Small Talk Before a Job Interview in English - Business English Lessons

Summary

In this video, Christina emphasizes the importance of small talk during job interviews, showing how it can significantly influence the interviewer's impression of you. She highlights research that reveals pre-interview small talk can impact interview outcomes. Christina offers practical tips on how to respond when asked about your day, encouraging positivity and brief elaboration. She suggests using shared interests, such as common hobbies or topics seen on the interviewer's social media, to build rapport. Christina also introduces her course on successful small talk, designed to help professionals master everyday conversation in English for career success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Small talk plays a big role in job interviews, helping to create a positive impression with the interviewer.
• 😀 Research shows that pre-interview small talk can significantly influence the outcome of the interview.
• 😀 When asked 'How are you today?', don’t just say 'fine'—elaborate and provide some details to avoid awkward silences.
• 😀 Keep your responses to small talk positive and upbeat, as complaining can leave a negative impression.
• 😀 Weather is a common small talk topic, but you should stand out by preparing more thoughtful topics related to the interviewer.
• 😀 Mentioning shared interests with the interviewer, such as hobbies or articles, can help build a connection during small talk.
• 😀 Researching the interviewer’s LinkedIn profile and learning about their interests gives you a chance to make a personal connection.
• 😀 Casual mentions of shared interests, like sports or professional topics, can surprise the interviewer and make you memorable.
• 😀 Small talk can be practiced and mastered with time, improving your comfort level in professional settings.
• 😀 Preparing for small talk in job interviews, through courses or practice, can enhance your chances of success and leave a positive impression.

Q & A

Why is small talk important in a job interview?

Small talk helps create a positive first impression and allows you to demonstrate that you're a pleasant person to work with. It plays a significant role in the interviewer's perception of you.

What does research say about the impact of small talk in interviews?

A study of 163 job interviews found that pre-interview small talk made a significant difference in the results of the interview, highlighting its importance in shaping the interviewer's opinion.

How should you respond when asked, 'How are you today?' in an interview?

You should elaborate and add details rather than just saying 'fine.' For example, you could mention your productive morning, how smooth your commute was, or express excitement about the interview.

Why should you avoid complaining during small talk in an interview?

Complaining can create a negative impression. Instead, it's better to keep the conversation positive to ensure the interviewer remembers you as an upbeat, solution-oriented candidate.

How can weather be used effectively in small talk during an interview?

While weather is a common topic, mentioning it alone may not make you stand out. Instead, aim to add personal experiences or relate it to something more specific, such as your commute or how the weather has influenced your day.

What is one technique for making small talk more impactful in a job interview?

Researching the interviewer's interests on LinkedIn can help you find a shared topic of conversation. For example, you could mention an article they posted or a sport they enjoy, which will make the conversation more engaging.

How can sharing a common interest with your interviewer benefit you?

It helps establish a connection, making you more memorable and relatable. Interviewers are likely to respond positively to candidates who share similar interests, fostering a friendly atmosphere.

What should you do if you feel awkward making small talk?

Don’t worry—practice helps. Small talk may feel awkward at first, but the more you practice, the easier it becomes. Christina’s course on successful small talk can help you gain confidence in these situations.

What is the course 'Successful Small Talk' designed for?

The course is designed for students who are comfortable with professional discussions in English but struggle with everyday small talk. It helps build confidence in casual conversations that can influence your career.

What are some examples of good responses to the 'How are you today?' question?

Examples include: 'I've had a productive morning, so everything is good,' or 'The traffic was smooth, and I’m excited to be here.' These responses show positivity and provide more context than just a simple 'fine.'