Ebook english for job interview final

Series:
English in Business Settings

English for
Job Interview
Let’s be so good that recruiters can’t ignore you.

l e a r n i n g . v i e t n a m w o r k s . c o m


This ebook is an attachment of the online course
"English for Job Interview".
The course can be accessed at
www.vietnamworkslearning.com

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1

Small talk &
Introduce
yourself

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1a - Small talk
What is a small talk?
Small talk is a social chit chat about topics that are not
important, but close to everyday life, often happens

between two people who just met. Topics such as
weather, sports news, traffic conditions,… are suitable
for just-met people to discuss.

When should I have a small talk?
For a job interview, you should use small talk at the
beginning. When there is a distance between the
interviewer and the candidate, a small talk would help to
close this gap. It will help the atmosphere become more
comfortable to both sides.

Why do I need this small talk?
For the interviewer, small talk is a perfect way to break the
ice. They not only want to recruit skillful people, but also
look for a colleague. Hence, communications on even the
smallest topic matter. Through small talk, the interviewer can
evaluate you in many ways: your interests, your concerns,
even your ways of thinking.
For candidates, this is a golden opportunity to make a good
first impression. Make sure you take this chance to show
your confidence, language skill and emotional intelligence.

?

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Signals of a small talk
Common topics for small talk:

Your current
state

Location

Weather

Sport

Traffic

Work

Interview may say:
• How are you today?/ How is it going?/ How are you doing today?
• Did you have any difficulty finding us?/ Do you have any trouble finding us?/
The traffic today was bad, isn't it?
• It’s a lovely day today, isn’t it?/ I can’t stand the rain like this, it’s so bad.
Are you a big fan of Manchester United?/ Did you catch the soccer match
yesterday?
• Your CV amazed me. You must have lots of intercultural experiences working
that long overseas./ I find your resume very impressive.
• How long have you been working there?/ That’s a very interesting job, how did
you get into that?

Strategies to have a good small talk

Be relaxed.
Be positive

Answer yes/no, then
add a comment

Answer yes/no, then ask the
interviewer the same

Good examples:
• I’m great. Thank you. How are you?
• Not at all. A good friend of mine lives here so I'm familiar with the area.
• True. Fortunately, I took that into account when calculating the time to get here.
• Thank you. Having a good understanding of different cultures has always been
my passion.

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Language booster
Other ways to say “Yes”
• Sure.
• Yeah.
• Absolutely.
• I’d love to.
• That would be great.

Other ways to say “No”
• Not at all.
• I’m okay, thank you.
• Actually, I didn’t…

Go out of your way

to make an
outstanding first
impression.
Robert Cheeke

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1b - Introduce yourself
What does an “introduce yourself”
request mean?
Yes, this request is for you to briefly talk about yourself. In a regular social
context, these introductions are often short and without construction, such
as your name, your nickname, your hobbies, where do you live. However, in
an interview, the request "introduce yourself" is a bit more complicated.
On one hand, you still need to introduce yourself within 4 to 5 sentences
(neither too long nor too short); on the other hand, you should provide
enough information so that the interviewer may have a good idea about you,
your education, relevant skills and qualifications to the applied position.
Hence, the request "introduce yourself" in the context of a job interview is a
short description of you and your relevant background.

When should I get a request to introduce
myself?
The "introduce yourself" request usually takes place at the beginning of a job
interview, after you have gone through a small talk.

Why do I need to introduce myself?
To the employer, besides understanding your background, listening to the
introduction of yourself will help them evaluate your ability to express, explain

problems and your ability to communicate in English coherently. The employer
is looking for a colleague who would fit in and is able to communicate English
on simple topics naturally.
For being a candidate, answering this question will allow the interviewer to have
a better understanding of you, your education, experiences and factors that
you’d like emphasize, which are often your “selling points.” Sounds simple, but
this question requires a certain preparation in terms of ideas, information,
personal details and how they should be put together cohesively.

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you’d like emphasize, which are often your “selling points”. Sounds simple, but
this question requires a certain preparation in terms of ideas, information,
personal details and how they should be put together cohesively.

Interviewer may say
• Let me know a bit about yourself.
• Tell me about yourself.
• How would you describe yourself?

Strategies to introduce yourself
impressively
Dos:
• Reply with a confirmation
• Keep in mind this introduction should be general.
Avoid diving into great details
• Start listing these facts following both time and
level of relevance order
Don’ts:

• As you have seen my CV…
• Thank you, let me introduce
myself. My name is…

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Please take a look at the following sentence templates and
grammar tactics:
Education:
• I graduated from [university] as a [major name] major.
• I was a [major] at [university] from [year] to [year].
• I earned a Bachelor of [major name] in [university] in [year].
Use Simple Past
Usage: Simple Past is used to describe a thing that has
happened and ended in the past.
Formula: Subject + Verb 2 (+ Objective)
Examples:
I graduated from the National University of Vietnam, majoring
in Computer Science.

