Interview in English. How to successfully pass an interview with an employer via Skype: tips on how to behave and how to successfully qualify for a job remotely

Modern market labor is quite demanding, so in order to get a decently paid job, it is important to be able to write business letters in English, draft them correctly, and, without a doubt, know how to successfully pass an interview. And if you decide to take a position in an international company, then it is important to be prepared for an interview in English - a job interview.

How to prepare for an interview in English

Google the company you're interviewing with.
Find out as much as you can about the company you want to work for. Study their website in detail, ask who is at the origins of the company, who is in charge, what problems this organization had in the past, how they were solved, what this company lives and breathes today, etc. Remember, informed is forearmed.
Google yourself. It is important to realize that by inviting you to an interview in English, they have already become interested in your personality. Therefore, look at yourself from the outside - “see what they see”, highlight your strengths, prepare answers to possible provocative questions during an interview in English.
Role play answering interview questions.
Practice with a friend, business coach, or teacher to answer the most popular and typical questions questions asked during an interview in English. Such preparation cannot be completed in one evening - the answers need to be weighed, the most successful and accurate words, phrases, and expressions must be selected. Be honest.
Be ready to speak on your CV. Study your own CV in English and be prepared to comment on it. There may be something you forgot to mention when writing your resume, so it's a good idea to take a second look at your resume.
Prepare a list of your questions. An interview in English is not only a test and assessment of you as an employee. By preparing 3-4 questions in advance, you will demonstrate, along with self-confidence, a genuine interest in the life of the company.
Be confident and positive. You can read a hundred tips and tricks on how to answer questions and behave in an interview in English, but if you are not yourself, you are nervous and cannot manage your own emotions, the result of the interview may upset you. Therefore, it is important to show the employer that you are worthy of the position you are applying for and be calm, collected and friendly.

Questions to discuss during an interview in English

How was your trip here?
Did you have any trouble finding us?
What do you think of the weather today?
Tell me about yourself.
How would you describe yourself?
What are three words that describe you?
Are you familiar with our company?
What experience do you have that qualifies you for this job?
What makes you think that you can do this job?
Why do you think you are a good match for this job?
What are your short-term and long-term goals?
What goals have you set for yourself in your career?
What can you bring to this job from your previous experience?
How does this job compare and contrast with what you have done in the past?
What experience do you have that matches the requirements of this job?
What would your boss say about your performance in your last position?
What do you consider your strengths?
What skills can you bring from your previous jobs?
Give me an example of a time when you used your strength to achieve results.
What makes you unique?
Tell me about a time you solved a problem in a unique manner.
What experience can you bring that involves creativity?
Tell me about using strategic thinking in your current job.
How would you describe your communication style?
Have you been involved in negotiations in your past jobs?
In your career, what negotiations are you most proud of?
Can you give me an example of a major project you worked on that involved communication and writing?
Tell me about a time when you solved a difficult problem.
Have you ever had a conflict at work that you couldn’t resolve? What did you do?
Tell me about a time when you had a conflict in your work and how you resolved it.
Are you required to analyze data at your current job?
How to do you see our company helping you achieve your goals?
Tell me about a time when you had to react quickly to a situation.
Can you give me an example of a time when you used your written communication skills?
How would you describe your ability to work with others?
Have you ever been fired from a position?
What are the biggest challenges you face when you are required to work with others?
How do you feel about deadlines?
Tell me about a time when you were unable to meet an important deadline. How did you handle it?
Have you ever made the wrong decision about a project?
How comfortable are you with changes?
Tell me about the most successful risk you’ve taken.
Have you ever not taken a risk and later regretted it?
Tell me about a boss you didn’t get along with.
What do you expect in the way of salary for this position?
Can you name a salary range that you would require to take this job?
What is your salary expectation?
Why are you leaving your current job?

