In an interview in English, what you say matters, but so does how naturally you say it. These phrases help with the three moments candidates find hardest: introducing yourself, talking about strengths and weaknesses, and the questions at the end. Use them as building blocks for your own answers, not as a script.
"Tell me about yourself"
- I’m currently working as…, where I’m responsible for…A clear way to start with your present role.
- Over the past few years, I’ve focused on…Use this to show the direction of your career.
- What I enjoy most about my work is…Adds personality without sounding rehearsed.
- That’s what brings me to this role.A natural bridge from your story to the job.
Strengths and weaknesses
- One of my strengths is… For example,…Always follow a strength with a real example.
- I’d say I’m particularly good at…A modest, natural way to talk about strengths.
- Something I’ve been working on is…A positive way to introduce a weakness.
- I’ve learnt to…, and it’s made a real difference.Shows you take action on your weaknesses.
Handling difficult questions
- That’s a good question. Let me think for a moment.Buys time calmly, in English.
- Could you clarify what you mean by…?Use this when you’re not sure what they’re asking.
- In my experience,…A confident way to start an answer based on real examples.
Questions at the end
- What does a typical day look like in this role?Shows genuine interest in the job.
- How would you describe the team I’d be working with?A good question about culture and people.
- What would success look like in the first six months?Shows you’re already thinking about results.
- What are the next steps in the process?A polite way to close the interview.
A tip from class
Interviewers notice when answers sound memorised. Prepare your key points and a few strong phrases, then practise saying them in different ways, so they sound natural even under pressure.
Want to use these naturally, under pressure?
Knowing a phrase is one thing. Using it automatically, in the real situation, is another. That’s what we practise in class, with simulations based on your own needs.
In the free trial class, we’ll find out exactly what’s blocking your English in job interviews.
Book a free trial class