Preparing for an interview
Learn how to effectively prepare for an interview by researching the company, practicing responses, and showcasing your skills and achievements.
NOTE: THIS TOPIC CAN BE TAUGHT IN 1-2 OR 3 LESSONS
Part 1
Warm-up
Answer the questions
What did we discuss in the last lesson?
Do you often prepare for interviews?
What will you do, or what did you do, to prepare for an interview?
Part 2
Vocabulary
Read the word, its’ meaning, and the examples
Then make up your own sentences using the word.
Student can skip the words they already know.
genuine
/ˈdʒen.ju.ɪn/
If something is genuine, it is real and exactly what it appears to be
She gave a genuine smile that made everyone feel welcome.
His apology seemed genuine, so I decided to forgive him.
attire
/əˈtaɪr/
clothes, especially of a particular or formal type
The invitation specified formal attire for the evening.
Traditional attire is often worn during cultural festivals.
pertinent
/əˈtaɪr/
relating directly to the subject being considered
The manager asked only pertinent questions during the meeting to keep the discussion focused.
His comments were always pertinent and added significant value to the conversation.
Make up your own sentences using the words.
Part 3
Reading comprehension
Discuss the questions then read the tips.
Teacher helps student correct their pronunciation.
Can you suggest some essential tips to prepare for an interview?
Why is that essential tip helpful?
Preparing for an interview is essential for making a strong impression. Here are key steps:
Research the company
Understand the company’s mission, values, and recent news. This helps tailor your responses and shows genuine interest.
Understand the role
Review the job description and prepare examples of your relevant skills and achievements.
Practice questions
Practice common interview questions and prepare structured answers for behavioral questions.
Prepare your questions
Have thoughtful questions ready for the interviewer about the company and role.
Dress appropriately
Choose professional attire that matches the company culture.
Plan your journey
For in-person interviews, plan your route and arrive early.
Bring documents
Bring multiple copies of your resume and any other relevant documents.
Stay calm
Stay calm and confident. Take deep breaths and listen carefully.
By following these steps, you can confidently approach your interview and make a positive impression.
Part 4
Common interview questions and answers
The teacher guides the student on how to answer common interview questions, and then the student will try to answer each one by themselves.
- Tell me about yourself?
- Tell me what is your strength?
- Where do you see yourself, in the next five/ten years?
- Can you work well under pressure?
- Why should I hire you?
- Do you have any questions for me?
Guide how to answer
Question 1: Tell me about yourself?
- STUDENT: Answer the question.
- TEACHER: Guide the student to follow these steps.
- STUDENT: Re-answer following the guide.
Answering “Tell me about yourself” in a job interview can be your opportunity to make a strong first impression. Here’s a structured approach:
Background: Brief overview of education and professional background.
- Example: “I have a Bachelor’s degree in [bachelor] and have been passionate about [things…] from a young age…”
Relevant experience:Describe work experience, focusing on roles and projects pertinent to the job.
- Example: “Over the past five years, I’ve worked in …”
Skills: Mention specific skills relevant to the job description, highlight recent training or certifications.
- Example: “I’m skilled in [skills] and have recently earned a certification in [certs]”
Achievements/projects:Discuss significant achievements or projects that demonstrate expertise.
- Example: “One of my key projects/achievement was [projects/achievement], resulting in [results]”
Alignment with company: Explain why you’re interested in the role and how your goals align with the company’s mission/values.
- Example: “I’m particularly excited about this role because [reasons]…”
Current situation: Explain why you’re looking for a new opportunity and your career goals.
- Example: “I’m now looking to take on new challenges and further develop my skills in a forward-thinking environment like yours…”
Remember to keep your answer concise (about 1-2 minutes), focused on professional details, and tailored to the job you’re applying for.
Full answer:
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and began my career with internships that sparked my passion for management and leadership. Over the past five years, I’ve worked in various roles that involved improving team efficiency and managing projects.
In my recent role, I led a team to streamline our processes, resulting in significant cost savings. I’m skilled in project management methodologies and have recently earned a certification in Six Sigma. One of my key projects was developing a new workflow system that increased productivity.
I’m particularly excited about this role because it aligns with my interest in operational excellence and innovation. I’m now looking to take on new challenges and further develop my skills in a forward-thinking environment where I can make a meaningful contribution.
NOW, STUDENT TRIES TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION
Question 2: Tell me what is your strength?
- STUDENT: Answer the question.
- TEACHER: Guide the student to follow these steps.
- STUDENT: Re-answer following the guide.
When answering “What is your strength?” in a job interview, focus on qualities relevant to the role you’re applying for. Here’s a structured approach:
1. Identify relevant strengths:
Choose strengths that align with the job description and the company’s needs.
