Skype interview in English. A unique opportunity to prepare for an interview in English on Skype Interview in English on Skype

Friends, of course, an interview in English is very pre-infarction. And at the same time, a person with a level no higher than Intermediate is quite capable, and with the right preparation and, most importantly, self-presentation, a happy owner of a not very confident Pre-Intermediate is able to make the right impression and be proud of himself. And a new job.
So, how to properly prepare, first-hand advice from and part-time HR Director, who regularly conducts the notorious interviews in English.

1. The best improvisation is homemade. Dial in Google "brand manager interview questions", "category manager interview questions", "accounting&Tax Expert interview questions". In general, you understand the logic. Study the questions that may be asked when interviewing for your position. Look at several sites, study the key questions, as well as options for how they can be formulated and delivered in English. Be fully equipped. Think, and even better, and write down the best answers to these questions. No need to be smart, let it be very simple and short sentences, but clear, understandable and convincing for the interviewer.
For example, I manage, monitor and coordinate the work of my department, or It's important for me to work in a reputed company.
Really, it is difficult?!
Well, if it's difficult, do it first in Russian, and then translate it into English. You do not need to answer too ornate and complex, simple and concise phrases are what you need!

2. The next step: you need to "speak" these phrases and sentences, that is, say out loud the answers to the recruiter's possible questions many, many times. To get used to saying these phrases, sound more natural and relaxed.
Believe me, at the interview, as an interviewer, I always “hear” that the candidate has not had speaking practice for a long time. And in some places, something rusted. This "abstinence" from English is very conspicuous and cuts the ear.

3. Need ears. The best way to do this is to find a teacher. But God forbid, study grammar with him. You will only go into the jungle, get confused and lose faith in yourself. Leave the rules and times alone, even if you make some mistakes, it will not be the deciding factor whether to take you on the team or stay away from you. The main thing is that we can speak and be able to convey our thoughts. Therefore, just “run through” the list of questions with the teacher several times, let him ask you (in various forms) the questions that are waiting for you, support the conversation, portray the interviewer. Corrects roughness. Perhaps he will suggest more interesting and simple words and phrases.

4. By the way, if you know that in the near future you are “threatened” with an interview, take a teacher. My warning still stands: ignore grammar, don't bother with exercises, and just discuss a wide variety of topics, even not necessarily professional ones. You just need to learn how to quickly respond and switch from topic to topic.

5. Prepare your interview questions well in advance. This, by the way, is the key point. Write them down in your diary the day before, so as not to get excited and not miss anything. Be sure to ask ALL questions at the end of the interview! Ask them in any case, even if it seems to you that you looked pale, messed up, and in general - the game is lost. It will be great if, at the end of the interview, your interviewer will talk a lot, answer your questions, clarify incomprehensible things - as a result, he will get the impression that you are such a good speaker. Your task is to nod and smile.
In my practice of preparing for interviews, there were times when we (with my students) came up only on such additional questions. To be continued…

Live and learn in the 21st century!

Working with a teacher on answers to recruiter questions and self-presentation to a potential employer, you do not just play the most typical questions and answers, but find yourself in real situations that can happen SPECIFICALLY with YOU when passing an interview for the position YOU want. You learn specific vocabulary that is used in the field of activity of the company in which you will be interviewing, as well as learn how to speak in business style. Also, the teacher will help you write (adjust) a resume and a cover letter.

It is no secret that it is much more profitable to work abroad. And it's no secret that foreign employers are quite willing to hire Ukrainian specialists. In principle, finding a job abroad is not so difficult if you have the necessary skills and knowledge, have sufficient work experience, and so on. But finding the right job isn't everything. Ahead is one of the most difficult stages: an interview with a potential employer. In English, as a rule.

Statistics show that more than half of the interviews with foreign applicants Western employers carried out via Skype. This is not surprising, since the Skype interview, although it differs from the real one, is not much, and allows you to fully evaluate the applicant, at least make the first, most important impression about him.

