Facing your first job interview in English? Whether you're interviewing for a job, internship, or volunteering opportunity abroad, being interviewed in your non-native language takes the pre-interview stress to the next level.
But don't worry, I've got you covered. As a former recruiter who’s interviewed hundreds and an expat who's done plenty of interviews in English, I’ve put together seven practical tips to help you succeed in your interview and feel more confident going in.
We'll cover everything from practicing answers to the most common interview questions to preparing questions you'll ask at the end of an interview. These tips will ensure you walk into that interview room or join that Zoom call feeling ready and self-assured.
You'll learn practical steps you can take right now to improve your language skills ahead of your first interview in English and present your best self. And you'll do all of it in the next 10 minutes! Ready? Let's do this!
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Good news: If you're reading this in English, your English is already good enough.
That's right! If you're reading this, your English is already good enough for a successful interview.
This means you already have the foundation to converse and understand questions during your first interview in English. Small mistakes won't be the end of the world. Everyone stumbles over their words sometimes, even native speakers. The key is to keep going.
But since you're here, it's clear you don't want to leave your interview success to chance. You want to be fully prepared and show up at your best. To do so, first, bookmark this article to keep all the helpful tips and phrases handy. And second? Keep reading!
Interview tip 1: Prepare for the most common interview questions.
Preparing for your first job interview is like preparing for a big game. The better you know the playbook, the better your chances of winning.
When it comes to interviews, the playbook includes common questions that almost every interviewer will ask. Knowing how to answer these can make the difference between getting a job or being passed over.
Here's the list of questions you can expect in your first job interview in English:
Tell us about yourself.
Why do you want to work here?
Why are you interested in this role?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
What makes you qualified for this position?
Describe a challenge you faced at work. How did you resolve it?
Why would you like to move to this country?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Why should we hire you?
Being well-prepared for these questions will help you feel more confident and make a strong impression. Just remember, practice makes perfect!
Want to dive deeper? Check the 9 most common interview questions for jobs abroad and get interview tips with sample answers.
Interview tip 2: Watch videos in English to familiarize yourself with industry-specific vocabulary.
Want to pick up the industry-specific vocabulary and get a feel for how professionals communicate in English? Watch English-language videos related to your field. This is such a simple yet powerful exercise that will give you a huge confidence boost.
Here's a simple example of how it works in practice.
Imagine you're applying for a job in the tech industry. By watching coding tutorials, tech reviews, and developer conferences on YouTube, you'll become familiar with terms like "API," "framework," and "backend." When these terms come up in your interview, you'll feel more confident and be able to respond more naturally.
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Find the right resources: Search for interviews, panel discussions, or tutorials in your industry on YouTube. Look for TED Talks by experts in your field. And check if the company you're interviewing for has shared any webinars.
Make it a daily habit: Try to watch a video every day or at least a few times a week. This habit will make you more comfortable with the language and help you better remember new words and phrases.
Take notes and practice: While watching, keep a notebook handy. Jot down any new words or phrases you hear that you don't understand. After watching, look them up and practice using them in sentences. This will help you not only learn the vocabulary but also learn how to use it correctly.
Repeat and imitate: Repetition is crucial for learning a language. Watch the same video or clip multiple times. Try to repeat what the speaker says to practice pronunciation and intonation. Imitation helps internalize the language structure and enhances fluency.
Remember, the goal is to make industry-specific terms second nature to you. The more you hear and use them, the more comfortable you will feel during your first job interview in English.
Interview tip 3: Practice, practice, practice.
You wouldn’t jump into the deep end of a pool without knowing how to swim, would you? In the same way, practicing for your job interview helps you stay afloat when the big day arrives.
That's why one of the most common interview tips you'll hear when preparing for your first interview in English is practice, practice, practice.
Try these three simple things to make this task feel more manageable:
Mock interviews: One effective way to practice is through mock interviews. These are practice sessions where you answer typical interview questions as if you were in the real deal. Grab a friend, family member, or even a mentor to play the role of the interviewer.
Recording yourself: Another great tip is to record yourself while practicing. Yes, it might feel awkward at first, but it’s incredibly helpful. Watching the recording allows you to see things you might not notice in the moment, like your body language or areas where you hesitated.
