are you looking to know how to answer job interview questions in English? have you been called for an introductory meeting and need to know all the tips for answering interview questions in English?
relax! You’re probably fluent in English from head to toe, but sometimes nerves can be treacherous and freeze you to the point of forgetting your name when you have to answer some of the basic interview questions in English.
But, contrary to what you think, there’s nothing to worry about because almost everyone who goes to a job interview in English is a little scared but… With some good practice you can change your life forever!
Anyway, you’ve probably heard that there are companies that ask unconventional English job interview questions to assess how you think under pressure and see your ability to construct an argument, as well as your performance in other aspects.
So, if you’re wondering how to impress recruiters and get them to choose me? it’s time to calm down and not panic! No matter how difficult the frequently asked English job interview questions are, there is always an answer to pronounce fast and clear.
So, if you have been called and you don’t know anything, don’t worry, because in this article we will share with you the most common English job interview questions and some tips to answer them in the best way.
are you ready? So… Let’s get started!
what are the 40 most common job interview questions in English?
The first thing you should do when figuring out what are the questions to measure English level in an interview is to understand that most recruiters ask applicants the same basic questions .
So, with a little preparation, you can speak fluently and succeed in your interview, even if you don’t have a very advanced level of English. you just need to find the right strategy to make it happen!
And, in order to help you in this challenge, below we will share with you a list of the most common job interview proposals and questions in English and their translations into Spanish:
Tell me about yourself – Háblame me de ti.
What is your greatest strength? – What is your greatest strength?
What are your weaknesses? – what are your weaknesses?
Why do you want to leave your current company – Why do you want to leave your currentcompany?
What you can offer us no one else can? – What can you offer us that no one else can?
What is your dream job?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
What was your biggest failure? – What was your biggest failure?
What motivates you?
How did you hear about this position?
What are your career goals? – What are your career goals?
What would you look to accomplish in the first 30 days/60 days/90 days on the job? – What do you hope to accomplish in the first 30 days/60 days/90 days on the job?
Why should we hire you – Why should we hire you?
What are your hobbies – What are your hobbies?
Why do you want to work here – Why do you want to work here?
What are your salary expectations? – What are your salary expectations?
Tell me about a time you disagreed with someone – Tell me about a time youdisagreed with someone.
What do you like to do outside of work – What do you like to do outside of work?
How do you handle pressure? – How do you handle pressure?
Tell me about a time you had to handle pressure – Tell me about a time when you were under pressure.
What would a coworker say about you – What would acoworker say about you?
What are some of your leadership experiences? – What are some of your leadership experiences?
Tell me about an accomplishment you are most proud of – Tell me about theaccomplishment you are mostproud of .
Are you a leader or a follower – Are you a leader or afollower ?
Do you have any questions for me? – Do you have any questions for me?
Have you done any volunteer work?
What would you do if you won the lottery?
What is your favourite book / movie? – What is your favorite book / movie?
Why did you choose your career? – Why did you choose your career?
What is most important to you in a job – What is mostimportant to you in a job?
What do you know about our company?
Have you ever had trouble with a boss? How did you handle it? – Have you ever had trouble with a boss? how did you handle it?
Why were you fired?
Are you a risk-taker?
How soon can you start work?
Have you worked in a multicultural environment before? – Have you worked in a multicultural environment before?
How do you relate to people from diverse cultures? – How do you relate to people from diverse cultures?
Are you willing to travel? – Are you willing to move?
Do you like working with the public? – Do you like working with the public?
What languages do you speak?
Source: Pexels
how to answer in a job interview in English?
There is no doubt that knowing some of the possible interview questions in English will give you a great advantage. However, you must also work on your answering skills because, otherwise, all the effort will have been in vain.
Well, as we did in the previous paragraphs, we will also tell you some answers that you can give to overcome the questions in a job interview in English successfully.
And, with the aim of being more precise, we will choose the five most common slogans so that you can adapt them to your professional profile. let’s get started!
1.tell me about yourself – Tell me about yourself
Start by introducing yourself and tell details about your career, your skills and your previous experience, so that the other person, in a few minutes and based on the job interview phrases you use, can create a positive image of you .
In short, don’t beat around the bush, talk specifically about your professional profile and how it relates to the position you are applying for.
2.what are your strengths?
To answer this job interview question in English, you need to focus on your strengths and how your skills can add real value to the company.
