Ace the Interview: You Got This!

I suggest starting by reviewing the VOCAB LIST.

Throughout this course, keep an English notebook. Write down new phrases and their meanings, and use them in your own sentences for practice.

Work through the course. Watch the videos (see the transcripts included) and complete the workbook activities. Feel free to message Bekah (+506 8962 9593) or post in her LEARN ENGLISH Facebook group with any questions or to share your workbook activities to inspire others. 

Contact Bekah to work through the program with her.  

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:

 

 Let's talk about how to be effective when using this course. 

The first thing is you should have a notebook for all of your English new phrases, things you wanna remember, things you like. Okay? So jot down the things that stand out to you, the things that are new, the things that you want to remember, so then you can go back and review them. Remember that repetition is how we remember things. 

I also created a vocabulary list of phrases that I think are important throughout the course. So the way that it's set up is you have the phrase, then you have how it's used within the course, and then I give a little explanation. 

Go through the list and see what's new for you, whatever's new writing down in your notebook. And, um, try to use these phrases in your own sentences. You can always send me a WhatsApp and you can also check out my group. If you go to learn English Practice Group, you can post in my group and I can answer questions for you. Um, I really want this community to be a place that people that are practicing with me have a place to share ideas and, uh, share examples and share how they're using the phrases they're learning, um, to kind of grow the community in there.

So, you know, once you go through and you see some of these phrases, then I would say it's time to start the course. 

And you can work at your own pace, right? You could do, um, a module, you know, like a one or two videos a day, or, um, you could do even more. Just depends on your timeline and your schedule. 

Remember, it's always good to pro go through this and practice this even if you're not really looking for something in the moment, just to get clear on what you do desire and what your strengths are and where maybe you wanna shift some things. Um, I'm always here to support you and help you and I would love, um, to work with you one-on-one in Zoom to really prepare you for the interview. 

Feel free to reach out and send me a message if you want more info about that. 

Good luck you.

Interviews are a way to share all your strengths and experience. 

It is an exciting time!

How are you feeling about it?

 

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:

Hi, I am Bekah from Everyday English, and I'm here to help you prepare for your interview.

It all starts inside of us. So, how do you feel about this position? Our feelings are keys, right? We can use them, we can follow them to see where we should go in life. So if you feel confident and excited, then this is probably a good place for you to interview. If you're not confident in yourself, then think about it. The person that's interviewing you is gonna get that same vibe.

So we really want to be able to express ourselves from a place of worth and excitement when we're interviewing. So I think the first step is to kind of look at, um, this feelings wheel.

Which feelings do you associate with this interview or with this kind of position that you're looking for? How do you feel about this course? Do you have some blocks from the past that make you feel maybe some shame or humiliation, or just insecure about English?

Well, we're going to think about these things together and work through them so that you can be successful at your next job interview.

Tips: Preparing for an Interview

Preparing for an interview is crucial to making a positive impression and increasing your chances of success. Here are some critical steps to consider.

Research the Company
Learn about the company's history, values, culture, products and services, and any other recent news. 
Understand the Job
Carefully review the job description and requirements.
List the skills and experiences that are required for this position.
Practice Common Questions
Prepare answers and practice saying them aloud.
Behavioral Interview Questions
Be ready for behavioral questions, and answer using specific examples of past experiences. 
Be Specific and Support Your Ideas
Structure your answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Dress Appropriately
Choose professional attire suitable for the company culture and the position you're applying for. 
Prepare Questions
Have questions to ask the interviewer about the company, team, or role. 
Plan the Logistics: 
Confirm the interview location, time, and format (in-person, phone, or video).
Ensure you have all the necessary documents.
Pay Attention to Your Body Language
Practice good body language, like a firm handshake, eye contact, and a friendly smile. 
Stay Positive
Be positive and excited to share why you are a great fit for the job.
Follow-up 
Send a thank-you email within 24 hours after the interview, sharing your gratitude for the opportunity and interest in the position. 

Remember, preparation is the key to interview success.

 

 

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:

I am Bekah from Everyday English and we're gonna talk about a little checklist, just some ideas for you to go over to kind of get an idea of what we'll be focusing on, uh, in this course, and to start thinking about all these different, um, areas. Okay?

So we're preparing, right? The more we're feel prepared, the more confident we are, and that's gonna help you make a great impression. So we really wanna look at these following things to get ready for what might be asked of us during the interview.