Questions you CAN ask the interviewer during an interview in English

How much travel is expected?
Who are your customers (clients)?
How would you describe a typical week/day in this position?
Where is the company going?
What is the company’s management style?
What types of training opportunities do you offer?
How would you describe the work culture here?
Is relocation a possibility?
How many people work in this office/department?
What are the most important issues that you think your organization will face?
You have recently introduced a new product/service/division/project; how will this benefit the organization?
Is there scope for promotion in the future?
How would you describe the responsibilities of the position?
Is this a new position? If not, what did the previous employee go on to do?
Who does this position report to?
What is the typical work week? Is overtime expected?
What are the prospects for growth and advancement?
How does one advance in the company?
Would you like a list of references?
What do you typically pay someone with my experience
and education in this type of position?

Questions that should NOT be asked to the interviewer during an interview in English

What does this company do? (see “How to prepare for an interview in English”)
If I get the job when can I take time off for vacation?
Can I change my schedule if I get the job?
Did I get the job?

Useful phrases and expressions to answer during an interview in English

I attended…. University from 2000 to 2005.
I graduated with a degree in computer science.
I am currently studying at ….. University and will graduate with a degree in engineering in a year.
I am studying English at the Foreign Language School.
I have been employed by … company for the last 8 months as a salesperson.
I’m looking for a position in which I can use my experience.
I am interested more in a full-time position. However, I would also consider a part-time position.
I’m interested in an entry level position.
My longer-term goal is to continue to take classes in the evening in management and eventually manage projects.
I am very goal-oriented and have completed all the goals I have set for myself in past jobs.
My long-term goal is to become a specialist in the field of IT management.
I’ve been interested in working for your company for some time.
When I look at goals, I like to remain somewhat flexible.
I have found that the world is changing so rapidly that it is not a good idea to lock oneself into specific goals that may not be achievable. I do know that I want to continue to advance and become more and more of an expert in my field.
I would eventually like to take on more responsibility as a project or product manager.
My years of experience in this industry make me feel confident that I can do this job and bring added value.
I am extremely knowledgeable about your customer base and your competitors.
I advised customers on financial/economic matters.
I am a trouble shooter.
When there was a problem at my last job, the manager would always ask me to solve it.
I work well under pressure.
I am a multitasker and have no problem with several projects going on at the same time.
I am constantly prioritizing and adjusting projects to make sure that the most urgent projects are dealt with first.
I also have established a reputation as a person who knows how to get things done, so I can negotiate a deadline if needed and the other person will feel confident that I will honor my commitment.
I have several strengths I can bring to this job. First of all, my background – experience and education – are a perfect fit for this position. Second, I have excellent written and oral communication skills. And last, I am very flexible and adaptable to new situations.
My strength is my ability to remain calm in chaotic situations.
I have had to keep my cool in every job I have ever held.
Fast-paced environments are no longer a challenge to me; they are a way of life. I manage to stay centered no matter what is happening, and as a result the people around me feel calmer.
My key strengths are my strong analytical skills and my ability to use those skills to see all sides of a problem.
Problem solving is my strength and greatest asset.
When there is a deadline, I can focus on the task and structure my work schedule efficiently.
I am an excellent communicator. People trust me and come to me for advice.
I have a successful track record of working with people and solving problems quickly in a very fast-paced environment.
My five years of experience in sales plus my MBA provide me with the perfect skill set that you are seeking.
I have a proven record of being top performer in my company for the past two years.
I’m a person who is passionate about what I do.
(about weaknesses) I am overzealous (work too hard).
When I see that there is a problem, I move forward.
I wish I could say that I never made a wrong decision, but...
The only way to learn is to make mistakes.
I am very interested in your company and this job. From what I have heard, it sounds like morale and team spirit run high here.That is the atmosphere where I thrive best. I feel I could bring added value to the team and to you as a manager.
I have had a lot of experience with various lines of multiple products.
I am proud of the results I’ve had in saving the company a great deal of money.
I am very knowledgeable about… software. When I was unfamiliar with programs in the past, I taught myself in less than two weeks. I am a very quick learner.
I think deadlines are the most important part of any job. I am very conscientious ([ˌkɔn(t)ʃɪ’en(t)ʃəs] conscientious, conscientious) about deadlines.
When solving problems, I go through the following steps - evaluate, explore, research, prepare, and perform. It has helped me through many challenges.
My excellent listening skills allow me to hear much more than most people hear.
(about strengths) My strengths are my attitude and my flexibility.
I am known for my ability to get the job done; done right; and done on time. I do whatever it takes to fulfill my commitment to deliver.
(about weaknesses)I tend to spend too much time making sure the customer is satisfied. However, I began setting time-limits for myself If I noticed this happening.
I didn't quite catch your question.
Did I get it right that you ask me about my strongest points at work?
I am leaving my current job because I have set some career goals for myself to become part of a bigger team in the area of negotiations where I can contribute based on my past experiences.
(about salary) When the time comes to talk money, I am sure that we will come up with a mutually beneficial amount. Could you tell me the range budgeted for the position?
Could you repeat it, please?
Sorry, what do you mean by “…”?
Sorry, I can’t see your point. Can you explain it to me?
Oh, thank you. I got your point (question)/ Now I see.

