Any interview is a stressful situation for our psyche. Moreover, if such an important interview is held in a language that is not your native language. In the modern world, an increasing number of companies (primarily for large international organizations) conduct their interviews in English. In addition, you will have to undergo such a foreign interview if you want to enter a higher educational institution abroad.
How to prepare for an interview in English and hit the other person? How to tell about yourself and what mistakes should not be made? Read more about this in our material.
How to prepare?
Preparing for an interview in English (or any other foreign language) is a rather difficult task. If you are poorly prepared for the interview, then even if you have a good command of the language, as well as having all the necessary qualities, you may not get the desired job or go to a dream university.
However, knowing some of the secrets and principles of conducting an interview, you can quickly improve your communication skills and achieve your goal. We’ll talk about them today.
So, first of all, Before going for an interview, it’s important to carefully study the company. It does not matter if you get a job or go to university, be sure to study the official website of the organization, get acquainted with its structure and read the historical information. Depending on the goals and missions of the company, the description of the vacant position or the direction of your possible training, individualize your resume. In no case should it contain common phrases. Only in this case the interlocutor will be convinced that you are interested in this particular company.
Before an important meeting, it is recommended "Look at yourself from the side". To do this, enter your last name, first name and patronymic on Google and see which links appear. Carefully inspect your social networks, as well as any other accounts and profiles on the Internet. If possible, you should smooth out certain controversial things. If this is not possible, then Be sure to prepare a complete answer to the questions that may arise in an interview for one reason or another.
Make sure you not only meet all the qualities required by the employer, but also have individual characteristics that will help you stand out from the crowd. It is no secret that there are a lot of talented, hardworking and disciplined people among applicants or applicants. Try to find that quality, that highlight thanks to which you will be remembered after the interview.
Also in the process of the conversation, it is important to demonstrate your optimism and friendly attitude. A person is a social being, therefore, even if you possess all the necessary technical skills, you may not be accepted because of your character and mood. Remember that in the future you will have to study or work in this team, so try to make a good first impression.
An important element - your appearance. Traditionally, for interviews of any kind, it is customary to come in business-style clothing. However, in the modern world, these rules are changing. Check with the employer in advance or carefully read the job description, in addition, you can focus on the general corporate culture of the organization. If you are still in doubt, then give preference to a proven business suit.
Before you go for an interview, rehearse your speech and answers to questions. To be sure, do it out loud while standing in front of the mirror. You can also ask for help from your relatives or loved ones.
Useful phrases
In order for you to have an elementary idea of how the interview will be conducted in English, we suggest you familiarize yourself with the standard set of useful phrases. Such a sample with translation will be useful to you in the preparation process.
Positive personality traits:
- attentive - attentive;
- diligent - conscientious;
- modest - modest;
- sincere - sincere;
- well organized - organized;
- broad-minded - with wide views;
- intelligent - smart, educated;
- punctual - punctual;
- flexible - flexible, compliant.
You can start the story about your education with the phrases:
- I got my degree in training;
- I hold a bachelor's degree in (I graduated from the undergraduate program);
- I've taken specialized courses.
Phrases that come in handy when answering the question of why you want to work in this particular company:
- ... become a good specialist - become a good specialist;
- ... grow up personally and professionally - grow in a personal and professional sense;
- ... use my knowledge and experience - use knowledge and experience.
Remember that these phrases are universal and you must add your individual characteristics to them.
How to tell about yourself?
Any employer, a member of the university selection committee or other specialist who conducts an interview with you, will definitely ask you to tell about yourself. On the one hand, it seems that this issue is quite easy. Nevertheless, for many it is he who causes difficulties. If you do not know what and how to tell about yourself, then you should definitely use our tips.
So, the most important thing to remember: talking about yourself is brief and succinct, without going into unnecessary details. It is necessary to show only your best sides and at the same time try to avoid demonstrating any flaws.
To begin with, you can make a brief retelling of your resume: to clarify the level of your education, talk about previous jobs, individual skills and abilities. At the same time, you can also touch on a more personal topic and talk about your positive character traits. Characteristics should be disclosed from the position from which they will help you succeed in your new job.
In addition, you should not approach only formally to the story about yourself. Let your interlocutor understand that work is not the only thing that exists in your life. Feel free to talk about your hobbies and hobbies.
