Business English Conversation: Four Essential Tips to Help You Succeed in Your Next Job Interview

Learning Objectives

In this article, you will

• learn how to be successful in a job interview
• practice key vocabulary on the topic of jobs and interviews
• practice adverbs.

Newsmart Level 3 (B1+, TOEIC 389–550, TOEFL iBT 41–52, IELTS 4.5–5)

Many would argue that the jobs we do also determine who we are. The roles we play at work provide us with a wealth of experience which shape our thinking, influence our values, and change the very behaviours with which we interact with others in the office and at home. Success at job interviews is, therefore, of immense importance for us as people.

It’s not simply a question of a promotion, extra money and status. It’s much more about influencing who we are and who we want to become.

Here are four essential tips to help you succeed at job interviews and determine a life path which is positive for you and those around you.

#1 Know the role

It may sound obvious, but it’s vital to know the job you are applying for. On the one hand, it’s important to understand the formal scope of the role as defined by the actual job description. You need to appreciate the skills demanded and the results expected. In the interview, you will be expected to explain how you match the first and convince that you can deliver the second. However, you also need to understand the less formal opportunities and risks which any job can bring with it.

On the positive side, how might the role develop; what extra responsibilities might there be; how can you show your creativity and talent? On the risks side, how are budgets being cut which might impact on the job; how much freedom will you really have; what are your boss and the team actually like? Remember, when we talk about success at job interviews, ultimately what we mean is getting a job that gives us the opportunities to grow and feel motivated on a daily basis.

#2 Ask, don’t just tell

It’s obvious from the first point that you should ask as well as tell in job interviews. Successful candidates need to collect data, in addition to giving information, so they can decide if the job is right for them. Asking questions is also essential as it shows a general openness and commitment to learn and listen. If you can convince the interviewer that you have genuine curiosity and are able to really listen, you are halfway to a job offer.

#3 Make the case that you can make a difference

In the end, you will get job offers if you have something more than other candidates. But, very often, it’s not the specifics which matter but the total package. You’re likely to be weaker in some areas and stronger in others, so you need to be clear why your overall package makes most sense to the interviewers. What will ultimately convince is the blend; is it a question of your experience combined with your passion? Is it your optimism and self-confidence? Is it your communication skills coupled with your openness to learn? Know your value. If you don’t, how can the interviewer?

#4 Perform

Finally, however well suited you are for a job, it comes down to how well you perform on the day and persuade the specific interviewers. So you need to perform and persuade. To perform, you need to prepare. Practise makes perfect, as they say.

Sit in front of a mirror or practise asking and telling as you walk around your office. Make sure you can articulate comfortably, naturally and fluently who you are and why you are right for the job.

Bear in mind that we tend to be persuaded by the people we like and people who are like us. So get ready to tune into the interviewers and find a way to establish rapport with the things you have in common — interests, people you both know, common travel experiences. You need to leave a smile on the face of the person in front of you. If they feel good about being around you, it’s more likely they will want to bring you into their organisation.

Don’t forget that we better remember things at the beginning and the end of conversations. So make a strong positive impact and a strong impact at the end of the interview. Let the interviewer know what you are doing after the interview or the next day, and make it interesting or meaningful. It’s not easy but neither is the workplace. Preparing for an interview is like preparing for working life.

Photo credit: Alex Wong for Getty

Originally published at www.getnewsmart.com.