Yes, such an interview is an important stage, and you need to pass it with dignity. How to pass a job interview via Skype? We'll talk about this.

Secrets of a Successful Skype Interview

1. Environment, your appearance.

Yes, you need to pay attention to all this. It is unlikely that your interlocutor will be delighted with your appearance in home clothes, household members or pets flickering in the background, or, excuse me, the mess in the background. You are going through an interview, the severity is exactly the same as in the office. Therefore, make sure that the environment resembles the office environment as much as possible. A minimum of details in the background, strict, albeit not office wear, neat hairstyle - all this will be a plus. Like silence, the absence of distracting sounds (turn off other instant messengers, phone, music, and so on), the absence of strangers in the room. In short, imagine that you are in an office.

2. Technical support.

The battery charge of the laptop must be full, the webcam - giving a high-quality image and sound. Take care of a respectable Skype login, frivolous, vulgar or "gaming" logins will definitely not work. By the way, it will not be superfluous to look for yourself on the Internet, to evaluate your image. This applies to social networks, photos and other things - all the information that search engines give out.

If there is any problem, don't panic. Equanimity and calmness is your plus in the eyes of the interlocutor, therefore, if there is a problem with communication, say or write that you will call back in a couple of minutes. It's a lot the best option than panic, confusion in the eyes and attempts to fix problems right during the interview.

Do not forget about the time difference - if you have a white day outside your window, your employer may have a deep night. Therefore, determine the time of the interview in advance, and at the same time, specify who should call whom.

3. Behavior during the interview.

Skype-interview has its own nuances. First of all, it is the direction of your gaze. Do not look into the eyes of the interlocutor - the camera is above the level of his eyes, look into it. Otherwise, the interlocutor will see you with lowered eyes, this is not the best angle. If you are not used to communicating like this, practice beforehand. Or, somehow fix the camera so that you look into it without difficulty.

You should not get too close to the camera, but also move away too - the interlocutor should see you in much the same way as he would see you at a real interview sitting at the table.

During the interview, everything you need should be at your fingertips, but out of the line of sight of the interlocutor.

Your behavior should be calm, friendly, in every sense positive, confident. Do not answer questions instantly - it is worth a little, literally for a second, to delay with the answer.

And most importantly: the interview will be conducted in English. And you must be ready for this.

Passing a Skype interview in English: how to prepare for this?

Of course, you need to know English. At what level? But here it all depends on the position for which you are applying. If you are a specialist in a certain field, whose work will not involve serious negotiations or writing kilometer-long texts, the Intermediate level is enough for you. If you are applying for a position related to working with people, you need a higher level, Special attention focus on spoken English. And the accent - Russian or Ukrainian, a pronounced accent always cuts the ear, so train your pronunciation.

If your position is related to finance, analytics, law, medicine, and other "narrow" areas, then you should place more emphasis on business or technical English.

It is clear that you need to learn the language, train with listening and learn specific terms before you have an interview in English. This will help you online - you can start at the level you need, and for quite short term make great progress in language proficiency. A large selection of online courses allows you to quickly find exactly the one that suits you best - business English, a specialized course or a general English course. In any case, you will be satisfied with the result of the training, which means that your potential employer will be satisfied with you during the interview. At least in terms of English proficiency.

But knowing English is not everything. It is worth preparing for the interview itself, again, with the help of specialists. The fact is that typical questions are often found in interviews, but the answer to them is not typical. Tell us about your professional experience. Why do you want to work for our company? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Familiar questions, they are often asked here as well. But this does not mean that you should answer such questions in a standard way. The best option would be to make a list of typical questions, and as an answer to them, write a short “essay” - under the guidance of a teacher, preferably a native speaker. In this case, you will be confident in yourself at the interview, and this is important.

Who does not agree that knowledge of the English language opens up wide prospects for us. It is considered the leading language in the world, which is spoken by millions of people, regardless of nationality. In addition, the most important decisions of world importance are made in English. Therefore, in order to prepare for the interview and achieve the desired goal, it is important to make special efforts. A unique opportunity is Skype interview preparation courses.

