This list of useful expressions can really help you impress your interviewers during any job interview in English! Think about where you might use these expressions the next time you’re with an interviewer.
When to use this: At the beginning of the interview
Simple phrases like this can be a huge advantage. Surprisingly, many job candidates do not do a good job of expressing their interest in the role. Use this sentence, or a similar one, at the beginning of your interview to immediately give a good impression.
When to use this: Anytime during the interview
The best way to leave a good impression is to show that you have done your research and know plenty about your potential employer.
Therefore, when you get the chance, talk about the company and be specific. Showing particular knowledge about products and services to make sure your interviewer knows that you care about their company.
Examples:
“I like how your company clearly speaks to a young demographic and how that message appears in every advertisement”
“I like how your company encourages complete transparency. For me, it’s important that clients know exactly where their products come from and how they’re made.”
When to use this: When it’s your turn to ask questions
Remember, towards the end of the interview, there may be important questions to ask your interviewer about the company and the position.
This is a polite way to begin your question that shows you thought about the question before the interview.
Examples:
“Yes, I wanted to know if there are many professional development opportunities for new employees.”
“Thank you, I wanted to know about the training process for new hires.”
Meaning: to speak without preparation
Common Collocations: I’m not afraid of speaking off the cuff, I’m okay if I have to speak off the cuff
This is a good way to say you are always prepared to improvise in business meetings or presentations. If you’re interviewing for a role with lots of client interaction, this is a useful skill to have. You will express that you can handle unexpected situations and new opportunities.
Meaning: To arrive at the point of the story or conversation
Common collocations: Let me cut to the chase, I’m going to cut to the chase and say…
This is one of many useful expressions you can use when you are telling a story. Often, we give too much detail in stories and speak for too long. By saying “let me cut to the chase” you can remove unnecessary details and just explain the main point of the story.
One of the worst things you can do in your interview is to be too presumptuous. You do not want to sound like you assume you will be hired.
Using this expression is a great way to set boundaries. This way, you are telling your interviewer that you want the opportunity, but you understand it is up to them.
You can use this any time your interviewer asks you questions about what you would do in your new position.
At some point, your interview may ask you if you have a certain skill that you do not have.
It’s important that you don’t lie, because lies will quickly become apparent. Instead, be honest and say something like, “Well, I haven’t done __________ specifically before, but I’m a quick learner.”
Immediately after, you will follow up with an example of a similar task or a time you learned a new skill.
This is one of the most useful expressions to use if you don’t understand the interviewers’ question.
After using this expression, repeat what you understood in your own words. The interviewer will then confirm or correct what you said.
You can use this to clarify a question or to make sure you understand something the interviewer explains about the company or a process.
Meaning: To offer something that is helpful or beneficial
Common Collocations: Something I bring to the table is…, I think I bring __________ to the table
Meaning: to do more than the expected amount of work
Common Collocations: I’m willing to go the extra mile, I’m not afraid to go the extra mile
A simple, strong expression to show you are willing to work hard at your new job.
This is a good expression to talk about some of your best qualities. This is a good idiom to show your fluency and present your next point.
All of these useful expressions can help you speak english with confidence and clarity. Practicing these expressions with us can help you stay organized during your english interview.
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