For example, if one of your strengths is being punctual, you can answer as follows:
“I am a punctual person. In my old job, I always arrived at the office before the start time and completed my tasks on time. Also, I make sure I stay organized and meet deadlines.”
And, if you also want to learn how to make this return to apply in an English job interview example, you have to say the following:
“I am a punctual person. At my old job, I always went to the office before check-in time and finished my assignments on time. Also, I make sure to stay organized and meet deadlines”.
3.what are your weaknesses?
Here the trick to apply during a job interview dialogue in English is to turn your weaknesses into positive qualities to make a good impression on your recruiter.
For example, if your weakness is that you spend too much time on projects and it makes you work slower, answer this English job question with the following example:
“Sometimes I am slow in completing my tasks compared to others because I really want to get things done right. I will double or even triple check documents and files to make sure everything is running smoothly.”
On the other hand, to work further regarding typical interview questions in English, you can also answer this way:
“Sometimes I am slow to complete my tasks compared to others because I really want to do things right. I will go through the documents and files twice or even three times to make sure everything goes perfectly”.
4. Why did you leave your last job – Why did you leave your last job?
Even if you quit because the pay conditions were lousy or because you had a bad relationship with your superiors, if you hear this question in a job interview in English, avoid saying anything negative about your former workplace or boss.
So… What is the best way to return? to answer one of the most common English job interview questions, you can say the following:
“Busco nuevos desafíos” – ” I am looking for new challenges”.
“I am looking for a job that suits my abilities” – “I am looking for a job that suits my abilities”.
“I am looking for a job position where I can grow with the company” – “I am looking for a job position where I can grow with the company”.
Finally, remember that while these answers can serve as a reference to solve job questions in English, the goal is not to say them verbatim, as recruiters will see that you memorized them and you will look unnatural.
5.what do you like to do outside of work?
Among the basic questions in an interview in English, it is very difficult not to find one that covers issues outside of work, i.e., topics of your private life .
In these cases, it is not necessary that your answer is very loaded or that you include very personal habits. The only thing you should do is mention some of your most productive habits, in order to continue creating a good image of yourself in the interviewer’s mind.
So, to formulate the best answers in English for a job interview, in this case, it would be ideal if you follow some of the following examples :
“Practico un deporte dos veces a la semana” – ” I practice a sport twice a week”.
“I like to spend my free time reading” – “I like to spend my free time reading”.
“I take a photography course to strengthen my camera skills” – “I take a photography course to strengthen my camera skills” .
how to prepare before a job interview in English?
Now that you know some of the most common job interview questions in English and their possible answers, we will give you some tips so that you can be prepared and answer with more confidence.
1. Take English classes
It is clear that the first thing you need to do is to have a good command of the English language, so use all the time you have available to reinforce your knowledge in order to arrive at the interview in the best conditions.
And, in addition, although the questions frequently asked in a job interview in English may not require you to be an expert in the language, the reality is that the more skills you have, the better your results will be.
2. Find the right answers and start studying
Second on your list of priorities is to study the questions beforehand. keep in mind that most of the other candidates will be familiar with them, so knowing how to answer them will give you an advantage as well as prevent you from getting anxious and giving the worst answers in a job interview.
Just don’t try to learn your answers by heart. the idea is to study English interview questions so you can answer with confidence. So, if you want to make a good impression on headhunters, try not to sound like a robot.
To do this, you can practice ahead of time by simulating a job interview in English We’ve come to save you with our English job interview example:
Find a friend who can play the role of a recruiter and ask you the questions, then give you feedback on your answers.
Alternatively, recording the simulation to understand what parts you need to improve will also be a good strategy to improve your English job interview questions and answers.
3. Write your own questions
It is very likely that, during the English job interview dialogue, the roles will change for a moment and the recruiter will be the one who invites you to ask some questions.
Of course, there can be a lot of tension because if you have only prepared answers, or have only memorized the classic English job interview questions that you would be asked, you will be in trouble .
So, the only solution is that, prior to the final meeting, you also organize your time to prepare some questions in English and in your native language to ask your superiors in case they request it.
what are the English phrases for a job interview that never fail?
Even though the first meeting will most likely only involve an exchange of questions and answers, you should always have an ace up your sle eve and English phrases for a job interview are a wise choice.
It happens that, depending on the type of meeting and the time of the dialogue of a job interview in English, there are some sentences that will be of great help. let’s get to know them!
