The job search process can be stressful, especially if you have to face an interview in a language that is not your own.
In fact, for many Spanish speakers, the prospect of a job interview in English can be overwhelming.
But, if you learn the vocabulary you need to get by and prepare properly, nothing has to go wrong!
That’s why, in this Fun TalkWe bring you the best tips for a successful interview in English.
Useful words for an interview in English
Before delving into the sample questions and phrases, it is essential to have a basic vocabulary that will allow you to understand and answer correctly.
Here is a list of keywords that might be useful:
- Job interview: Job interview.
- Interviewer: Interviewer.
- Interviewee: Interviewee.
- Resume/CV: Curriculum.
- Cover letter: Letter of introduction.
- Skills: Skills.
- Experience: Experience.
- Strengths: Strengths.
- Weaknesses: Weaknesses.
- Company: Empresa.
- Position: Position.
- Salary: Salary.
- Benefits: Benefits.
- Work environment: Work environment.
- Teamwork: Teamwork.
- Leadership: Leadership.
Sample phrases for job interviews in English
To be successful in a job interview, we tend to focus on the importance of the answers.
But, when it comes to an interview in English, it is almost more important to prepare for the questions you may be asked. This way, you can make sure in advance that you will understand everything the interviewer wants to know about you.
Here is a list of the most typical interview questions in English:
- Could you tell me about yourself? Could you tell me a little about yourself?
- Why do you want to work for this company?: Why do you want to work for this company?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What makes you the best candidate for this position?: What makes you the best candidate for this position?
- How do you handle stress and pressure? How do you handle stress and pressure?
- Tell me about a time when you had to resolve a conflict at work: Can you tell me about a time when you had to resolve a conflict at work?
- What are your long-term career goals? What are your long-term career goals?
- Can you provide an example of a project you completed successfully? Can you provide me an example of a project you completed successfully?
- Why did you leave your last job? Why did you leave your last job?
- How do you stay motivated and productive? How do you stay motivated and productive?
Interviewing tips in English
- Prepare answers in English. Now that you know what kind of questions you may be asked, prepare your answers!
- Review your resume. Make sure you understand your entire resume completely in English, because you will have to defend it during the interview.
- Research about the company. This will help you ask informed questions, just as it would in Spanish.
- Practice English. Speak English with friends or family to gain confidence.
If you need to, sign up for English conversation classes to help you be more relaxed on the day of the interview. - Be clear and concise.
Avoid giving vague or long-winded answers.
Answering exactly what you are being asked will show that you have understood the question perfectly and that you are fluent in the language. - Ask questions. Show interest in the company and the position, as you would in your native language.
If you can, prepare these questions in advance.
And last but not least, stay calm! Take a deep breath and don’t worry if you take a long time to answer a question.
It’s normal to have to think, but the important thing is that you convey calmness and self-confidence. And the more you prepare, the more confident you will be during the interview.
Following these tips, getting the job is just a matter of luck!
So, good luck!