Reliable help from professionals

Passing a successful interview is not an easy task for any person. After all, it is important to appear before the employer in the best possible way and leave good impression. This is especially difficult to do in a foreign language.

Even if you are an exceptional master of your craft, but you cannot competently answer questions, this will not help. Understanding professional vocabulary, as well as turns of business speech, plays an important role in making a decision.

Often, those who want to get a good job in an international company do not achieve their cherished goal. The reason is errors in writing resumes in English. As well as the inability to conduct a conversation at an interview and present yourself correctly.

To avoid disappointment and failure, one should diligently prepare for such a decisive event. The best way to do this is with a qualified teacher. Without leaving your home, you can take special courses via Skype. Together with the teacher, you will learn how to correctly write a resume in English. It will help to rehearse in advance the answers to the tricky questions that arose during the interview. Provides guidance on how to correctly compose an accompanying document in the original language. In addition, an experienced teacher will conduct a test interview with you to give you confidence before an important test.

Positive aspects of the courses

Many are familiar with the saying that it is hard to learn something, but easy to apply in combat. In fact, courses to prepare for an interview in English are not only theory, but also practice.

Working with the teacher on the answers and questions that may arise during the dialogue, you will be able to see the real picture. This will undoubtedly help to gain confidence when meeting with the employer in person.

The courses provide the service of studying business vocabulary, as well as special terms that are practiced in this company.

Personal attention of a specialist in the preparation of documents necessary for admission to work. In competent English, you can write a resume or an accompanying document.

In addition, the courses have the following advantages:

1. Convenient training times. Due to the fact that prestigious job not lying on the road, it is important to quickly respond to vacancies. Our courses allow you to choose the duration of training, and the teacher - the right material. Thus, in a short time, you can skillfully show yourself at the interview. Knowledge of English vocabulary in a business style can be your ticket to a successful future.
2. Personal teacher. The best understanding of foreign speech is achieved with an individual lesson. This approach will allow the teacher to give full attention to you personally. Any questions that arose during the training are resolved immediately. The first free lesson will allow the teacher to select the appropriate material in individually. Studying with a personal teacher is a great opportunity to go to the cherished goal.
3. Operational organization of training periods. Living in this world, we realize the importance of doing everything on time. Therefore, we understand that you are often tied to a designated number. Given this fact, in just 12 hours a teacher is selected for you, a package required material and training periods. This saves time and effort. Skype online lessons will help you prepare for an interview in English in time.

As can be seen from the above, the courses are designed for serious and business people who are ready to achieve their goals. Using our services, you will be able to behave confidently at the interview, speaking fluently in English.

Interviewing in English is a serious test. After all, the employer will evaluate not only your professional quality but also knowledge of the English language. We want to help you pass this test with honor, so we have prepared a cheat sheet for you, in which we will tell you what questions are most often asked in an interview and how to answer them correctly in English. At the end of the article, we will share with you tips on what not to do and say in an interview.

And a webinar hosted by our UK tutor Dave on “You’re Hired!”

Our articles help you improve your English. But it's even better to deal with it good teacher. At the Inglex online school, we have combined strong teachers and the comfort of online classes. Try English on Skype at .

TOP 10 interview questions in English and examples of answers to them

Let's first take a look at the most common questions that you can be asked at an interview in English. We will also provide answer options and recommendations for each of them.

1. Tell me about yourself - Tell me about yourself

Advice: This is perhaps one of the most difficult and important issues. You need to unobtrusively show yourself to the interviewer from the best side, briefly tell about yourself, while not going into unnecessary details.

What to do:

• Make a brief summary of your resume: talk about your education, work experience, skills and personal qualities that will help you achieve success in a particular profession. For example, a sales manager will need excellent communication, persuasion, and good presentation skills. You do not need to talk about yourself for a long time, just casually mention that you have certain qualities or skills. By the way, if you are still puzzling over how to write your resume correctly, our step-by-step guide "" will help you.
• Mention your non-work related hobbies. It is great if it is associated with a healthy lifestyle (yoga, non-dangerous sports) or intellectual development (reading, passion for history / astronomy, etc.).

