Lesson 10

Job interview
Dialogue Reading
Read the dialogue with your partner a few times. Take turns being each character. Practice your
intonation and pronunciation. Write down any new words or phrases.

Interviewer: Hello, Mrs. Stevens. My name is Jane Phillips. I’m the personal director.
Applicant: I’m pleased to meet you.
Interviewer: Please take a seat.
Applicant: Thank you.
Interviewer: According to your resume, you have several years of office experience.
Applicant: Yes. I’ve had over ten years’ experience.
Interviewer: Tell me about your qualifications.
Applicant: I can type 100 words per minute. I’m proficient in many computer programs. I have
excellent interpersonal skills, I am well organized, and I’m a very fast learner.
Interviewer: I see that you have excellent references. Do you have any questions about the
position?
Applicant: Yes. What are the responsibilities in this position?
Interviewer: We’re looking for someone to supervise two office clerks, handle all the
correspondence, arrange meetings, and manage the front office. Have you had any supervisory
experience?
Applicant: Yes. I supervised three typists in my last position. What are the office hours, Mrs. Phillips?
Interviewer: 8:30 to 4:30, with an hour off for lunch. What are your salary expectations, Mrs.
Stevens?
Applicant: I expect to be paid the going rate for this type of position. Can you tell me about the
benefits you offer?
Interviewer: Yes. We provide full medical and dental coverage, a pension plan, and a three-week
holiday per year.
Applicant: That’s very generous. When is the position available?
Interviewer: We’re hoping the successful applicant can start at the beginning of next month. We’ll
finish our interviews tomorrow and make a decision by the weekend. We’ll contact you next week.
Applicant: Thank you very much. It’s been a pleasure meeting you. I hope to hear from you soon.
Interviewer: Thank you for coming in to see us, Mrs. Stevens.

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 Practice
Work with your partner. Role-play the dialogue, substituting the different expressions below.
Then reverse roles.

My name is Jane Phillips. I’m the personnel director. I’m pleased to meet you.
I’m Jane Phillips. I’m the manager of Human Resources. I’m happy to meet you. It’s nice to
I’m in charge of hiring. meet you.

Please have a seat. According to your resume, you have several years of office experience.
Please sit down. Your resume tells us that you have several years of office experience.

Tell me about your qualifications. I can type 100 WPM. I am proficient in many computer programs.
What are your qualifications? I’m able to type 100 WPM. I’m able to use many computer programs.
What qualifications do you have?

I have excellent interpersonal skills. Do you have any questions about the position?
I get along very well with people. Would you like to ask anything about the job?

What are the responsibilities in this position? We’re looking for someone to supervise two office clerks.
What are the duties? We want someone who can manage two office clerks.

Have you had any supervisory experience? What are your salary expectations, Mrs. Stevens?
Have you ever been a supervisor? What salary do you expect?

I expect to be paid the going rate for this type of position.

I expect to get the usual salary for this type of work.

Can you tell me about the benefits you provide? We provide full medical and dental coverage.
What benefits does the company give? We give health and dental insurance.

That’s very generous. When is the position available? We’ll contact you next week.
That’s very good. When does the job start? We’ll get in touch with you next week.

It’s been a pleasure meeting you. I hope to hear from you soon.
I’ve enjoyed meeting you. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

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 Vocabulary
Match the words or expressions on the left with the correct meanings on the right.

1. ______ personnel director a. duties

2. ______ hire b. manage, be in charge of

3. ______ resume c. usual pay for a certain job

4. ______ qualifications d. money paid for work

5. ______ proficient e. get in touch with

6. ______ position f. give a job to, employ

7. ______responsibilities g. open, ready to use, ready to do

8. ______supervise h. skills, experience, education

9. ______salary i. person who can tell about you

10. ______benefits j. person in charge of hiring

11. ______contact k. able to do something, skilled

12. ______ going rate l. written summary of your skills, education,

13. ______ available and experience

14. ______ reference m. things you receive from an employer in

addition to salary

n. job

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 Dialogue Building
Complete the dialogue below with appropriate expressions.

