How to Handle Your First Job Interview in English
Your first job interview in English can feel intimidating. If you grew up speaking the language, it comes naturally; if you didn’t, holding your own in an interview is a different challenge altogether, even when your English is good. The good news is that a first interview is far more predictable than it feels, and a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s how to walk in ready.
Get your CV and cover letter into perfect English
Your CV and cover letter are the first English you show an employer, so they need to be flawless. Have a fluent English speaker check them over, and keep the language simple: plain words instead of jargon, short clear sentences, and a clean, easy-to-read layout. Run a spellchecker before you send anything. A tidy, well-written application sets the tone before you’ve said a word, and it’s the easiest part of the process to get right because you have all the time you need.
Prepare for the questions a recruiter will ask
One of the best ways to feel ready is to prepare what I’d call elaborations. The interviewer can already read your CV, so when they ask about your work experience or studies, they want you to expand on it and give more than what’s written.
Go through your CV section by section and guess what they might ask you to elaborate on. If you list experience at a bank, for example, you can expect questions like:
- What were your duties?
- What did you enjoy most about this job?
- Was there anything you did not like about this position?
- Why did you leave?
- What did you learn from this experience?
For ready-made phrases you can adapt, take a look at these useful job interview sentences in English. If you can prepare good, positive answers to the most common questions, you’ll feel more prepared and far more confident on the day.
Confidence is half the battle
You can’t predict every question, so the second step is simply to relax. Looking confident when something unexpected comes up is really about keeping your mind focused. And remember, a few nerves are a good thing: the adrenaline sharpens you if you stay in control of it. Take a breath and keep your attention on the conversation, not on yourself.
One last tip is to line up the right number of interviews for your temperament. If you tend to take them too lightly, schedule them one at a time so each one matters. If you get too tense, book a few close together so no single interview feels make-or-break. The right frame of mind is what makes you look calm and well-prepared, so breathe, slow down, and take it easy before you walk in.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prepare for my first job interview in English?
What questions are most common in a first English interview?
How can I feel more confident speaking English in an interview?
Should my CV and cover letter be in English?
How quickly can I get ready if my interview is in a few days?
Job Interview Express
Have a job interview in English in the next few days? Our Job Interview Express is built for exactly that: an intensive preparation course of 5 PRO sessions (2.5 hours) to get you interview-ready fast. If you feel a little rusty, it gives you the confidence to walk in and land the role. Live English has coached over 10,000 professionals since 2007 with native, HR-experienced teachers.
It’s best to contact us before you register so we can check availability. If you have more time to prepare, explore our regular English courses.