When preparing for an interview in English, I recommend reading Carole Martin’s book “Perfect Phrases for the
Perfect Interview”, from which some material for this article is taken.

The biggest mistake you can make when going for an interview is not preparing. Understand that most questions (and they are quite typical, you can read about the whole process on the Internet) involve pre-determined answers with slight variations. That is, the interview process itself is planned, and everything that the HR manager will ask you is asked not just out of curiosity, but in order to get certain answers. An interview in English is a little more difficult, because you not only need to impress with your experience, knowledge and uncontrollable desire to devote your whole life to enriching this company, but also do it in beautiful English so that your jaw drops. I offer you my thoughts on what direction you need to move in when talking about yourself at an interview, as well as several examples of answers to the most frequently asked questions (I will highlight in bold beautiful words and expressions that are worth remembering and using in speech).

For the company employee conducting the interview, a dry knowledge of the resume is not enough; he needs to imagine you in this position, understand from your conversation and the way you present yourself whether you are suitable for it or not.

1. Tell me about yourself...
Stupid question, which brings down most candidates. Prepare yourself for this question. This question is almost always raised at the beginning of an interview. Between this question and the question "Why should we hire you?" you can put an equal sign. Write two or three sentences about yourself in the form of the so-called USP (Unique Selling Point) - a description of your greatest strengths and the benefits that your experience and knowledge of this company will bring. For example: "I"m a seasoned Retail Manager strong in developing training programs and loss prevention techniques that have resulted in revenue savings of over $2.3Million for (employer"s name) during the past 11 years."

2. What is your greatest strength?
Try not to overdo it. “I work too hard” is a lousy answer that promises trouble. Know the limits of your own praise, because the company wants to see you, not the picture you paint. Describe only those qualities that are relevant to the company and that make you the most suitable candidate.

When I"m working on a project, I don"t want just to meet deadlines. Rather, I prefer to complete the project well ahead of schedule. I have exceeded my sales goals every quarter and I"ve earned a bonus each year since I started with my current employer. My time management skills are excellent and I"m organized, efficient, and take pride in excelling at my work. I pride myself on my customer service skills and my ability to resolve what could be difficult situations.

3. What is your greatest weakness?
This is where you should highlight your weakness and talk about what you are doing to improve it. For example, if you are an accountant, no one will be surprised if you say that your strong point- numbers, but communication with people is weak. But customer relationships are one of the most important aspects of running a business, so you work hard at it.

When I"m working on a project, I don"t want just to meet deadlines. Rather, I prefer to complete the project well ahead of schedule.
Being organized wasn't my strongest point, but I implemented a time management system that really helped my organization skills.
I like to make sure that my work is perfect, so I tend to perhaps spend a little too much time checking it. However, I"ve come to a good balance by setting up a system to ensure everything is done correctly the first time.
I used to wait until the last minute to set appointments for the coming week, but I realized that scheduling in advance makes much more sense.
Sometimes, I spend more time than necessary on a task, or take on tasks personally that could easily be delegated to someone else. Although I"ve never missed a deadline, it is still an effort for me to know when to move on to the next task, and to be confident when assigning others work.
I"ve learned to make my perfectionism work to my advantage at work. I am excellent at meeting deadlines, and with my attention to detail, I know my work is correct.
I used to like to work on one project to its completion before starting on another, but I"ve learned to work on many projects at the same time, and I think it allows me to be more creative and effective in each one.