Interviewer: Hello, _________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________.
Applicant: ______________________________________________________________________.
Interviewer: ____________________________________________________________________.
Applicant: Thank you.
Interviewer: __________________________________you have several years of office experience.
Applicant: Yes. I’ve had __________________________________________________ experience.
Interviewer: ______________________________________________________ your qualifications.
Applicant: ________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________.
Interviewer: I see that you have excellent references.___________________________ the position?
Applicant: Yes. What are the ___________________________________________ in this position?
Interviewer: We’re looking for someone ________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________.
Applicant: What are the office hours?
Interviewer: ______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________ ?
Applicant: I expect to be paid ________________________________________________________
__________________________________________. Can you tell me about the benefits you offer?
Interviewer: Yes.___________________________________________________________________
Applicant: _______________________________________________________________________ ?
Interviewer: We’re hoping the successful applicant can start at the beginning of next month. We’ll
finish our interviews tomorrow and make a decision by the weekend. _______________ next week.
Applicant: Thank you very much. ____________________________________________________
Interviewer: Thank you for coming in to see us, Mrs. Stevens.

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 Write your own dialogue
Write a dialogue with a partner using phrases above. Practice and and present the dialogue to
your class.

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PREPARING FOR A JOB INTERVIEW IN ENGLISH
Act I: The Entrance
The Art of Meeting and Greeting

Dialogue Sample 1:
I: Please, come in and take a seat.
C: Thank you, Sir/Madam.
I: Hello. What is your name?
C: Good morning, Mr/Mrs/Ms/Professor Smith.
My name is John Doe.(NB: first name first, last name last!) It’s a pleasure/ Nice/Pleased to meet
you.

Dialogue Sample 2:
I: Hello. Nice to meet you, too. Thank you for coming.
C: Thank you for having me.
I: How are you, today?
C: I’m very well, thank you. And you?
I: Fine, thanks. Would you like a cup of coffee or something to drink before we begin?
C: No, thank you all the same.I’m fine.
I: Ok, then. Let’s get started.

Act II: The Performance

Core of the Interview

A. QUESTIONS ABOUT YOURSELF

1. Questions about you

Sample questions:

• Tell us something about yourself.

• How would you describe yourself?

• Can you talk to us about yourself?

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Sample answer:

- My name is Jane Doe. I come from Mexico, but I live/am currently living in Italy.

- I have conferred a BSc in Geology and hold an MSc degree in Physics. I am currently working
towards a PhD in Geophysics. (I graduated in Geology from the University of Bari, in 2010)

- My qualifications also include knowledge of petrol research and 3 years’ experience in geologi-
cal surveying.

- I am single/married//separated/ divorced. I have one/two/three…. children.

2. Question about your strengths

Sample questions:

• What are/would you consider to be your greatest strengths?

• What would you say your strongest assets are?

• What are your most positive aspects?

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Sample answer:

- I would say I am an honest, reliable, hard-working person. I also possess a positive outlook
towards my profession and life in general. People say I am friendly and good at giving advice.

- I have very good leadership qualities, as well as organizational and time management skills,
but my greatest strength is my flexibility.

Useful patterns:
• I am…
• I have/possess
• My greatest strengths are/include…
• I would (I’d) say I am….
• I would (I’d) define/describe/depict myself as….
• I consider myself to be….
• I think/believe I am…
• People say I am….

Useful Grammar:
• I am honest. (adjective)
• I am a good listener. (noun)
• I have/possess good managerial skills. (noun)
• I am good at multitasking. (-ing form noun)
• I know how/am able to adapt to new work situations. (verb)

3. Questions about your weaknesses

Sample questions:

• What are your greatest/strongest weaknesses?

• Which aspects or areas of yourself are you improving or would like to improve?