So start off researching the company. Remember when we do research, or we can just use the verb to research, right? We're collecting information, right? We're learning about this company. What's their values? What's their mission statements? What activities are they involved in? Do they help the local communities? Um, so this also shows that you are knowledgeable and that you're interested in what the company is.

Make sure you understand the job. So this is really dissecting, right? Going through bit by bit that job description, um, write out, take notes on it, and what their requirements are, what they're looking for. And then you have to go back and say, okay, I have this, this, and this for this requirement, right? So what you're really doing is seeing how your skills match the job description.

When we're interviewing, we wanna come up with like five things that we really wanna share about ourselves. And those five things, we wanna have some detailed situations that support what we're talking about. So our goal is to really have in our mind what we want the interviewer to know, and then somehow weave all of that information into the interview. And it just depends on how they ask questions or what questions they ask how you actually give the information. And those things you should want to share about yourself come directly from the job description.

You want to practice common questions, right? The first thing we're gonna do together is we're gonna ace that. Tell me about yourself question. All right? It's an important one. It's a way to start off on the right foot.

Once we're practicing these, not just writing out ideas, not just thinking about them in our heads, but actually talking and saying them aloud, recording yourself, saying them, and watching the recording.

Remember, you can also sign up for one-on-one sessions with me where we can go through all this stuff together.

Um, you will be asked behavioral questions, right, how you handled situations. Um, we're going to talk about the STAR method, and that's what you're going to use to make sure that you're giving support in all of your answers.

Dress appropriately, right? If it's a professional job, then you need to look professional.

And at the end of the interview, usually they ask, do you have any questions? What questions do you have about the company? Right? About the position. This shouldn't only be based on salary, right? I think it's a good idea to ask about what success looks like in this role in the next three to six months, right? What would I do to know that I'm successful? What would you see in my work?

You could also ask about maybe, um, professional development opportunities or team bonding, building relationships within departments. How the company does that. We'll talk more about these together in that section.

Review the details, right? Don't mess up and go to the wrong office. Pay attention. Check all of your equipment if you're doing things online ahead of time.

Body language matters. Smile, right? Sit up straight. Make eye contact with people. Feel good, right?

Stay positive. Don't complain in an interview, you wanna give out the, the vibe that you're a fun person to work with, right? That being with you is not a negative experience. So you wanna be part of the team being helpful. These are all, um, good energies to put out there.

And no matter what at the end, you're always gonna follow up. And when we follow up with something, we check back in with someone. So it's saying, thank you for taking the time to interview with me. Something like that.

So these are all the different things that we're gonna be reviewing in each module. Now remember, each module has different lessons. So the prepare module is the longest because that's where we get and we dive deep into how to answer questions and what we want. But they're all important. You can go back and review them whenever you want. And remember, write things down in your notebook so you can go back to them so you have these notes.

Good luck.

 

Learn a bit about my teaching style and experience by watching this video. 

 

When looking for a new job, people spend time updating their resumes/CVs and LinkedIn profiles, practicing their interviewing skills, and networking in hopes of discovering a new opportunity. 

Another critical step in this process is to focus on cultivating a growth mindset. You don’t want to be held back by the limitations you put on yourself. Stay positive and pay attention to your thoughts. For example, if you feel like you are not good enough at using a specific computer program, focus on improving this skill instead of thinking about what you lack. Be excited about taking the time to expand your abilities. 

MIND TO MATTER (book pg 38) - WHAT EMOTIONAL REGULATION CAN DO FOR YOU

Your brain is rewiring itself constantly. The brain adds neural capacity to regions you exercise. Choose a different experience, like meditation, and your brain begins working differently. Change your mind, and information starts to flow along new neural pathways in the brain. The brain’s neurons reconfigure themselves accordingly, firing and wiring to fit the new pattern. As the mind directs, the brain responds.

MIND TO MATTER pg 42

“This is the everyday superpower that you possess: second by second, you change your brain by how you use your mind. The consciousness of your mind is becoming the cells of the matter of your brain.

We’re impressed when we see on-screen superheroes who can change their bodies. They may develop mental brilliance, like the hero in the movie and TV series Limitless, who takes an experimental drug called NZT that unlocks the full potential of his brain. Or the X-Men, each one of whom has a unique superpower gift.