What Not to Do:

• Retell autobiography. The employer does not need details of your personal life, where you were born, when you got married, etc. Your answer should be clear and take just a couple of minutes.
• Ask "What would you like to know?" This is a direct path to failure. The fact is that the request to tell about yourself is not a specific question, it is a way to check how well you prepared for the interview and, in principle, know how to answer such questions.

Example of a successful response:

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 the 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 easily get along with different types of people. I have over six years of experience in sales. The last four years as a sales manager have developed many important qualities in me, including the ability to make decisions and multitask. This experience will help me achieve all the goals you set for this position.

2. What are your strengths? - What are your strengths/strengths?

Advice: In answering this question, you need to focus on those of your qualities and skills that are directly related to the desired position. For example, it would be appropriate for a designer to mention creativity and good imagination, for an accountant to be attentive and accurate, etc.

What to do:

• Select 2-4 of your most outstanding and necessary qualities or skills for this position and describe them in detail.
• Justify your choice, that is, tell, for example, what these skills allowed you to achieve in a previous job or in life.
• Mention what quality or skill people around you consider to be your strength. In this way, you will show the employer that you know how to look at yourself from the outside.

What Not to Do:

• Long list their advantages without any justification and explanation. This sounds unbelievable and overconfident.
• Give a 20 minute monologue. This will be a self-praise, so be brief.
• Talk about only one of your qualities.

Example of a successful response:

My strengths are excellent written and verbal communication skills. I can usually win people over to my point of view. Also, I'm competitive and like to excel at everything I do. My goal is to achieve results beyond the expectations of my supervisor. And last but not least, I'm very flexible and adaptable to new situations. Regardless of the situation, I have the ability to adapt and work under any circumstances. These skills seem to be directly related to the job.

Translation:

My strengths are excellent written and oral communication skills. I can convince people. I am also focused on winning and like to excel in everything I do. My goal is to achieve results that exceed my manager's expectations. Last but not least, I am very flexible and adapt easily to new environments. Regardless of the situation, I am able to adapt and work in any circumstances. These qualities seem to me important for this work.

3. What are your weaknesses? - What are your weaknesses/disadvantages?

Advice A: Don't be afraid to answer the truth to this question. Absolutely every person has flaws, so the employer will normally react to the fact that you also have them. The main thing is to tell the truth, but present it carefully.

What to do:

• Tell about 1-2 minor shortcomings that will not scare the employer. For example, if you get a job as an account manager, you can't say that you are a shy person and you find it difficult to communicate with people. Are you going to work in an open space (office without walls and partitions)? Then it's better not to tell the employer that you need absolute silence for work.
• Explain how you work on your weaknesses. This is the only correct way to answer this question. The employer expects from you a story that you are not “releasing everything on the brakes”, but are ready to change yourself for the better.
• Turn a disadvantage into a virtue. For example, you can say that excessive self-criticism helps you do your job as well as possible, and the lack of experience in the chosen field of activity will allow you to quickly learn exactly those functions that are important for the employer.

What Not to Do:

• Say you have no weaknesses. Each person has flaws, so such an answer will be a lie and cause negative emotions in the interviewer.
• Talk about shortcomings that may affect the work. An innocent "I am often late" will be perceived as "I am a disorganized and irresponsible person." Be honest, but careful in your wording.
• List weak sides no explanation. Try to level each shortcoming by the technique with which you fight it.

Example of a successful response:

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 it is not always useful and possible - to try to bring your work to perfection.

4. Why should we hire you? Why should we choose you?

Advice: This is a very important question, and you need to prepare for it in advance. So, you need to tell what your strengths will help the company achieve the desired performance. That is, you must study all the information about the company in advance: in what area it operates, what are its market positions and development directions, and also what goals the management sets for itself. Data about almost any company can be easily found on the Internet.

