JOB INTERVIEW 100 BUSINESS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Ever dreamt of nailing an English-speaking interview even though English is your second language? Consider this your roadmap to success! Through my personal journey as an English teacher, actress, YouTube creator, podcaster, and content writer, I'll be your guide. We'll traverse the terrain of interview preparation in six easy steps, complete with real-world questions and how to answer them with confidence. Get ready to glean insights from my experiences, learn about the highs and lows of being your own boss, and discover the joy in loving what you do.

As anticipation builds, we'll dive into a simulated interview scenario to tackle one of the most common yet critical questions – "Why Do You Want This Job?". Get ready to gain an understanding of how to construct a response that not only underscores your skills and experiences but also underscores your potential value-add to the organization. I'll also be peeling back the curtains on my varied roles, underscoring the significance of loving your work, and sharing advice for those aspiring to tread a similar path. So, buckle in and let's get ready to conquer the world of English-speaking interviews.

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:00

If you speak English as a second language, it can feel challenging to answer interview questions in a language that's not native to you. Preparing your responses to the most common questions that interviewers ask in English speaking interviews may help you feel more confident. Practicing answers too frequently Asked questions gives you an opportunity to enhance your language skills and communicate effectively with potential employers. In this episode I broke down the lesson into six parts and shared common interview questions and some sample answers to help you practice answering questions for an interview in English. But first make sure to download, click, like and share this podcast series on a playlist or with your friends. Also, I invite you to join my YouTube channel. Look and Listen English Lessons with Sharon Faye. You won't regret it, I promise. So sit back and enjoy your listening. Hi, mr Hazra Ali. What can you tell me about yourself?

Speaker 2: 1:09

Hi, my name is Ali. I live in Jordan. I study for about three years editing. I married my wife and I just had our first child, oh, congratulations. Thank you. I have been working as an editor since 2021 as a freelancer, but now I'm looking to be an employee.

Speaker 1: 1:29

Right, right. So are you interested in a full-time or part-time position?

Speaker 2: 1:35

I enjoy working in a full-time position, but one day I might like to move to a part-time position.

Speaker 1: 1:42

I see, did you bring your CV.

Speaker 2: 1:45

Certainly, here it is.

Speaker 1: 1:46

May I have a look? Okay, thank you, so let's see. So, ali, do you have a degree?

Speaker 2: 2:00

Yes, I do have a degree.

Speaker 1: 2:03

Oh, so what is it? Oh, where is it? Oh, here it is. Graphics and video editing. Oh, that's great, I see, I see. So what was your last job?

Speaker 2: 2:24

My last year was an editor, because I was working as a taxi driver as well.

Speaker 1: 2:29

Oh, I see.

Speaker 2: 2:31

Yes, I need to support my family and it is not enough to just to rely on editing.

Speaker 1: 2:38

Right, so how long did you work as a taxi driver?

Speaker 2: 2:42

I worked for three years before starting my business as a freelance video editor.

Speaker 1: 2:47

Yeah, but why did you leave your last job as a taxi driver?

Speaker 2: 2:52

Well, I didn't just yet. I actually run the station from time to time, but I hope to get this job, so then I can quit doing this, you know.

Speaker 1: 3:03

Right, so do you have any references?

Speaker 2: 3:08

Sure, I'm sure I could ask some of my previous bosses for you, and I'm sure most of my clients, mostly YouTube creators, will be happy to recommend and share the experience working with me Right, so do you work well with others? I'd like to think I do.

Speaker 1: 3:26

Great, so can you work in a group setting, because it's very important.

Speaker 2: 3:31

Yes, I can.

Speaker 1: 3:32

Right, right, right, right. So what is your biggest strength?

Speaker 2: 3:37

I think I'm very creative and like to meet my clients expectations. I can say that I have patience with people.

Speaker 1: 3:45

Okay, now, what is your biggest weakness?

Speaker 2: 3:48

Sometimes I get a bit stressed.

Speaker 1: 3:52

Have you ever worked in this field, allie?

Speaker 2: 3:55

Well, I am an editor, so I can edit all kinds of material on YouTube channels, weddings and bar meds, you name it.

Speaker 1: 4:04

Yes, but you know, working on CNN news can be very stressful. You know news editing requires different qualifications which, frankly, I don't see on your CV. Are you an organized person?

Speaker 2: 4:20

In my work life yes and my personal life no.

Speaker 1: 4:24

Okay, now how would you say why are your short-term goals?

Speaker 2: 4:30

I would be happy to get this position.

Speaker 1: 4:32

What are your long-term goals?

Speaker 2: 4:35

I suppose, to live a happy life.

Speaker 1: 4:38

Indeed, indeed, indeed well done. So why should we hire you?

Speaker 2: 4:44

I think I am proactive, creative and enthusiastic, and I learn fast.

Speaker 1: 4:50

That's great, so when can you start?

Speaker 2: 4:53

Immediately.

Speaker 1: 4:58

Hey there, listeners pay attention. Cv is a short written summary of a person's career, qualifications and education references. People who can talk about their work experience, work ethic, character and ability. Now we are about to continue. This time it is a conversation, a telephone survey of two people talking about their jobs. Hello, hello, hi, sharon, my name is Anita and I'm calling from OMG. Now I'm calling you about the career survey in which you agreed to participate earlier. I would like to go through the survey with you now. Is this a good time to speak with you? Oh, yeah, go ahead, right.

