You're listening to Business English Pod, the Business English podcast for professionals on the move.
Hello, and welcome back to Business English Pod.
My name's Edwin and I'll be your host for today's lesson on talking about your work experience during a job interview.
A job interview might just be one of the most stressful experiences in our working lives.
The stakes are high because there's a job on the line and it's our one and only shot to show people why they should choose us over all the other applicants.
So how do you convince someone you're the best candidate?
Well, you need to answer their questions, of course, but you also need to look behind the questions to see what the interviewer is trying to learn about you.
And you need to take the questions as opportunities to impress.
Fortunately, there are techniques and language you can learn to help you make a great impression.
You can highlight transferable learning from your previous experience.
You can also highlight accomplishments and their impact, as well as describing your personality.
And finally, you can show why you want to work for the company.
In today's lesson, we'll learn how to use these techniques in a job interview.
In the dialogue, you'll hear Ryan, who's interviewing for a job at a large software company.
Two managers from the company, Sandra and Victor, are asking questions about Ryan's experience and personality.
As you listen to the dialogue, try to answer the following questions.
One, what does Ryan say he learned at his previous job?
Two, Ryan describes one of his accomplishments.
What does he say was the impact of that accomplishment?
Three, how does Ryan describe his own personality?
So we've been talking about some of the projects you were involved in, Ryan and the different product teams.
From this, it sounds like the company took an agile approach.
Is that correct?
Yes, that's right.
More specifically, we used Scrum.
So we had mixed teams for all the products and for me that was a great experience working with people from design and marketing in one team like that.
That really helped me see how everything fits together, and how UX drives the whole process.
I see.
And so within that kind of environment, what stands out for you that you're particularly proud of?
Well, besides contributing to some really great software, I led a push to improve team training.
You know, sometimes during a sprint you've got different disciplines speaking slightly different languages.
So I worked with.
Our training lead to develop some short courses, with the aim of getting everyone on the same page, as it were.
Interesting.
And so how did this impact the teams?
I mean, did it have the intended outcomes?
Yes, I think so.
It improved communication and team dynamics, and that made us more efficient.
So when our developers were talking about working on a lamp stack, for example, we could all get what they were saying and get things done quicker with less confusion.
Okay.
So this push for training, this was something you came up with?
Yes, that's right.
I'm quite process-oriented and when I see the possibility for improvements, I tend to take the initiative.
Make things happen, so to speak.
It was a small company, and management really encouraged this kind of thing.
So they gave me the space to do it.
Okay, and that touches on what I wanted to ask you about next.
I'm wondering if you see any possible challenges in working for a much larger and more established company.
Are you worried things might be slower or less flexible?
Well, I understand it might be less agile overall because of your size, but I think I am flexible and I can adapt.
After all, I interned with EBS perhaps one of the most traditional companies out there and I believe a bigger company can offer me better opportunities, a larger platform and a better chance of making an impact.
Now let's go through the dialogue again and look at the language and techniques Ryan used in the interview.
We join the interview just as they've been talking about Ryan's experience at his previous company.
So we've been talking about some of the projects you were involved in, Ryan and the different product teams.
From this, it sounds like the company took an agile approach.
Is that correct?
When we take an approach to something, we use a particular way of thinking or methods to deal with the issue.
An agile is a special approach to software development that involves self-organizing teams that can change quickly.
By mentioning agile development.
Sandra is sort of testing Ryan to see if he's familiar with such ideas.
So is he?
Yes, that's right.
More specifically, we used Scrum.
So we had mixed teams for all the products and for me that was a great experience working with people from design and marketing in one team like that.
That really helped me see how everything fits together and how UX drives the whole process.
Ryan immediately shows that he knows what agile development is and even mentions a more specific idea of Scrum.
As Ryan explains, this meant they had teams of people from different areas.
But he doesn't only show that he knows what these ideas are about.
He also shows how this learning might be transferable to other situations.
As he says, he sees how things fit together and how important UX or user experience is.