Yet you, at this very moment, possess the superpower to change your brain. With each thought you think, you’re signaling your brain to create new neural connections as you direct your attention. Use this power deliberately, rather than allowing random thoughts to flow through your mind, and you start to consciously direct the formation of neural tissue. After a few weeks, your brain changes substantially. Keep it up for years, and you can build a habituated brain to process the signals of love, peace, and happiness.”

 

Making Changes and Being Aware

To develop a growth mindset, see challenges as new opportunities.  Reflecting on your imperfections and learning to embrace them helps turn weaknesses into strengths.

Interviewing in your non-native tongue can be stressful. The key is to practice before crunch time. 

Enjoy the process. Add interview prep to your weekly English study time. These activities will help you focus on your goals and learn how to explain and show examples of your best assets. 

Your brain grows when you try new things, so don’t give up when something is challenging. You are in control, and you need to be strong and positive instead of weak and fearful.

Never say things like, “I am bad at English.” Instead, keep in the positive by saying things like “I can’t do this...YET” or “I learn and grow from my mistakes.”

YET gives hope when things are difficult and can help you feel stronger--it shows you are working on improvement. 

 

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:

Hi, it's time to talk about mindset. So what is mindset?

Mindset is our perspective or our attitude, how we think about something.

We can look at some quotes to focus on this idea.

So these are from Buddha.

We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. We make the world.

What we think we become.

So it's a reminder that we create our reality through our thoughts and then through our actions.

The thing I see most with new language learners who have had, you know, problems, they think learning English is, they say things like, I'm so horrible at English, I'm so bad at English. And that's what you're putting out into the world. So I work on shifting those thoughts with my learners into saying something like, I'm practicing English, I'm learning English every day. Every day, I understand more and more English. Mistakes are part of growing, right? I like to share in English. English is fun, English is self-care. Those are all the different ways we can shift that idea and not focus on it being difficult or hard.

Now, when we talk about a growth mindset, it's really about opening, right? So remember when we're, when we feel constriction, we're closed and nothing else can come in, but we can use our breath to help us open up. So if we feel nervous, like, um, that we're gonna be speaking in English, use your breath, take some deep breaths, right?

Breathe in through your nose, and you can breathe out through your mouth.

When we are constricted, right, we are creating resistance. As soon as we breathe in, we can't constrict at the same time as we're breathing in and releasing out. So using the breath can help our body shift.

A growth mindset means that you're open. You know that mistakes are part of life. I make mistakes all the time. I make videos, I say things incorrectly. I realize when I have the video transcripts right, and I say a lot of umm, and right a lot, first of all. And then I also, um, you know, some say, sometimes say things incorrectly and that's okay. 'cause I never really think about it as a native speaker. Yet, learning people who are learning to speak English are much harder on themselves.

So, you know, having a growth mindset is really connected to giving ourselves some grace.

Understand that feedback is valuable. When I correct you in a class or in a session, it's not because it's negative 'cause you're doing something wrong, it's to help you grow and to see how to do something differently.

We always are asking ourselves if this is our best work, is this the best I could do? Should I be giving more effort. If I'm complaining about something about not feeling good, maybe, or feeling, I don't know. I've been feeling heavy lately. I say and just like not very agile and not not really able to move very, uh, freely, and I don't know why. And I keep on telling myself like, okay, so what should I do to change this?

So we have that inner dialogue. We have the power that could take control over certain things in our lives.

We can't control everything, but I can control what I eat. Is what I'm eating feeling nourishing? Does it nourish my body? I can control rest and taking time to really get the rest I need. I can control, um, going to the gym and doing movement and prioritizing exercise in my everyday life, just like you can with English.

When we practice, we improve. It's a process. We don't ever wanna give up, meaning stop. We just are opening and learning new things so we can open to new opportunities.

Those (with a) fixed mindset means there's no changing things, right? They're scared, they wanna, they avoid making mistakes, so that means they're never talking, right? Oh, I'll never interview in English because I can't do it all right? Maybe they feel like, oh, this is good enough. I'm in my comfort zone, I don't need to move. Remember, growth comes out of our, when we're out of our comfort zone.

So it's really important, I think, to really try to focus on where we are, how are we feeling, and what is the action and thought we can take in order to grow and expand?

