Doing a job interview can be very challenging and stressful, so it's a good idea to have a few phrases prepared so that you can make a good impression. Learn these 10 phrases and get the job you want!
I think I'm quite good at (doing) = this phrase can describe a skill that you have that involves action. The action should be described in gerund (-ing form). Don't say "so good" because it sounds too informal. The word "quite" is pronounced like the word "white" but with "k" in front of it: "k-white".
I think I'm quite good at motivating others.
I think I'm quite good at solving problems.
I think I'm quite good at empathizing with people.
I think I'm quite good with (something) = when you want to say that you are comfortable and skilled with a tool, such as a software program, use "with".
I think I'm quite good with Microsoft Excel.
I think I'm quite good with Java.
I think I'm quite good with Photoshop.
I have a lot of experience with (something/doing) = you can describe something that you have done before either with a noun (such as "sales") or with a verb in gerund/-ing format (such as "negotiating").
I have a lot of experience with managing people.
I have a lot of experience with working under pressure.
I have a lot of experience with writing contracts.
I'm passionate about (something/doing) = if you have passion related to your job, it's important to communicate it to the interviewer. Companies love people who are legitimately passionate about the job and its responsibilities. Don't lie if it's not something that you are passionate about, such as cleaning toilets, but if it's true or mostly true then you should tell them!
I'm passionate about helping people get the financial advice they need.
I'm passionate about nature and protecting the environment.
I'm passionate about teaching and inspiring people to learn.
My previous coworkers/staff/manager would say that I... = you can use the word "would" to describe how your previous manager or coworkers feel about you. It's necessary to use "would" because this is a hypothetical situation - your manager and coworkers are not actually there to talk about you. It means "if they were here, they would say that I'm...". For these answers, it's a good idea to add "because" and give a reason to support this description about yourself:
My previous coworkers would say that I'm very detail-oriented, because...
My previous manager would say that I'm professional and dependable, because...
My previous staff would say that I'm supportive and always willing to listen, because...
In my last job, I was successfully able to (do) = you can express some of your past successes by using this expression. It's always good to include numbers when possible (but only if you can prove them!)
If you didn't do something alone but contributed to success as a team, you can say "I successfully helped my team (do)"
In my last job, I was successfully able to exceed my sales targets five years in a row.
In my last job, I was successfully able to onboard and train over 150 new staff members.
In my last job, I successfully helped my team implement the COVID safety protocols.
I'm looking for a (better) opportunity to (do) = sometimes the interviewer will ask you why you quit your previous job and you don't want to be negative about your previous company because it will seem unprofessional. In this case, it's better to say something positive about how the job you are applying for can provide you with a new opportunity.
I'm looking for an opportunity to learn new things (in my previous job I always did the same thing)
I'm looking for an opportunity to exercise more creativity (in my previous job I didn't have creative opportunities)
I'm looking for a better opportunity to utilize my skills (in my previous job my skills were not completely utilized)
If I were in that situation, I would... = interviewers love to ask you hypothetical questions in job interviews in order to evaluate how you would act in certain situations that may happen to you. These questions often sound like "What would you do if....?" and when you answer them, you should use "I would" because it's not a real situation - it's just hypothetical.
If I were in that situation, I would talk to the customer privately and try to calm them down first.
If I were in that situation, I would immediately record the details about what happened and contact the Human Resources department.
If I were in that situation, I would respectfully tell my manager that I disagreed with her but still support her decision.
I would like to be more (adjective) / I would like to be better at (doing) = you can use these expressions if they ask you a difficult question about your weaknesses. You shouldn't avoid this question, and you should be honest but without scaring them.
If you try to avoid the question with a fake answer or something positive about yourself, the interviewer will not like it because it shows a lack of transparency and authenticity. It's okay to say a weakness that you want to improve. You don't want to say: "I'm terrible at managing my time" or "I can't manage my time" because that is scary, but the phrases provided above are a softer way of mentioning a weakness.
I would like to be better at managing my time.
I would like to be better at dealing with conflict.
I would like to be more decisive sometimes.
I really enjoyed talking with you. Thank you for your time: = when you finish the interview and you want to end politely, it's a good idea to say this expression (or something similar that feels natural at the time).
Practice
Complete the sentences by using the correct word from the list below:
with (x 3) / would (x2) / for (x2) / about / were / to / more / at
I think I'm quite good _____ working in a team.
In my last job, I successfully was able _____ reduce staff turnover by 18%.
I'm passionate _____ website design.
My previous coworkers _______ say that I'm a good team player.
I really enjoyed talking _____ you. Thank you _____ your time.
I think I'm quite good _____ technology.
I would like to be _____ assertive to say what I think sometimes.
I have a lot of experience ______ public speaking.
I'm looking ____ an opportunity to take on more responsibility.
If I _____ in that situation, I _______ speak with both employees individually first and then with them together to try and resolve their conflict.
Answers
I think I'm quite good at working in a team.
In my last job, I successfully was able to reduce staff turnover by 18%.
I'm passionate about website design.
My previous coworkers would say that I'm a good team player.
I really enjoyed talking with you. Thank you for your time.
I think I'm quite good with technology.
I would like to be more assertive to say what I think sometimes.
I have a lot of experience with public speaking.
I'm looking for an opportunity to take on more responsibility.
If I were in that situation, I would speak with both employees individually first and then with them together to try and resolve their conflict