Speaker 1: 6:01

So, sharon, where do you work? Well, I do many things, so I have my business teaching English, but I am also a professional actress, so I'm taking TV and movie projects occasionally, only if it's worth it. You know what I mean. I mainly enjoy working as a YouTube creator, podcaster and content writer. Oh, wow, that sounds interesting, not to mention not boring. Not at all. Wow, yeah, I love what I do, but it's you know it's difficult and challenging. I must say Right. So what is the most important part of your job? I think I love teaching my wonderful students and create new stuff.

Speaker 1: 7:03

Okay, how many days a week do you work? Around five to seven, during weekends as well. What can I say? No rest for the weekend, huh, right, right, right, but you are your own boss, right? So can't you take a break? Oh yeah, that's a good question.

Speaker 1: 7:29

What was your first acting job? You know, I had a role in a great student film years ago. You know what I think? My first was when I was around 14, I had my own clownery business. Oh man, that was so funny. My dad was my driver and my producer and he was in charge of blowing the balloons. That was great. The good old times. Oh right, nice.

Speaker 1: 8:07

So would you like a new job? No, I'm really happy with what I do. You know what I mean. Okay, let's see. Would you recommend your line of work to others? What can I say? If you enjoy teaching, then I think it's a fabulous career path. Regarding all the rest of two, you know it's too much work. If you ask me, you need to be committed to it. It's not easy, right? So what job would you never do? To be honest, I would not do your job, that's for sure. No rest, for the wicked means that one's work never ceases. Hi there, listeners.

Speaker 1: 9:01

This part includes general questions and short response style which is commonly used in casual conversation. So let's go through these examples. Number one what did you do this weekend? This weekend, we visited our friends and mostly relaxed at home. What about you? Number two what will you do after work? Well, I think I'll go for a quick drink with Sam and Pam.

Speaker 1: 9:31

Number three how was the traffic today? Oh, terrible, as always. Number four when are you taking time off? Good question. Number five what about you? What are you going to do on your holiday? Well, I think relax, explore and hopefully visit some vineyards. Number six Any plans for the weekend? Oh, we're going to see our families. Number seven Are you working late tonight? Yes, I'm working unusually late tonight. Number eight Did you find a good parking spot? I didn't have to park. I work from home. Number nine what time do you get home from work? Well, I normally try to finish working at around nine o'clock. Number ten how do you get to work? I have my studio at home. Number eleven how are your kids? Very well, thank you.

Speaker 1: 10:46

To begin an interview, hiring managers often ask simple questions to learn more about you and your professional history. Now they usually start with tell me about yourself. As we learned in the first part of the lesson. There are some common general questions employers may ask you during an interview in English. For example what's your ideal work environment? How do you organize important tasks? Can you tell me about a time you overcame a challenge? Who do you admire and why? What's something that motivates you? What did you like the most about your previous job? What are your weaknesses? What do you do for fun?

Speaker 1: 11:40

After learning general information about you, potential employers typically ask questions to determine your education and work experience. Hiring personnel may ask you questions like this to learn more about your experience and background. So number one would be can you describe your relevant work experience? Number two what training do you have that qualifies you for these position? Number three what part of your education do you value the most? Number four do you have any management experience? Number five describe your main responsibilities in your previous job? Number six what hours did you work in your previous role? Number seven do you have experience using software programs? Number eight what was the most valuable thing you learned from your previous job? Number nine have you ever served in leadership role? And ten would be what skills have you learned that prepared you for this role? We have reached part six how to finish the interview Now.

Speaker 1: 13:14

Once a potential employer learns more about your qualifications, they may finish an interview by asking more specific questions about your position or your skills. Employers may ask more complex questions, such as these in English, so pay attention. Number one what are your salary expectations? Number two what are your career goals for the next five years? Number three describe your greatest accomplishment at your previous job. Number four in what areas do you want to grow or learn more? Number five are you willing to travel for the position? Number six are you willing to relocate for this position? Number seven what might make you successful in this job? Number eight do you feel collaboration is important in the workplace? Number nine how have you turned a weakness into a strength? And 10 would be what do you feel you can offer our company if you get hired for this position? When you are asked what are your strengths, here's an option Excellent customer service, attention to detail and persistence are my strengths.

Speaker 1: 14:35

When I started working in hospitality, I learned that effectiveness to customers needs makes them feel valued and helps you learn how to serve them better. It also helps me to create a positive customer experience. Another strength of mine is how I'm persistent about making sure to complete a task. It's important to be that I complete tasks to the standards set by the organization and my personal standard of excellence work. These three attributes work together to make me a strong customer advocate. Why are you interested in this position?

Speaker 1: 15:18

Now, many interviewers ask applicants why they're interested in position or the company. When answering this question, it's important to focus on how your abilities and experience can benefit the company and position, so you can also discuss that you want to grow with the company, as many employers want to hire employees who play or who plan to stay with their business for at least five years. So here's a good example for an answer. I'm interested in this position because I want to be part of an organization that values its employees and what they contribute to their workplace. I'm interested in your collaborative idea platform and emphasize on personal growth through professional development. I want to earn additional industry certifications and believe this position can help me achieve my goals while contributing to the company's mission. Thanks for listening to Look and Listen. English Lessons broadcast To continue improving your English. You are welcome to join my channel and watch the videos on different topics and levels. Till next time, bye-bye.