What do we have to do:

• Tell what the company will get if they choose you. The employer needs to know what you can give to the company.
• Highlight one of your qualities as unique. Think in advance what you have that sets you apart from other candidates. At the interview, tell how this unique quality will work for the benefit of the company.

What Not to Do:

• Praise yourself. The answer in the style of "I'm the best specialist in this field" sounds completely unconvincing and even arrogant. The interviewer is not interested in your person, but in what benefit you can bring to the company.
• Talk insecure. Try to find a fine line between arrogance and self-confidence, do not be modest. If you really want to get a position, strongly state your advantages over other candidates.
• Do not give reasons that are not related to this position.

Example of a successful response:

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 confidence that I can do this job and make a big contribution to the common cause. I have gained a reputation as a leader when it comes to negotiations. On my past work I could negotiate good deals. I know the industry very well and can assure you that I understand what I have to do as a sales manager.

5. Why are you leaving (have left) your job? - Why are you going to leave (left) your job?

Advice: A very slippery question that needs to be answered carefully and unemotionally. Your answer should not cast a shadow on the former boss or colleagues. No one is interested in your problems and complaints, so tune in to the positive.

What do we have to do:

• Say you want to improve. This is the best option that will show that you are interested in working in this field and you are ready to learn.
• Mention a change in the principle of work. If you were a freelancer and decided to return to the office, or worked part-time and wanted to work full-time, say so at the interview. These are quite good and adequate reasons for changing jobs.
• Talk about changing circumstances. Normal reasons for an employer are moving or changing family circumstances. Has your company left the market? Tell your employer about it. In this case, the truth is on your side.

What Not to Do:

• It is bad to talk about your former colleagues and boss. In no case should you do this: the interviewer does not know you, so he may think that you are to blame for the situation because of your quarrelsome character.
• Uncover unpleasant reasons for dismissal. Yes, you can’t lie at the interview, but still, the stories that you were fired because of an unsuccessful project are better saved for a group of friends.
• Say that your work bores you. This way you will let the interviewer know that a potential position in a month or two may also bore you and the company will lose time choosing you. Look for a more compelling and "adult" reason.

Successful Answer Examples:

1. My potential for growth in this area is limited at AAA because of the size of the company and the fact that expansion is not a part of its current strategic plan.
2. I am interested in a position with a stable company where I will have room for growth and an opportunity for advancement.
3. I relocated to this city due to family circumstances that is why I had to leave my previous position.
4. I wanted a new challenge. There wasn't room for growth with my previous employer.
5. This job seems like an excellent match for my experience and skills. I was not able to fully utilize them in my previous position.

Translation:

1. My ability to grow in this industry is limited at AAA due to the size of the company and the fact that expansion is not part of the current strategic plan.
2. I am interested in a position in a stable company where I will have development prospects and an opportunity for advancement.
3. I moved to this city for family reasons, so I had to leave my previous job.
4. I need new target. I had no prospects for growth with my previous employer.
5. It seems to me that in this work I will be able to apply my experience and skills in the best possible way. I didn't have the opportunity to fully utilize them in my previous position.

6. Why do you want this job? - Why are you interested in this job?

Advice: This is a question that job seekers quite often give completely inappropriate answers to. Oddly enough, but here again you need to unobtrusively mention what you can give to the company, and not vice versa.

What do we have to do:

• Again say what you can do for the company. For example, mention that you would be interested in using your communication skills and knowledge of English to work with foreign partners and you are sure that you could attract new clients.
• Try to show that you know the specifics of the job. For example, if you are applying for a manager position, mention your ability to negotiate with clients.

What Not to Do:

• Speak the bitter truth. Forget the three answers: "I need money", "I need a job", "It's convenient for me to get to your office." Such statements will definitely not please the interviewer. Nobody expects you to love material goods, tell us about higher goals.
• Show that you are unfamiliar with the job. For example, if you are going to work as an accountant, then it would be inappropriate to say that you like to communicate with people and want variety in your work.

