Successful interview in English. What are your weaknesses? Understand what the company needs

26.09.2019

Almost 70% of resumes submitted to the site indicate knowledge of English. How many of them are ready to be interviewed in this language? Together with Alibra School teachers, we have compiled 7 life hacks for those applying for positions with mandatory language knowledge.

Google the answers, but don't memorize them.

It's no secret that people often ask the same thing during interviews. Questions “What"s your major?”, “Tell me about your skills”, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” are a mandatory part of any interview program. They are easy to find on the Internet and prepare answers in advance.

Sometimes information is shared by those who have already been interviewed for a given company: entire lists of questions appear on the forums. But don’t think that you will be able to predict absolutely everything and do without improvisation. Western companies like to test their ability to think outside the box with mind-bending questions like: “What is the most creative way you can break a clock?” What will help you come up with an answer right away?

Use introductory words, clarifications and don’t be afraid to ask again

Use introductory words at first/first of all, I would rather/I would like, actually, to put it in a nutshell - they will take your time.

Ask again what exactly the recruiter meant: “Sorry, what exactly type of clock do you mean?”

If you simply didn’t hear the question or didn’t understand any of the words, just say: “Sorry, I didn’t catch your point.”

Use the STAR technique

The main interview questions relate to work experience and personal qualities. Recruiters prefer to find out about this using situational questions like “Tell me about the most stressful situation that you faced at your previous job?” (“Tell me about the most stressful situation you encountered at your last job?”) or “Tell me about a time when you solved a problem to a tight timescale?” (“Tell me about a time when you had to solve a problem in a very short time?”).

The STAR technique will help you prepare your answer.

Situation - situation: succinctly describe a specific problematic situation that you had to face.
Task - task: formulate the tasks that are facing you.
Action: Describe the actions you took to solve the problem.
Result - result: tell us about the result of your actions.

Repeat past tense

You will have to talk about your past experiences. Therefore, review in advance all the difficulties associated with it: irregular verbs, tense constructions Past Simple, Past Continuous, and Present Perfect to describe what you have achieved so far.

Avoid common words and superlatives

When talking about your successes at your previous job, it is very easy to go to two extremes - start speaking in general phrases or pretend to be a superhero. For example: “I was the best manager in my company to service customers out of nearly twenty employees.” The same meaning can be conveyed in more neutral words: “I worked hard as a manager and our team praised my servicing skills.”

To fill the story with details, use professional vocabulary. Carefully study the job description, paying attention to specific words used in the text. Try to reproduce them in your speech - the recruiter will appreciate it.

A good option to quickly train yourself in professional vocabulary is to attend English training dedicated to your field of business. At the Alibra school, such trainings are held on a regular basis.

Beware of the “false friends of the translator”

The translator's false friends are english words, which are very similar to Russian, but have a completely different meaning. For example, the word accurate is by no means “accurate”, but “accurate”. And cabinet is a “table drawer”. Imagine the recruiter’s reaction to the proudly said phrase: “At my last job I had such a large cabinet.”

Use the interview as practice

Try to find vacancies that are not a priority for you and arrange a test interview for yourself. This will help you relax: even a preliminary conversation with the interviewer on the phone will be useful language practice.

Don’t miss the chance to ask the recruiter questions, because you can extract a lot of useful information from him. Ask him how he sees the ideal candidate for your position (How do you see an ideal candidate for this position?) or why he himself likes to work in this company (What are the advantages of working for this company?). Compare his answers with yours - perhaps you will have something to borrow from them.

Armed with our advice and self-confidence, and by attending the free master class “How to Pass an Interview in English,” you can guarantee yourself a successful result.

*The material was prepared in collaboration with the Alibra School of Foreign Languages (Alibra School).

Typically, companies require applicants to speak English not so that the manager can later boast about the linguistic proficiency of his employees. You will need language for work. Therefore, it is worth indicating your real level of English proficiency in your resume. This way you will save yourself time and nerves by not applying for a position where you most likely will not be hired. Because even the most thorough preparation will not upgrade your language from pre-intermediate to advanced.

