nurse: The Interview
To better prepare for your interview, we’ve created a special exercise to help you reinforce your knowledge and practice key phrases. Fill in the blanks using the words provided in the list below:
- reason, idea, explanation, excuse
- perform, do, make, have
- keen, wanting, interested, delighted
- does, causes, happens, makes
- dress, wear, put on, have on
- evident, sure, definite, clear
- requested, questioned, enquired, asked
- character, quality, nature, point
- thought, regarded, considered, wondered
- For instance, That is, Such as, Let’s say
- say, talk, discuss, chat
- However, Although, Despite, Therefore
- at, in, on, by
- character, being, somebody, nature
- easy, possible, likely, probable