On the other hand, When telling about yourself, some common mistakes should be avoided. So, interviewers usually do not like the excessive autobiographical nature of the story. No need to retell your family history or marriage age.
Also, in response to a request to tell about yourself, in no case can you ask counter-questions. Beginners, trying to please the employer and trying to predict his reaction to certain facts, begin to clarify what exactly the interlocutor would like to hear. Such questions are not recommended. After all a request to tell about yourself is not just a curiosity, but a desire to know the level of your language, the quality of training and the ability to answer a question.
Question and Answer Examples
Depending on the specific company, position and some other aspects, the questions that will be asked to you during the interview process may vary. However, there are some general trends. Today in our material we will consider the main words that will be useful to you.
For translator
During the interview for the position of translator, special attention It’s important to give proper pronunciation.
Question: Describe your strengths.
Answer: I'm disciplined, punctual and able to make my own schedule. Besides, I don't have to be controlled because I feel responsible for my words and actions. (I am disciplined, punctual and know how to make my own schedule. In addition, I do not have to control it, because I feel responsible for my words and actions).
Question: Why are you looking for a new job? (Why are you looking for a new job?)
Answer: I want to expand my horizons, explore new things and test my capabilities. I think I am capable of more than I am currently capable of. (I want to expand my horizons, explore new things and test my capabilities. It seems to me that I am capable of more than I am realizing at the moment).
To university
You can enter a foreign institute both for undergraduate studies and for graduate school or even graduate school.
Question: Why did you choose our university? (Why did you choose our university?).
Answer: Your university is famous for its famous and successful graduates, as well as for its interesting history. (Your university is famous for its famous and successful graduates, as well as an interesting story).
For a job interview
To interview a teacher at school, a flight attendant, hotel administrator and any other specialist, it is important to know the answers to both general questions and basic specialized ones. It is especially important for sailors, mechanics, sailors and other specialized specialists to be aware specifically in their field.
In addition, if you plan to teach, then you should know his methodology in English.
Question: What qualities would you like to see in your supervisor? (What qualities would you like to see in your boss?)
Answer: Justice and wisdom. As well as the desire to help their subordinates and achieve results together. (Justice and wisdom, as well as the desire to help their subordinates and achieve results together).
Question: What attracts you to this vacancy? (What are you attracted to this vacancy?)
Answer: I like both the field of activity and the direct organization of work: flexible schedule, friendly team, high wages. (I like both the field of activity itself and the direct organization of work: a flexible schedule, friendly team, high salary).
How to get?
In order to successfully pass the interview, It is important to follow the recommendations of specialists.
So, it should be borne in mind that the interview can be carried out both live and via the Internet (for example, via Skype) or by phone. Regardless of a method, It is important to build a dialogue correctly.
Primarily you need to say hello and introduce yourself. After that, try to consistently and confidently answer the questions posed. At the end of the interview, be sure to ask your employer what interests you. It is also important to finish the interview correctly: say goodbye, shake hands (if appropriate). During the conversation, do not forget to transfer all the documents required from you.
Remember that an interview is a business meeting. That is why it is important to adhere to the rules of business etiquette and not allow yourself to go beyond the permissible limits.
What should i avoid?
The first thing to remember is discipline. In no case do not be late for a meeting, but rather come a little earlier. Punctuality is the most important characteristic of a business person, without which it will not be possible to do. It is punctuality that testifies to your discipline.
You should not select an outfit or print a resume before the interview in the morning. All preparatory actions must be carried out in advance, in the evening. Thus, in the morning you will avoid unnecessary excess stress.
Regardless of your life situation and personal difficulties should be positive in interviews. Try not to show that you are nervous, also do not demonstrate that you are in a bad mood.
Rudeness and aggression are emotions that are not appropriate in an interview. They can’t be shown even in response to a negative, or if you immediately voiced a negative answer and did not accept you. One way or another, keep professional.
Answering a question from an interviewer, Avoid memorizing common phrases or reading from a leaflet. Try to communicate lively and tell everything in your own words.
In no case should you misinform your employer about your education, previous workplaces and any other achievements. Be honest and sincere, speak only the truth.
Do not speak negatively about your former bosses and colleagues. You should always keep yourself confident and professional. Also, do not reveal corporate secrets.
Observing all the positive advice and avoiding the negative manifestations, you will successfully pass any interview and achieve your goals.