1. Phrases to use before the interview
Imagine the moment when you will be, for the first time, face to face with your recruiter. A lot of tension, isn’t it? Well, the best thing to do in those cases is to “ask the interviewer how they are doing and how their day is going will help make the atmosphere more comfortable,” according to English Live.
But, until that moment we believe you won’t have difficulties because the initial greeting can be in Spanish. but… What English phrases for a job interview could you use when asked, during the first few minutes of conversation? The following:
“I am hardworking and always punctual” – “Soy muy trabajador y siempre puntual.”
“I’ve always been interested in working in your industry ” – “Siempre he estado interesado en trabajar en su industria” – “I’ve always been interested in working in your industry.”
“I’m really impressed by your line of products” – “Estoy realmente impresionado con su línea de productos ” – “I’m really impressed with your line of products.”
“I read that you value attention to detail and that is important to me” – “I have read that you value attention to detail and that is important to me.”
2. Phrases to use during the interview
Now, you’ve made it through the first part, which is always the hardest, because you have to break the ice in the right way. However, you need to continue with your English presentation for the interview and what if you’ve run out of ideas?
In that case, some of the tools that can save you from any linguistic inconvenience are the following phrases :
“I think I have the skills and attitude you need to make your team more successful ” – “I think I have the skills and attitude you need to make your team more successful.”
“I have a lot of experience working with the type of clients you have ” – “I have a lot of experience working with the type of clients you have.”
“What is the most important skill you are looking for? ” – “What is the most important skill you are looking for?”
“How large is the team?” – “How large is the team?”
3. Phrases to use in closing the interview
After trying so hard to answer every single question in a job interview in English, the time has come to end the encounter, so you want to say goodbye in the best way.
what do you need to successfully complete the challenge? Confidence, determination, and why not also use some of the following English phrases for a job interview:
“Now that I’ve heard a bit more, I’m extremely interested in this role. What are the next steps?” – “Now that I’ve heard a bit more, I’m extremely interested in this role. what are the next steps?”
“Is there any other information I can send you after I leave?” – “Is there any other information I can send you after?”
“Will I hear from you again in the next couple of days? ”
“Thanks for taking the time to see me. I look forward to hearing from you soon” – “Thank you for taking the time to see me. I look forward to hearing from you soon.”
Source: Pexels
what tips to follow to ace a job interview in English?
Beyond the English job interview questions you should study, we will also share with you some tips to increase the probability of finding the job of your dreams.
However, the ultimate decision is yours and you are free to apply as many of these recommendations as you wish.
1. Tell a good story in your English job interview
Recruiters interview a lot of people and to remind candidates they take notes. But… What if they remembered you without the need to go back to their notes and review the English answers from a job interview?
Keep in mind that recruiters are people too. Knowing how to tell your profile in the form of a story will help you connect better with them and be able to show off in any of the English job interview questions.
Therefore, your goal should be to surprise them with a memorable personal story. use your charisma and become one of the strongest candidates to choose.
And last but not least… Don’t forget that the story you tell should be related to the job and your experience! Follow this advice for interview questions in English because, if you tell an extra-work anecdote when you haven’t been asked, it could hurt you.
Source: Pexels
2. Know the details of the job and think about why you are the best candidate.
Don’t just read the job description, but also study the company and visualize yourself doing the job. this will help you naturally answer several of the questions in a job interview in English.
what makes you different from other candidates? think about what makes you a perfect fit for the position and prepare an English interview presentation about what makes you special to include in your answers. To do this, we suggest you make a personal SWOT.
And it’s never too late to remind yourself to avoid clichés in your answers. go straight to the qualities that make you the best candidate, observe and listen to the recruiter’s reactions. it’s important that your empathy is assertive so you don’t get sidetracked!
Source: Pexels
3. Find out the essential aspects of the company you are applying to
Knowing about the company you are interviewing with will give you a better perspective and, at the same time, context about the English job interview questions. In addition, preparation shows interest and will help you be able to generate better conversation.
Before your meeting, explore the company’s networks and website and discuss any of the following factors:
how does the company make money?
who are the heads?
what is the company’s mission and vision?
what are its strategic objectives?
Source: Pexels
4. Think about the follow-up questions you may be asked
Most of the time a job interview dialogue in English or Spanish works like a conversation, so if there is something of interest, the recruiter will ask a follow-up question .