Example of a successful response:

I look forward to a position that offers more opportunities to work with corporate clients. I have had a few opportunities to do this with my current (previous) employer. I’ve read about the company’s future projects that are designed to move the company forward towards achieving its mission. I want to be a part of this company because I believe I can be of assistance in its growth.

Translation:

I am looking for a position that offers more opportunities to work with corporate clients. I had little experience with this kind of work. I read about the company's future projects that will help it achieve its mission. I want to be part of the company because I believe I can help it grow.

7. What are your goals for the future? / Where do you see yourself in five years? - What are your goals for the future? / Where do you see yourself in five years?

Advice: The answer to this question shows the employer how ambitious you are and what is really important to you, what you are striving for. Most importantly, your answer will show how long you intend to work in this area and in this company.

What do we have to do:

• Inform about the future associated with working in this company. Each employer is interested in the employee coming for a long time, so it will be right if in the future you imagine yourself in the company where you are going to get a job.
• Tell that you are going to develop together with the company. This is exactly what any employer wants to hear. At the same time, do not name a specific position, speak in a streamlined way.

What Not to Do:

• Don't give an answer. In fact, most people get lost when they are asked this question, so if you answer it, you will immediately gain an advantage over other candidates.
• Name a specific job. The fact is that you can "miss" and name a position that, in principle, is not in the company. In addition, your expectations may be considered too low or, on the contrary, too high.
• Talk about things that are not work related. The interviewer doesn't need to know that you're going to have a family, kids, and a big lake house. So speak closer to the point, or rather, work. The HR manager will prefer to hire a candidate who has indicated more stable prospects for the firm.

Example of a successful response:

I see the next few years here at BBB as an opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge to run one of the departments in this company. If I continue working in the department where this position is, I hope to be a senior manager and participate in shaping the strategic plans for development in B2B sales and marketing.

Translation:

I see the next few years here at BBB as an opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge to manage one of the company's departments. If I continue to work in the department where the position is offered, I hope to become a senior manager and participate in the formation of the plan strategic development in B2B sales and marketing.

8. What are your salary expectations? - What salary do you expect?

Advice: As a rule, all candidates are embarrassed to answer this question. It seems to be necessary to say something, because each of us works first of all in order to earn a living. On the other hand, there are always doubts: “What if my requirements turn out to be too high or too low?” Therefore, the best option is not to name the exact amount, but only to hint at your expectations.

What do we have to do:

• Get away from a direct answer. Try to evade the direct answer to the question and say general streamlined phrases. It is better to discuss the exact amount later, when the interviewer will tell you in detail about the work.

What Not to Do:

• State the exact amount. This is incorrect: it is unlikely that you will be able to guess the exact salary that the employer is willing to pay you.
• Ask "How much are you willing to offer?". You are being asked a question that it is impolite to answer with a question.
• Talk about salary at a previous job. Interviewers don't like it when their company is compared to another company.

Successful Answer Examples:

1. I am interested in finding a position where I can use my professional skills and abilities and build a good career. I'm sure that you're offering a salary which is competitive in the market.
2. According to my experience, I think that $30,000-45,000 per year is a typical salary in the market.
3. I would need to know more about your salary structure and how often you review salaries as well as your entire package before I could discuss salary ranges. Could you provide me with more information before we discuss this subject?

Translation:

1. I am interested in a position where I can use my professional skills and abilities and build a good career. I am sure that you offer a salary that is competitive in this market.
2. According to my experience, I think that $30,000-45,000 a year is the average salary in the market.
3. I would like to know more about the salary structure and how often do you review salaries and compensation package before I can discuss the salary range. Could you provide me with more details before discussing this issue?

9. Tell me about an accomplishment you are most proud of - Tell me about the achievement you are most proud of

Advice: It seems that this is the simplest question: you just need to tell about some of your merit. However, the question only seems simple. In fact, in response to it, you need to follow the same strategy: focus on those qualities that will interest a particular company.

