Interview English skills help you easily cope with the interviewer’s demanding questions

You got the interview, congratulations! How you make a good impression is critical to success. Even if your English is good, you may not be able to perform well due to nervousness. What's more, in some cases, it is not the fault of the English itself, but whether the appropriate words are chosen and said at the appropriate time.

Interview English requires the use of a series of more professional vocabulary, and good use of several tenses. For example, the past tense should be used to describe past work, the past perfect tense should be used to describe previous achievements, etc. Here we talk about when to say what to say.

When you walk into your employer's office, it's important to introduce yourself, shake hands, and smile. After that, the first sentence often opens the situation. Usually the interviewer will ask:

　How are you today?

Did you have any trouble finding us?

What do you think of the weather lately?

Their tone may be friendly because they also want you to relax and try your best. At this time, you should have a simple, refreshing and polite response, such as:

The other party asks: How are you today?

A good answer is: I'm fine thank you, and you? or I'm well thank you.

Bad answers are: So, so or OK or Not so well

The most important part of the interview process is expressing yourself Educational qualifications, work experience and qualifications. These are directly related to the job you are applying for.

In terms of academic qualifications: Remember that your academic qualifications were completed in the past, so use the past tense. For example:

I attended the University of Beijing from 1990 to 1993.

I graduated with a degree in civic engineering.

If you are still a student now, then Use the present tense, for example:

I am currently studying at the University of York and will graduate with a degree in Economics in the coming spring.

I am studying English at the Seneca Community College.

Remember to tell the employer that you are still improving your English, such as how many hours of English classes you take every week. Since English is not your first language, they may have concerns about this.

Work experience and qualifications are undoubtedly the most important parts of the interview. So employers want to know many details. Employers want to know what you have done and whether you did it well. So don't be humble and express your achievements and aspects.

When talking about the work you are currently doing, you can use the present perfect continuous tense to indicate that you have not only been doing it, but will continue to do so in the future:

ABC Engineering Inc . have employed me for the last 3 years as a salesperson. I have been creating customer for 6 months.

But use the past tense when talking about previous jobs:

I was contacts employed by Jackson's Ltd. from 1995 to 1997 as a office manager.

I worked as a production supervisor at the Heitz while I was living in New York.

When talking about the previous For work achievements and performance, try to use some active, positive, and impressive verbs, which are more effective than using nouns or linking verb phrases.

For example, instead of saying My job is to assist the senior scientist with unit testing, it is better to say I assisted the senior scientist with unit testing. Instead of saying I was responsible for the business needs analysis, it is better to say I analyzed the business needs.

Here are some great verbs to help you express how well you did:

acted accomplished adapted administered advanced

advised allocated analyzed applied approved

arbitrated arranged assisted attained blended brought

built carried out cataloged changed classified collaborated

compared completed computed conceived conducted

constructed consulted contracted controlled cooperated

coordinated corrected counseled created dealt

decided decreased defined delegated derived

designated detected developed devised

directed discovered distributed documented

doubled edited encouraged engineered< /p>

enlarged escalated established estimated

evaluated examined expanded experienced

explored facilitated finalized formulated

founded functioned governed grouped

guided handled harmonized harnessed

headed identified improved

increased indexed initiated inspected

installed instituted interpreted introduced

invented investigated justified led

p>

localized located made managed

maintained mechanized merged moderated

motivated negotiated opened operated

organized originated overcame perceived

performed pioneered planned prepared

presented presided processed p

rogrammed

promoted provided purchased raised

recommended recorded recruited rectified

redesigned repaired replaced restored

reversed reviewed revised saved

< p> Screened selected serviced set up

Solved sorted sparked specified

Started stimulated strengthened summarized

Supervised supported systematized tested

Trained transacted transcribed transformed

tripled upgraded validated varied

verified vitalized won wrote

And these are some good adjectives to describe your work ability and personality:

p>

Accurate

active

adaptable

adept

broad-minded

competent

p>

Conscientious

Creative

Dependable

Determined

Diplomatic

discreet

efficient

energetic

enterprising

enthusiastic

experienced

fair

firm

genuine

honest

innovative

logical

loyal

mature

methodical

motivated

objective

outgoing

personable

pleasant

p>

positive

practical

productive

reliable

resourceful

self disciplined

Sense of humor

sensitive

sincere

successful

tactful

trustworthy

In the last issue, we discussed the basic requirements for interview English. This time we will talk about the most commonly asked questions in interviews and how to answer them appropriately.

