Job Interview

What kinds of jobs in China require a person to speak English?

When you go on an interview how can you impress the interviewer?

Think about a job that you would like to interview for. Write that job at the top of a large piece of paper. You will be using your paper to write answers to interview questions.

Here are the most common questions an interviewer will ask a person in the West. After we discuss every question write down how you would answer.

Tell me a little about yourself. Talk a little about accomplishments at school or work that you have had. This will show them that you would be good for the job.

Why do you want this job? Talk about some things that you like about the job position and the company. Companies want to hire people who are really interested in doing the job.

Why should we hire you? Talk about skills and good personality traits that you have. Employers want employees who can do a good job and get along well with other people.

What are your strengths? Be truthful about your strengths. Talk about strengths that are good for the position. Be specific. Give examples of how your strengths how helped you in school or on jobs.

What are your weaknesses? You can’t say you don’t have any. Employers are looking for honest people. Talk about something that you didn’t do well but talk about how you’ve improved. Give examples. (Example: Sometimes I forget to do tasks at work. So now I make ‘to-do’ lists daily to overcome this problem.)

Where do you see yourself in five years? The interviewer wants to know if you plan on staying with his/her company for a long time. Talk about how this job might lead to advancing in the company.

Why did you leave your last job? Don’t say negative things about your former boss or company. Talk about how going to a new company will give more you opportunities. Give specific examples.

Now partner up with a classmate. One of you play the part of an interviewer and the interviewee answers the questions using the answers you just wrote. After your interview is done switch roles.

Interviewer questions: Tell me a little bit about yourself. Why do you want this job? Why should we hire you? What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? Where do you see yourself in five years? Why did you leave your last job?