Interviews

High-intermediate

Role-Play: Handling Unexpected Questions (15-20 minutes)

Objective: Practice handling unexpected questions during a job interview.

Activity: Pair up students and have them take turns being the interviewer and the interviewee. The interviewer should come up with unexpected questions, such as “What book are you currently reading?” or “Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?” The interviewee should respond to these questions confidently and thoughtfully.

After each role-play, provide constructive feedback to the students on their responses, emphasizing the importance of staying composed and providing meaningful answers even to unexpected questions.

1. First impressions in a job interview are the most important.
2. People should always wear formal clothes to a job interview.
3. Being nervous in an interview is normal and acceptable.
4. Job interviews are harder for introverts than extroverts.
5. Employers often judge candidates based on appearance.
6. It’s okay to talk about your weaknesses in a job interview.
7. Experience is more important than education in most interviews.
8. Job interviews don’t always show who is best for the job.
9. You should always ask questions at the end of an interview.
10. Virtual interviews are harder than in-person ones.

interview (noun): a formal meeting between a job candidate and an employer to assess the candidate’s qualifications and suitability for a position.

– I have an important job interview tomorrow morning with a leading tech company.
– The interview panel asked a series of challenging questions during the interview.

prepare (verb): make ready or get ready in advance for a specific purpose, such as a job interview.

– John spent hours preparing for the job interview by researching the company and rehearsing his answers.
– The candidate prepared well and confidently answered all the interview questions.

suitable (adjective): something that is appropriate or fitting for a particular purpose or situation.

– The candidate’s skills and experience made him a suitable candidate for the management position.
– The interviewers were impressed by how well the candidate’s qualifications matched the job requirements, making him a suitable fit for the team.

effectively (adverb): in a way that produces the desired result or achieves the intended goal.

– Sarah communicated her strengths effectively during the interview, leaving a positive impression on the hiring manager.
– The candidate handled the unexpected question with composure and effectively demonstrated problem-solving skills.

strengths (noun): the positive qualities or skills that a person can use in various situations, including a job interview.

– During the interview, the candidate highlighted his strengths in teamwork and leadership.
– Knowing your strengths and weaknesses can help you tailor your responses during the interview to showcase your best qualities.

Now, watch the interview and answer the comprehension questions. You can also turn on the automatically-generated captions for the video once you start it.

Intermediate Level (Recall and Comprehension Questions)

1. According to Aubrey, what is one essential thing job seekers should do to prepare for a job interview?
2. How can candidates get a general idea of a company’s culture before working there, as mentioned by Aubrey?
3. What are some typical questions candidates might be asked during a job interview, as discussed in the interview?
4. Why does Aubrey advise against speaking negatively about a previous company during an interview?
5. What type of question might be considered unexpected during a job interview, based on the conversation between Randall and Aubrey?

 Advanced Level (Critical Thinking Questions)

1. In your opinion, how important is researching a company’s culture before a job interview? How might this knowledge benefit both the candidate and the company during the hiring process?
2. Aubrey mentions the importance of avoiding revealing a weakness that is crucial for the job during an interview. How can candidates strike a balance between honesty and highlighting their suitability for the role when discussing weaknesses?
3. Randall talks about the significance of candidates standing out from other applicants. In your view, what can candidates do to distinguish themselves during a competitive job interview process effectively?
4. Considering Aubrey’s advice on asking questions during the interview, what are some insightful and thought-provoking questions candidates could ask that would leave a positive impression on the interviewer?
5. Aubrey shares a personal experience of forgetting the company’s name during an interview. How can candidates handle forgetfulness or unexpected questions gracefully and professionally to maintain a strong impression during the interview?

The following activities deal with related topics to give you additional language practice.

• First Job Experiences
• Job-Hunting Strategies
• Job Interview
• Youth Part-Time Jobs