What do we have to do:

• Talk about a specific event. Do not spread your thoughts along the tree: think in advance what achievement can impress your employer, and talk about it. Mentioning all achievements will look less convincing than concretization.

What Not to Do:

• Talk about achievements that are not related to work. The interviewer is interested in what value you can bring when working in a particular area.

Example of a successful response:

I improved the inquiry management system at the company where I previously worked. I decided to set up a system grouping inquiries according to region. This approach enabled the entire marketing team to come up with more efficient solutions to our distribution problems.

Translation:

I improved the system of market surveys in the company where I used to work. I decided to introduce a system of group surveys by region. This approach allowed the entire marketing team to develop better solutions to our marketing problems.

10. Do you have any questions? - Do you have any questions?

Advice: It would seem that at this stage you can exhale: the interviewer's questions are over, you have successfully "shot back". However, it is too early to relax, the last fight remains, and, as you know, it is “the most difficult”. Even if you are terribly tired and want to quickly run home and rest, find the strength to collect your thoughts again and ask good questions. By doing so, you will show the interviewer that you are really interested in getting the position and are serious about it.

What do we have to do:

• Show that you carefully read the job requirements. Ask questions about what is not covered there or ask for clarification of some point that you do not understand.
• Show interest. Try to finally clarify not only pragmatic questions like the salary and the exact location of the office, but also more pleasant to the interviewer: about the purpose of the work, the skills you need, etc.

What Not to Do:

• Summarize "I understand everything." The interviewer may get the impression that you are not interested in the vacancy or that you essentially do not care where and with whom to work.
• Ask again the points disclosed in the vacancy requirement. This will show that you did not read the information carefully, which means that you can also be inattentive about your work.

Example of good questions:

1. How many employees work for the organization?
2. Please tell me a little bit about the people with whom I'll be working most closely.
3. Will I work independently or in a team?
4. Where will I be working?
5. How advanced is the hardware and software I will be expected to use?
6. How did this job become available?
7. Before you’re able to reach a hiring decision, how many more interviews should I expect to go through and with whom?
8. Does this job usually lead to other positions at the company?
9. Will the company be entering any new markets in the next couple of years?

Translation:

1. How many employees work in the organization?
2. Please tell me a little about the people with whom I will need to work most closely.
3. Will I work alone or in a team?
4. Where will I work?
5. How much sophisticated equipment and the software I will have to use?
6. Why is this position open?
7. How many more interviews do I have before you can make a hiring decision? Who will conduct them?
8. Does this job offer career advancement?
9. Will the company enter any new markets in the next few years?

And on this page you will find more than 40 examples of questions in English that are appropriate to ask at an interview.

What not to say and what not to do in an interview in English

So you have learned approximate answers to the most common questions at an interview in English. However, your answers may differ slightly from those given by us, and you may be asked questions by others. Therefore, we want to give you some recommendations about what not to say and what not to do at the interview. So, the interview is not allowed:

1. Talking badly about your previous job

Remember a simple axiom: they say either well or nothing about past work, a former boss and colleagues. If you say that the job was boring and unloved, the interviewer may assume that this vacancy will eventually become boring and unloved for you. Tell the whole truth-womb about a harmful boss and overly curious colleagues - you may be perceived as a person who does not know how to get along with people.

2. Be the first to ask questions about money

Try to put off the question of wages until the potential employer raises it himself. Otherwise, he may think that you are not interested in anything other than a salary.

3. Ask for a delay before starting work

Try to settle all your affairs before employment and be ready to start working at a convenient time for the employer. It is advisable not to ask for even a small vacation or time off at the beginning of your career.

4. Talk about your problems

Moscow does not believe in tears, but the interviewer does not believe in persuasion, so do not say that you really need a job, that you are in need, etc. Not a word about your problems: a complaining employee is unattractive to the employer.