2. Provide evidence (cung cấp bằng chứng):
Support each strength with examples from your past work experience, education, or projects.
3. Link to the job:
Explain how your strengths would enable you to excel in the specific role.
4. Keep it balanced:
Mention one or two key strengths with depth rather than a long list.
Example:
A strong point of mine is being highly detail-oriented. In my previous role, this helped me catch critical errors in reports before they were submitted, ensuring accuracy and saving the team from potential issues. Additionally, I’m great at time management, which allowed me to consistently meet tight deadlines without sacrificing quality. These strengths, combined with my proactive attitude, will help me contribute effectively to your team.
Remember to be confident and genuine when discussing your strengths, as authenticity can be a compelling factor in an interviewer’s assessment.
NOW, STUDENT TRIES TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION
Question 3: Where do you see yourself, in the next five/ten years?
- STUDENT: Answer the question.
- TEACHER: Guide the student to follow these steps.
- STUDENT: Re-answer following the guide.
Focus on your career aspirations, alignment with the company’s growth, and commitment to professional development.
- Reflect on your career goals:
Think about where you genuinely want to be in your career in the next five to ten years.
- Align with the company:
Research the company’s mission, values, and growth plans to align your answer with the company’s direction.
- Emphasize learning and growth:
Show commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
- Mention leadership and contribution:
If you aspire to take on more responsibility, mention your interest in leadership or significant contributions.
- Stay flexible and realistic:
Communicate openness to new experiences and understanding that career paths can be dynamic.
Example:
“In the next five to ten years, I see myself advancing to a more senior role, where I can take on larger projects and have a greater impact on business outcomes. I’m eager to continue developing my skills and contribute to strategic decisions. I also aspire to lead a team, as I enjoy mentoring and helping others grow. I’m committed to continuous learning and look forward to aligning my growth with the company’s vision.
Remember to tailor your response to the position and the company you are interviewing with, and ensure that your long-term career goals are a good fit for the direction the company is heading.
NOW, STUDENT TRIES TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION
Question 4: Can you work well under pressure?
- STUDENT: Answer the question.
- TEACHER: Guide the student to follow these steps.
- STUDENT: Re-answer following the guide.
Requires a blend of honesty and strategy.
- Acknowledge the reality of pressure:
Recognize that pressure is part of the job.
- Share specific examples:
Provide clear instances from your past experience.
- Describe your approach:
Detail how you handle pressure effectively.
- Highlight positive outcomes:
Discuss the results of working under pressure.
- Reflect personal growth and learning:
Mention what you’ve learned from these situations.
Here is an example response for an IT job interview:
“Yes, I can work well under pressure. For instance, in my previous role, we faced a critical project with a tight deadline. I prioritized tasks, maintained clear communication with my team, and stayed calm and focused. As a result, we delivered the project on time and exceeded client expectations. This experience enhanced my problem-solving skills and taught me the value of composure and teamwork in high-pressure situations. I’ve learned to see such challenges as opportunities for professional growth.“
NOW, STUDENT TRIES TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION
Question 5: Why should I hire you?
- STUDENT: Answer the question.
- TEACHER: Guide the student to follow these steps.
- STUDENT: Re-answer following the guide.
- Match skills: Quickly link your top skills to the job’s requirements.
- Unique strength: Mention one thing that makes you stand out.
- Proven results: Give one brief example of a relevant success.
- Company fit: Show you’re excited about how you fit with the company.
- Close confidently: Finish by expressing your readiness to contribute.
Example:
You should hire me because my skills in [key skill] match what you need for this role. I’ve successfully [describe a relevant achievement] before, and I’m really excited about what your company is doing in [company’s field of work]. I’m ready to jump in and start contributing from day one.
NOW, STUDENT TRIES TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION
Question 6: Do you have any questions for me?
You should research about the company, and prepare some questions to ask
Example:
Thank you for the opportunity to ask questions. I’ve done some research on the company and the role, and I’m really excited about the prospect of working here. I do have a few questions that I’d love to get your insights on.
- Question,…
NOW, STUDENT TRIES TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION
Other questions, student can read/study at home in the pdf file that Enrich English already sent to you
Currently, Are you working for another company?
Why did you leave your previous job?
What is your salary at your previous/current company?
What salary do you expect?
How do you make important decisions?
How long do you plan to work for our company?
Are you comfortable with working overtime?
What do you think about business trips? For example, working in India for about 2-3 months.
What do you think you need to improve about yourself?
What do you know about us?
Tell me about a time you faced a difficult situation and how you handled it.
Review
Let’s review the lesson with teacher
Know some common interview questions & learn how to answer them
Tips of preparing for an interview
See you next lesson
Homework
Do homework
Please prepare your answer with common questions
And practice with teacher in next lesson (a mock interview)