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Sample answer:

I am always working on improving my communications skills to be a more effective presenter. I

recently joined Toastmasters which I find very helpful.

- Sometimes, I have trouble delegating duties to others. I’ve since taken courses in time
management and learned more effective delegation techniques.

Useful Grammar

Linking words for contrasting:

• but, however, while, whereas, nevertheless
I am a little shy, but I am taking a recital course to improve my confidence.

4. Questions about hobbies/interests

Sample questions:

• What are your hobbies/interests?

• Do you practice any sports?

• What do you do your free/leisure time?

• Do you belong to any clubs or associations?

• Do you do any volunteer work?

Sample answer:

- Well, I really enjoy travelling because it gives me an opportunity to appreciate new cultures.
In the evenings, I unwind by playing the piano.

- I am also keen on speed-walking and playing volleyball with friends.

- I’m a member of the Rotary Club International where I put forth my professional aptitudes to
serve others.

- At weekends, I volunteer with the Autism Society where I spend time with children.
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Useful Grammar

Verbs to express:
• interests: like, love, enjoy, be fond of, be passionate about, be keen on, be interested in, be
active in
• sports: practice/do/play
• musical instruments: play

Nouns to express activities:

• -ing form: swimming, cycling, cooking…

B. QUESTIONS ABOUT QUALIFICATIONS, WORK EXPERIENCE AND CAREER

GOALS

1. Questions about the job you are applying for

Sample questions:

• Why are you interested in working here?

• Why have you applied for this post?

• What do you expect from this job?

Sample answer:

It would be a privilege to work in a reputable company such as yours. When I read about the
opening, I found that my skills and qualifications matched the requirements, and I could make
use of the experience gained in the past 5 years.
Furthermore, I believe your company will allow me to grow both professionally and as a person.

Useful Grammar

Verbs:
• be interested/attracted (by), appeal

Linking words to give reason:

• because, as, since, for

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2. Question about hiring you

Sample questions:

• Why should we hire you?

• Give us a good reason for taking you on.

• Why do you think you are the best person for this position?

Sample answer:

• I think I am a great match for this position. My degree in Maths coupled with 3 years of
experience working in the field of computational analysis helped me to improve productivity
by 30% . I believe I can do the same for your organization and would be a great addition to your
team.

• As I am a fresher, I have theoretical knowledge, but I can work hard and learn the practical
aspects quickly. Moreover, I will make a great effort to fulfill my duties and responsibilities and
contribute to the good progress of the organization.

Useful Grammar

Conditional form and sentences to express:

• the likelihood of your working for them
If I am hired, I can/could/will contribute significantly to the progress of your company.

• the possibility of your working for them

If I were hired, I would make a great effort to learn quickly.

Linking forms to state opinions:

• I believe/think that I….
• In my opinion, …
• According to me,…..
• In my experience,….
• I’d say that…
• I have no doubt that…
• I am sure/confident that…

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3. Questions about what YOU know about the company

Sample questions:

• What do you know about our company?

• Are you familiar with our company’s current projects and future prospects?

Sample answer:

- I know it is one of the fastest growing companies in Europe and has many branches in different
countries. The work environment is pleasant and people feel proud to be a part of the company.

- I have read it provides full support to its employees on a professional front and offers many
career growing opportunities. I know it is currently working on a large-scale project in Bahrain
and that its major competitor is SA GeoSci.

Useful Grammar

Superlative and comparative forms for comparing/contrasting:

I know it is one of the most successful companies in Europe with greater appeal to young
prospective employees than other similar firms.

4. Questions about current and past work experience

Sample questions (current employment):

• Who is your current employer?

• What are your duties and responsibilities?

• Why are you leaving your current job?

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Sample answer:

I am currently employed at SA GeoSci and have been working for them for the last four years. I
have received great training and education there. I have been entrusted with international job
assignments and a 10 member team staff.

