JOB INTERVIEW

USEFUL VOCABULARY: How to succeed in a job interview.

If you have a job interview in English lined up (preparada, organizada),
here is some language that you can use to answer the most common
questions interviewers usually ask.

As an interviewee, you´re likely to be asked the four following questions:

  What are your strengths?
Here are some expressions/words that you might want to use to address
this question:
I´m good at + doing something: I´m good at planning / dealing with
people;
I´m good with + something: I´m good with numbers;
People say I´m…: people say I´m very hard-working;
I´ve often been praised (alabado/reconocido) for + skills / doing
something: I´ve often been praised for my organizational skills / being
always on time;
My time arrangement (disponibilidad horaria) is excellent;
I´m reliable (de confianza);
to cope with something: I can cope with stressful situations;( Puedo
afrontar situaciones estresantes)
to strive + to do something: I always strive to meet deadlines / achieve
my goals;(
Siempre me esfuerzo por cumplir con los plazos / lograr mis objetivos)
I´m particularly proud of + skills: I´m particularly proud of my ability to
deal with multiple tasks.
  What are your weaknesses?
I find it difficult + to –Infinitive: I find it difficult to say “no”;
I struggle with + someone / something / doing something: I
sometimes struggle with people who don´t work hard / prioritizing;( A
veces lucho con gente que no trabaja duro / priorizando;)
I have a trouble + doing something: I occasionally have trouble
prioritizing tasks;
I used to + Infinitive but now: I used to have difficulties in prioritizing
but I have now learned…;
(It´s important to use adverbs like “sometimes” or “occasionally” in your
response to make your answer sound “less negative”. Also by using “I used
to + Infinitive” you´re underlining that you´ve worked on your weakness
and finally overcome it.)
*Notice the structure: to have difficulties in + doing something.
  Tell me about your experience / your current job.
to be in charge of: as a Sales Director, I´m in charge of strategic planning;
to be responsible for: as a Sales Director, I´m responsible for strategic
planning;
to lead a team: I lead a team of five people;
my main duties include + (doing) something: my main duties include
strategic planning and setting targets, etc;
my field is + sector / science / industry: my field is human resources /
psychology…
  What made you apply for this job?
I think this job is a perfect match for my skills
I think this job would suit me because…( Creo que este trabajo me vendría
bien porque)
I want to bring my career to the next level
I think it would be both challenging and rewarding (Creo que sería
desafiante y gratificante)
My aim is to become XXXX in five years time; (Mi objetivo es
convertirme en XXXX en cinco años.)
I´d like to move on in my career as a Sales Director and this looks like an
excellent opportunity. (
Me gustaría avanzar en mi carrera como Director de Ventas y esta parece
una excelente oportunidad.
GRAMMAR YOU NEED TO REVISE:
Make sure you revise the following grammar before you interview:
Present Perfect: I have worked in my current job for 12 years / since 2012.
(*for+ period of time – two days, three months, five hours - *since+
point in time – 2010, April, Tuesday, five o´clock).
Past Simple: I worked for 5 years in marketing before starting working for
……..
Present Perfect Continuous: (lately) I have been working on a very important
project….
2nd Conditional: If I was offered the job, I´d be able to start in a month
(using the 2nd conditional makes you sound less pretentious)
Example:
NIGHT AUDITOR .
Interviewer : Good Morning Mrs Herrera, Thank you very much for
waiting. My name is Martin Jefferson, I am in charge of the Human
Resources Department of Lexington Hotel .Would you like to have some
coffee or tea?
Candidate : Hello, Good Morning. A cup of coffee is okay for me. Thanks
very much for your kindness.
Interviewer: Ok, here you are. Well, let me tell you something about
Lexington Hotel. It is a perfect choice for travelers looking for incredible
value and service. Whether for business or leisure, our hotels are
accommodating, professional, and inviting. It is located right on Miami
Beach and within steps of the Atlantic Ocean’s turquoise waters, Lexington
Hotel is surrounded by historic Art Deco architecture and minutes from
trendy restaurants and exclusive nightclubs. Now, I will ask you some
questions .Can you tell me something about your recent or past job
experiences?
Candidate : Yes, sure! I worked 3 years as the night internal auditor for
Native travel in Córdoba, Argentina and from January 2015 to July 2016 I
worked for Holiday Inn Hotel – Córdoba as the receptionist and Customer
Assistant. My first job was in January 2012, I worked as a cashier and
customer assistant in a Health Food Store.
Interviewer : All right, and what about your studies and qualifications?
Candidate : I am currently finishing my Associate Degree in Business
Management and Accommodation Services, I am studying at (UPC)
Universidad Provincial de Cordoba, Marcelo Montes Pacheco ,I completed
my High School at Jeronimo Luis de Cabrera School also in Cordoba city.
Interviewer : Have you ever travel abroad ?
Candidate : Yes, I have traveled to the UK, London in summer,2019.I
travelled there to study English in a 3 months intensive course. I am
planning to sit the International Cambridge English Examination. (
Interviewer : That`s very interesting, do you speak another language?
Candidate : Yes, I have a pre intermediate level in Portuguese.
Interviewer : Where did you study Portuguese ?
Candidate : I am currently studying it at University.
Interviewer : Which was your role in Native travel? You said you were the
night auditor, right?
Candidate : Yes, as I told you, I monitored the front desk box, and other`s
departments boxes. I also made the check in and check out in my shift. I
was in charge of the Reception and of Customer´s demands at night.
Interviewer : What are your strengths and weaknesses ?
Candidate : Let me start, with my weaknesses, I am self - demanding and a
bit anxious and I occasionally have trouble prioritizing tasks. My strengths
well, I can say that I am responsible, well organized and I love working in
teams.
Interviewer: What motivates you to look for this job position?
Candidate : Well, first of all, I believe working in this prestigious
establishment would make me grow as a professional. I live by myself, so I
like the idea you are offering a full time position. I think we must be
updated and trained, I am sure; this hotel will expand my current knowledge
and experience.
Interviewer : Do you like arts ?
Candidate : I used to go to painting lessons when I was a child, now I love
going to museums, whenever I can I visit a new museums, I went to 6 in my
last trip to London.
Interviewer : That`s amazing, I like museum, too!
Interviewer : Would you like to ask me any question?
Candidate : Yes, Sir .How many employees does the hotel have?
Interviewer : It has around 200 employees.
Candidate : I heard some trainings are abroad, do you think I may have the
opportunity to travel with this job position?
Interviewer : Nowadays, The RRHH Department is organizing our next
training in Miami ,USA we have another branch in that city and we want
our new employees to learn about our standards and customer care. Most
trainers are from US, so I am glad to know you speak English, Paola. I
appreciate your time, and let me tell you, we will contact you back by e-mail
in the next 48 hours, there you will find all the information you need for the
second interview.
Candidate : That`s sounds great. I am looking forward to hear from you
soon.
Interviewer : Thanks a lot for. Nice to meet you.
Candidate : Nice to meet you too. Hope to see you soon.