Practice with different accents: English can sound quite different depending on who’s speaking it. To get used to this, try listening to multiple accents, whether American, British, Australian, or others. (If you're particularly brave, try Scottish, too!) Practice responding as if you were in a real interview. Podcasts, news channels, and even TV shows are excellent sources. The more diverse your listening, the better prepared you’ll be.
Repetition builds muscle memory. Think of it as riding a bike. The first few times, you’re wobbly and unsure. But after a while, it becomes second nature.
The same goes for preparation for your first interview in English. Over time, you’ll notice that your responses flow naturally without much thought. And that's the ultimate goal.
Interview tip 4: Record yourself speaking in English.
Okay, recording yourself while preparing for your first interview in English is so powerful that it deserves extra attention. Sure, it will be awkward at first. But it's insanely helpful, so don't skip it.
This technique allows you to hear how you actually sound, identify specific areas for improvement, and fine-tune your pronunciation. It's like holding up a mirror to your voice. When you listen to a recording of your voice, you can catch the little things you might miss in everyday conversations. You'll be able to spot mispronunciations, improve your fluency, and build confidence.
Here's a step-by-step guide to get started:
Choose a topic: Pick a topic related to your job or something you enjoy talking about. This keeps the practice engaging. Alternatively, record yourself answering common interview questions to make it more efficient.
Record in short bursts: Start recording for just 30-40 seconds and gradually increase the length as you get more comfortable.
Listen and take notes: Play back your recording and note any areas where you stumble or mispronounce words. Note down the words you're not sure you pronounce correctly or phrases you aren't 100% confident are correct.
Practice problem areas: Focus on the words or phrases you misused or found difficult. Repeat them until you feel more confident.
By making recording yourself a regular part of your interview preparation, you'll not only improve your English pronunciation but also gain a lot of confidence for your first job interview in English. So grab your phone, hit record, and start practicing!
Interview tip 5: Learn polite phrases for clarification and brief thinking time.
Sometimes, we all need a moment to gather our thoughts or understand the question better. Let's review some phrases that can help you in these situations and make you feel more confident.
Asking for Clarification
The key to a great interview answer? Being 100% confident you understand the question before answering it. If you're unsure, use one of these simple phrases:
Could you please repeat that?: This polite request shows you want to answer accurately.
I'm not sure I understand the question. Could you please explain it in a different way?: This shows you are interested in understanding the question.
Do you mean...?: Often, repeating back what you think they mean can clear things up.
Asking for clarification is always better than giving an incorrect answer because you misheard or misinterpreted the question. Interviewers will appreciate your effort to get it right.
Buying Some Thinking Time
Need a few seconds to think about your answer? Here are some ways to buy yourself a little time:
That's a great question. Let me think for a moment, please.: Complimenting the question gives you a moment to gather your thoughts.
I haven't encountered that situation before. Can I take a minute to think about it?: Honesty combined with a request for time shows you are thoughtful.
Let me take a second to gather my thoughts.: This phrase clearly communicates that you need a brief pause.
Remember, it's okay to ask for clarification or a moment to think. It shows you care about giving the best answer possible. Plus, it demonstrates your communication skills, which are highly valued in any job.
Interview tip 6: Create a cheat sheet of key phrases and technical terms to review before the interview.
When preparing for your first job interview in English, creating a cheat sheet of key phrases and technical terms can be a lifesaver.
Not only does it help with familiarity, but it also boosts your confidence, making you feel more at ease during the conversation.
Here are a few things you should add to your cheat sheet:
Technical terms relevant to your field: Whether you're in tech, finance, healthcare, or another field, knowing the specific terminology is important. For instance, if you're in tech, terms like "API integration," "cloud computing," and "machine learning" might be relevant. Having these terms at your fingertips can make the conversation flow better.
Industry-specific jargon: Industry-specific jargon can also come up during the interview. Familiarize yourself with these terms and be prepared to use them correctly. It shows that you have a deep understanding of your field. For example, in finance, the interviewers might mention "ROI" (Return on Investment) or "EBITDA" (Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization).
Key points about your skills and experiences: Talking about your previous experiences and skills in English might be new to you. Outline key points and phrases about your past jobs, projects, and achievements. It's good to keep them handy so you can glance at these phrases during your interview if needed.
Questions to ask the interviewer: At the end of the interview, you'll likely be given a chance to ask questions. Having some ready can show your interest in the role and company. So, consider including these on your cheat sheet.
