Recognising the Difficulties

Facing a job interview in English can be a significant challenge for many Italians.

The difficulties may stem not only from language proficiency but also from psychological blocks and fears associated with using English in such a stressful and crucial context.

However, with targeted and mindful preparation, it is possible to overcome these obstacles and present yourself with confidence and competence.

Recognising the Difficulties

Being aware of your own fears and blocks is the first step to overcoming them. Anxiety about speaking in a non-native language can trigger feelings of inadequacy and fear of making mistakes. It is important not to focus solely on these fears but to shift your focus to preparation and your professional skills.

Preparation is Key

Preparing for a job interview in English means more than just reviewing your CV and studying possible technical questions. It involves practising to respond fluently and confidently, learning to introduce yourself, and telling your experiences clearly and convincingly. This type of preparation reduces anxiety and increases self-confidence.

Common Questions:

1. Can you tell me about yourself?
2. Why do you want to work here?
3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
4. Can you describe a challenging situation and how you handled it?
5. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Keywords:

• Experience
• Skills
• Achievement
• Strengths
• Weaknesses
• Teamwork
• Problem-solving

• I can, I will : Phrases like “I can contribute …” and “I will offer my strengths in this way …” show that you are positive and confident in the gifts and talents you bring to a company.
•  I look forward to: As soon as you have been granted an interview, you can respond with something like, “I look forward to the chance to discuss what I can bring to your company.” It is positive and hopeful language that shows you have confidence in your abilities.
• Respect: After you have become familiar with the company, you can describe to the interviewer specific aspects about the company’s products, practices, diversity or projects that you respect.
• “Opportunity” is a word that both describes chances you have been given in the past to develop your skills and shows possibility and gratitude. 
• Flexible: If you can demonstrate that you can work with various people in many different environments and adapt to changes in projects, deadlines and scope, you will show how you can be a flexible and positive addition to a team

• Mission statement: Once you have read the company’s mission statement, you can mention parts of it that resonated with your personal working philosophy. Describe any detail from it that you find inspirational or that would help you set goals.
• Reliable : Most companies value employees who arrive on time, use company time efficiently to produce quality work and meet deadlines. Demonstrate your reliability with concrete examples from previous jobs or volunteer opportunities.
• Leader: Even if you are not interviewing for a management position, leadership in any role is valuable. Describe a time when you were given a leadership position or experiences that helped you develop leadership qualities. Think about what being a leader means to you, and then elaborate on your statement.
• Example: This word helps you change a general statement to a specific statement. Rather than saying “I was responsible for team building,” you could add something like “May I share an example of how a team-building exercise increased our office unity?” 

Conversation 1

1. What strategies can you use to overcome nervousness or anxiety during an English job interview?
2. What are some essential tips for researching and preparing for a job interview conducted in English?
3. How important is non-verbal communication, such as body language and eye contact, during an English job interview?

Conversation 3

Role Play: Below, you can find a Role Play Scenario. You can choose one of the following ways to address this part of the Conversation Club:

1. Read the dialogue below as if you were 2 actors and then – if you have enough time, try to do it again, this time without looking at the original dialogue.
2. Create your own Job Interview role play for one of the following positions:
   • Baby Panda Coordinator
   • Airforce 1 Pilot
   • King Charles’ Personal Driver

Y: Of course. My name is [Your Name], and I have a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from XYZ University. I have two years of experience working as a Marketing Assistant at ABC Company, where I gained skills in campaign planning, social media management, and data analysis.

I: That sounds impressive. Can you share an example of a successful marketing campaign you worked on?

Y: I have experience with both SEO and online advertising. In my previous role, I conducted keyword research and implemented on-page optimisation techniques to improve organic search rankings. Additionally, I managed online ad campaigns through platforms like Google Ads, resulting in a 20% increase in click-through rates and a higher conversion rate.

I: Great. We often work on tight deadlines. How do you prioritise your tasks and handle multiple projects simultaneously?

Y: Prioritisation is crucial in a fast-paced environment. I start by assessing project deadlines and urgency. Then, I break down tasks, create a timeline, and allocate resources accordingly. I also maintain open communication with stakeholders to manage expectations and ensure progress. This approach has helped me effectively manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines consistently.

I: Impressive. Finally, do you have any questions for me or anything you would like to know about our company?

Y: Yes, thank you for asking. I’d love to know more about the company culture and opportunities for professional growth within the organization.

I: Our company fosters a collaborative and innovative culture. We value continuous learning and provide various professional development opportunities, such as training programs and mentorship. We encourage employees to take on new challenges and grow within their roles.

Y: That sounds fantastic. Thank you for sharing that information.