Job interviews can be intimidating, especially when English isn’t your first language. You might worry about mispronouncing words, misunderstanding questions, or not expressing yourself clearly. But don’t let language barriers hold you back! With the right preparation, you can confidently showcase your skills and land your dream job. I have a lesson specifically designed to help second-language English speakers like you succeed. This blog covers what I think are the most crucial things you should know.

Understanding common interview questions  

One of the most common interview questions is: “Tell me about yourself”. While it sounds simple, it’s your chance to make a strong first impression.

Begin with a brief description of your current role or most recent position. Highlight key responsibilities and achievements relevant to the job. Then, summarise your previous experience, focusing on roles or skills that relate to the job. Mention education, certifications, or accomplishments that are relevant. Finally, explain why you’re excited about this opportunity and how it aligns with your career goals. Show enthusiasm for the company and the role.  

As a second-language English speaker remember to practise your answer slowly and clearly. Focus on pronunciation and avoid rushing. Use simple, clear language. You don’t need complex vocabulary to make a great impression.  

Use appropriate vocabulary and expressions  

Using the right language can make a huge difference in how you’re perceived. Here are some key phrases to practise: 

“I have experience in…” 

“One of my strengths is…”  

“I’m looking for an opportunity to…”  

“I’m confident I can contribute to…”  

In my lessons I help students practise pronouncing these expressions and using them naturally in sentences. I also focus on teaching students to use pauses to gather their thoughts, thus avoiding filler words like “um” or “uh.”  

Types of Interview Questions  

Recruiters often ask a mix of questions to assess your skills, experience, and cultural fit. 

General Questions  

“Why are you interested in this role?”  

“What are your strengths and weaknesses?”  

“Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”  

Behavioural Questions  

“Tell me about a time you faced a challenge and how you overcame it.”  

“Describe a situation where you had to work under pressure.”  

Situational Questions  

“How would you handle a disagreement with a team member?”  

“What would you do if you were assigned a task you’ve never done before?”  

Role-Specific Questions  

“What experience do you have with [specific task or technology]?”  

“How do you stay updated on industry trends?”  

My best advice is to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This method helps you stay organised and clear, even if you’re nervous. Always remember that if you don’t understand a question, it’s okay to ask for clarification. For example: “Could you please repeat the question?” Or “Could you explain what you mean by…?”  

Ask thoughtful questions  

Asking questions shows your interest in the role and company. Here are some examples:  

“What does a typical day look like in this role?”  

“What are the next steps in the interview process?”  

“How do you measure success in this position?”  

My advice is to write down your questions in advance and practise saying them aloud. This will help you feel more confident during the interview.  

Practise Makes Perfect  

During my lessons, students practise answering questions in real time and receive personalised feedback. I also share useful tips to help them speak slowly and clearly, use simple, effective language, and show enthusiasm for the role and industry.  

Second-language speakers face unique challenges, so I focus on building confidence in speaking English, helping them avoid common mistakes, and teaching them how to handle nerves during the interview. Language barriers need never hold them back from landing their dream job.