To make the most of your cheat sheet, keep it handy so you can glance at your cheat sheet before the interview to refresh your memory. And don't try to memorize everything word for word. Use the cheat sheet as a guide to help you feel more confident and prepare better for your first interview in English.
Interview tip 7: Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers at the end.
At the end of an interview, interviewers often ask if you have any questions for them.
Having thoughtful questions ready shows that you're genuinely interested in the role and makes you come across as more motivated and professional. Plus, their answers may clear any doubts about the job and help you understand if this job aligns with your career goals and values.
So, when preparing for your first job interview in English, think about the questions you'll ask the interviewer. Now, you might wonder, what kind of questions should I ask?
Here are a few question categories to consider:
Questions about the role: Ask about daily responsibilities, team dynamics, or expectations. For example, you could ask: “What does a typical day look like for this role?”, “Can you tell me more about the team?”, “What are the immediate expectations for someone stepping into this position?”, or “How will you measure success in this role?”
Questions about the company: You can ask about the company culture or internal processes to better understand what to expect. For example, ask, “How would you describe the company culture?“ or, “What kind of support does the company provide for personal and professional development?“
Pro tip: It's one thing to have questions, but it's another to ask them in a way that shows your thoughtfulness, preparation, and motivation.
So, if you want to score extra points with the interviewers, make sure not to ask generic questions or questions that are just one Google search away, like "What does the company do?"
Instead of a generic question, tailor it to something you found interesting during your research. E.g., if you found an interesting project the company is working on, ask how the selected candidate would contribute. (Just make sure the project is actually relevant to the role.)
By preparing thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer, you not only show that you're genuinely interested and prepared, but you also get valuable information that can help you decide if the job is right for you.
Remember, an interview is a two-way street. You're evaluating them just as much as they're evaluating you. So, don't be shy. Ask away!
Bonus tip: Be aware of your body language.
Lastly, here's an extra tip for your first English job interview—focus not only on your words but also on how your body speaks for you.
Studies have shown that up to 93% of communication is non-verbal. So, body language plays a massive role in how you're perceived during a job interview. When going to your first job interview in English, understanding and controlling your non-verbal cues can make a world of difference.
Here are a few helpful pointers:
Maintain eye contact: Maintaining eye contact shows you're attentive and interested. Try to keep it frequent but natural. (Translation = Don't stare creepily. But also don't look everywhere except at the interviewer.) Pair eye contact with a smile to make it friendly.
Watch your posture: How you sit or stand also sends out signals. Slouching can make you look uninterested or tired. Make sure to sit up straight with your shoulders back.
Use your hands wisely: Gestures can help convey your message but can also be distracting if overdone. When using your hands, keep it natural. Use natural hand movements that flow with your speech. More importantly, avoid fidgeting. Don’t fiddle with your pen, hair, or anything else.
Smile: A smile can go a long way. It can ease your nervousness and make you appear friendly. So, smile at appropriate moments, especially when greeting your interviewer, discussing something positive, or thanking them.
Avoid negative body language: Certain actions can be seen as negative, even if you don’t mean them to be. Avoid crossing your arms. This can make you seem defensive. Don't look down, as it can look like you're insecure or not paying attention. Also, don't tap your feet or fingers. It shows impatience or nervousness.
So, how should you prepare for your first interview in English?
To show your best in your first interview in English, you gotta practice, practice, and practice.
Make it easier for yourself by rehearsing your answers to the most common interview questions. Watch videos in English to catch some industry phrases and prepare a cheat sheet with the most important notes. Also, memorize phrases that can come in handy when you want to clarify the question or give yourself some time to think before you provide an answer.
These are just some of the seven practical tips for your first job interview in English that will help you walk in prepared and confident.
Bookmark this article to keep it at hand for your upcoming job interviews. And remember to stay calm and keep positive thoughts. You got this!
Matilda & Ana
Hi there! We're Matilda and Ana — the founders of MoreThanCareers, expats, international corporate recruiters, and HR professionals with 18+ years of combined HR experience. Since 2018, our career-building techniques, tools, and resources have helped over 500 coaching clients and 8,000 individuals worldwide land new, more fulfilling, higher-paying, and career-changing jobs.
Now it's your turn. And MoreThanCareers is here to help!