JOB INTERVIEW
Job interview is a conversation which occurs between a potential employer and a job applicant. During the job interview, the employer has the opportunity to appraise applicant’s qualifications, appearance and general fitness for the job opening. In parallel the applicant tries to learn more about the position, to appraise the employer and to find out if your needs and interests will be met. Think of the interview as a conversation between two people where each person is trying to learn more about the other. The interview process is a two-way street. You are traveling toward a goal—the right job and the employer is traveling toward a goal—the right hire.
Job Interview Sections
A job interview usually consists of the following stages, as The Head Hunters explains.
1. Opening
The opening section consists of introducing the interviewer and the candidate.
• Greet and welcome – Greetings
• Explain the purpose of the interview – The purpose of the interview
• Explain the structure of the interview – Part of the interview
2. Main Questions
In the core section, candidates are given job-related questions according to what the company wants to know. Here, the company is also obliged to explain the rights and obligations of its employees.
• Duties and expectations – Responsibilities and expectations
• Character traits – Personality
• Personal growth – Personal and professional development goals
• Salary and benefits – Salary and other benefits
3. Closing
In closing, the interviewer provides an opportunity for the candidate to ask questions. This is an opportunity for the candidate to find out things beyond the interview questions.
The interviewer will explain the next steps after the interview. Candidates will be contacted once a decision has been made.
Here are some useful expressions for the most common types of job interview questions you are likely to be asked in English-speaking countries.
1. Draw attention to your education and qualifications, or any formal training you may have received:
• I graduated from (university/college etc) in (the year)…
• I studied at (university/college)…
• I got a diploma in…. And then went on to study...
• I did a Management course in 2018 and this helped me to...
• I am a qualified...
2. Focus on your work experience and your career so far:
• I worked for (company name) as a (job role)…
• I worked in (sector) for (period of time)…
• I was promoted to (job role)…
• I was responsible for...
• I have …….years’ experience in…
• I have a proven track record in…
3. Describe your best features and what motivates you:
• I am hardworking / focused / easy going, etc
• I am proud of...
• I perform well under pressure.
• I am self-motivated.
• I take pride in my work.
4. Use intensifiers to make stronger statements:
• I am very organised and extremely focused.
• I am really good at initiative/presenting information/achieving
• I have very good people skills/management skills
5. Make sure you highlight your languange skills:
• I’m confident speaker of english/i fell comfortable speaking english
• I have effective communication skills in english
6. Include any technical expertise or projects that might be relevant to the role:
• I am very proud of (the last project I was involved in) because...
• I have (say how many years) experience working in (the sector)...
• I have worked in (sector) for...
7. If appropriate, talk about your background, where you are from, and where you grew up:
• I was born in (country) and grew up in (country).
• I relocated/moved to (country) when I was (age).
• I speak (number) languages.
• I currently live in (country/city/ town).
example from my job interview