However, I feel that the time is right for me to transition the outstanding skills and experience I
have obtained there to a different job market, andI am confident I can bring these same skills to
your organisation.

Useful Grammar

• Present Continuous to express current employment.

• Present Perfect Simple/Continuous to express past experience which has results in the present
or is still in course.

Sample questions (past employment):

• Have you worked for a similar company before?

• Tell us something about your previous employer(s)?
• What were your duties and responsibilities?
• How long did you work for them?
• What major challenges did you face?
• Why did you leave your last job?
• What did you like and dislike about your former employment?

Sample answer:

- I (have) worked for 3 years with the Saudi Arabia Gas Company where I am/was Surveying
Director and am/was responsible for/in charge of conducting research on potential petrol
reservoirs.

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- The average work-week consists(ed) of 38 hours, but I often put in extra hours to complete
assignments and meet deadlines.

- I enjoy(ed) this job quite a lot and my employer treats/ed staff with respect and always rewards/
ed accomplishments.

- However, I now feel it is time for me to move on and acquire further work experience in different
fields ( or: I was laid off/ made redundant because the company relocated/ downsized/ needed
to cut costs.

Useful Grammar

• Present Perfect to describe work experience which began in the past, but is still in course
• Past Simple to describe past work experience no longer in course (where/when you worked)
• Present Simple to describe work routines and current employment.

5. Questions about career goals

Sample questions (past employment):

• Where do you see yourself five years from now/in five years’ time?
• What are your career goals?
• How do plan to achieve your career goals?

Sample answer:

Within 5 years, I would like to become the very best geologist your company has on staff. I want
to work towards becoming the expert that others rely on. Hopefully, this will allow me to take on
greater responsibilities with the company if the opportunity arises. I am also working towards
additional certifications in the field to enhance my career prospects.

Useful patterns:

• In the future, I would like to…

• Hopefully, I will…
• I hope to…
• My dream is to…
• My aspirations are/include….
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 Act III: The Exit
Thanking and Taking Leave

A. YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE JOB AND COMPANY

Sample questions:

Interviewer:
• Do you have any questions for us?

• Is there anything you’d like to know about us?

Candidate (prepare 4/5 questions):

• How would you describe the company’s management style?

• Is this a new position?

• What would my duties include?

• Is travel expected in this job position?

• What are the prospects for growth and advancement?

B. THANKING AND ASKING ABOUT THE NEXT STEPS

1. At the end of the interview

Sample questions:

• Thank the interviewers for their time.

• Ask about the next steps and when you can expect a response from them.

Sample answer:

- I would like to thank you for having given me the opportunity to participate in this job interview
and for making me feel at ease. I have found the experience constructive and very interesting.

- When do you expect you will notify selected candidates?

- If I am/were offered the job, when will/would I start?

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 JOB INTERVIEW IN ENGLISH “ TIPS AND TRICKS”

• Use semi-formal/formal tone- no chatty, slang language—use conditional form

• Keep the language positive- avoid negative talk and forms--- no I’m not/haven’t/
don’t/didn’t, never…
• Videotape yourself and re-listen to your English exposition: if necessary, make cor-
rections
• if you haven’t understood a question, say:
– Pardon? I beg your pardon?
– Could you kindly repeat that please?
– Would you mind repeating the question please?

The job interview: Job advert

CHEF WANTED
Are you an experienced Chef in Korean Cuisine?
Are you a hard-working, ambitious person, ready to be a
Head Chef in a famous Korean restaurant?

If you answered yes to these questions, then you are

in luck. Pungduck Dong Does Korea is seeking an
experienced Chef to fill their position of Head Chef.

All applicants must speak fluent English and Korean and

must have the right to work in Australia.

Please call 02 2803 7653 to arrange an interview.