Experience:
• First, I worked for [number of years] as [past position] at [company name].
Then, I moved up and became [past position] at [company].
• I do [work] in the first [number of years], [job title] in the next [number of years]
and currently work as a [position].
• I started my career as a [position] at [company] for [number of years]. After
that, I took up the role as a [position] at [company] until now.
Use Present Continuous
Usage: Present Continuous is used to describe an event that

took place at the time of speaking.
Formula: Subject + am/is/are + Verb-ing (+ Objective)
Examples:
Currently I am working at company ABC as a general
accountant

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Use Simple Present
Usage: Simple Present is used to describe a habit, a truth.
Formula: Subject + Verb (+ Objective)
Example:
I always succeed in acquiring new customers
Career plan:
• I will work on [skill] to become a [position].
• I will fulfill my career plan by becoming a [position].
• I will upgrade [skill] and become a [position].
Use Simple Future
Usage: Simple Future is used to describe something that will
happen in the future.
Formula: Subject + will + Verb (+Objective)
Ví dụ:
I will upgrade my skills in digital marketing and will become
a digital marketing manager in the future.

Language booster
*Please note these suggested words are only neutral or positive. Also
make sure to use a dictionary to know what suits you best.
Common words you can use to call yourself:

• A communicator
• A perfectionist
• An organizer
• A doer
• A thinker
• A people person
• An extrovert or an introvert

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Common adjectives you can use to describe
yourself:
• Goal-oriented/result-oriented vs. progress-oriented
• Detail-oriented/meticulous
• Assertive/determining
• Innovative/creative
• Open-minded/a person with growth mindset
• Disciplined/organized
• Supportive/dependable
• Enthusiastic/devoted

Go out of your way
to make an
outstanding first
impression.
Robert Cheeke

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2

Previous
Experience

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What do previous experience
questions relate to?
Previous experience questions will usually relate to
your working experience in prior positions, from which
you have learned skills suitable for the position. Hence,
responding to these questions precisely and concisely
could distinguish you among other candidates and
decide whether you could be offered a contract.

When does the interviewer ask
about previous experience?
When you get to an interview, the interviewer will
frequently ask you to describe your working
experience, which creates a chance for you to
share. This section will often start right after your
introduction about yourself, or else the interviewer
can insert the questions naturally into the
conversation at the beginning of the interview.

Why does the interviewer ask
these questions?

For the interviewer, before getting to the interview,
they have already reviewed your resume and are
familiar to your background. Therefore, it is no need
for you to summarize your application form, instead,
the interviewer wants you to show which skills you
have had during previous working experience,
character, your attitude towards this job and then,
examines whether you would suit the vacancy they
are looking to fill.

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your character, your attitude towards this job and then, examines whether
you would suit the vacancy they are looking to fill.
For the candidates, your prior experience serves as a sign of whether you
would be a valuable asset or a good match for the company. Hence, don’t
just repeat your CV, but “Tell a Story” instead. A short but coherent and
detailed story which includes all the skills making you a good candidate for
whatever positions you are applying for.

Interview may say
• I’m curious to know more about the experience of [past
position] as stated in your CV. What did you do on a daily
basis?
• You had [a number] years in [Place or Company]? Can you
please tell me about your experience?
• So, you were a [past position]. What types of work did you

do?
• Tell me more about the time when you worked in [company].
What kind of issues did you have to deal with?
• How does your prior experience prepare you for this job?
• Do you think your experience matches the needs of the role?

Strategies to highlight your
previous experience
To give the best answer you may follow these
instructions:

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1- Use simple, active statements
Using simple statements with strong words to demonstrate your qualities is an
effective way to show your confidence, your proactivity and professionalism.
Good examples:
• We integrated multiple great ideas, retained the original strengths, and added
helpful ideas about how to use the new handout.
• I educated new customer service representatives on best practices, coached
new hires through their first calls and acted as team mentor.
• I developed extensive skills working with customers even when they were
distressed.
2- Describe information concisely and show connections
Only discuss necessary details about your abilities, your accomplishments and
your attitude for the new role so that you can avoid rambling. Besides, you
should make a link between your previous tasks and those required in the new
position.
Sentence templates:

• I have spent [years of experience] working as [previous position] at
[company]. I frequent [actions].
• My experience includes a variety of [areas]. In college, I was [position] where
I [tasks]. Then I [tasks],…
• From [year] to [year], I joined [company] as a [position], where I performed
various tasks, such as [task] and [task].
• At [company name] as a [position], I worked closely with [in contact position
or department] to [big task/function]. Such [big task] required me to [small
task], [small task], and [small task].
3- Use specific quantities in your answer
These statistics are strong evidence for your accomplishments.
Good examples:
• So far, I have fulfilled 3 projects and I have gained significant experience from
them.

