Business Interviews

Student Supplement
 Table of Contents

Unit Page

1 Know yourself .............................................................. 4

2 The Fompany and the position...................................... 6

3 Your personality............................................................ 8

4 Your education.............................................................. 9

5 Your skills..................................................................... 10

6 Mock interview............................................................. 11

7 Your experience............................................................ 12

8 Goals and ambitions..................................................... 13

9 Behavioral questions.................................................... 14

10 Curveball questions...................................................... 15

11 loser..................................................................... 16

12 Mock interview............................................................. 17
Berlitz Business Interview

2
Introduction

Whether you’ve just finished school or have been working for many years,
presenting yourself in a way that highlights your credentials, personal qualities,
skills, and why you are the best person for the job is no easy task. Although taking
this one short course isn’t going to make you an expert in being interviewed,
it will help you organize your thoughts more clearly in English and give you a better
understanding of what an American-style interview is like. This will help you gain
confidence in yourself and make you more attractive to potential employers.

Photo credits: public domain, morguefile, www.wikipedia.com or Berlitz Corporation

unless otherwise noted.

Copyright © 2013 Berlitz Corporation

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any
information storage and retrieval system without permission in writing from the Publisher.

For use exclusively in connection with Berlitz classroom instruction.

©2013 Berlitz Corporation

3
 Unit 1 Know yourself

Dialogue

Interviewer: Give me three words that best describe you.

Applicant: I’m decisive, flexible, and persistent. I enjoy making decisions,

especially key decisions that affect the bottom line. I always
follow up on my decisions and make adjustments throughout
to optimize resources. Also, I never give up. If I happen to
make a bad decision, I work hard to correct it.

FYI
It is often your personal qualities and skills that will differentiate you from other
qualified applicants.

Know yourself: 3ersonal qualities

Which of these qualities describe you? Give examples.

precise ambitious enthusiastic flexible

positive alert honest understanding
intelligent mature professional open-minded
compatible loyal reliable funny
competitive hard working liberal conservative
organized punctual patient creative
spontaneous caring reserved expressive
logical practical

What can you do?

Using the vocabulary below, describe the things you can
Berlitz Business Interview

do that are relevant to the position for which you are applying.

4
analyze write read speak report
carry out hold organize negotiate initiate
introduce arrange assist manage control
implement promote construct supervise counsel
reduce change eliminate maximize optimize
establish identify look over take over investigate
check review motivate praise reprimand
provide coordinate type use act
develop research solve determine follow up on
contact protect prepare train lecture
set discuss present generate input
plan sell make take care of work with
hire maintain

I can...

©2013 Berlitz Corporation

5
 Unit 2 The company and the position

Dialogue

Interviewer: What do you know about us?

Applicant: I’ve looked through your website and I was very impressed to
learn that your company started off as a small retailer in Atlantic
City over 75 years ago selling sundries to the local community,
and that your company still follows the principle of customer first.
I didn’t realize that your company has offices in 36 countries with
revenues in excess of 36 million dollars. This global network is
one of the reasons I was attracted to your company.

The more you know, the better you can show that you are the right

FYI person for the job.

The Company

Company President Location of HQ

Other Offices Sales Revenues
Number of Employees Market Share
Mission Statement Company History
Competitors

The Position

Position Direct Boss

Expected Salary Requirements
Advancement Opportunities
Responsibilities

SWOT Analysis

Strengths Weaknesses
Opportunities Threats
The 4 Ps of Marketing
Products Place
Berlitz Business Interview

Price Promotion

6
Presentation

Now, make a brief presentation on the company and the position for which you are
applying.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
©2013 Berlitz Corporation

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

7
 Unit 3 Your personality

Interviewer: What are your weaknesses?

Applicant: Well, some of my friends say that I work too hard. But when I enjoy
doing something, I want to do a good job of it. Like the time when a
customer asked me to finish a report 3 days before the initial request
date. I was at the office until 11:00 pm finishing the report to meet
the customer’s expectations.

When you talk about your strengths or weaknesses, be sure to give

FYI examples.

