4 steps to a successful job interview in English.
A job interview is always exciting and a bit stressful too. If you really want the job, a lot depends on the interview and you obviously want to make a good impression on the person sitting across from you.
If the job interview takes place in English, it is normal that the pressure is even higher.
But don't panic! With the right preparation and some extra practice you can start the interview with confidence, even in English!
With these 4 steps we will help you on your way to a successful job interview in English:
1. Do your homework
If you want to sell yourself during your job interview, it is important to show that you know what you are talking about.
During the interview, it will soon become clear whether you have done your homework or not. If you fail, there is little chance that they will see you as the right candidate. So take the time and prepare well for your job interview.
- Check out the company's website beforehand.
Do they have their website in English too? Then focus on the vocabulary they use, so that you immediately learn the right words. Use those words in your answers to questions during the interview. - Study the vacancy thoroughly.
What does the job involve? What are the company's expectations and requirements? If you list all that information, you will know what skills or qualities you definitely need to mention or emphasise during the interview.
When a job interview takes place in English, you will need to prepare both for the content of the job as well as the vocabulary you will need to discuss how you are the best person to fill the role.
In this way, you will go into the interview much calmer and you will avoid falling silent during the interview or searching for the right words to use.
2. Prepare well
If your job interview is not your first interview, you probably already have an idea of what you can expect from it. Even though you can never be sure what you will be asked during the interview, it is useful to think about what you would answer to certain questions in advance. Because unlike a job interview in your native language, you now have to be able to respond at ease in English.
By preparing yourself well and thinking about the questions beforehand, you will be able to react much more spontaneously during the interview. You already know what you want to say and you no longer have to search for the right words.
Which standard questions can you expect?
- Can you tell us about yourself?
- How would others describe you?
- What would colleagues say about you?
- What are your strengths?
- What are your weaknesses?
- What makes you happy in your job?
- What attracts you to this company?
- Why do you want this job?
- Where do you see yourself in five years? And in ten years?
- Why would you be the ideal candidate for this job?
- What do you have to offer that another candidate does not?
- What do you expect from this job?
- What do you expect from this company as an employer?
- What are your salary expectations?
- What questions do you have for us?
You'll probably be asked if you have any questions yourself. So prepare for that. Asking thoughtful questions shows your genuine interest in the position and company. It also provides an opportunity for you to assess whether the role aligns with your goals and expectations.
- Can you provide further information about the team or department I would be working with?
- Can you tell me more about the company culture and values?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the company?
- Can you tell me about any ongoing projects or initiatives that I would be involved in?
- How does the company support employees' professional development and well-being?
3. Practise out loud
Good preparation is the first step towards success, but now you also have to be able to say your story fluently during the interview.
Practise out loud so you can hear what goes well and what does not. You can, for example, practise in front of the mirror or in front of your computer (or smartphone) and record yourself in the meantime. Afterwards, you can listen again to what you said and where it went wrong, so that you can focus on that.
By practising and repeating over and over again, you will become more fluent. What may seem awkward in the beginning will gradually get better.
Keep going until the moment comes that you feel "I can do this".
4. Boost your self-confidence
If you want your interviewers to believe in you during the interview, it is important that you do so too! Do you want the job and do you believe you are the right person for it? Then you have to show it, and that has little to do with the language you have to speak during the interview. So believe in yourself and your qualities!
5. Get help
Do you still feel insecure about having to do the interview in English?
Enlist the help of people around you who can help and give feedback.
Or enlist professional help.
Our coaches can help you prepare for your job interview. Together, you will work on expanding your vocabulary relevant to the job interview and practise your answers to standard interview questions. Your coach will guide and support you until you can go to your job interview in complete confidence.
Do you need professional help to prepare for your job interview in English?
Our business language coaches are ready to help you prepare for your upcoming job interview in English.
Create your account on Squidll, search for a business language coach who fits your needs and start today!
Do you want more tips on boosting your business language skills? Find out all our tips on our blog.