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• At the beginning of last year, I optimized our email filtering system to improve
office communication and reduce the amounts of missed messages by 28%.
• I have assisted 45 repeat clients in increasing their capital by an average of
15% every year.
4- Set goals
In order to prove how serious you are, at the end of this part, you should list
out goals that you determine to obtain in the new role.
Sentence templates:
• As your [the position], I would want to [goals].
• As a [position] at your company, I aim to [goals].
• As I understand that [company’s needs], I want to use my [skills] to [goals].
5- Use Simple Past or Present Perfect to describe

Simple Past
Formula: Subject + V2 (+Objective)
Usage: Used to talk about things that happened or existed
before now.
Example:
• I joined the SEC in 2015, taking on the role of a senior
marketing manager.
• Two years ago, I worked as a market research assistant,
analyzing consumer data and drafting reports for the
marketing director.
Present Perfect
Formula: Subject + have/has + Past participle (+Objective)
Usage: Used to describe something that happened in the
past, but the exact time it happened is not important. It
has a relationship with the present.

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Examples:
• So far, I have done two major digital marketing projects and I
have gained significant experience from them.
• Until now, I have helped to raise the amount of customers of
my company from 250 to over 800 customers.

Language booster
Vocabulary used to describe work experience:
• Make tough calls:
A choice or judgment which is difficult to make
• Implement [something]:

Put something into effect
• Carry out a plan:
To put a plan into execution
• Be in charge of/Be responsible for:
Involve important duties, independent decision-making, or control over others
• Lead/Led a team:
Control a group of people
• Succeeded in (something) = achieved (something):
Complete or accomplish something
• In charge of (something):
In control or with overall responsibility
• CV, resume:
A brief written account of personal, educational, and professional qualifications
and experience, as that prepared by an applicant for a job
• (On a) daily basis = typical day:
Daily
• Duty:
A task or action that someone is required to perform

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Vocabulary used to describe skills and abilities
• Project management skill:
The process of using skills in order to take a project from start to finish
• Capacity development:
The process by which individuals and organizations obtain, improve, and
retain the skills, knowledge, tools, equipment, and other resources needed to
do their jobs competently.
• Decision making skill:

The ability to select between two or more alternatives to reach the best
outcome in the shortest time.
• Interpersonal skill:
The behaviors and tactics a person uses to interact with others effectively.
• Leadership skill:
Essential component in positioning executives to make thoughtful decisions
about their organization's mission and goals, and properly allocate resources
to achieve those directives.
• Problem solving skill:
Ability to solve problems in an effective and timely manner without any
impediments.
• Communication skill:
Ability to convey information to another effectively and efficiently
• Critical thinking skill:
The ability to think clearly and rationally, understanding the logical connection
between ideas
• Time management:
The ability to use time effectively or productively, especially at work
• Market research:
The action or activity of gathering information about consumers' needs and
preferences
List of useful conjunction phrases
• To begin with:
First - used to give the first important reason for something

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• As a result + clause:
The outcome of something that you have done, because of something

• Because of + noun/noun phrase:
By reason of, as a result of
• Finally:
As the last in a series of related events or objects; used especially at the
beginning of a sentence to introduce the last point or idea
• In the meantime:
Until something expected happens, or while something else is happening; used
especially at the beginning of a sentence
• In addition/Furthermore:
Also and more importantly; used to add information
• To be specific:
Used to clearly defined or identified something
• Nevertheless:
Despite what has just been said or done; used to say something that contrasts
with what has just been said
• On the contrary:
The opposite; used to intensify a denial of what has just been implied or stated
• At last:
Used when we have been impatient as a result of long delays
• In the end:
Used to refer to a conclusion after a long process, after a lot of changes or after
a lot of discussion

It's not what you achieve, it's what
you overcome. That's what
defines your career.

Carlton Fisk

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3

Behavioral
Interview
Questions

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What do Behavioral Interview
Questions focus on?
Behavioral interview questions typically focus on
different , often difficult employment related situations
candidates faced at work. In addition, these questions are
decided by the interviewer based on skills that are needed
for the position. Hence, the interviewer can predict how
well you will behave in the future.

When would these questions be asked?
Behavioral questions will be asked at the heart of the
interview, after you've introduced your past experiences.
Otherwise, the interviewer will be more likely to ask these
questions in the same section when you talk about your
previous experience.