Personality interview questions

1. Tell me about yourself.

2. Describe one or two accomplishments.
3. What does success mean to you? How do you measure it?
4. Give me 3 words that best describe you.
5. How do you motivate yourself?
6. What can you offer this company that other applicants cannot?
7. What would you change about yourself and why?
8. What would you say is an area in terms of your personal qualities
in which you need improvement?
9. What are your hobbies and interests? How do they contribute to, or
balance, the work you do professionally?
10. What activities do you enjoy most outside of work?
11. What particular strengths and weaknesses do you feel you would bring to
the job? What would others say?
12. What elements are important to you and to your subordinates in attaining
job satisfaction?
13. What do you think it takes to be successful in this job?
14. Describe the characteristics that you feel would make an ideal boss for
our open position and over you in particular.
15. How would you describe your personality?
Berlitz Business Interview

Presentation
Make a brief presentation on your personality.

Mock interview
Try answering some of the questions above in random order.

8
 Unit 4 Your education
Dialogue

Interviewer: What did you study in school?

Applicant: My major was in international relations, so I have a pretty good

understanding of world events and how they affect the economy. I
also took a few courses in business law, so that knowledge should
help me in dealing with trade restrictions at your firm.

When you talk about your schooling, be sure to explain how it could help
FYI you in the position.

Interview questions about your education

In what ways do you think your previous coursework has prepared you for
1.
succeeding in our company?
2. What courses did you enjoy the most? The least?
3. How would your professors describe you?
4. Why did you major in _________?
5. Why did you choose to attend ___________ College / University?
6. When and why did you choose to enter this occupational field?
7. What satisfaction have you gained from your studies?
8. Tell me about a research project you completed.
9. What extracurricular activities were most satisfying to you?
10. Do you feel your academic record accurately reflects your abilities and
potential?
11. How would you rate yourself in the following areas? Reading comprehension,
nalytical skills, communication (oral and written), and listening.
12. What didn’t you like about your college / university?
13. Do you have any plans to further your education?
14. Why should we consider you for our program instead of several other equally
qualified candidates?
15. In what area of study do you feel you lack knowledge?
©2013 Berlitz Corporation

Presentation
Make a brief presentation on your education.

Mock interview
Try answering some of the questions above in random order.

9
 Unit 5 Your skills

Dialogue

Interviewer: What skills do you have to offer?

Applicant: I’m sure my skills in providing customer service, communicating

with people, and speaking and writing in English will aid me in
doing a first-rate job at your firm.

FYI When answering "skills questions", try to use the same vocabulary the
company uses in its job description.

Interview questions about your skills

1. What sort of workshops have you attended?

2. What motivates you?
3. What type of people do you have the most trouble getting along with in the
workplace, and how do you handle it?
4. Do you prefer working independently or as part of a team?
5. If you feel you have any weaknesses with regard to this job, what are they?
6. What is your leadership style? Please give examples of this style in a real
situation.
7. Why do you believe that you could handle this position?
8. What qualifications or licenses do you have relevant to this position?
9. What kind of support would you like from your boss if we decide to hire you?
10. What’s your area of expertise?
11. How good are you with computers?
12. What’s your TOEIC or GTEC score? What will you do to improve your English?
13. What skills have you picked up in your current job that can be utilized in the
position for which you are applying?
14. Are you a good decision-maker?
15. Give me an example of how you manage your time.
Berlitz Business Interview

Presentation
Make a brief presentation on your skills.

Mock interview
Try answering some of the questions above in random order.

10
 Unit 6 Mock interview I
Dialogue

Interviewer: Hi, my name is Max Litzber, and I am the Manager of Human

Resources. I will be your interviewer today.

Applicant: It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Litzber. My name is

_________________. Thank you for taking the time out of your
busy schedule to meet with me today. This is a really nice office
you have.

At the beginning of the job interview, start off with a bit of small talk to
FYI
break the ice.
Mock interview I
Things to remember
• Extend your hand to greet the interviewer.
• Make eye contact.
• Use positive body language.
• Say your name slowly and clearly.
• Be polite and friendly.
• Avoid jargon or technical terms.
• Take notes during the interview.
• Thank the interviewer when you leave.
Mock interview - Your turn
Act out a job interview with the instructor. The instructor will focus mostly on the
topics covered so far in this course: your knowledge of the company and position,
your personality, your education, and your skills.

Evaluation
1. Body Language: 1 2 3 4 5
Instructor Comments:
2. Friendliness: 1 2 3 4 5
Instructor Comments:
3. Clarity: 1 2 3 4 5
Instructor Comments:
4. Grammatical Accuracy: 1 2 3 4 5
©2013 Berlitz Corporation

Instructor Comments:
5. Fluency: 1 2 3 4 5
Instructor Comments:
6. Content of Answers: 1 2 3 4 5
Instructor Comments:
7. Choice of Words: 1 2 3 4 5
Instructor Comments:

11
 Unit 7 Your experience
Dialogue

Interviewer: Why did you leave your last company?