Don’t settle for something you don’t want just because you need a new job. Figure out your dream and go for it! Work on attracting abundance and move away from scarcity. When we fixate on lack, the state of not having enough takes control over us. Accept job offers that are right for you, don’t just jump at the first opportunity you are given, or you will be back in the boat of scarcity.

I use guided meditations to shift my energy and open to light and love. I love this YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5BSHl4F-lwAobMeYwhWoLw

Deepak Chopra’s Creating Abundance: 21-Day Meditation Challenge can help rewire your brain to focus on abundance. Check it out on Spotify. 

 

REFLECTION:

What is your WHY?

What do you help people do?

What do you want in a job/career?

 

When you desire a change in life, writing out what your desired life looks like is essential.

Think about your day-to-day activities. Figure out a daily plan you would love to have. Being specific is essential.  

Write out what you want for the following:

-Your work environment

-The type of relationships with coworkers and management you have

-Your schedule

-The perks you receive

-The salary you have

-Your daily tasks and duties

-Don’t limit your dreams. Be honest about what you want in your professional life.

Figuring out the specifics of your dream job beforehand could also help you during the interview. 

Complete Activity 1 to give yourself a clear vision of what you want so you can manifest just that.

 

English PRACTICE:

What do you do? How do you answer this question?

Watch these videos to learn more:

https://youtu.be/D0JAM9e9z28 

https://youtu.be/deLrQLwcgTs

 

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:

So let's talk about the job search.

So before we can actually look for a job, we need to know what we want. We need to be specific about exactly what we desire in life.

I love sitting outside on my front porch in the morning and writing out things that I want to happen in my life, things that I desire.

By writing it out. We're not only keeping it in our head, we're putting it out in the world. We're making it a little more, um, tangible, right? Not so abstract, just jumping around in our minds.

So taking the time to get specific, use this activity, activity number one, these are the things you print out or you just do the activity in your notebook, to really get specific.

What is the salary you want? How much money do you wanna make? What is (are) the hours you wanna work? I do this with my classes all the time. I write out I many classes I wanna have each week, the hours I want to be working during the week. And I get really, really specific on it so that I can create this as my reality.

So take the time to start dreaming. Don't limit yourself. What do you really desire? What does your heart say you want? How can, how do you want your life to look?

You get to create your reality. Use this activity to help.

Let's get your INTRODUCTION dialed in and ready to make you shine. You know, that 'tell me about yourself' question.

Your INTRO is a way to highlight what you offer regarding the position and share details explaining specific situations to support your ideas.

Follow the notes on the slide 'TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF' from the video.

Follow Bekah's example in the video and write out your interview intro. Keep it under 90 seconds (1 minute is best).

Record yourself saying it. Practice speaking aloud and watching yourself.

In the US, people send a cover letter and resume when applying for a job. In other parts of the world, people use a CV. 

A resume is a summary of your skills and experience written on one or two pages. You should tailor your resume according to the position you desire. 

A CV contains more details and is usually longer than two pages. CVs don’t usually change depending on the job you want.

For help with your resume, I suggest checking out canva.com. You can choose the resume template that best suits you on this website. 

You could also look at templates here.

 

A LITTLE MORE...

What to do if you have a gap in your resume:

https://youtu.be/z2EQsMqxng4 -Watch this video to learn more.

 

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:

A resume and CV are the way that you can attract people to you when you want an interview, when you're looking for a new job.

The resume is used in the United States, and the rest of the world basically uses the CV. The CV is much longer. A resume should be a page no longer than two pages, and it really is tailored, um, for the specific position you're looking for.

So I would change maybe a couple things on my resume, like maybe my statement at the top saying what I do, depending on the job description.

I think LinkedIn is a very valuable, platform when we're looking for a job. I do not use LinkedIn very often, but I, it's on my list to start using it more and to kind of grow an audience. because I think especially for this kind of course, LinkedIn would be a good place for me to promote this course.

So I think when you're just looking for a job or you wanna see what other opportunities are available, posting and being active on LinkedIn can get people interested in you.

I have a lot of students who get connected with other people through LinkedIn, right? People are interested in them and their experience and they wanna interview.

I also have this online portfolio. I do do some writing, so I kind of want a place to share some of the things I do, like some blogging. I have my LinkedIn here. I have my videos that I create for my content and some examples of things I've written. So you could find something online and create some kind of portfolio depending on what you do.

And then I also use resume.io as my online resume.

