Vocabulary: Interview Aspects | Traditional Summary
Contextualization
Interviews are an essential part of various situations in life, such as job searching, admission to educational institutions, or participation in competitions. Mastering the necessary skills to conduct and participate in interviews can open doors to countless opportunities. In today's globalized context, the ability to conduct interviews in English is even more valuable, as English is widely used as a lingua franca in many professional and academic sectors.
In this lesson, we explore the basic structure of an interview in English, the essential vocabulary, and the most common questions that may arise. Understanding these aspects is crucial for adequate preparation and standing out in an interview. Additionally, we provide communication tips to help improve clarity and confidence during the interaction. Guided practice and interview simulations allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations, better preparing them to face real interviews with more security and effectiveness.
Interview Structure
The structure of an interview in English follows a well-organized format that helps maintain focus and clarity during the interaction. Generally, an interview begins with an introduction, where the interviewer and interviewee greet each other and make brief introductions. This initial stage is crucial for making a good first impression and establishing a professional tone for the conversation.
After the introduction, the interview moves on to the main questions. It is here that the interviewer asks a series of questions aimed at assessing the interviewee's qualifications, experiences, skills, and personality. The questions can range from general ones, such as 'Tell me about yourself,' to more specific questions related to the job or the candidate's area of interest.
Finally, the interview concludes with a closing. At this stage, the interviewee usually has the opportunity to ask questions of the interviewer, demonstrating interest and preparation. The conclusion is also the moment to thank the interviewer for the opportunity and express enthusiasm for the position or opportunity discussed.
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Introduction: greeting and introduction.
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Main questions: assessment of qualifications, experiences, and skills.
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Conclusion: opportunity for the interviewee's questions and thanks.
Essential Vocabulary
Mastering the specific vocabulary of interviews in English is fundamental for effective and professional communication. Terms like 'interviewer' and 'interviewee' are basic and essential for understanding and participating in an interview. Additionally, words like 'resume,' 'strengths,' and 'weaknesses' frequently appear in interview contexts.
Other important terms include 'experience,' 'skills,' and 'qualifications.' Knowing how to use these words correctly in complete sentences helps convey your competencies clearly and confidently. For example, when talking about your skills, you might say: 'I have strong communication skills that I developed through my experience working in customer service.'
In addition to isolated words, it is also important to know common phrases and expressions used in interviews. Examples include 'Tell me about yourself' and 'Why do you want to work here?' Understanding these expressions and how to respond appropriately can make a significant difference in the effectiveness of your communication during an interview.
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Basic terms: interviewer, interviewee, resume.
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Skills vocabulary: strengths, weaknesses, skills.
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Common expressions: 'Tell me about yourself', 'Why do you want to work here?'.
Common Interview Questions
During an interview, certain questions commonly arise, regardless of the industry or position. Questions like 'Tell me about yourself' are used to break the ice and allow the interviewee to provide an overview of their experience and qualifications. This question is an opportunity for the interviewee to highlight their key competencies and relevant experiences.
Another common question is 'What are your strengths and weaknesses?' When answering this question, it is important to be honest and strategic. For strengths, focus on skills that are relevant to the position. For weaknesses, mention something you are actively working to improve and how you are doing it.
Questions like 'Why do you want to work here?' and 'Where do you see yourself in five years?' are used to assess the candidate's interest and career planning. Responding to these questions in a specific and thoughtful manner demonstrates that you have done your homework about the company and that you have clear goals for your professional future.
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'Tell me about yourself': overview of experience and qualifications.
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'What are your strengths and weaknesses?': honesty and strategy in response.
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'Why do you want to work here?': demonstration of interest in the company.
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'Where do you see yourself in five years?': career planning.
Communication Tips
Communicating effectively during an interview is essential for making a good impression and conveying your qualifications clearly. One of the most important tips is to maintain eye contact with the interviewer, as this demonstrates confidence and interest. Furthermore, speaking clearly and with an appropriate tone of voice helps ensure that your answers are understood.
Body language also plays a crucial role in communication. Maintaining an open posture and avoiding nervous gestures can help convey an image of confidence and professionalism. Smiling and occasionally nodding shows that you are engaged and interested in the conversation.
Another important tip is to prepare your answers for common questions in advance. Practicing your responses helps reduce anxiety and ensure that you can convey your ideas coherently and confidently. Additionally, preparing some questions for the interviewer at the end of the interview can demonstrate your interest in the position and the company.
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Eye contact: demonstrates confidence and interest.
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Speak clearly: ensures understanding of responses.
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Body language: open posture and controlled gestures.
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Preparation of answers: reduces anxiety and improves coherence.
To Remember
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Interviewer: Interviewer.
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Interviewee: Interviewee.
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Resume: Resume.
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Strengths: Strengths.
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Weaknesses: Weaknesses.
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Experience: Experience.
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Skills: Skills.
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Qualifications: Qualifications.
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Tell me about yourself: Tell me about yourself.
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Why do you want to work here?: Why do you want to work here?
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Where do you see yourself in five years?: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Conclusion
Throughout this lesson, we explored the basic structure of an interview in English, essential vocabulary, and the most common questions that may arise. Understanding these elements is fundamental for adequate preparation and success in an interview. Furthermore, we discussed communication tips that can help improve clarity and confidence during the interaction, aspects crucial for making a good impression.
Guided practice and interview simulations allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations, better preparing them to face real interviews with more security and effectiveness. The ability to conduct and participate in interviews in English is increasingly relevant in a globalized context, where English is widely used as a lingua franca.
The knowledge acquired in this lesson is extremely important, as interviews are an essential part of various stages of life, such as job searching or admission to educational institutions. We encourage students to continue exploring the topic and practicing their skills to feel even more prepared for future interviews.
Study Tips
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Review the essential vocabulary and common questions discussed in class. Try to create complete sentences using these words to practice their use in real contexts.
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Practice interview simulations with classmates or family members. This will help gain confidence and improve your responses and body language.
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Watch videos of interviews in English available online. Observe how interviewees respond to questions and how they use vocabulary and communication tips discussed in class.