So, when you're asked about your experience, don't just describe what you did.
Explain what you learned that might be transferable to other situations.
Let's practice some more ways of doing this.
What was really useful was seeing how the entire distribution system worked.
Because I had to work with so many different people, I think I've learned a lot about teamwork.
Managing difficult projects really helped me learn how to delegate effectively.
I think my experience taught me how to balance speed and quality.
Now let's hear how Ryan deals with the next question.
I see.
And so within that kind of environment, what stands out for you that you're particularly proud of?
Well, besides contributing to some really great software...
I led a push to improve team training.
Victor has asked about what stands out for Ryan in his previous experience.
That means what is especially important.
And Ryan doesn't hesitate to highlight an important accomplishment.
To do this, notice that he uses a strong verb, saying he led something.
In this case, he led a push or effort to improve team training.
Highlighting accomplishments is a great way to impress an interviewer, so let's try some more ways of using strong verbs to talk about the great things you've done.
I achieved a 30% increase in sales in our region over the last two years.
I spearheaded an initiative to break into the European market.
I oversaw the successful merger of our company with a major competitor.
I devised a new system of scheduling that vastly improved efficiency.
Just stating your accomplishment is usually not enough though.
It's a good idea to give some explanation or background as Ryan does.
Let's listen.
You know, sometimes during a sprint you've got different disciplines speaking slightly different languages.
So I worked with.
Our training lead to develop some short courses, with the aim of getting everyone on the same page, as it were.
In his explanation, Ryan mentions a sprint, which is a period of work in an agile scrum.
He then explains how people in different disciplines or areas don't always communicate perfectly, which explains why he developed some team training.
So notice how Ryan's answer to this question actually reinforces what he was talking about before the interviewer is asked about the agile approach.
So Ryan chooses an accomplishment that relates to that approach.
What's the next question for Ryan?
Interesting.
And so how did this impact the teams?
I mean, did it have the intended outcomes?
Yes, I think so.
It improved communication and team dynamics, and that made us more efficient.
The question is about impact or about what changed Ryan's accomplishment made in the company.
And Ryan states very directly the positive things that happened because of his training initiative.
He mentions that it improved communication and made it more efficient.
Both very positive ideas that helped to emphasize the impact of his actions.
Even if an interviewer doesn't ask about the impact of an achievement, you should mention it.
After all, what you do is only as important as the benefits it brings to the company.
So let's run through some other ways of stating direct and positive impacts.
So what happened as a result was that we saw an improvement in morale and a more positive workplace overall.
In the end, we were able to cut three hours off the per unit production time.
This meant that we could plan better and waste less time.
Because of this, I managed to bring in a dozen new clients.
Ryan did a good job of stating directly what the impacts were, but your ideas are always stronger when you can give specific examples.
Let's hear Ryan's example of improved communication, along with Sandra's next question.
So when our developers were talking about working on a lamp stack, for example, we could all get what they were saying and get things done quicker with less confusion.
Okay, so this push for training, this was something you came up with?
Sandra wants to know if the training idea is something Ryan came up with or thought of himself.
At this point, she's trying to figure out Ryan's approach to work and his personality.
For example, is he the kind of person who comes up with ideas and makes them happen?
Or is he the kind of person who takes direction from others?
Let's find out.
Yes, that's right.
I'm quite process-oriented.
And when I see the possibility for improvements, I tend to take the initiative.
Make things happen, so to speak.
It was a small company, and management really encouraged this kind of thing.
So they gave me the space to do it.
Notice how Ryan has taken the opportunity to describe his own personality.
He says he's process-oriented, which means he cares a lot about how things are done, not just results.
And he takes the initiative, which means he doesn't just wait for direction from others.
These are or can be positive qualities in the type of work Ryan does.
Of course interviewers want to know what kind of person you are, but they don't find out by asking directly.
They have to figure it out from your actions and ideas.
You can help them understand you better by seeing opportunities to describe your personality in positive terms.
Let's practice some more ways of doing this.