4. How do you handle stress/pressure?
Examples from your experience would be appropriate here. This will give the company an idea of how you function in stressful situations. Another popular question is “What are the most difficult decisions to make?” or "Describe a difficult work situation / project and how you overcame it." Be sure to tell us about real situations (of course, those that ended in a happy ending for you), about how you resolved certain problems. Prepare yourself so you don’t sit and frantically remember during the interview! “Tell me about a time you made a mistake” also falls into this category, which is rather aimed at finding out how you feel about criticism. Say that criticism is important to you because it helps you improve and correct mistakes, but you also need to consider who it comes from.

Stress is very important to me. With stress, I do the best possible job. The appropriate way to deal with stress is to make sure I have the correct balance between good stress and bad stress. I need good stress to stay motivated and productive.
I react to situations, rather than to stress. That way, the situation is handled and doesn't become stressful.
I actually work better under pressure and I"ve found that I enjoy working in a challenging environment.
From a personal perspective, I manage stress by visiting the gym every evening. It's a great stress reducer.
Prioritizing my responsibilities so I have a clear idea of what needs to be done when, has helped me effectively manage pressure on the job.
If the people I am managing are contributing to my stress level, I discuss options for better handling difficult situations with them.
I find that when I"m under the pressure of a deadline, I can do some of my most creative work.
I"m not a person who has a difficult time with stress. When I"m under pressure, I focus, and get the job done.
I find it exhilarating to be in a dynamic environment where the pressure is on.
I find a past pace to be invigorating, and thrive when the pressure is on.
I"ve done some of my best work under tight deadlines, where the atmosphere was very stressful.
I"m the kind of person who stays calm under pressure, and handles stress fairly easily.

5. Why are you leaving your job?
Don't badmouth your previous employer. Emphasize the positive aspects, experiences and knowledge that you took away from your previous job. Focus more on the future.

There isn't room for growth with my current employer and I"m ready to move on to a new challenge.
I was laid-off from my last position when our department was eliminated due to corporate restructuring.
I"m relocating to this area due to family circumstances and left my previous position in order to make the move.
I"ve decided that is not the direction I want to go in my career and my current employer has no opportunities in the direction I"d like to head.
After several years in my last position, I"m looking for an company where I can contribute and grow in a team-oriented environment.
I am interested in a new challenge and an opportunity to use my technical skills and experience in a different capacity than I have in the past.
I am interested in a job with more responsibility, and I am very ready for a new challenge.
To be honest, I wasn't considering a move, but, I saw this job posting and was intrigued by the position and the company. It sounds like an exciting opportunity and an ideal match with my qualifications.
This position seemed like an excellent match for my skills and experience and I am not able to fully utilize them in my present job.
The company was cutting back and, unfortunately, my job was one of those eliminated.

6. How do you evaluate success?

I evaluate success in different ways. At work, it is meeting the goals set by my supervisors and my fellow workers. It is my understanding, from talking to other employees, that the GGR company is recognized for not only rewarding success, but giving employees the opportunity to grow as well.

7. Why do you want this job?

I want this job because it seems tailored to my competencies, which include sales and marketing. As I said earlier, in a previous position I created an annual growth rate of 22 percent in a flat industry. Additionally, the team I would work with looks terrific.
This job is a good fit for what I"ve been interested in throughout my career. It offers a nice mix of short- and long-term activities. My short-term achievements keep me cranked up and the long-term achievements make me feel like a billion bucks.
The work I find most stimulating a llows me to use both mine creative and research skills. The buzz on this company is that it rewards people who deliver solutions to substantial problems.

8. Why Should We Hire You?
This question is necessary to understand whether you understand all the responsibilities of the future position, as well as to find out what you can offer to this company.