Applicant: As I mentioned earlier, I am always looking for a challenge. After

climbing up the ranks at my previous company in a fairly short
time, I felt that there was not much room for growth for me at that
company. Although my boss urged me to stay and I really enjoyed
working with my colleagues, I felt that it was a necessary decision
that I had to make.

FYI When answering questions about your experience, be sure that there is
consistency in your answers.
Interview questions about your experience

1. Please describe your present job responsibilities. Which do you find most
enjoyable and most difficult? Why?
2. What was the best idea and greatest accomplishment you contributed to
your previous employer?
3. What would you like to have accomplished in your present job that you
have not? What interfered with this accomplishment?
4. Tell me about your greatest achievement and greatest disappointment in
your last job.
5. What did you like most and least about your last job?
6. At your last job, how much was performed by a team?
7. What exactly were you paid at your last job?
8. Tell me about a typical day at your last job.
9. What were the results of your last 3 performance evaluations?
10. Did you have any trouble with or receive any reprimands for punctuality,
professional behavior, etc.?
11. Why did you leave your last job?
12. If there was something that you could change about the last company
that employed you, what would it be?
13. What management positions have you held? Tell me about the scope of
responsibility you had in each position.
14. Do you have any regrets from your last job?
Berlitz Business Interview

15. What would your previous boss say if I called him and asked him what
type of employee you were?
Presentation
Make a brief presentation on your experience.
Mock interview
Try answering some of these questions in random order.

12
 Unit 8 Goals and ambitions

Dialogue

Interviewer: What are your goals?

Applicant: Well, in the first 2 months I’d like to familiarize myself with the
corporate culture of the company and the status quo. I’d also
like to have a sufficient understanding of the needs of both our
customers and our employees. In the next 2 months, I’d like to
implement changes to optimize efficiency and then follow up on
these initiatives in the following 2 months. Finally, by the end
of year, I would like to have achieved a 10% increase in sales
revenues.
FYI When you talk about your goals, try to be as specific as possible.

Interview questions about goals and ambitions

1. Let’s say we hire you and, 3 months down the road, you realize you don’t
like what you’re doing – what would you do?
2. What do you think it takes to be successful in this job?
3. What elements are important to you and to your subordinates in attaining
job satisfaction?
4. What are some things your present company and department might do to
become more successful?
5. What internal or external problems do you perceive in this position?
6. What do you want to achieve, maintain, or avoid over the next twelve
months?
7. If you could have your choice of any job, what would it be and why?
8. Why do you want to work here?
9. What do you expect to experience in this job that you did not experience in
your past jobs?
10. Assuming we make you an offer, what do you see as your future here?
11. Are you considering other positions at this time? If so, how do they compare
with us?
12. How long do you plan to stay with us?
©2013 Berlitz Corporation

13. What do you hope to gain from your stay with us?
14. What are your expectations of us?
15. How do you feel about relocating?
Presentation
Make a brief presentation on your goals and ambitions.
Mock interview
Try answering some of these questions in random order.

13
 Unit 9 Behavioral questions

Dialogue
Interviewer: Tell me about a time when you tried something important at
work and failed. What did you learn?

Applicant: Well, back when I first became a supervisor, I was very

ambitious and wanted to make a good impression on my direct
boss. So when he asked me to complete a small project, I told
him that I would have it ready for him by the end of the week.
However, I later realized I needed information from other people
within the company. One of those people was on vacation and
wasn’t coming back until the following week, so my project was 3
days late. I learned to carefully analyze the situation before making
promises to others.

FYI
When answering behavioral questions, follow the PAR principle of
describing the Problem, explaining your Action, and stating the Results.
Behavioral interview questions
1. Tell me about a situation when you had to learn something new in a short
time. How did you proceed?
2. Can you tell me about a complex problem that you solved? Describe the
process you utilized.
3. Describe a situation when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty
in order to get a job done.
4. Give an example of when your persistence had the biggest payoff.
5. How have you most constructively dealt with disappointment and turned it
into a learning experience?
6. Tell me of a time when you had to conform to a policy with which you did
not agree.
7. Describe a situation in which you effectively developed a solution to a
problem by combining different approaches.
8. Tell me about a goal you set for yourself and how you achieved it or intend
to achieve it.
9. Tell me about the riskiest decision that you have made. What were your
considerations in making that particular decision?
10. Tell me about a time when you worked with a person who did things very
differently from you. How did you get the job done? Would you work with
that person again if given the choice?
11. Give me an example of a time when you had to make a split-second
decision.
Berlitz Business Interview

12. Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and
logic in solving a problem.
13. Describe a situation when you motivated yourself to complete a task that
you did not want to do.
14. Tell me about a time that you demonstrated initiative.
15. Have you ever fired anyone? What were the steps you took?