Question: Tell me about yourself.

Answer: I was born and raised in Dalian, China. I attended the University of Beijing and received my master's degree in Economics. I have worked for 5 years as a financial consultant in Beijing for various companies including Rossi Consultants, People's Insurance of China and Pepsi. I enjoy playing soccer in my free time and traveling.

Answer: I've just graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in Computers Science. During the summers, I worked as a systems administrator for a small company to help pay for my education.

Comment: The purpose of this question is to get to know you generally. , so there is no need to go into too many details. Your answers will often help the interviewer decide what to ask next. In addition to giving the other party an overall impression, the most important thing is to focus on work-related experience. Work experience is the most important aspect of most interviews, more important than academic qualifications.

Question: What type of position are you looking for?

Answer: I'm interested in an entry level (beginning) position.

Answer: I 'm looking for a position in which I can utilize my experience.

Answer: I would like any position for which I qualify.

Comment: For an applicant whose native language is not English , many companies expect you to start at a low level and slowly make up for your language deficiencies. Even if you have been successful in the past and have many years of experience, you should be mentally prepared for this.

Question: Are you interested in a full-time or part-time position?

Answer: I am more interested in a full-time position. However, I would also consider a part-time position.

Comment: Leave as much room as possible to gain opportunities. Because as long as you get the job, it will be easier to grasp future things and you will have more initiative.

Question: Can you tell me about your responsibilities at your last job?

Answer: I advised customers on financial matters. After I consulted the customer, I completed a customer inquiry form and cataloged the information in our database. I then collaborated with colleagues to prepare the best possible package for the client. The clients were then presented with a summarized report on their financial activities that I formulated on a quarterly basis.

Comment: When mentioning past work experience, be careful to be as detailed as possible. One of the most common mistakes new immigrants make is speaking too generally about their past experiences. Employers want to know what exactly you do and how you do it. The more detailed you are, the more they will know whether you are good at it. You can use some different words to describe it, and try not to start every sentence with "I". Remember to use past tense.

Question: What is your greatest strength?

Answer: I work well under pressure. When there is a deadline (a time by which the work must be finished), I can focus on the task at hand (current project) and structure my work schedule well. I remember one week when I had to get 6 new customer reports out by Friday at 5. I finished all the reports ahead of time without having to work overtime.< /p>

Answer: I am an excellent communicator. People trust me and come to me for advice. One afternoon, my colleague was involved with a troublesome (difficult) customer who felt he was not being served well. I made the customer a cup of coffee and invited both my colleague and the client to my desk where we solved the problem together.

Answer: I am a trouble shooter. When there was a problem at my last job, the manager would always ask me to solve it. Last summer, the LAN server at work crashed. The manager was desperate and called me in (requested my help) to get the LAN back online. After taking a look at the daily backup, I detected the problem and the LAN was up and running (working) within the hour.

Comments: Don’t be modest, show off all aspects of yourself with confidence. Remember to give specific examples and vary your words when giving them.

Question: What is your greatest weakness?

Answer: I am overzealous (work too hard) and become nervous when my co-workers are not pulling their weight (doing their job) . However, I am aware of this problem, and before I say anything to anyone, I ask myself why the colleague is having difficulties.

Answer: I tend to spend too much time making sure the customer is satisified. . However, I began setting time-limits for myself If I noticed this happening.

Comment: This is actually a very clever question. You have to tell a shortcoming that is actually an advantage. For example, you work too seriously, you have high demands on yourself and others, you pursue perfection in your work, etc. After mentioning your shortcomings remember to mention that you are always working on improving them.

Question: Why do you want to work for us?

Answer: After following your firms progress for the last 3 years, I am convinced that Smith and Sons are becoming one of the market leaders and I would like to be part of the team.

Answer: I am impressed by the qualitiy of your products. I am sure that I would be a convincing salesman because I truly believe that the Atomizer is the best product on the market today.

Comments: You should do research on this issue beforehand, by looking at the company website, other relevant information, etc. The more you know about the company, the better it will be for you.

Question: When can you begin?

Answer: Immediately.

Answer: As soon as you would like me to begin.

Comment: It fully shows that you want to work!

