Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Job Interviews” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Preparing for a Job Interview
1. What should you wear to a job interview?
2. How can you research a company before an interview?
3. What are some common interview questions you might prepare for?
4. Why is it important to practice answering questions before an interview?
5. What should you bring with you to a job interview?

II. During the Interview
6. How early should you arrive for a job interview?
7. What is a good way to greet your interviewer?
8. Why is body language important in an interview?
9. How can you show that you are interested in the job?
10. What should you do if you don’t understand a question?

III. Common Interview Questions
11. How would you answer “Tell me about yourself”?
12. What is the best way to describe your strengths in an interview?
13. How can you talk about your weaknesses in a positive way?
14. Why might an interviewer ask about your previous job?
15. How can you explain why you want to work for a company?

IV. Questions to Ask the Interviewer
16. What are some good questions to ask the interviewer?
17. Why should you ask questions in a job interview?
18. How can asking questions show that you are a good candidate?
19. When is the right time to ask about salary and benefits?
20. What should you not ask the interviewer?

V. After the Interview
21. Is it important to send a thank-you note after an interview?
22. How long should you wait to follow up after an interview?
23. What should you do if you are offered the job?
24. How can you politely decline a job offer?
25. What can you learn from a job interview, even if you don’t get the job?

VI. Difficult Interview Situations
26. How should you handle a question about your salary expectations?
27. What can you do if you are late to an interview?
28. How can you recover if you make a mistake during an interview?
29. What should you do if you feel the interview is not going well?
30. How can you deal with nervousness during an interview?

VII. Types of Interviews
31. What is the difference between a phone interview and an in-person interview?
32. How should you prepare for a video interview?
33. What is a panel interview, and how can you prepare for it?
34. What is a group interview, and how is it different from other types?
35. How can you stand out in a competitive interview situation?

VIII. The Role of Experience and Skills
36. How can you talk about your work experience in an interview?
37. What if you don’t have much work experience?
38. Why are soft skills important in a job interview?
39. How can you demonstrate your problem-solving skills?
40. What examples can you give to show your ability to work in a team?

IX. Discussing Education and Qualifications
41. How should you discuss your educational background?
42. What if your degree is not directly related to the job you’re interviewing for?
43. How can you highlight relevant coursework or projects?
44. Should you mention online courses or certifications?
45. How important are grades or academic achievements in an interview?

X. Cultural Differences in Interviews
46. How can cultural differences affect a job interview?
47. What should you know about a company’s culture before an interview?
48. How can you adapt to different interview styles in different countries?
49. Why is it important to understand business etiquette in different cultures?
50. Can you give an example of a cultural misunderstanding that could happen in an interview?

XI. Negotiating Job Offers
51. When is the right time to negotiate your salary?
52. How can you negotiate other benefits, like vacation time or flexible hours?
53. What should you consider before accepting a job offer?
54. How can you decline a job offer without burning bridges?
55. What are some tips for successful salary negotiation?

XII. Career Advancement and Growth
56. How can you show that you are interested in career growth?
57. Why might an interviewer ask about your long-term career goals?
58. How can you demonstrate your commitment to professional development?
59. What should you say if asked where you see yourself in five years?
60. How can you express your willingness to take on new challenges?

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