You have explained that you are looking for a sales executive who is able to effectively manage over a dozen employees. In my fifteen years of experience as a sales manager, I have developed strong motivational and team-building skills. I was twice awarded manager-of-the-year for my innovative strategies for motivating employees to meet and exceed quarterly deadlines. If hired, I will bring my leadership abilities and strategies for achieving profit gains to this position.

9. What Are Your Goals for the Future?
One of the most important interview points. Don't talk about family, opportunities to continue education, etc. Talk only about what is related to this company and work in it. Of course, you may not see yourself working at this company in 5 or 10 years. But don't mention it.

My long-term goals involve growing with a company where I can continue to learn, take on additional responsibilities, and contribute as much of value as I can.
I see myself as a top performing employee in a well-established organization, like this one. I plan on enhancing my skills and continuing my involvement in (related) professional associations.
Once I gain additional experience, I would like to move on from a technical position to management.

10. What Are You Passionate About?
Again, a question necessary for your employer to know what is important to you in life. For example, playing sports represents you as a disciplined person. The most important thing is that your hobby does not take up time that could be used beneficially for this company.

One of my greatest passions is helping others. When I was younger, I"ve enjoyed helping mom with household repairs. As I grew older, that habit grew and I desired to help others as well. I like helping people find solutions that meet their specific needs.
I"m passionate about painting. I take an evening art class once a week and try to find time each weekend to paint. Painting is a good way for me to relax and even though I don"t have much talent, I do it enjoy it.
I'm passionate about making a difference. When I"m involved with a project at work I want to do my best to achieve success. I feel the same way about what I do in my personal life.
I"m an avid skier and I like to spend weekends and vacations on the ski slopes.

. Thanks to English classes with our professional teachers using a special interview preparation program, their experience and knowledge, you will be able to successfully pass the interview and get desired position! Sign up for a free trial lesson!

Today, applicants are increasingly being offered interviews via Skype. Of course, this interview format is worse than a personal meeting, but when the applicant and the employer are separated by hundreds or thousands of kilometers, this is the only chance to try yourself for a new position without spending money and time traveling to the employer. Of course, after successfully completing an interview on Skype, a personal meeting will certainly follow, but such a pre-interview will allow you to establish yourself as a specialist and make a positive impression, so you need to carefully prepare for a video meeting on Skype, especially if it will be held in a foreign language.

What to say at an interview?

Suddenly it sounds phone call, this is a call from a representative of an employment agency. He informs you that you have passed the first stage of selection for a position in a well-known international company, where you sent your resume a few weeks ago. The agent reports that the head office representative from New York schedules you a Skype interview for tomorrow. Already scared? Don't be afraid!

Details are important

It is better to start preparing for a virtual interview with the details of the image rather than with frantically flipping through English notes. First of all, you should pay attention to the clothes and surroundings that are captured in the webcam frame. If you plan to be at home at the time of the call, this does not mean that you can appear before your future employer in a T-shirt or tracksuit with the TV on in the background, where the series is playing. The style of clothing should be businesslike and strict, and the background should be a neutral environment that will not distract the interviewer from his train of thought. When speaking, it is better to look directly at the camera, rather than at a small window with your image, this will distract you from the interview, and you will think about how you look now, and not about answering the question. It is better if you are alone in the room so as not to be distracted by running children or a cat jumping on your lap.

About English

If you have submitted a resume for a vacancy at an international company, then you probably know that the Intermediate level is quite sufficient to successfully pass an interview. If you are not going to write scientific articles or discuss the company's strategy with the board of directors, then this level will be quite sufficient. Remember, the employer is not looking for a good philologist, he is interested in finding an employee qualified in his field for his company who can coherently express his thoughts and understand what managers want from him. Of course, if English is not your native language, then when communicating with a native speaker there will probably be a fear of not understanding your interlocutor. In this case, it is better to practice in advance by listening to audio recordings in English. If 70-80% of the speech from the audio recordings is clear to you, then there is no need to worry. And in a difficult situation you can always say “I’m sorry, I didn’t quite catch that.” Could you please say that again? Among the English-speaking population, such situations happen often; people constantly ask each other again because they did not understand, did not hear, or were distracted. In addition, in a situation where an interview on Skype can be attributed to technical problems and communication interference, this can only be done a couple of times.