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 The job interview: Role cards

Employer Card
You are the owner of a Korean Restaurant in Sydney. You need to employ an experienced Korean
Head Chef to work in your kitchen. The prerequisites for this position are:
1) Must have at least 2 years’ experience as a chef because the person will be in charge of the
kitchen.
2) Must speak fluent English and Korean.
3) Must have recognized training in preparing Korean food from a reputable cooking academy.
4) Must be looking for a long-term position.
5) Must be able to work in Australia.

Desirable qualities (preferred but not essential) are:

1) Should possess leadership qualities in character, experience in a leadership role desirable.
2) Should have experience working in a Korean restaurant.
3) Should be organised, efficient, punctual and hard-working.
4) Should be able to build good relationships with co-workers.

Jobseeker 1 (Male)
Your name is Tim Chung and you are an experienced Korean chef. You are 55 years old. You have
been living in Sydney since you were ten and learnt to cook Korean food from your mother and
then from the Sydney school of Korean Cuisine. You used to own your own Korean restaurant in
Sydney’s south side but you sold it, because you are getting older. You are hoping to retire in ten
years. You speak English better than Korean but still speak Korean well. You are an Australian
citizen.

Jobseeker 2 (Female)
Your name is Han Eun Hwang and you are 30. You are Korean and are in Australia on a 2 year work
visa. You are from Busan and worked in a Korean restaurant in Busan for ten years before you
came over to Australia. You studied Korean Cuisine at the Seoul Centre for Culinary Arts. In the
Korean restaurant, your job was Second Chef and you left the job because you want to be a Head
Chef. You are hoping to get a job in Australia so you can extend your visa and move to Sydney
permanently.

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 Jobseeker 3 (Male)

Your name is Peter McDonald and you are 35. You are a Canadian who has been fascinated with
Korean food since teaching English in Korea. You learnt to cook Korean food formally at the Toron-
to College of Cuisine and have worked in a Korean restaurant in Toronto for 5 years. For 2 of the 5
years you were the Head Chef there. You left the job however, because you had an argument with
the restaurant owner over the menu. You decided to move to Australia because it is warmer and
you want to work here for at least a year. You’re not sure if you are going to move permanently
yet. You speak English as a first language and studied Korean in Korea for two years.

Jobseeker 4 (Female)

Your name is Tina Kim and you are a college graduate from Korean Cuisine College of Melbourne.
You are 24. You are ambitious and want to work as a Head Chef in a Korean restaurant but don’t
have experience. You worked at the Melbourne Casino whilst at College as a kitchen hand for two
years. You are an Australian citizen but you were born in Korea. You have moved to Sydney from
Melbourne with your boyfriend for his job. You speak fluent Korean and English. Your boss at the
Casino praised your hard-work and dedication.

Jobseeker 5 (Male)

Your name is Kim Ra Son and you are Korean. You are 37 years old and have married an Australian
woman. You have moved to Australia permanently. In Korea, you worked at a restaurant called
‘The Outback’ which is how you met your wife. You worked as a head chef there for ten years and
had good relationships with all of your co-workers. You speak fluent Korean but your English is
still not very good. You are taking English as a Second Language classes at Sydney University and
your wife helps you to study English. You studied Korean food at Daegu Food College and worked
for two years in a Korean restaurant before getting the job as the Head Chef at ‘The Outback’

Jobseeker 6 (Female)

Your name is Anna King. You are an Australian from Brisbane. You are 31 years old. You’ve loved
Korean food ever since you tried it at age ten and studied at the Seoul Academy for Chefs when
you were 22. You hope to open your own Korean restaurant one day but are still saving up the
money. You worked as a Second Chef in a Korean restaurant for 5 years and then as a Head Chef in
the same restaurant for 4 years. You left your job though when your husband and you decided to
move to Sydney to buy a house together. You are now looking for a job to save money to buy your
own Korean restaurant. You speak English well but Korean not so well. Still, you know all of the
Korean food words perfectly and picked up a fair bit of Korean whilst studying in Seoul. You are
willing to study Korean as a Second Language at Sydney University.

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