I'm the kind of person who wants to make sure everyone's happy about the direction of the group.
In most cases I'm very outgoing and like to meet new people.
I tend to look on the positive side of things and see opportunities rather than problems.
I'm more of a thinker than a talker.
Now let's get back to the interview.
Remember that Ryan just mentioned that his previous company was small and encouraged people to take the initiative.
Okay, and that touches on what I wanted to ask you about next.
I'm wondering if you see any possible challenges in working for a much larger and more established company.
Are you worried things might be slower or less flexible?
Victor is asking a pretty tough question here.
Ryan described a positive aspect of a small company, but now he's applying at a large one.
He has to admit that there are challenges or differences, but he also needs to give a reason for his career move.
Well, I understand it might be less agile overall because of your size, but I think I am flexible and I can adapt.
After all, I interned with EBS, perhaps one of the most traditional companies out there.
And I believe a bigger company can offer me better opportunities, a larger platform and a better chance of making an impact.
As you heard, Ryan admitted that a large company might be less agile.
But then he turned the issue around to talk about his own positive characteristics.
He says that he is flexible and can adapt or change to new situations.
And he explains why he wants to work for a large company, saying that he'll have better opportunities and greater impact.
A job interview isn't just about showing you've got the right skills and experience.
It's about showing you've got the desire and drive to work for the company.
So let's try some more ways of explaining why you want to work at the place you're applying.
Your company is doing some really innovative things and that's appealing to me.
I'm really interested in being part of a company with such a great reputation for service.
I'd be thrilled to work at a place where so many of the greatest advances in hardware have been made.
Well, Ryan has done a good job in this part of the interview, talking about his knowledge, his experience, his personality and his reasons for wanting to work at the company.
In our next lesson, Ryan's going to face even tougher questions.
Now, let's practice some of the language we learned in today's lesson.
Imagine you are interviewing for a job as a sales manager with a sports equipment company.
You are talking about your experience, accomplishments, and personality.
During the role play, you'll hear some questions from the interviewer.
Then, I'll give you some suggestions for how you can respond.
We'll guide you through each step of the practice and provide an example answer for each response.
Ready?
Let's give it a go.
So, it sounds like you managed a pretty big range of products at Flex Athletics.
Start by saying that the experience really showed you the importance of product knowledge.
Answer.
Yes, I did.
And it really showed me how important product knowledge is.
It certainly is.
And tell me, what do you think is your most important accomplishment there?
Now say that you helped to increase annual sales by 30% in two years.
Answer.
Well, I am proud of helping increase annual sales by 30% in two years.
I see.
A 30% increase is fairly substantial.
Next, say that the growth in sales helped the company expand into new markets.
Answer.
Yes, and that sales growth helped us expand into new markets.
Okay, so if I may ask, why leave a growing company to come work for us?
Finally, say that you want to work for a company that really emphasizes quality.
Answer well, i want to work for a company that really emphasizes quality.
Now let's practice some of the vocabulary and collocations we've covered in this lesson.
In a moment, you'll hear a series of sentences with a word replaced with a beep.
Repeat each sentence, including the missing word.
For example, if you hear As regional manager, I led a to improve employee benefits.
You can say... As regional manager, I led a push to improve employee benefits.
After each response, we'll provide the correct answer.
Let's begin.
I'm the type of person who takes the instead of waiting for direction.
I'm the type of person who takes the initiative instead of waiting for direction.
Better brand awareness is one of the intended of our marketing campaign?
Answer.
Better brand awareness is one of the intended outcomes of our marketing campaign.
At my previous company, we took a very slow to negotiations.
Answer.
At my previous company, we took a very slow approach to negotiations.
Answer.
I called a meeting to make sure everyone on the team was on the same page.
We've reached the end of this lesson, the first in our series on job interviews in English.
We've learned how to highlight transferable learning and how to show your accomplishments and their impact.
We've also covered how to describe your personality and explain why you want to work at a company.
These techniques are sure to get your interview on the right track.
Thanks for listening, and see you again soon.