2. Prepare a list of questions you might be asked

Most likely, during the interview you will be asked about the same things as in a Russian-language interview, because HR scripts are quite unified. The most common questions:

Can you tell me a little about yourself?	Tell us a little about yourself
How did you hear about the position?	How did you hear about the vacancy?
What do you know about the company?	What do you know about our company?
Why should we hire you?	Why should we hire you?
What are your greatest professional strengths?	What qualities help you in your work?
What do you consider to be your weaknesses?	What do you consider your weaknesses?
What is your greatest professional achievement?	Tell us about your most important achievement
Tell me about a challenge or conflict you’ve faced at work, and how you dealt with it	Talk about difficulties or conflicts that you encountered at work, and how did you solve the problem
Where do you see yourself in five years?	Where do you see yourself in five years?
What's your dream job?	Describe your dream job
What other companies are you interviewing with?	Do you go for interviews with other companies?
Why are you leaving your current job?	Why are you leaving your current job?
Why were you fired?	Why were you fired?
What are you looking for in a new position?	What do you expect from your new job?
What type of work environment do you prefer?	What environment do you prefer to work in?
How would your boss and co-workers describe you?	How would your boss and co-workers describe you?

3. Find out everything about the company

Carefully study the website of the company you are interviewing with. But don't stop there. Find the organization’s informal communities, manager interviews, employee pages, information about competitors. You need to get as much information as possible so as not to get into trouble. At the same time, use photographs from the office to find out how best to dress for an interview.

4. Prepare answers to expected questions

During the interview, you are not expected to be completely honest, but you shouldn’t lie outright either. Build your answers based on what they want to hear from you. This is where the results of the company's mini-research will come in handy. For example, in response to a question about your preferred work environment, you would describe exactly what it is like in this organization.

Prepare stories about your successes and defeats, which you eventually managed to transform into victories, stock up on facts and figures. This will allow you to make the conversation substantive and not get by with standard words about communication skills and teamwork, which will set you apart from other applicants.

5. Write down your answers

It is better to formulate the text of your speech not in the form of answers to specific questions. Make small blocks of meaning that you can juggle in conversation. This will allow you not to compare questions with answers in your head, but to choose information that makes sense.

Consider a few nuances:

Choose simple designs. All sixteen times (plus ten in passive voice) are used only in lessons in schools and at receptions with the Queen, but this is not certain about the Queen. Spoken speech distinguished by short sentences and simple words no fuss.
Check the English-English dictionary for the meaning of the words you use. For a non-native speaker, not all nuances are obvious. A wording that is neutral for you may be offensive to your interlocutor.
Don't abuse it. The use of set expressions undoubtedly indicates a deeper knowledge of the language. But if speech consists only of them, the speaker looks unnatural and even comical.

To formulate answers, you can enter a question in English into the Google search bar and see what options are offered by specialized job search sites. But it’s still not worth copying them word for word.

6. Take notes

You did not write down the answers to the questions for fun; you will have to learn them. However, cramming text by heart is a bad idea. You will look unnatural and nervous if you forget something. Therefore, make an outline of your speech. You can write down one key sentence for each block or words that you will rely on.

7. Learn the answers

String the “meat” of facts, events, and striking phrases onto the skeleton of the text, created using notes. The main task is to learn to tell stories clearly and consistently, without looking at the piece of paper. You should easily switch between blocks, as if you were generating answers right during the interview.

8. Practice your answers out loud.

Even if the text sounds smooth in your head, try saying it out loud. So you will understand that you need additional rehearsals. Attract caring loved ones who will be willing to listen to you lose your way and start over. It’s good if one of them knows English and will ask clarifying questions in order to create an environment closer to “combat”.

If there are no volunteers in your immediate environment, use the Internet. Moreover, this way you can even communicate with a native speaker. Use foreign forums, Skype. Even Chatroulette is suitable if you are not afraid that you will have to look at other people's genitals before an adequate person will get in touch. Explain to him the task and tell him about yourself as you planned. This will help reinforce the text and give you confidence.

