Preparing for a job interview in English
1LikeSo you've applied for the job, and they've invited you to an interview, great! But what happens next? What do English employers expect you to wear to an interview? What kind of questions will they ask? Is my English good enough to answer their questions? These can all be scary questions, but they all have answers, you just have to ask the right people!
What kind of questions do English employers ask?
Your potential employer will ask some standard questions, and some job specific questions. The standard questions will be about where you have worked before, if you have the right to work in the UK, and what makes you think you would be good at the job you are applying for. These questions are great to work on with an English tutor, and even a one-off session can be very helpful at giving you the confidence that you know how to respond to any question. In my experience, students who work with a tutor before their interview have reported feeling much calmer and confident going into the interview, as a tutor can play around with many questions, and give you a great understanding as to what might be asked.
You may also be asked in an interview what you would do in certain situations. Such as if there was a conflict in the workplace, or with a customer. It is important to practice these responses as the employer may be assessing how confident you would be in responding to different situations. By practicing these type of questions ahead of time, you are increasing both your confidence in speaking English and your chances of getting the job!
Is my English good enough to answer their questions?
This question has a different answer for everyone, and every person who learns English as a foreign language has their own journey of how 'good' they appear to a potential employer, and how 'good' they feel in themselves. When you apply for the job, there is a part of you that believes you have the experience, or the potential to do the role. Remember, you only have to show this belief in the interview.
There are many people in the UK who speak English as a foreign language, and most people do not expect perfection in English. In fact, we have many regional accents and correct ways of speaking English, so we are used to people using slightly different words than our own. Take comfort in this, and practice before your interview, and you will know yourself if you can speak your mind in front of your new employer.
What do English employers expect you to wear to an interview?
Employers in England will generally expect you to look smart to an interview, even if it's an online interview. We call this style "Business Casual" and it typically means black or dark coloured trousers, a light coloured shirt, and clean smart shoes. It's best to avoid jeans, hoodies, or anything which is in fashion at that time and go for classic, timeless clothes. For women, your hair can be up or down as long as it is neat, and men can wear their facial hair as they normally would. There is no expectation to be clean-shaven as many people have beards in the UK.
Be confident!
The biggest thing you can take into your interview is confidence in what you're saying, and how you're saying it. You are selling yourself in an interview, and with enough preparation and determination, you know you can get the job!