I have my profile that it starts and it gives a little background of what I'm looking for. I have my employment history, where I worked and the things I did, the specific tasks I worked on, and my education and some courses I've done.

So mine is two pages, but it's supposed to be a quick little review of what you have done in your career.

I love reviewing resumes and helping people improve their resumes to kind of help them stand out a little more. So if you're interested in signing up for a session to review and edit and update your resume, send me a message and we can schedule a time together. 

 

 

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a short, personalized letter you send with your resume when applying for a job. It introduces you, explains your interest in the position, and highlights your most relevant skills and experience. Think of it as your chance to connect with the employer and show why you'd be a great fit—not just what you’ve done, but who you are

 

Cover Letter Setup

Here's a simple structure:

Header (Your Contact Information)

Your name
Email & phone number
Optional: LinkedIn or professional website
Date

Employer’s Contact Info

Name (if known)
Title
Company name
Company address
Greeting

Example:

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name]
If you don’t know the name: Dear Hiring Team or To Whom It May Concern
Opening Paragraph

State the job you’re applying for.
Mention where you found the job.
Briefly express your excitement and interest.

Middle Paragraph(s)

Highlight your most relevant experience, skills, or achievements.
Show how you can help solve a problem or add value to the company.
Be specific and tailor it to the job.

Closing Paragraph

Express enthusiasm about the opportunity.
Mention that your resume is attached.
Politely request an interview or further contact.

Sign-Off

Sincerely,
Your Name

.

Real-life EXAMPLE #1

 

Rebekah Bottone 

RESUME LINK: https://resume.io/r/hb4iIPhw3

 
Dear ______,

I am thrilled to apply for a writing position at your firm. When I was thinking about transitioning from teaching to writing, I purchased your course (at the recommendation of ________) and found it to be incredibly rewarding. One thing that stood out was how your style engages learners while offering abundant, valuable tools and strategies.

Currently, I am looking for an opportunity to increase my writing portfolio. Working in SEO content writing and copywriting is exciting as it enables me to use my strong communication skills to express truth and clarity from the client’s perspective. I offer original, creative, and cohesive content in various writing styles, including creating a wide variety of content. I understand it is essential not to allow my personal stories and opinions to influence my writing for others. Discerning how written content contributes to a larger marketing strategy is critical. My ability to meet deadlines and good organizational skills have always been a top priority in my work environment. 

In July 2021, I started SEO content writing and writing for a Canadian digital marketing firm. Research is one of my specialties. I have been developing this skill since 2014 by writing content articles, devising conversation plans and presentations for English sessions, developing courses, and creating video content over the past years. I have vast experience communicating with people worldwide and can express myself clearly and precisely to get others thinking critically. Since the beginning, my writing has had a global reach, and I have extensive experience communicating with learners in Latin America, Europe, and Asia.

By dedicating time to my professional and personal development, I continue to learn new skills and expand into new areas in life. I look forward to demonstrating how I could contribute and add value to your business. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Rebekah Bottone  (Bekah)

[email protected] 

+506 8962 9593 

 

Real-life EXAMPLE #2 

Rebekah (Bekah) Bottone 

[email protected] 

Resume

YouTube Channel 

Online Portfolio 

 
To Whom It May Concern,

I am excited to apply for the Media Content Writer position at _______. After working on the Tech Team at the ______t in October 2021, I started learning more about _____’s teachings and principles, and found that they resonate with my approach to life. Knowing my skills and work ethic, _______, my supervisor over ten years ago, reached out and gave me a spot on the team for this event. Since then, _______ invited me back to work at the January event, and _____ has offered me some administrative tasks at _______.

Over the years, I have dedicated my free time to personal development; thus, I am comfortable using this type of language. I am conscious of not allowing my personal stories and opinions to sway my ghostwriting work. This position would allow me to use my strong communication skills to express authenticity and clarity from _____'s perspective. I enjoy working on editing projects that use my expertise in English language acquisition and my love of grammar in a practical format that influences and informs an audience. 

I am looking for a challenging and meaningful role in an inspiring company. As shown on my resume, I can write various types of print and have extensive knowledge in creating educational videos over the past five years. Seeing that I guide others in authentic conversation daily, often focusing on self-improvement and self-awareness, I research hot topics and media trends to produce entertaining, educational lessons. My time as an online educator has allowed me to discern what people find intriguing and engaging and how to research and share content in serious, comical, and motivational approaches. I have been developing learning materials and curricula throughout my teaching career and can vary my tone and delivery to connect with different age groups, backgrounds, and cultures. Since the beginning, my writing has had a worldwide reach.