9. Make your own dictionary

The interview will not be limited to routine questions, so it is better to refresh your memory of the basic terms that are used in your profession. The following words may also be useful:

10. Polish the result

Watch your intonation. In English, sentences expressing a confident and authoritative opinion, formal questions and answers to them require a descending tone. Questions use a rising tone.

Try to treat the interview as a pleasant conversation rather than an exam.

This is first and foremost a conversation with the person to whom you owe money. So be nice, polite, confident, competent. This way you can get a position, even if your knowledge of English is far from ideal.

In order to be faced with the need to undergo a job interview in English, it is not at all necessary to go abroad. Many domestic companies are increasingly requiring their applicants to know English at a level not lower than Pre-Intermediate. And knowing English is far from the only skill you need to successfully pass an interview. It is necessary to prepare for the interview format, try to predict what questions you will be asked and what answer the potential employer will want to hear.

If you are applying for a job in a foreign company, you should be prepared for the unexpected and non-standard issues, which are not so easy to answer even native language. And, of course, you need to be prepared for standard questions. Sometimes even a simple request, “Tell me about yourself,” can confuse applicants. The answer must be thought through, answered confidently and calmly. Perhaps knowledge will help you gain complete confidence, the features of which you can learn about on our portal.

Answers to interview questions in English

Consider that each question is a small interview topic, just like when taking English at a university or taking courses.

You just need to have a certain vocabulary, learn standard phrases, or even better, a small piece of text that will bounce off your teeth.

How would you describe yourself?

To answer this interview question in English, it is ideal to use the following phrases:

To my mind... / I consider myself ... / I reckon ... / I believe ... / I could say, that ...

They all translate as I consider myself.

If you don’t know how to describe yourself to your advantage in a nutshell, experts recommend using the following phrases:

I always prefer paying attention to details. (I always prefer to pay attention to details)
I"m fond of challenging tasks and getting the work done. (I adore complex tasks and finish the job)

What educational background do you have? (What is your education?)

I graduated in (the field is indicated here, for example, IT, economics, philosophy) from (the name of the university should be mentioned here) - I received a degree in...

To attend (university name) from (year) to (year) - attend... from... to...

I hold a master degree / a bachelor degree in ... from - I have a master's degree in / a bachelor's degree in ...

I took a training program at - I took a professional program at...

Unfortunately, I don"t have any formal education for this work, however, I have already worked in a similar position. Furthermore, I have 15 years of experience in this sphere - Unfortunately, I do not have formal education for this position. That's all However, I have already held a similar position. Moreover, I have 15 years of experience in this field.

Don't forget to coordinate tenses in your speech. If you have already graduated from a university, you should use it in your speech Past Tenses. If you are still studying, then only Present Continuous.

Why are you leaving (have left) your job?

Here are the most suitable answers in the form of individual phrases and entire phrases that are ideal for English dialogue at an interview:

I was: laid off / fired / dismissed / discharged - I was fired...

I was made redundant - I was fired without good reason...

Because the firm / the company / the enterprise - because the firm / company / enterprise...

Had to cut / recolate costs - was forced to cut / reconsider costs...

Became a bankrupt = was out of business - went bankrupt...

I resigned the previous work/post - I quit my previous job / left my previous post...

I made a firm decision to find a new job - I made a firm decision to find a new job...

That is closer to my home - which is closer to home...

That will represent new challenging tasks - where I will be faced with new challenging tasks...

Where I could develop my professional skills - where I could develop professional skills...

That will help to forge a successful career - to build a successful career...

Advice: don’t scold your previous employer. This may not show you at your best.

What are your weaknesses?

This question is the least favorite, and therefore the most frequently asked at interviews, not only in English. That’s why it’s better to use ready-made real-life examples and recommendations from experts who know exactly what to answer you.

Before communicating your real shortcoming, think carefully: won’t it directly affect your future position? Be smarter: name advantages as disadvantages.