The above are just some of the most basic interview questions and answers. The most important and difficult thing for non-native English speakers is telling a lot of details in English, especially complex details. However, it is necessary for the employer to know whether you can clearly express the details of the job scope, which is crucial to your competence. Don't worry too much about grammar. As long as there are enough words, the content is detailed enough, and as long as it does not affect understanding, grammar is often not that important.

During the interview, the recruiter will always ask you: "Do you have any questions?" We have said before that one of the seventeen taboos in interviews is to answer this question with "nothing". What questions to ask will help your impression and show that you are a thoughtful person.

Generally speaking, it is more appropriate to ask around these topics:

The competitive environment in which the organization operates The competitive environment in which the company operates

Executive management styles The style of top management< /p>

　What obstacles the organization anticipates in meeting its goals?

　How the organization's goals have changed over the past three to five years. The company's goals How has the business direction changed in the past three to five years?

During the first interview, or before both parties have a firm intention, unless you have reached the stage of signing an OFFER, do not ask about the salary. That makes it appear that you care more about what the company can do for you than what you can do for the company.

Specifically, you can ask the following questions:

1. What are the main objectives and responsibilities of the position?

2. How does the company expect these objectives to be met?

3. What obstacles are commonly encountered in reaching these objectives?

4. What is the desired time frame for reaching the objectives?

5. What resources are available from the company and what must be found elsewhere to reach the objectives?

Last time we talked about questions that can be asked to recruiters during interviews, mainly around the The company, the industry's understanding and development to ask questions. This time we will take a look at which questions can detect the interviewer's impression of the interview and whether there are any next steps.

1. Have you had a chance to review my resume?

Don’t think this is a redundant question. In fact, many interviewers have not seen the applicant’s resume beforehand. I uploaded my resume and started the interview in a hurry. They are looking at your resume during the interview. This question is an opening question. If they haven't seen your resume, they usually won't admit it. They may say: "I haven't had the chance to review it in details as I would like to." (In fact, not even once. If you have seen it, don’t be upset about it. If you haven’t seen it, just say, "well, maybe it is helpful for me to talk about the highlights of my qualifications." Just like a salesperson always says before selling a product. Ask "What do you know/understand about this product?" and then start your own statement.

Even if they say they have seen your resume, you can still say: "So let me talk about the highlights of my qualifications."

　2. Is there anything else I can tell you about my qualifications?< /p>

If possible, try to use "qualifications" instead of "experience". The former represents the achievements achieved and highlights that you are a talented person, while the latter is more neutral and passive. Asking this question is beneficial and harmless. As long as the interviewer says Yes, you will have more opportunities to show your material. The more you can get the other person to say Yes, the more valuable you will be in their eyes and the deeper the impression you will leave. This is a question worth asking during the first and second interviews (assuming there are three interviews in total).

3. I've read the job description, of course, but how would you describe the nature and duties of this job?

At first glance, this question seems to be asked knowingly, but it is not. You have your own understanding of the job, and the recruiter may have his own opinion, which is not exactly the same as the posted recruitment requirements. Through their description of the job, at least you can hear what is most important and what is not mentioned in the recruitment advertisement. So play with this: "I am glad to hear that maintaining customer relationship is a great part of this position. I am very customer-focused and always keep their needs in mind." Suppose you are in a second interview with another interviewer Then you can ask this question again: "I've spoken to Mr. Smith about the responsibilities involved in this job. What's your take on the most important aspects of this position?"

　4. What are the major chanllenges that you staff is facing right now?

This question serves a dual purpose. The first purpose is to see if you can put forward your own opinions and views on the problems faced by the company, to show that you are a person who is good at solving problems. The second purpose is that if this company really has problems, you should consider whether to join.

5. What results would you like to see me produce?

Asking this question shows that your mentality is "do a job", real work, not just talking. Eat. No matter what the other person says, you can continue by saying: "This is what you expect, this is what I will do." You can repeat the same question to the new interviewer.

6. What do you consider ideal experience of this position?

The purpose of this question is to measure the difference between your qualification level and the other person’s understanding of the candidate, and then try to minimize the distance. Get closer. First reiterate the parts that are consistent, and then talk about the parts that are not consistent. Emphasizing your own experience and learning ability can quickly eliminate the gap.

