If you have been searching for a job longer than expected, you know how difficult and stressful it is. Do you know what else is more stressful? The job interview is the scariest part, even for an experienced professional. As a non-native speaker, the moment you get shortlisted for an interview, the rush of exhilaration gives way to anxiety. It may become arduous if you struggle with grammar, mispronunciation, and translating every word in your first language into English.
Gratefully, you can practice and prepare ahead of time and improve your fluency in English speaking with the help of this blog post. We are going to learn some tips about how to ace your interview, common questions asked, and how to answer them with examples.
Before you attend a job interview, you must make certain preparations to give your best impression. Here are some tips and tricks for non-native speakers.
If you struggle with pronunciation or are not confident about your fluency, try recording yourself while practicing. You could listen to it, analyze your weak areas, and learn from your mistakes. Maybe you want to change the way you sound, or you mispronounce certain words and want to correct them, or you need some improvement in your body language; recording yourself is the best way to improve your English speaking.
Do some due diligence and learn about the Company; you don’t have to be the pompous candidate who knows all, but learning some basic information like what they do, what achievements they have made, how many years it’s been running, the work culture and about their goods and services. Mentioning this type of information in the interview might make you appear as an attentive applicant who is interested in the organization.
Punctuality is an essential yet vital part of time management that every firm wants to see in an employee. Therefore, don’t let a simple thing like punctuality ruin your possibilities in a day. Always remember to arrive early, at least fifteen minutes before the interview begins. So you can relax and collect your thoughts, and be utterly attentive to the next.
You already know the first impression is the best one. How you present yourself can make a huge impact, which is why a neat, professional appearance can convince the recruiting manager that you are an excellent fit for the company. Also, don’t forget to research the company’s dress code. It might help you make a decision about choosing an outfit.
You can’t predict how the recruiter will be or how your interview will go. However, in most companies, they will ask common questions, providing a good chance to practice your answers prior.
From here, we are going to cover the common questions asked in the interview and how to answer them.
In some companies, the hiring manager tries to create small talk as a rapport building, just to make you relax and create a connection. Usually, they ask questions about how you are doing, your travel to the company, the weather, and your weekend.
For Example,
HR: Hi, nice to meet you!
You: Hi, thanks for meeting with me!
HR: Did you have any difficulty finding the Company?
You: No, the Company is close to my home.
HR: That’s nice. Ok, let’s get started!
A recent psychology study shows that about 52% of interviewers make their decision about the candidates between the first five to fifteen minutes into the interview. So, tell me, how are you going to introduce yourself? What can you do to make a memorable first impression during your English interview? When a recruiter asks, “Tell me about yourself,” they do not expect your life history or 1st-grade achievements. Make a brief introduction about your name, where you are from, your education, and your work history. Practice the pitch daily and build your muscle memory so that it will be naturally easier in the English interview.
Sample: Hey, my name is John Wick, and I’ve worked as a Web developer for one year in the XYZ company. I graduated with honors in computer science from ABC University. By the time I graduated, I had found myself interested in C++ and Java, and I love writing codes. In college, I practiced football, so if I didn’t enjoy writing codes, I might have pursued a career in Football.
This may seem like a typical straightforward question, but use this opportunity to show interest in the company even though you haven’t known about them. If someone told you about the position, maybe your friend or recommended by an employee working inside the company, mention that in the interview.
Sample: My old colleague and mate Mathew told me that [Company Name] is looking for a web developer. He told me a lot about the company, and I’ve always wanted to work in a liberal work environment company like yours. He pushed me to apply, claiming that my previous expertise at [Previous Company] would be beneficial to [Company Name].
Interviewers will most likely want to know about your strengths as well as your faults. Focusing on what makes you stand out (i.e., your best characteristics and skills) is your opportunity to show off what you’re exceptional at and why they need to recruit you. Be honest about your limitations and drawbacks without making yourself bad.
Sample:
Strengths: One of my greatest strengths is my ability to communicate effectively. I am able to clearly articulate my ideas and actively listen to others, which allows me to collaborate well with team members and stakeholders. I am a quick learner and enjoy taking on new challenges. I am adaptable and can work well in a variety of settings and situations.
Weaknesses: One area where I could improve is my tendency to get bogged down in the details. While attention to detail is important, I sometimes struggle with seeing the big picture and may spend too much time on minor details. I am aware of this weakness and have been working on delegating tasks and looking for ways to improve in this area.
Attending interviews in your own language can be challenging. Doing so in English comes with even more challenges. Even though it is hard, acing your English interview is achievable with the proper preparation and approach. If you need help with grammar, pronunciation, or phrases, I can help you! I’m an English tutor who loves to help you speak English fluently like a native speaker. Sign up today to learn English online with me.
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