Apparently, it might be better for me to learn how to be more understanding, especially, when things aren't going according to the plan. That"s what I"m currently working on right now. - Apparently, I should learn being more understanding, especially when things don't go as planned, is something I'm working on now.
I"m used to spending much time on projects to be absolutely sure that everything is accurate. - I am used to spending a lot of time on projects to be absolutely sure that everything is correct.

Don't be afraid to share a true flaw. A person is valuable precisely because he is not ideal. But instead of mentioning major problems, focus the employer's attention on minor negative qualities. And be sure to end your speech with what you are doing to eliminate them.

I admit being a bit of a perfectionist. Sometimes when I’m working on a big project, I focus too much on the details. But I’ve learned that it’s not always possible or even practical to try to perfect your work.

Translation: I admit that I am a bit of a perfectionist. Sometimes when I'm working on a big project, I focus too much on the details. But I have already realized that this is not always useful and it is possible to try to perfect your work.

By the way! If your shortcoming is laziness, and your diploma or coursework won’t write itself, you now have a 10% discount on .

What are your strengths?

Before taking an interview in English, consider your advantages. It is by them that the employer will judge and distinguish you from other applicants.

Good vocabulary to describe your strengths:

flexible - able to quickly adapt to circumstances

hard working - hardworking

outgoing - sociable

dependable - reliable

honest - honest

organized - organized

ambitious - purposeful

a team player - I can work in a team

a seasoned specialist - experienced specialist

a dedicated professional - a professional dedicated to his work

It is better not to go into lengthy descriptions here. An employer may mistake you for a boastful and narcissistic person. Two to four qualities will be enough.

If you can’t think of a way to make yourself stand out from the crowd, use the following phrases:

I’m a proactive person, who likes to see results and be responsible for his/her decisions. - I am a person with an active lifestyle who likes to see results and be responsible for decisions made.

I always remain self disciplined and calm in tangled situations. - I always remain collected and calm during difficult situations.

As a positive side, you can mention reading or any other type of intellectual development.

Another example of a successful answer when preparing for an interview in English:

I’d describe myself as a goal-oriented and hardworking person with good organizational skills and strategic thinking. Furthermore, I’m a good speaker and even a better listener that’s why I’ve always been able to get along with different types of people. I have over six years of experience in sales. After working the past four years as a sales manager, I’ve developed a number of important skills, including decision-making and multitasking. That background will help me achieve all goals you have set for this position. In my free time I enjoy reading and bicycling. It provides me with a good balance in my life.

Translation: I would describe myself as a goal-oriented and hard-working person with good organizational skills and strategic thinking. Moreover, I am a good speaker and a great listener, so I have always been able to get along easily with different types of people. I have over six years of experience in sales. The past four years as a sales manager have developed many important qualities in me, including decision-making and multi-tasking. This experience will help me achieve all the goals you have for this position. In my free time I like to read and ride a bike. This allows me to achieve the right balance in life.

Why do you want this job?

To answer this question correctly, be sure to thoroughly familiarize yourself with the company's activities before the interview. Ideally, you need to find the company’s weakness in order to offer it your services to eliminate it.

The employer views you as a product, the purchase of which will help solve certain problems. So give him what he wants!

Advice: do not go into details of how you are going to develop at the expense of the company. The main thing here is what benefits the company will receive, not you.

Example answer with translation:

My years of experience in this industry make me sure I can do this job and bring added value. I’ve gained a reputation as a key player when it comes to negotiations. In my last job I was able to negotiate profitable business deals. I know this business from the ground up, and you can be assured that I know what I’d be getting into as a sales manager here.

Translation: Years of experience in this industry give me the confidence that I can do this job and make a great contribution to the community. I have gained a reputation as a leader when it comes to negotiations. In my last job, I was able to negotiate good deals. I know this industry very well and I can assure you that I understand what I have to do as a sales manager.

We asked recruiters for advice on what advice they can give to those who don't know how to prepare for an interview in English. Enjoy it for your health!