7. How would you describe the atmosphere, the culture of this company?

This is also a question with a dual purpose. The first is to understand the company's atmosphere, culture, and environment, and whether it is suitable for your development; second, you can show that you like this environment very much. You can say: "I really like that. I am energized by pressure situations."

8. Was the person who held this job before me promoted?

This question is to know the end Whether there is a vacancy, and at the same time, you can also understand what level you can advance to after getting this position.

9. May I talk to the person who held this job previously (or who is currently doing this job)?

Based on the results of the previous question, you probably already know that recruiting This position is because the person currently working in it was promoted, resigned, or transferred to another position. It would be great if you can have an interview. If not, see what reasons the other party used to reject you.

10. Based on what I've told you, don't you think that I could give you all that you need in this position?

Like all salespeople, before finalizing, they will ask: "Based on my previous introduction, don't you think this is a good deal?" This question is In order to elicit a positive response, it is difficult for most interviewers to dismiss you bluntly at this question, and they are likely to say Yes.

There are always some questions that are difficult to answer in interviews. Recruiters often judge your personal qualities, work style and possible problems based on your answers.

1. Why are you leaving your present job? Why are you leaving your present job?

Answer honestly based on what you feel comfortable with. For example, the company has been reorganized and your position is no longer needed. Or you feel that your current job is not suitable for your long-term career needs, etc.

2. Describe what you feel to be an ideal working environment.

This depends on your requirements for the working environment. You can say "The most ideal working environment is one in which people are treated as fairly as possible." To me the ideal working environment is one in which people are treated as fairly as possible. You can also say challenging and fun workplace.

< p>　3. How would you evaluate your present firm? How do you evaluate the company you currently work for?

If you are leaving your current company not because of any fault or contradiction, then talk about the good aspects of your current company.

It's an excellent company that is regarded as one of the industry leaders.

4. In your current or last position, what features did you like the most? Least? Why? In your current or last position, what features did you like the most? Least? Why? What do you like most and least about it? Why?

Be truthful about your favorite parts, and express your least favorite things in a positive way since they are always part of your responsibilities. In my last job I had to report what I do to my manager on a daily basis. I think that I am very organized and self-supervised so daily report is not the best way of using the time of both.

< p>　5. Why haven't you found a new position before now? Why haven't you found a new position before now?

It is not difficult to find a job, but it is much more difficult to find a suitable one. It is emphasized here that you are applying for jobs selectively, aiming to find the right position.

6. What do you think of your boss? What do you think of your current boss?

Try to talk about the good aspects. Recruiters generally don't like to hear you say bad things about your previous boss, even though it's hard to verify whether it's true or not.

7. How do you resolve conflict on a project team? How do you resolve conflicts on a team?

Communication is the most important, and we must understand the real requirements of all parties. We will start to understand each other privately. Communication is very important to resolve conflict. First I would discuss the issues privately with the team members involved then I will help to find out a way to settle based on the business needs.

8. Do you generally speak to people before they speak to you? Generally speaking, do you speak to people before they speak to you?

It depends on the situation. It depends on the circumstances.

9. How would you describe your own personality? How would you describe your own personality?

Adjust your answers according to the requirements of the company and position you are applying for. Some positions require people to be obedient and hard-working, while others require people to be creative and proactive. Before answering, you should have a certain feeling or understanding of the company and the job.

10. Are you a leader? Are you a leader?

Of course it is. Believe it or not, leadership skills are highly valued in Western society. Even if you are an assembler on a production line, having leadership skills is better than not having one. Therefore, you have to say that you have leadership skills to some extent. Give a few examples.

11. What career options do you have at the moment? What career options do you have at the moment?

When it comes to career choice, you should try to connect it with the industry and position you are applying for.

"I see three areas of interest..."

12. How would you describe the essence of success? According to your definition of success, how successful have you been so far? How would you describe the essence of success? According to your definition of success, how successful have you been so far? How would you describe the essence of success? Based on your definition, how successful do you think you have been so far?

Think carefully and emphasize your past achievements when answering.

13. You may be overqualified for the position we have to offer. You may be overqualified for the position we are currently recruiting for.

It is pointed out here that because of your high qualifications, the company’s investment in you will be smaller and the return will be faster. And you'll find ways to do your job better. And emphasize that you value long-term development. Strong companies need strong people. A growing, energetic company is rarely able to use its employees' talents.

　14. What do you look for when you hire people? What do you look for when you hire people? ?