Job Interview

Useful vocabulary and phrases

Did you find the place OK?Can I get you something to drink? Some water, perhaps?
Can you introduce yourself?Can you tell me a little about yourself?
What did you study at univeristy?Did you enjoy your time at university?
Tell me about your studies.You studied (philosophy). What was that like?
Can you tell me about your work experience?What do you have to do on a day-to-day basis as a (job)?
What sort have work have you been doing recently?What responsibilities and duties do you have to fulfil?
What does being a (job) involve?
What attracted you to this job?What sort of things are you looking for in a job?
Why do you want to work here?
Are there any questions you’d like to ask me?Is there anything you’d like to know?
We will be in touch.Do you know how to find your way out?

Dialogues

Dialogue 1

“Please, come in. How are you?”
“I’m fine, thanks.”
“So, Mr. Smith, tell me a little about yourself.”
“Well, I’m 42, and work as a teacher for a secondary school.”
“I see. And why do you want to work here?”
“I’m very interested in the media, and am looking for a new start. I think this would be an excellent opportunity.”

Dialogue 2

“Good morning. Have a seat, and sorry for keeping you waiting. Did you find the place OK?”
“Yes, and no problem about the wait.”
“Well, let’s get straight to it. Can you introduce yourself?”
“Sure. As you know, my name is Matty Prince, and I’m from Washington. I’ve been working for a trading company for a few years, but I’m looking for something in the financial sector.”
“OK. And what attracted you to this job?”
“Well, you are obviously the number 1 company in your field, so this would be a great place for me to start. It would be a fantastic opportunity, and I think I would learn a lot.”
“It’s hard work.”
“I don’t mind a little hard work. Not at all.”
“Excellent.”

Dialogue 3

“Come in and have a seat. Did you find the place OK?”
“Yes, no problem. Actually, I took a taxi. I didn’t want to be late.”
“Ok. Well, first of all, I’m not going to talk about money, hours or anything like that today. This is just a get-to-know-you meeting so we can learn a little about each other.”
“Sure.”
“So, to start, can you introduce yourself?”
“Ok. Well, my name is Dave and I’ve been living in London for 4 years now, working as a IT analyst, although I’m looking to find something more interesting.”
“I see. Do you mind if I ask how old you are, or is it a secret?”
“I’m 28.”
“And you are from Edinburgh, is that right?”
“Yes, although I was actually born in Newcastle. I moved when I was 6 months old.”
“And you came to London by yourself? And was there a particular reason?”
“I came by myself, just me. I came after I finished university and was offered a job here.”
“Must have been a little scary. How often do you go back home?”
“Once or twice a year. Not that often.”
“And you went to university in Edinburgh?”
“Yes. I studied computer programming. It was OK.”
“Alright, let’s talk a little about your work experience. What sort of work have you done since you came to London?”
“Well, obviously I’ve done the IT analyst job, although before that I was also a part-time courier.”
“Interesting. Can I ask which of those you enjoyed the most?”
“I actually quite enjoyed the courier work, but there is only so far you can go in that business.”
“So you kept the IT job. What does being an IT analyst involve? What do you do day-to-day?”
“Mostly it is sorting out minor problems with the network to make sure it is working at its optimum rate, and looking at who is logging in and finding ways to increase various customer bases.”
“Ok. And what would you say are your main skills, your strong points?”
“Apart from knowing my way around computers, I think I am also a quick learner, and am curious in new technology, which means I like to keep up-to-date with the technology I’m using.”
“And can I ask what sort of things you look for in a job?”
“I enjoy using my mind and working with technology, but I am looking to find something that gets me out of the office a little more. One of the problems at my current work is that it doesn’t have much variation.”
“And what interested you in this business? What do you think you could bring to our project?”
“I think I have the expertise you are looking for, and am really interested in the field in which you are working. I think my knowledge and enthusiasm will be my biggest assets.”
“Alright. Are there any questions you’d like to ask?”
“Umm, I can’t think of any at the moment. But I’m sure I’ll have some.”
“OK. Well, thank you for your interest in MI6. We’ll be in touch.”