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AI image: A man and a woman sit at a table in an office – job interviews.
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Avalern · by SimmondsB15 min · English

Job interviews in English: vocabulary, dialogue and conversation questions

Editorially responsible: James Simmondspublished 28 Sept 2026AI-generated text (learn more – how we use AI on these pages)

Live rounds with a trainer and a small group. To warm up: Theo asks, you answer.

Allow the microphone – Theo asks the first question.

AI conversation partner, synthetic voice · your voice is processed live by Google Gemini, we store no audio and no transcript · max. 5 minAbout the AIWith headphones you can interrupt Theo. Without them, the microphone only listens once Theo has finished.

Job interviewsB1 – Practise speaking English: a conversation about job interviews (level B1)AI at workB2 – Practise speaking English: a conversation about whether AI should write your emails (level B2)Business tripA2 – Practise speaking English: a conversation about your last business trip (level A2)

Question of the day

What should you do at the end of a job interview to show your interest?

  1. Ask a few questions
  2. Talk about your weaknesses
  3. Tell them about yourself
Show the answer – Open the answer to the question of the day

Correct answer: Ask a few questions

You can find the answer in the English introduction.

Listen to the introduction

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Transcript

Hi, I'm Theo, and this is a two-minute conversation starter. Today: job interviews in English. Walking into an interview room can be highly stressful, especially in a foreign language. But a good first impression – Jump to the vocabulary entry for first impression makes everything easier. Usually, the interviewer will start with a classic request: tell me about yourself – Jump to the vocabulary entry for tell me about yourself. This is your chance to share your relevant experience – Jump to the vocabulary entry for relevant experience and show why you fit the role. Later, they might ask about your strengths and weaknesses – Jump to the vocabulary entry for strengths and weaknesses. Being honest but positive helps you stand out – Jump to the vocabulary entry for stand out from the other candidates. Finally, you should always ask a few questions – Jump to the vocabulary entry for ask a few questions at the end to show your interest in the company. So, how do you usually prepare for an important interview?

Vocabulary

first impression/ˌfɜːst ɪmˈpreʃ.ən/
Meaning: The idea or opinion you form about someone immediately.
Example: You only have one chance to make a good first impression.
tell me about yourself/tel miː əˈbaʊt jɔːˈself/
Meaning: A common opening request in a job interview.
Example: My new neighbour asked, "Could you tell me about yourself and your interests?"
relevant experience/ˈrel.ə.vənt ɪkˈspɪə.ri.əns/
Meaning: Past work or skills that are useful for the new job.
Example: We need someone with relevant experience in international sales.
strengths and weaknesses/streŋθs ənd ˈwiːk.nəs.ɪz/
Meaning: The things you are good at and the things you need to improve.
Example: Be prepared to discuss your strengths and weaknesses honestly.
stand out/ˌstænd ˈaʊt/
Meaning: To be easily noticed because you are different or better.
Example: Her excellent communication skills helped her stand out.
ask a few questions/ɑːsk ə fjuː ˈkwes.tʃənz/
Meaning: To request information by speaking.
Example: It is always polite to ask a few questions about the team.

Dialogue

  1. AnnaAre you ready for your interview tomorrow?
  2. MarkNot really. I'm worried about making a good first impression.
  3. AnnaJust smile and be confident. What will you say when they say 'tell me about yourself'?
  4. MarkI'll talk about my relevant experience in marketing.
  5. AnnaThat's a great idea. It will definitely help you stand out.
  6. MarkI hope so. I still need to think of some things to ask when it's my turn to ask a few questions.
  7. AnnaGood luck! You're going to do brilliantly.

Questions for your conversation

Partner A

Easier: Have you ever had a job interview in English? Why or why not?

How would you answer "Tell me about yourself" in under a minute?

More challenging: How might cultural differences affect the way candidates present themselves in an international interview?

Partner B

Easier: Do you get nervous before an interview? Why or why not?

What is the best way to prepare for a job interview?

More challenging: If you were the interviewer, what specific qualities would you look for in a candidate for your current role?

Partner A

Easier: Is it important to wear smart clothes to an interview? Why or why not?

What questions should a candidate ask the employer at the end of the meeting?

More challenging: To what extent do you agree that traditional job interviews are an outdated way to evaluate someone's true potential?

Useful phrases

  • Thank you for inviting me to this interview.
  • I have five years of experience in project management.
  • One of my main strengths is problem-solving.
  • I am looking for a new challenge.
  • Could you tell me more about the team?
  • When can I expect to hear from you?

Topic quiz

Five quick questions check vocabulary and listening comprehension.

All conversations – Back to all conversations of our English conversation classes

Questions

Who is Theo?

Theo is an AI conversation partner for warming up, not a teacher. The voice is synthetic. In the live rounds, a trainer talks with you.

Is my conversation stored?

We store neither audio nor a transcript. During the conversation, your voice is sent to Google (Gemini) for processing. The conversation ends after no more than five minutes.

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