The Interview
Congratulations! Your cover letter and resume have made a good impression and the employer has called you in for an interview. Now it`s time to make sure that you also have the right type of English for that job interview.
There are some very important game rules to consider when taking a job interview. The job interview in English requires a very specific kind of vocabulary. It also requires good tense usage as you need to make a clear distinction between past and present responsibilities. Here is a quick overview of the appropriate tenses to use:
Tense
Present Simple
I collect data from all of our branches and analyze the information on a weekly basis.
Explanation
Use the present simple to describe your daily responsibilities. This is the most common tense to use when speaking about your current position.
Tense
Past Simple
Example Sentence
I developed an in-house database for the personnel department.
Explanation
Use the past simple to describe your daily responsibilities in a former position. This is the most common tense to use when speaking about past jobs.
Tense
Present Continuous
Example Sentence
Currently, we are expanding our sales division to include South America.
Explanation
Use the past continuous to speak about current projects that are happening at that moment in time. These projects are limited in time and should not be confused with daily responsibilities.
Example: Currently, I am designing a new layout for our local branch. I am usually responsible for staff organization, but they asked me to help out with design this time.
Tense
Present Perfect
Example Sentence
I`ve researched over 300 cases until now.
Explanation
Use the present perfect to generally describe projects or accomplishments that you have made up to the present moment in time. Remember not to include specific past time references which should be used with the past simple.
Example: I`ve developed a number of databases using Microsoft Access. Just last week I finished a database for our warehouse.
Tense
Future Simple
Example Sentence
I will be the manager of a medium sized retail outlet.
Explanation
Use the future simple to discuss your plans for the future. This tense is only used when the interviewer asks you what you plan to do in the future.
There are a number of other tenses that you can use to speak about experience that you have had. However, if you do not feel comfortable using more advanced tenses, these tenses should serve you well in the interview.
What is Most Important?: General Guidelines
Work Experience
Work experience is by far the most important part of any job interview in an English speaking country. It is true that education is also important, however, most employers are more impressed by extensive work experience than by university degrees. Employers want to know exactly what you did and how well you accomplished your tasks. This is the part of the interview during which you can make the best impression. It`s important to give full, detailed answers. Be confident, and emphasize your accomplishments in past positions.
Qualifications
Qualifications include any education from high school through university, as well as any special training you may have had (such as computer courses). Make sure to mention your English studies. This is very important as English is not your first language and the employer may be concerned about this fact. Assure the employer that you are continuing to improve your English skills by any courses you may be taking, or by saying that you study a certain number of hours a week to improve your skills.
Talking about Responsibilities
Most importantly, you will need to demonstrate your qualifications and skills which are directly applicable to the job you are applying for. If past job skills were not exactly the same as what you will need on the new job, make sure to detail how they are similar to job skills you will need for the new position. Next: Job Interview Examples
Finding a Job For ESL Learners
Finding a Job - Writing a Cover Letter
Writing Your Resume
The Interview: Basics
Example Interview Questions
Useful Job Interview Vocabulary