How to Choose the Right Examples for Your Job Interview. Job Interview Stories (Part 2)

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 In Part 1 of this series, we focused on clarity before confidence - why being clear about your role and value matters more than sounding impressive. If you prefer to listen rather than read, this topic is also discussed in the Business English Talks podcast, where we break down real interview answers and explain why some of them work better than others. In this article, we move to the next step: choosing the right examples. Even professionals with strong experience often struggle in interviews because they talk about the wrong situations - or they choose examples that are too complex, too vague, or not clearly connected to the question. This article will help you choose examples that are: easy to explain, relevant to the role, and effective in real interview situations. Along the way, you’ll find ready-to-use Business English phrases you can apply immediately. Why examples matter more than job titles Interviewers don’t hire job titles. They hire people who can solve problems and ...
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3 Days to Better Business English: Day 2 – Navigating Difficult Conversations

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On Day 2 of 3 Days to Better Business English, we tackle one of the most challenging aspects of workplace communication: navigating difficult conversations. Whether it’s disagreeing politely, asking for clarification, or redirecting a tense discussion, these three phrases will help you maintain professionalism and confidence in any situation.



Phrases for Day 2


1. “I see your point, but I think…”


Use this phrase to respectfully acknowledge someone’s opinion before sharing your perspective.


Example Dialogue:

Colleague: “I think we should increase the advertising budget.”

You: “I see your point, but I think focusing on product development first might give us more to promote later.”


Why It Works:

This phrase keeps the conversation collaborative and shows respect while presenting your ideas.


2. “Can you clarify what you mean by…?”


This phrase is perfect when you need more information or want to avoid assumptions.


Example Dialogue:

Manager: “We need to rethink our client onboarding process.”

You: “Can you clarify what you mean by rethink? Are you suggesting we streamline the steps or create entirely new materials?”


Why It Works:

It shows you’re engaged in the conversation and helps prevent misunderstandings.


3. “Let’s focus on finding a solution.”


When a discussion becomes unproductive or tense, this phrase redirects the focus to problem-solving.


Example Dialogue:

Team Member: “This deadline is impossible; we’re going to fail.”

You: “I understand the concern. Let’s focus on finding a solution. Can we adjust the timeline or redistribute tasks to make it more manageable?”


Why It Works:

It encourages collaboration and keeps the discussion constructive.


Practice Exercise for Day 2


1. Write a short dialogue for a workplace scenario where you could use one of these phrases.



2. Practice saying it out loud, focusing on a calm and professional tone.



3. Record yourself and listen back to refine your delivery.


Stay Tuned for Day 3:


Tomorrow, we’ll wrap up the series with Phrases for Ending Meetings Professionally. Don’t miss it!


Have you ever struggled with a difficult conversation at work? Share your experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to listen to Business English Talks for more tips!


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