“Acts” of an Interview

Act I: The Entrance

Act II: The Performance
Act III: The Exit
Act I: The Entrance
The Art of Meeting and Greeting
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.
I: How do you do?
C: How do you do. My name is….
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
Question Categories
A. Persona (questions 1-4)
B. Qualifications, Work experience and Career goals (5-9)
A. Questions about your persona
1. Questions about you
2. Question about your strengths
3. Questions about your weaknesses
4. Questions about hobbies/interests

1. Questions about you

Sample questions:
• Tell us something about yourself.
• How would you describe yourself?
• Can you talk to us about yourself?

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

1
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 geological surveying.
I am single/married//separated/ divorced. I have one/two/three…. children.

Useful Grammar:

• Present Simple to express permanent situations, habits, routines, facts

• Present Continuous to express temporary situations, actions in course

• Present Perfect Simple/Continuous to express:

– general experiences in the past without detailing when and where
– experiences which began in the past, but are still in course (unfinished actions)

• Past Simple to describe finished actions in the past at a given, specific, or implied
moment and place.

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?
Include 3-4 positive character traits:
Adaptable Flexible Hard-working Reliable
Friendly Loyal Trustworthy Honest
Persistent Determined Tolerant Open-minded

Include 3-4 proficiency traits:

Achiever initiator mediator quick-learner
Leader efficient expert detail-oriented
team-player problem-solver competent multi-tasker

Sample answers:
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 strengths are my flexibility and ability to
effectively handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Useful patterns:
• I am…
• I have/possess

2
• 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)

Verbs:
• be, have, possess, manage, perform, be good at, can+ base verb, be able to, know
how to…

• –ed/past participle form used as adjective:

I am results-oriented/focused/organised.

• -ing form used as adjective:

I am easy-going and hard-working.

• -ing form used as noun:

Developing new work strategies is one of my strongest abilities.

Nouns to define your traits:

I’m a good multi-tasker.

Adjectives to express traits:

Colleagues say I am friendly and competent.

Adverbs to modify degree:

• For gradables: very, quite, rather, really, exceptionally, particularly
I can work exceptionally well under pressure.

• For ungradables: really, absolutely

My managerial skills are really amazing.

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?

Sample answers:

3
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?
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.

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

5. Questions about the job you are applying for

6. Question about hiring you
7. Question about what you know about the company
8. Questions about current and past work experience
9. Questions about career goals

4
5. 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
6. 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 answers:

• 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 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:

5
• 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…
7. 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.

8. 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?
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, and I 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.

6
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.
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

9. Questions about career goals

Sample questions:
• 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 grammar:

• Conditional Form to express future aspirations:

I would like to become Surveying Director.

• Future Simple to express future aspirations:

7
I hope I will hold a high-ranking position in the company.

• Present Continuous to express what you arebcurrently doing to achieve those

goals:
I am currently taking extra field-related courses to enhance my professional
credentials.

Patterns:
• In the future, I would like to…
• Hopefully, I will…
• I hope to…
• My dream is to…
• My aspirations are/include….

Act III: The Exit

Thanking and Taking Leave
A. Your questions about the job and company
B. Thanking and asking about next steps
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

2.
• Thank the interviewers for their time.
• Ask about the next steps and when you can expect a response from them.

Sample answers:
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?

8
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
ot/haven’t/don’t/didn’t, never…

• videotape yourself and re-listen to your English exposition: if necessary, make

corrections

• 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?
• avoid humming and hawing by using fillers:

Well,…
Certainly,…
I mean/What I mean is…
That is (to say)…
As a matter of fact, …
Actually, …
To be honest, …
Quite frankly, …
In other words, …
Post Interview

• analyse the answers you gave in the interview and improve any weak language
Areas

• create a personal syllabus in English

• (snail) mail a thank-you note

Remember manners and respect, and the magic words:

Please and Thank you!

9
Further questions and answers about job interview:

Job interview conversation

Mike: Good Morning, John. I am Mike.

John: Good Morning.

Mike: How are you doing?

John: I am doing fine. Thank you.

Mike: How was the traffic coming over here?

John: I am so glad that the traffic was light this morning. No traffic jam and no
accidents.

Mike: That is good. John, let’s start the interview. Are you ready?

John: Yes, I am.

Mike: First of all, let me properly introduce myself. I am the Finance Department

Manager. As you know there is an open position in my department, and I need to fill
this position as soon as possible.

John: Please, tell me a little bit about the position.

Mike: It is an entry-level position. The new employee will have to work closely with
the Accounting department. He will also have to deal with the bank on a daily basis.

John: What type of qualifications do you require?

Mike: I require a four-year college degree in Finance. Some working experience

would be helpful.

John: What kind of experience are you looking for?

Mike: Doing office work is good. However, since this is an entry-level position, I do

not require a lot of experience. I am willing to train the new person.

John: That is great!

Mike: John, tell me a little bit about yourself.

John: I was a student at West Coast University, and I just graduated with a Bachelor
degree in Finance. I have been working part-time as a payroll clerk for the last two
years.

10
Mike: What are you looking for in a job?

John: The job should help me see what Finance is all about. I have learned a lot of
Finance theories at school, and now it is time for me to put them into practice.

Mike: Anything else?

John: I also hope that it will help me grow in my field.

Mike: What are your strengths? Why should I hire you?

John: I am a hard-working person and a fast learner. I am very eager to learn, and I
get along fine with people.

Mike: OK. Now, let me ask you a few quick questions. You do not mind working long
hours, do you?

John: No, I do not.

Mike: Can you handle pressure?

John: Yes, I can. When I was going to school, I took quite a few courses each
semester while working at least twenty hours every week. And, I handled that
situation very well.

Mike: Do you still have any questions for me?

John: No, I think I have a pretty good understanding of the job. I believe that I can
handle it with ease, and I hope to have the opportunity to work for you.

Mike: John, nice meeting you. Thank you for coming.

John: Nice meeting you too. Thank you for seeing me.

11