Interviews
Useful Expressions
- I will be conducting your interview today.
- What was it about this position that caught your attention?
- What do you find interesting about this position?
- Why do you want to apply for this position?
- What qualifications do you have?
- What are your expectations about this job?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Thank you for your time.
Dialogue Practice
Read the dialogue aloud with your teacher.
Mr. Smith is conducting an interview for a new research assistant position. | |
 Mark Smith | Hello, Matt. I am Mark Smith, and I will be conducting your interview today. Have a seat, please. |
 Matt | Thank you, Mr. Smith. It's a pleasure to meet you. |
 Mark Smith | I’d like to begin by asking, what was it about this research program that caught your attention? |
 Matt | First of all, I'm very interested in genetics. I’ve been trying to find a good genetics research program for about a year now. So, the moment I read about your program, I was genuinely interested. I believe the scale and importance of what you are researching are really astonishing, and I would like to be part of that. |
 Mark Smith | I see. What qualifications do you have that would make you suitable for this position? |
 Matt | I’ve been an honor student my entire life and I’ve been a research assistant before, on a smaller project. |
 Mark Smith | What would you say your strengths and weaknesses are? |
 Matt | I am very passionate and I care a lot about my work. I’m very ambitious and I want to make a name for myself in this field. I am also very attentive to details. As for my weaknesses, I can only say that I sometimes work to exhaustion and that can be detrimental to my health. |
 Mark Smith | What are your expectations about this job? |
 Matt | I hope to be challenged as often as possible. I am hoping this job will offer opportunities for professional and personal growth. |
 Mark Smith | Well Matt, this is all I needed to know. Thank you for your time and we shall call you soon to let you know the result. |
 Matt | Thank you very much as well! I look forward to your phone call. Good afternoon, Mr. Smith. |
Check your understanding:
1.
Why is Matt interested in the research assistant job?
2.
Why does Matt think he is qualified for the job?
3.
What does Matt hope to get from this job?
Role Play
Role-play the following situation with your teacher.
Situation
You are holding interviews for a secretary position. You may use some of the expressions below. Switch roles after that, and play the role of the interviewee.
- Why are you interested in this job?
- What are your qualifications?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What can you tell me about your ambitions?
- Do you have any expectations about this job?
Discussion
1.
Have you ever conducted an interview? If so, for what job? If not, would you like to?
2.
What do you think are some of the most important questions to ask in an interview?
3.
Are you a good judge of character?
4.
How do you try to sell yourself to a potential employer?