As well as being a collaborative team player who builds trusting relationships based on compassionate and empathetic communication, I am multi-skilled and have ample experience balancing several projects simultaneously while being organized and meeting deadlines. Working as an online English teacher and as a Camp Director has given me a lot of practice in fast-paced environments, learning how to pivot when needed, and connecting with a global audience. 

The idea of empowering a billion people to achieve their dreams excites me to no end. Learning new things energizes me as I am a fast learner who understands working smarter and not harder. I'd love an opportunity to transfer the skills I've developed into a full-time role, and my optimistic approach to work (and life!) would be an excellent fit for ______! 

I look forward to demonstrating how I could contribute and add value to your team. I appreciate your consideration.

 
Sincerely,

Rebekah (Bekah) Bottone

The Importance of a Good First Impression
“A good first impression can work wonders.” - J. K. Rowling

What to Wear

‘Dress for success’ is a common English saying. Looking put together and professional will let a future employer know you are ready for new responsibilities.

Do your research, like calling HR, to find out the office dress code.  Be sure to wear appropriate attire that fits the role you desire. 

An interview is not the time to wear tight, baggy, or revealing clothing. Presumably, professional dress is best. Be sure to wear an outfit that helps you exude confidence; it should help you feel confident and comfortable. Lay off heavy scents and a lot of jewelry. 

Be on Time

Arrive on time. It is good to arrive 10 - 15 minutes before the interview. Showing up early could make the interviewer feel rushed, and arriving late is a definite no-no. 

It is a good idea to plan your route to the interview so there are no surprises on the way. You should know exactly where you are going on the day of the interview.

Smile

A smile goes a long way. Be sure to smile throughout the interview. A smile conveys a sense of being calm, relaxed, and collected. It shows you are friendly and confident, too.  Don’t force a smile; it should be natural and relaxed. Remember that being well-prepared will help calm your nerves and allow a more natural smile. Don’t forget to take a quick look in the mirror before an interview to ensure no food remnants are in your teeth.

Watch Your Body Language

Pay attention to your body language throughout the interview. Your nonverbal cues are almost as important as what you say! Sitting up straight with good posture shows confidence and respect for interviewers. Leaning forward in your chair a bit shows interest and eagerness. But be sure not to invade others' personal space. 

Using arm gestures while speaking is okay, but do not overdo it. Avoid pointing or waving your arms in a chopping manner since it could show that one is too overpowering, which could cause problems when working on a team. In addition, don’t touch your face or play with your hair since it can make you uncomfortable. 

Crossing your arms can make you look insecure, but making eye contact shows you are honest and confident.

 

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:

So everyone has heard of the quote, you never get a second chance to make a good first impression. So let's talk about the importance of making a good first impression.

This can really help you build a solid relationship with the person that's interviewing you. And this is important because it can also aid in the flow of the interview process and make it more interactive.

In general, people tend to make generalizations based on first impressions, so you wanna step with your best foot forward. You want to be able to share what's best and send the energy out that you are the best fit for the job.

In this section, we will review some of the important things to remember during an interview so that you can make a good first impression.

Talk About the Job with Others

Talk with a friend or co-worker about the position you are applying for. This conversation will allow you to practice describing the position so you know what it entails, and show how you are the perfect candidate. The more you talk about your skills, the more prepared you will be on the interview day.

Do Your Research

Research the company and the position you are applying for. You need to know precisely what the company is looking for and practice ways of explaining how you would be an excellent addition to the team. 

In addition, you should be knowledgeable about the company you are trying to work for. Check out their website and online presence.

Complete Activity 2 so you have background information about the company before the interview.

 

Do you want to work remotely?

Watch this video (https://youtu.be/1UDk6g87s9E) to learn about some disadvantages of remote work. 

 

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:

Before you apply for a job or head to an interview, it's important to learn about the position and the people connected to the position.

In this video, we'll talk about how you can do simple research so that you're prepared and you understand a little more about how the company works, and connecting with people in the company to really understand what the job is all about.

If you know someone who currently works in the company, that is a plus, that is a definite advantage. Make a list of questions and ask that person so you can get a real feel for the company and the job that you're applying for.

