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Showing posts from March, 2025

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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How to Answer Tough Job Interview Questions in English (Even If You're Not Fluent)

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💼 Are you nervous about answering tough job interview questions in English? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Even fluent speakers sometimes struggle with unexpected or tricky questions. In this guide, you’ll learn practical Business English phrases, example dialogues, and strategies to help you answer confidently—even if English isn’t your first language. 🎧 Prefer to listen? Check out our podcast episode on this topic: Listen on Spotify ☕ Support our podcast & buy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/businessenglishtalks 1. What to Say When You Don’t Know the Right Word It’s common to forget a word or struggle to express an idea. Instead of freezing , try these strategies: ✅ Paraphrase the word using simpler vocabulary: Instead of: "I improved the company’s efficiency ." Say: "I helped the company work faster and save time ." ✅ Use synonyms: If you forget “collaborate,” say “work together.” If you forget “efficient,” say “productive.” 💬 Exampl...
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Ace Your Job Interview: Master Business English for Career Success (Part 2) From Tricky Questions to Salary Negotiation

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 Welcome back to our Job Interview Mastery Series ! In Part 1 , we covered how to make a strong first impression and answer key interview questions. Now, it’s time to tackle the most challenging parts of any job interview : handling tricky questions and negotiating your salary with confidence. 🎧 Prefer to listen? Check out our podcast episode on this topic: Listen on Spotify 1. Answering Tricky Interview Questions Some interview questions are designed to test your thinking, adaptability, and communication skills . Here’s how to answer them effectively: 1.1. Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years? Why They Ask: Employers want to see if your career goals align with the company’s future. Common Mistake: Giving an answer that’s too vague ( "I want to be successful" ) or too specific ( "I want your job" ). ✅ Better Response: "In five years, I see myself growing in a role that challenges me and allows me to apply my skills in [specific field]. I hope to take on...
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52: English for Job Interviews. 1: How to Talk About Your Responsibilities – Clearly and Professionally

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  In almost every job interview, you’ll be asked about your previous work experience – and more specifically, what you were responsible for. Many people answer this with: > “I did this… I worked there… I had to do that…” But these phrases are too general or too casual. Let’s look at how to describe your responsibilities in a way that’s clear, professional, and natural – and how to avoid sounding too basic or vague. ✅ 1. The go-to structure: “I was responsible for…” This is a safe, professional and flexible phrase. You can use it in almost any context. Examples: I was responsible for managing customer accounts. I was responsible for training new employees and answering client emails. I was responsible for scheduling meetings and preparing reports. Why we like it: It’s clear, easy to expand, and sounds professional. ✅ 2. Useful alternatives to add variety You don’t want to repeat the same phrase in every answer. Try using some of these alternatives: I handled... I handled customer...
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Mastering Small Talk with the FORD Method: Exploring "Occupation" (O)

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  When it comes to small talk, asking about someone’s job or work is often the easiest and safest way to start a conversation. Work is a common topic that people are comfortable discussing, and it naturally opens up opportunities for follow-up questions and deeper connections. In this post, we’ll explore the "O" for Occupation part of the FORD method (Family, Occupation, Recreation, Dreams). You’ll find useful questions, natural phrases, example dialogues, and tips to match the tone to every situation. Why Talking About Occupation Works Safe & Familiar: Most people are comfortable discussing their work. Opens Doors: Work often connects to other topics like interests, goals, or travel. Universal: No matter the culture, people work, study, or pursue careers. Occupation-Related Small Talk Questions Formal Settings: These work well in professional meetings, networking events, or conferences: “What line of work are you in?” “How did you get started in your field?” “What’s the ...
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54: How to Talk About Your Strengths and Weaknesses in a Job Interview – Business English Tips

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  Welcome back to Business English Talks, your resource for professional English you can actually use. This is part three of our Job Interview Series, and today we’re focusing on a classic but tricky question: “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” This question is almost guaranteed to come up in one form or another, and it's your chance to show self-awareness, professionalism, and confidence. ✅ Why do interviewers ask this question? They want to know: If you understand your value and your limits. Whether you are honest and realistic. How you deal with challenges or mistakes. What strengths you bring to their company. 💪 Talking About Strengths Focus on professional qualities that are relevant to the job. Choose 1–3 and support each with a quick example. 🌟 Useful Phrases: One of my strengths is... I’m good at... I’m known for being... I’ve always been strong in... My colleagues often say I’m... I consistently receive positive feedback on... I have a natural ability to... 💼 Exa...
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