How to Interview for a Job in American English, part 1/5

Summary

This video is the first in a five-part series focused on preparing for job interviews. It covers common interview scenarios, starting with small talk and moving on to the crucial question: 'Tell me about yourself.' The video offers practical advice, such as practicing responses and recording yourself to refine your answers. The goal is to help viewers feel more confident and prepared during their interviews, especially when interviewing in a non-native language. Future videos in the series will explore additional common interview questions.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video is the first part of a five-part series on preparing for a job interview.
• 🤔 The stress of job interviews can be amplified when the position is in a non-native language.
• 👋 Small talk is an essential part of the interview process to create a comfortable environment.
• 🗣️ Interviewees should be prepared to answer common questions like 'Tell me a little bit about yourself'.
• 🎓 Emphasizing education and work history is key when responding to self-introduction questions.
• 💼 Highlighting areas of expertise or interests can make the self-introduction more tailored to the job.
• 🔁 Practicing self-introduction with a video camera can help refine responses and identify areas for improvement.
• 📝 It's important to practice speaking freely with key phrases rather than memorizing a script.
• 📈 The script provides an example of how to answer the self-introduction question effectively.
• 📝 The video will continue in the next part with more common interview questions such as 'How did you hear about this position?', 'What attracted you to our company?', and 'What’s your greatest strength?'.
• 📧 The video encourages viewers to engage by asking for interview-related questions or stories in the comments.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video series?

The main purpose of the video series is to prepare viewers for a job interview, discussing common interview questions and how to answer them effectively.

Why can interviewing for a job in a non-native language be more stressful?

Interviewing in a non-native language can be more stressful due to the added difficulty of expressing oneself fluently and clearly, which can compound the usual interview anxiety.

What is the role of small talk in the beginning of an interview?

Small talk serves to build a comfortable environment before the formal interview begins, allowing both the interviewer and the interviewee to feel more at ease with each other.

Why is it important to keep answers during small talk short and polite?

Keeping answers short and polite helps maintain a professional tone while also not overwhelming the conversation, allowing for a smooth transition into the main interview.

How can one practice small talk for an interview?

One can practice small talk by asking themselves simple, non-personal questions or by practicing with a friend, focusing on being friendly and responsive.

What does the interviewer usually expect when asking 'Tell me a little bit about yourself'?

The interviewer expects the interviewee to focus on their education, work history, areas of experience, and interests relevant to the job they are applying for.

What are some ways to begin answering the question 'Tell me a little bit about yourself'?

One can begin by mentioning their educational background, years of experience in a certain field, or specific skills and experiences gained from previous roles.

Why is it recommended to record oneself while practicing for an interview?

Recording oneself allows for self-assessment, helping to identify phrases that work well and areas where one might stumble, thus improving the delivery of answers during the actual interview.

What is the significance of practicing free-talking with key phrases instead of memorizing a paragraph?

Practicing free-talking with key phrases helps to sound more natural and less rehearsed during the interview, allowing for a more authentic and engaging interaction with the interviewer.

What will be covered in the next video of the series?

The next video will cover three more common interview questions: 'How did you hear about this position?', 'What attracted you to our company?', and 'What’s your greatest strength?'