Okay, so you can work through this section to get feeling confident and prepared for your interview.

 

Complete Activity 3 to practice demonstrating why you should fill the available position.

Figure out exactly what the company is looking for and then consider how you can demonstrate your experience in these areas.

 

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:

Why is this position for you?

This is a super important step. You need to be very clear about why you are the best fit for this position. So this takes a little work. This involves dissecting the job description. Remember, when you dissect something, you're going through it, part by part. So you're gonna take all the things that they're looking for and you're going to add them to this column.

What are the skills you need to have?

What's the experience that you need?

And then you're going to take some time to think about what qualities do I have related to these skills? If you have experience, then you need to think of specific examples that support the experience they're looking for.

When you are walking into an interview, knowing that you're the right fit for the position makes it much easier because you feel confident and ready. If you don't feel ready, then that's probably a sign that maybe this position isn't for you and there is another position somewhere that's perfect for you.

So really take that time and look to see what you have that they're looking for. Do you check all of their boxes? Do you possess the skills they need for this position? 

 Why I want this position

Complete the following in this activity here.

I want this job because…

I am perfect for this job because…

 

Complete the following for 4 + different skills/experiences.

 

SKILL 1
I could really use my __________ skills/experiences in this position.

 
Example of how I learned/used this skill/experience in the past…

SKILL 2
I could really use my __________ skills/experiences in this position.

 
Example of how I learned/used this skill/experience in the past…

SKILL 3
I could really use my __________ skills/experiences in this position.

 
Example of how I learned/used this skill/experience in the past…

SKILL 4
I could really use my __________ skills/experiences in this position.

 
Example of how I learned/used this skill/experience in the past….

 

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:

So now you're gonna think about why you want this job.

Going into an interview and telling the interviewer that you like the salary is not a good reason. So what skills and experience do you have that they're looking for? And why is this job attractive to you? And then because it's so attractive to you, why are you the perfect person for it? What is the actual reason? Have you always wanted to work in an international company? Do you wanna be able to use your English skills every day with clients and coworkers in different countries?

So start off by coming up with at least four skills that you have and talking about how you have used these skills in past experience.

For example, skill number one, you're great at communicating. Okay? So maybe you can start off by saying that you love giving presentations and running meetings.

Your boss always had you do this because he said that you were always clear and concise and informative. Remember, when you're concise, you give the right amount of information, but you don't talk too much. You're not too wordy, you're very direct with your approach.

Maybe your second skill is that you're organized. You like coming up with systems. And in the past you've been very successful helping raise productivity in a company because of these programs and systems that you implemented. For example, maybe you created a system for keeping clients, um, engaged, right? And you had different emails. You would send them with information, and you retained more clients because of your system. Maybe your office increased its retention rate by 20% the first month that you implemented this system.

Skill number three, maybe you wanna use your managing skills. You've been a team leader and you really enjoy, um, heading up a team and being in charge. You're really good at delegating tasks. You look for the strengths and weaknesses on your team, and you give tasks accordingly. For example, you know someone that needs to work from home more, on your team. You gave them more paperwork to do because you knew that they didn't need other people to complete these tasks.

Or maybe you also are great at giving feedback and that's why you're such a great team leader. Not only do you help people when they need to improve in certain areas, but you also are able to give them positive feedback throughout a project so that you build their confidence and get them really excited about their job and proud of themselves. And this in turn, makes them more productive.

So you're always supporting your ideas with real-life situations that you have experienced.

When responding to behavioral questions in an interview, using the STAR method to give detailed explanations showcasing your skills is best.

What does STAR stand for?

S – Situation: Set the scene. What was the context?
T – Task: What was the goal or challenge?
A – Action: What did you do specifically?
R – Result: What was the outcome? What happened because of your actions?

S is for SITUATION

Describe the context and background of the situation you are sharing. Give details, including the when and the where, so the interviewer understands the situation. Feel free to discuss situations from a previous job, volunteer experience, or event.

T is for TASK

The task is the goal you were working towards. Include your specific responsibilities, challenges, and expectations.

A is for ACTION

The action is what you did in the situation. Show how you responded or took control of the situation you are sharing. Talk in the first person. Share your specific role, not the role of the team as a whole. Tell us what you did, how you did it, and what tools you used.