How to answer questions

You will probably want to prepare for the interview and write out a statement about yourself. But remember, the employer will definitely notice that you are reading English text from paper and will undoubtedly be immediately removed from the list of suitable candidates. It is unacceptable to read the templates and answers, even if you personally compiled them. There are times when for an interview you are asked to solve a problem or prepare a market analysis, then you should warn the employer in advance that you will be reviewing some of the theses on your analytical work in order to avoid inaccuracies and not miss anything. It is better to answer all questions as truthfully and clearly as possible.

What questions are asked at an interview?

The most important thing to remember in any interview is to be yourself. Employers want to get to know the real you to understand how you fit in vacant position. As for the language, you can prepare a little in advance and learn standard phrases, look at the list of common interview questions and sample answers to them.

Tell us about yourself

Any interview usually begins with this question, so try not to answer too long, so as not to bore your interlocutor with your life story at the very beginning. The goal here is to communicate who you are and make a positive impression. You can talk about your education, achievements and previous places of work. Typically, in English-speaking countries, employers pay special attention to education and work experience. You can also mention your hobby, if you have one.

“Where do you see yourself in ... years?”

This question asks you to look into your future and imagine where and who you see yourself in terms of your career. The answer should be as realistic as possible, so you shouldn’t say that you dream of a luxurious mansion on the Mediterranean coast. Just talk about career prospects, who you see yourself in this company, what position you would like to hold.

"What are your strengths and weaknesses?"

You may drink a liter of water in one gulp or guess the winning combination in the lottery, but most likely this is not what the employer wants to know about you. Think about your positive qualities, how sociable you are, how fast you learn and how punctual you are. As for the weaknesses, there is no need to talk about it for a long time. It would be appropriate if you name those qualities that can simultaneously be regarded as positive and negative, for example, workaholism. You can prepare for an interview with an international company in advance, already at the stage of considering vacancies, because this way you will have more time to learn new words and expand your vocabulary. Try to prepare by hiring, so you will try a new format of virtual communication and appreciate everything!

Skype interviews are becoming more popular every day. They are especially relevant for the initial selection of candidates for a position. For example, companies and universities conduct interviews for potential employees and students. Today I will talk about my experience with online interviews and share some tips.

Introduction

About my experience

I had to go through two different interviews in English via Skype. I prepared for these interviews, so in both cases the result was positive. I would like to point out that people from different countries have different pronunciations. The English language of people from African countries will be very different from the pronunciation of Spaniards, Russians, Germans, etc.

But if you communicate with a person or people from a certain country for a while, you begin to understand their pronunciation and the meaning of their sentences quite easily. For example, I talked a lot with guys from African countries: Tanzania, Ethiopia and South Africa, and they all had approximately the same pronunciation.

Now, even after some time without communication, I will understand the speech of people from these African countries and some other countries thanks to previous experience. Below are some of my tips for preparing for an online interview.

If you need to have an interview in English, I recommend watching videos of people with the pronunciation you need on the service in advance YouTube in order to get used to and understand their speech in advance.

If you have a friend or acquaintance who speaks English well and has good speaking practice, you can ask him to help you. The point of help is this: your friend sits in the same room as you and listens to your conversation. If you do not understand a question that was asked to you or some phrase, ask her to repeat it, for example like this:

Please repeat your question (Please repeat your question) .
I'm having connection problems. Please repeat your question. (I have a problem with my Internet connection. Please repeat your question).

While the question or phrase is being repeated to you, your friend sends you a translation of the question in a few words in Russian, for example, by message in social network. You receive a message on your monitor in a separate window, read it and are ready to continue communicating :). You don't even have to turn your head or listen to your friend's tips :).

Conclusion

I will be glad if my advice is useful to someone. I once wrote an article in which I talk about different services and ways to improve the English language. If anyone hasn't seen it yet, be sure to read it.

Best wishes!

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