The job interview

English course · B2 · Upper intermediate · 6 short videos

Goal — I can talk about my experience, strengths and achievements in an interview.

Grammar — present perfect for achievements, I'm responsible for…, I'd love to…, strong collocations

Words — role, lead, grow the team, strength, weakness, under pressure, achievement, experience, loyal, in five years

The videos of this unit

Mia's interview for team leader.

Tom So, Mia, why do you want this role?

Mia I've led three projects this year, and I'd love to grow the team.

Tom What's your biggest strength?

Mia I stay calm under pressure.

Tom And your biggest weakness?

Mia Cakes. I bring too many cakes.

Useful expression I stay calm under pressure. — A strong answer about your best quality.

How NOT to do an interview.

Tom Where do you see yourself in five years?

Ben In your chair!

Ben …As a very, very loyal colleague.

The word that gets you hired.

Word achievement /əˈtʃiːvmənt/ — Something good and difficult that you did successfully.

Stop saying “I have an experience of five years”.

Common mistake ~~I have an experience of five years in marketing.~~ → I have five years of experience in marketing.

Why: Work experience is uncountable: no “an”. The number goes first: five years of experience.

A gift… or a presentation?

Word a present /ˈprezənt/ / to present /prɪˈzent/

Interview quiz: 4 questions!