Why do I need these questions?
For the interviewer, based on your response, they can
understand your critical thinking and problem-solving

skills. Therefore, they will judge if there is a fit
between your skills and the position the company is
seeking to fill.
For the candidate, through answering these
questions, you can storytell one of your
accomplishments with as much detail as possible. It
is a golden chance to show your ability and create a
striking impression compared to other candidates.

?

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Interviewer may say
The interviewer may ask you to tell a difficult situation that you
have ever solved.
• Give me a time when you need to make one of the toughest decisions.
• Tell me about the time when you went above and beyond the
requirements for a project.
• Describe a stressful work situation — and what you did about it.
• Can you tell us the single most stressful work challenge you ever had?
The interviewer may ask you how you handled the problem
• Describe a time when you demonstrated your leadership skills.
• When was the last time you faced a challenge or conflict? What happened?
• How have you dealt with conflict in team settings?
• Tell me about a time when you had to manage multiple responsibilities.
The interviewer may want to know one of your failures or successes in
your career
• Tell me about a problem which you think went well with your contribution.

• Tell me about the time when you made a mistake.
• Tell us about the worst professional failure you had.
• Give an example of a goal you reached and tell me how you achieved it.

Strategies to answer behavioral
interview questions
S-T-A-R-L
=
Situation + Technique + Action
+ Result + Learning

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Situation
Describe the situation in which the event took place, explain the specific location
and time.
Sentence templates:
• I remember it was [month, year], [problem].
• When I was a [position] for [company], [problem].
• A few years back I was working at [your company, your position], when
[problem].
Good examples:
• I remember that was in September, 2016. There was an upset customer who
came to our desk and started yelling at us. She asked us to return the money
unless she would see our director.
• When I was a account manager at company A, there was a time the system was
hacked by a group of anonymous hackers and we lost a lot of data.
• A few years back I was working as a Service Advisor at a car dealership, when
the Service Manager announced that we had been receiving an unacceptable

amount of negative reviews for the service we had been providing to our
customers.
Technique
State the tasks you must complete or the problems you face
Sentence templates:
• My responsibility was [task].
• It was my role to [task].
• I was task with [task].
Good examples:
• I was a new team leader at SEC, still taking handover from the old team leader.
• It was my role to lead the transition for my group while also communicating with
our client to keep the project on track.
• I was task with being the leader of a group of 4 people to come up with a
solution.

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Action
Describe in detail the methods you have used or the actions you have taken to
solve the problem.
Sentence templates:
• [Start of solution]. [Middle of solution]. [Peak of solution].
• To be honest, I was a little inexperienced at that time. Instead of doing [solution
A], I did [solution B].
• My mistake was that...
• I was wrong when overestimated...
Good examples:
• At first, she refused to talk to me by questioning whether I am even a manager
and that she needed to talk to the one who is in charge. Then I confirmed that I

was the one in charge and asked politely “allow me to hear what happened?” She
agreed to come in with me to a small room and start sharing her situation.
• To be honest, I was a little inexperienced at that time. Instead of doing asking for
the permission of the manager, I decided to give the customer a solutions which I
think the best solution.
Result
What are the results and achievements?
Sentence templates:
• Turn out, [result].
• We ended up [result].
• After implementing my suggestion, [result].
Good examples:
• Turns out she made an online payment, and her Internet went down at that
moment so the transaction was not successful. However, she still lost her money
without having the confirmation ticket she paid for.
• We ended up completing the project on time, meeting all of their specifications.
It was incredibly rewarding to navigate a lot of changes and succeed under
pressure.
• After implementing my suggestion, mechanics were able to focus mainly on
their specializations, which meant they worked faster and more efficiently, which
translated to wait times dropping by 18%
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• After implementing my suggestion, mechanics were able to focus mainly on
their specializations, which meant they worked faster and more efficiently, which
translated to wait times dropping by 18%.
Learning
Lesson learned from the situation.
Sentence templates:

• Thanks to the experience, I learned that...
• After the experience, I could work on...
• Thanks to/ after this situation, I realized that…
Good examples:
• Thanks to this experience, I learned that we needed a follow-up procedure for
payment reports and really had to take them seriously. In the reflection meeting, I
also raised this up. Around 1 month later, we got our first version of payment
FAQs and follow-up system up and running.
• After this situation, I realized that I should put myself in customers' situations if I
want to understand and work well with them.

Note: Common mistakes that should be avoided

• Talk too much about personal information
• Ramble. The more you go on and on, the more likely
you are to get off track
• Tell a story that is anything but a success or lesson
• Make up the story instead of telling the truth
• Apply parts of STARL unequally(Example: Spending too
much on a situation and the action is too short.)

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