So, whether you make a list or imagine what the conversation will be like, it’s important to be prepared for these types of frequently asked questions in an English job interview. It will give you a big advantage!
As Veronica Ramirez, from our online English for Video Call Meetings course, explains, “actively participating in the conversation in English using the levels of formality that the meeting requires is key to achieving your goals and improving your cross-cultural communication”.
For example, if you say that your greatest strength is teamwork, the interviewer may ask you an interview question in English similar to the following: how have you exercised this strength in your professional career?
Then, in order to answer the follow-up question correctly, or if you are still having difficulty answering all of your English interview questions, we recommend that you exercise your critical thinking skills. it will help you get it done much faster!
Source: Pexels
5. Practice to feel more confident
Preparation will make your answers more concise, avoid awkward silences when interpreting the question to measure the level of English in an interview and strengthen your confidence before the meeting.
So, if you are looking for exercises to improve in all these aspects and discard the fear of failing at the time of the interview, it is recommended:
Knowing the possible job interview questions in English.
Complete written exercises to relate to the language as much as possible.
Simulate an exchange of questions and answers in a job interview in English with the help of a family member or friend.
Practicing ways of expressing yourself in front of a mirror, to ensure that you convey confidence with your eyes when you speak.
Record your preparation work so that you can listen to it later and get an idea of what needs to be corrected.
6. Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in.
It’s important to be relaxed during the string of English job interview questions, because staying nervous counteracts all the preparation you have and therefore the risk of failing will increase.
So, the best thing you can do is to try to be yourself, because if you let your nerves get the better of you, recruiters will notice, which is very bad.
Showing anxiety and fear when listening to typical English job interview questions are weak expressions compared to a relaxed smile and genuine confidence .
You should always remember that knowing how to relax in moments that cause you anxiety speaks of good emotional intelligence, and it is also a quality that is increasingly in demand by recruiters.
Source: Pexels
7. Stay positive
We know that it is difficult to keep a positive attitude when the questions in a job interview in English are related to the following topics:
Describing difficult situations you’ve dealt with.
Explaining why you were fired.
Talking about a difficult boss.
Talking about colleagues with whom you had a problem.
But in any case, recruiters are precisely looking for the quality of a positive attitude in an adverse environment. And, if you have the fortitude to deliver answers in English for job interviews that include these topics, the impact will be very positive .
In short. Demonstrating this character, characteristic of your personality, will see you reflected as a strong and flexible individual. And… it’s most likely just what they want!
Source: Pexels
8. Be yourself
Good interviewers will have a keen sense for reading people and, behind all the common English job interview questions they ask you, they aim to know who you are .
Therefore, whatever psychological and intuitive powers a recruiter has, it is critical to conduct an English job interview with complete honesty .
So, don’t focus on what you imagine the recruiter wants to hear, instead, focus on making sure your English answers for a job interview are completely truthful and, at the same time, manage to position you as passionate about the vacancy you are applying for.
Source: Pexels
9. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes
From the most inexperienced employee to the founder of a multinational company, everyone has made mistakes and blunders at some point in their lives.
Therefore, if you fail during a job interview dialogue in English, the best thing to do is to accept the mistakeand, at that very moment, quickly look for the best strategy to fix it and move forward .
Believe it or not, if you manage to overcome this challenge successfully and do not collapse when listening to typical English job interview questions, you will leave the recruiter with an excellent image of your problem-solving talent in an instant. learn to take advantage of your failures!
Finally, remember that learning from your mistakes “helps to have the mental sense that we can grow, or the belief that intelligence is something we can work on and develop,” according to University of Michigan psychologists interviewed by BBC News.
Source: Pexels
10. Never stop practicing
Answering the expected after a series of questions in a job interview in English will always be a challenge and showing who we really are and what we can offer to a company can be a challenge.
Therefore, our last recommendation is that you don’t stop and keep practicing to fight the future basic questions in a job interview in English.
As the saying goes: “to succeed, be stronger than your excuses and your fears”. So take advantage of your free time to strengthen your skills and abilities to ensure that none of the questions in an English job interview will take you by surprise.
Source: Pexels
We hope that the tips on how to solve interview questions in English will help you reduce the anxiety caused by such a meeting in any language.
But we also invite you not to stick with just these questions in a job interview in English and to remember other questions you have had in past interviews and complement them with the ones we have shared with you .
good luck!