When revealing your strengths, give reasons. If you say that you negotiate well, give an example of a successful case.
When preparing for an interview in English, be sure to write down all your planned answers and speak out loud. The best option is to learn them by heart, so that you can then tell them in front of an audience at a free pace without hesitation.
Be sure to think through your answer to the question about your expected salary. Each amount will need to be supported by some reason. Determine for yourself the minimum from which you are ready to start working. If you are offered conditions that do not meet your desires and expectations, you should not unquestioningly agree to them. Especially when the employee’s qualifications are worthy of more.
Try to approach the interview as a pleasant conversation, rather than a difficult exam. The more calm you are, the more the employer will like you. And this will increase the chances of acceptance, even if your English is poor.
Avoid pauses in conversation. If the employer is silent, ask questions yourself.

Here is a list of questions that an applicant can ask an employer during an interview:

How many employees work for the organization? (How many employees does the organization have?)

Please tell me a little bit about the people with whom I’ll be working most closely. (Please tell me about those with whom I will work most closely.)

Will I work independently or in a team? (Will I work independently or in a team?)

Where will I be working? (Where will I work?)

How did this job become available? (How did this vacancy come about?)

Before you’re able to reach a hiring decision, how many more interviews should I expect to go through and with whom? (How many interviews will I have and who will conduct them while you decide to hire me?)

Does this job usually lead to other positions at the company? (Is career growth possible in this position?)

Best to write for an interview English text, learn it well and rehearse it out loud. But a positive attitude is also important. In this case, even questionable knowledge of a foreign language will not become an obstacle to hiring for the desired position. In the meantime, it will help you to compose competent answers and write a test or coursework so that there are no problems with the session.

Question	Answer option
How are you today? Did you have any trouble finding us? How are you doing? Was it difficult to find us?	I'm fine! Thank you, and you? Everything is fine. What about you?
How would you describe yourself as a person? How would you describe yourself?	There can be many options: “I’m a perfectionist”, “I’m efficient and highly organized”, “I’m a creative thinker” etc. – “I am a perfectionist”, “I am productive and disciplined”, “I am resourceful”
What type of position are you looking for? What type (level) of position are you looking for?	I’m looking for a position in which I can use my experience. – I am looking for a job (position) where I can use my experience. I would like any position for which I qualify.– Any position that matches my qualifications will suit me.
Can you tell me about your responsibilities at your last job? Tell us about your responsibilities at your last job.	I customers advised 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. – I advised clients on financial issues. After consultations, I would fill out a client survey form and catalog the information in our database. Then, together with my colleagues, I prepared the best possible package for the client.
What is your greatest strength? What are your strongest qualities?	I work well under pressure. – I work well in stressful situations (under pressure). I am an excellent communicator. – I get along well with people. I am a trouble shooter. – I know how to solve problems. My time management skills are excellent. – I have excellent time management skills.
What is your greatest weakness? What shortcomings (weaknesses) do you have?	Try to name weaknesses that look like strengths. For example:“I tend to spend too much time making sure the customer is satisfied. However, I began setting time-limits for myself If I noticed this happening.”(I have a tendency to spend too much time to satisfy a client. However, I have started setting time limits for myself if I notice this happening).
Why do you want to work for us? Why do you want to work with us?	The answer is simple: compliments or even flattery towards the company: “After following yo ur firm’s progress for the last 3 years, I am convinced that you are becoming one of the market leaders and I would like to be part of the team”– Having observed the progress of your company over the past 3 years, I have come to the conclusion that you are becoming one of the market leaders, and I would like to become part of your team.
Why did you leave your previous job? Why did you leave your last job?	The main thing is not to criticize your past employer, colleagues, or the injustices of this world. It's enough to just say: “I am interested in a job with more responsibility, and I am very ready for a new challenge”– I am interested in working with larger area responsibility, and I am ready for new challenges and tasks.
Why did you move to this country? Why did you move to this country?	I moved here for the employment opportunities. Moved for career opportunities.
When can you begin? When can you start work?	Immediately. Immediately.