The Englishtown Guide to :

Interview English

Table of content

03 05 09 12

Introduction

Part 1 The interview

Part 2 Negotiating for the job

Part 3 Contract reading

Introduction
Congratulations!
This guide to Interview English provides all the essential tips you need to impress your potential employer. Follow Carla on her search for that perfect job. Listen to how she dazzles her interviewer. And pick up savvy tips as she negotiates her salary package.

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Part 1

The interview
Claras winning resume and brilliant cover letter has scored her an interview. Its vital that Clara dresses professionally, and researches the company, but its also crucial she has all the right answers to her Interviewers questions! Do you know how best to answer the most common interview questions?

Top Tips for a successful interview:

1. Practice answers to potential questions before the interview Draft out questions you may be asked and think about how you would answer each one. 2. Be clear about your strengths prepare specific examples! You say youre a great problem-solver. Prove it with an example of how you overcame a difficult situation at work. 3. List a weakness that you have already overcome Find something you had trouble with before but have since dealt with. Perhaps you were disorganized before but have now learnt to prioritise. 4. Never allow yourself to be badgered about your salary Its okay to give a salary range. Dont be bullied into settling for a package unworthy of your qualifications.

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Claras interview Clara

Interviewer: Why dont you start by telling me about yourself? Clara: Ive got five years of experience in the industry. Im currently an Account Executive for several major clients in my company. Interviewer: Good. What would you say is your greatest strength? Clara: I handle change well. I was asked to be the teams leader when my line manager was on maternity leave. I really enjoyed the challenge of this additional responsibility. I was able to discover how to get the best from the individual members of the team. It also gave me the opportunity to propose and implement changes in the annual appraisal policies for the group. Now we use the process of 360 degree feedback in our appraisal system and the team members feel this makes the process much more objective.

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Interviewer: And what would you say is your greatest weakness? Clara: Ive had trouble planning in the past, but Ive put a lot of effort to work on this. I now prioritise all my tasks and plan everything ahead. Interviewer: What would your co-workers say about you? Clara: One of my team mates once mentioned that I was the most hardworking person he knows. My other colleagues have also told me that Im an excellent source of feedback and ideas. Interviewer: What would you say motivates you? Clara: Ive always been a conscientious person and I strive to do the very best no matter what position Im in. Of course, Id appreciate some recognition from my superiors from time to time! Interviewer: Okay, thanks for coming in. Well be in touch.

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Part 2

Negotiating for the job

Clara has impressed her Hiring Manager with her excellent answers and has received an offer! Listen to her negotiate for a salary package worthy of her skills and experience.

Top Tips for negotiating your salary:

1. Research the salaries in your field Do a little market research so you know what to expect. 2. Because you deserve it! If youre asking for more than what theyre offering, be sure to make a solid case about how you deserve it. 3. Be flexible - maybe they can give you better benefits Its not that they dont think you deserve what youre asking for. Perhaps they dont have the budget to give you the number you want. You might want to consider taking the job anyway if theyre willing to throw in free gym membership or extra days off.

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Clara Negotiates Her Salary Package

Hiring Manager: I enjoyed meeting with you the other day and would like to offer you the position of Senior Project Manager. Clara: Thank you for the offer! I am honoured that you have selected me Hiring Manager: Were happy to offer you a salary of $20,000. The salary package will include an annual Christmas bonus and medical benefits. Clara: Hmmm based on my current salary, I was expecting something a little higher. Hiring Manager: I understand. Unfortunately, that is all Im authorised to offer. What if we gave you more vacation days and a gym membership? Clara: Hmmm Im really interested in the position but Ill need a few days to think it over. Can I let you know my decision on Monday? Hiring Manager: Sure. Lets talk again on Monday.

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Part 3

Contract reading
Clara has successfully negotiated a suitable salary package and is meeting with the Hiring Manager to sign her employment contract. Contract reading can be a difficult task, even for native English speakers. But an understanding of a few key words and phrases can help!

Top tips for reading contracts:

1. Take your time Its important that you understand what youre agreeing to, so take as long as you need. 2. Dont be afraid to voice doubt if you have any Speak up if you need further clarification on an issue. Even native English speakers sometimes need help with legalese. 3. If you dont understand it, dont agree to it Never sign your name to anything unless you understand the terms fully. If you still cant understand the terms, seek help from a legal advisor. 4. Never agree to performance requirements that cannot be measured You dont want to get fired for not being good. Look out for measurable performance requirements in your contract and have vague performance requirements explained.

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Key terms you need to know:

Party Contracts almost always refer to Party A and Party B. Party means the person or persons forming one side of an agreement. Who is Party A and who is Party B is made clear at the beginning of the contract. Article / clause An article or a clause is a particular statement or point in the contract. People will often refer to them when discussing a contract. For example: Article 4.2 states clearly that you have no right to publish that material. Stipulate This is a verb that means to specify an essential condition. For example: Clause 8.1 stipulates that my client has the right to use the land as he wishes.

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Condition A condition means anything that is necessary before the performance of something else. For example: You can buy the property on the condition that the money is paid in advance. Legally binding If a contract is legally binding you must obey the rules of the contract or you can be taken to court. Null and void If a contract is null and void the contract has no legal authority. It is therefore useless. Breach of contract If you are accused of breach of contract, a person is claiming you have broken your agreement. This means he/she can take you to court.

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Dont close the file without reading this!

Lets cut through the usual introduction You are reading this right now because you are unhappy with your current job or you are tempted to jump to another promising position. Improving your English is the way to go! Impress the recruiter and your future boss with your brilliant self presentation in English. Make yourself stand out from all the other candidates! You will find yourself in the fast track to career success and enjoying an upper class life style in no time. Englishtown Private Teacher is the fastest and most powerful way to improve your English. Theres no better way to reach your goals, but to have your dedicated coach help you focus on what you need and really want to achieve. Talk to our consultant to learn more about Englishtown Private Teacher. We make the best teachers available to you 24 hours a day, everyday! Learn more now call us at 01 70 70 26 30 Or click on to www.englishtown.com

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