5. Asking "What do you do?"

If a company arranges an interview in English, then this is a fairly large player in the market, and it will not be difficult to find information about it. Be sure to look up company information and don't ask questions like this.

6. Give the answer "It was indicated in the summary"

Such an answer sounds very rude. Most likely, the interviewer perfectly remembers what was indicated in the resume, but for some reason wants to hear the answer to the question directly from you. So just repeat what you wrote about in your CV.

7. Not answering a question or saying "I don't know"

Such answers will immediately reduce your attractiveness in the eyes of the employer. Be prepared for questions that are not listed in our article and even for strange questions, for example, those that our teacher Natalia wrote about in the article “ 10 Unusual Questions You Can Hear During an Interview”. Do not hesitate, but answer the question taking into account our recommendations: try to state something good about yourself in any answer.

8. Give employer advice

Have you carefully studied the activities of the company and decided to brag to the interviewer that you found some mistakes? Keep your recommendations to yourself for now: you will be able to make rational offers after you have been hired. Not all interviewers are okay with criticism of a company during an interview.

9. Give memorized answers

Of course, you should think over your answers to the main questions in advance and even sketch out a rough text. However, make sure that each of your answers sounds natural, and not memorized from a piece of paper.

10. Don't ask questions

We will repeat ourselves, since this point plays a very important role. Many candidates are so “out of breath” by the end of the interview that they completely forget about the questions to the employer. Try not to miss this important point and re-declare yourself as a candidate interested in this vacancy.

11. Asking to finish quickly

Allow sufficient time for the interview. A potential employer does not have to adapt to you, so do not ask when the interview will end, and do not ask to finish it as soon as possible.

12. Concerning religion, politics, other personal topics

Leave the discussion of the actions of politicians and your religious views for friendly gatherings. At the interview, do not touch on personal views and topics that are not related to work.

13. Let the interviewer know that you are nervous

Serious companies need confident people. And, although it is normal to be nervous during an interview, do not tell the HR manager about it, create an image of a confident specialist. Complaining about your nerves, you subconsciously demand some indulgence for yourself, the interviewer feels this very well and, as a rule, does not approve.

14. Request a change in work schedule

Every employer lists hours of work in the job posting, so only go for an interview if the schedule suits you. You can discuss the schedule only if the employer incorrectly indicated it or did not indicate it at all in the information about the vacant position.

15. Insist on remote collaboration

If the schedule does not suit you, you should not ask questions about remote work right at the interview. Clarify this before the interview in correspondence with the employer, there is no need to waste the time of the HR manager in vain.

16. Lie

It is pointless to lie about yourself at an interview: the interviewer will always be able to find the information he needs at your previous job or even just on the Internet, because pages on social networks give out our real views on life. One of the most common mistakes is to lie about your hobbies. Job seekers are often caught on this. If you claim to love reading, be prepared to answer questions about literature as well, otherwise you won't get the job.

17. Be late

We think that this point can not even be explained: if you are late even for an interview, then you most likely will not show up for work on time, no one needs irresponsible workers. If you are late for a very good reason, be sure to call the interviewer, warn him about it and apologize. Force majeure happens to everyone, so you will be forgiven.

18. Make and answer calls

To be safe, turn off your phone during the interview, or at least put it on silent. Remember: there are no calls that cannot be made after the interview. If you are expecting a really important call, ask to reschedule the interview for another day.

19. Sitting in uncertain or too closed postures

Most interviewers are familiar with sign language, so be careful not only with what you say, but also with how you sit and move. An incorrectly chosen posture will give away your insecurity or irritation, which, of course, will be taken into account by the interviewer. An overly relaxed posture is also “contraindicated”, try to stay straight and calm.

We think that now you are ready to pass an interview in English, answer the employer's questions correctly and show your best side. If you feel insecure in your knowledge of English and want to improve it before the interview, we invite you to a quick interview preparation course in English, ours will help you prepare well and easily pass this test. Whichever method you choose, we wish you the best of luck with your interview in English!