Presentation
Make a presentation on your work behavior.
14
 Unit 10 Curveball questions

Dialogue

Interviewer: What’s your favorite color and why?

Applicant: My favorite color? I guess I’ve never really thought about it before,
but I would have to say black because, well...simply because it suits
me the most.

When answering curveball questions, give yourself time to think about it and
FYI
give an honest answer. Don’t try to impress the interviewer with an answer
that you think he / she wants to hear.

Curveball interview questions

1. If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only have three things,
what would they be?
2. What do you think is the color that best represents our company?
3. If you were having a dinner party and could invite three famous people, who
would they be?
4. What did you want to be when you were 10 years old?
5. How will taking this job change your life?
6. What would I find in your refrigerator right now?
7. What is your favorite book and why?
8. Which celebrity do you respect the most and why?
9. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
10. What‘s your defense against claims that our industry is harmful to the
environment?
11. You are dealing with a customer complaint on the phone and your colleague
leaves you a note that says the president wants to talk to you now. What do
you do?
12. How would your spouse and children feel about your accepting this
opportunity with us?
13. What do you intend to do if you don’t get the position?
14. Do you think you can become the president of this company?
15. Is this what you really want?
©2013 Berlitz Corporation

Presentation
Make a brief presentation on which animal you would be and why.

Mock interview
Try answering some of the questions above in random order.

15
 Unit 11 The closer

Dialogue
Interviewer: Well, I think that’s all I need to ask you at this time. Do you have
any questions?

Applicant: Yes, I do. I have them written down here. First, I would like to
know a little bit more about your company’s philosophy with
regards to providing quality service.

FYI Always have at least 3 questions prepared to ask the interviewer.

Closing interview questions

• What would you like to see in your ideal candidate? What do you think it takes
to be successful in this position?
• What are the responsibilities of this position, and which do you regard as most
important?
• What are the results expected of this position? What accomplishments will be
expected?
• What are the limits of my responsibility and authority if I should get the postion?
• What are the goals of the corporation? What are the goals of my department?
What are the goals of this job?
• Why did my predecessor leave this position?
• What are the most important problems to solve first?
• Could you explain your organizational structure?
• Can you discuss your take on the company’s corporate culture? What are the
company’s values?
• What are the traits and skills of people who are the most successful within the
organization?

Making an impression
Some of the following expressions can be used in the interview to show that you
are serious about working there:

Would it be possible to have a quick look around the office to get an idea of the
operation?
Could I possibly get a company brochure to learn a little bit more about your
company?
Just in case you need to reach me today, may I leave this number with you?

Writing a thank you card

Berlitz Business Interview

Be sure to send an e-mail or a personal letter thanking the interviewer.

Try writing one now.

Mock interview
Now try acting out the last portion of the interview.

16
 Unit 12 Mock interview II

Dialogue
Interviewer: Well, that concludes our interview. Thank you for coming in today.
Applicant: Thank you for having me today, Mr. Litzber. Before I leave, may I just
confirm the next step? I should expect a call from you by September
15th to hear the results of this interview. Is this correct? Great, I look
forward to hearing from you soon.

FYI Before leaving the interview, be sure you know what the next step is.

Mock interview II
Things to remember
• Extend your hand to greet the interviewer.
• Make eye contact.
• Use positive body language.
• Say your name slowly and clearly.
• Be polite and friendly.
• Avoid jargon or technical terms.
• Take notes during the interview.
• Thank the interviewer when you leave.
Mock interview - Your turn
Act out a job interview with the instructor. The instructor will focus on all the topics
you’ve covered in the course.
Evaluation
1. Body Language: 1 2 3 4 5
Instructor Comments:
2. Friendliness: 1 2 3 4 5
Instructor Comments:
3. Clarity: 1 2 3 4 5
Instructor Comments:
4. Grammatical Accuracy: 1 2 3 4 5
Instructor Comments:
©2013 Berlitz Corporation

5. Fluency: 1 2 3 4 5
Instructor Comments:
6. Content of Answers: 1 2 3 4 5
Instructor Comments:
7. Choice of Words: 1 2 3 4 5
Instructor Comments:

17