R is for RESULT

The result is what happens in the end, and how it made an impact. How did the situation end? What did you learn? What kind of changes could you make in the future? Highlight the positive impact you made, using specific data or outcomes (ex. “We increased guest satisfaction scores by 20%” / “The issue was resolved within 24 hours, and the client renewed their contract”).

 

Now watch this video, which gives two examples using the STAR Method: https://youtu.be/nPJVD-hGtPs

 

Complete Activity 4 to practice using the STAR method.

 

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT for the examples:

When you use the STAR method, when answering questions, you ensure giving all the information that the interviewer is looking for.

So S stands for situation, set the scene. What was the context? What was happening?

T is for task. What was the goal or challenge? What was the big problem?

A is for action. What did you do specifically? What was your role in fixing the problem?

And R is the result. What was the outcome? What happened because of your specific action? How did you end up in this situation?

Okay, so I'm going to give you two different examples using this method. Now, some of them could be a little long, right? You don't have to memorize it bit by bit, right? It's just to remind yourself that you wanna hit each of these points, and when you're practicing, you're going to give information for each of these letters.

Okay? So the first one is this situation, here is the question. Tell me about a time you performed well under a huge amount of pressure.

So the situation is "I was part of the IT support team at a multinational company. When our internal system crashed just hours before a global virtual conference with over 300 attendees, the event evolved teams from Asia, Europe, and the Americas. So rescheduling wasn't an option. You're specific, you're telling how many people, so you're showing the scale that you work on the task. My job was to identify the issue, restore access to the system, and ensure the conference platform was up and running in time with minimal disruption."

So what did you do? What were your actions? "I immediately gathered our team to troubleshoot and discovered the issue was caused by a failed overnight update. I isolated the affected servers, rolled back the update, and coordinated with our cloud service provider to stabilize the system. At the same time, I communicated clearly with our internal international teams providing updates every 15 minutes and offering a temporary workaround link for presenters."

So this person covered all of the areas, right? What this person specifically did and also how this person communicated with the team.

The result was, "thanks to our quick response, the system was fully operational. 30 minutes before the conference started, the event went smoothly and we received praise from our senior management for staying calm under pressure and keeping everyone informed." This is an important thing. They're asking about your pressure. You need to be able to show that you are levelheaded, right? That you don't react in these situations, that you're able to respond. Okay?

Another question.

Tell me about a time you faced a challenge working with a client or an internal team situation

"While working at a logistics company that coordinated international shipments, one of our major clients based in Europe was unhappy due to repeated delays in their deliveries. They were considering ending their contract with US task."

"My responsibility was to analyze the problem, improve communication between our local warehouse and the overseas client, and regain the client's trust action."

"I scheduled a video call with a client to better understand their expectations and concerns. Then I coordinated with our supply chain team to identify where the delays were happening and proposed a new tracking system to increase transparency. I also created a weekly update emails summarizing shipment statuses and timelines customized for that client.

"And the result, what happened in the end. "Within a month, the client saw a noticeable improvement in delivery times and appreciated the clear, proactive communication. They renewed their contract for another year and gave positive feedback to our regional manager."

Remember, you're going to be very specific and give a lot of details to show that what you actually do and how the situation ended up.

 

Before you can prepare for the interview, you need to think about the different types of questions the interviewer may ask.

Questions Verifying Credentials

These questions are asked to verify your resume and background.

When did you graduate with your master's degree?

What was your GPA? (grade point average)

How many years did you work at _____?

 

Questions Verifying Experience

These questions confirm what you learned from your past experiences. 

What were your daily duties?

What did you learn from leading that project?

 

Skills-based Questions

These questions demonstrate experience with tools and standards.

Talk about the programs you like to use to make your everyday tasks more manageable.

How have the industry standards changed over the past 5 years?

 

Situational/Opinion Questions

These questions analyze your thought process and how you would respond in specific scenarios.

What would you do if an angry customer called you complaining?

What is your greatest strength? And weakness?

 

Behavioral Questions

These questions calculate past behaviors to predict future actions. Answer these types of questions using the STAR method.

Have you ever had to let a person go or fire someone?

Can you tell me exactly what you did to increase sales last year?

Describe a time you had to work towards boosting your team's morale. 

Tell me about a time you stayed calm under pressure. 

Abstract Questions

These questions test your quick thinking skills and check out your thinking styles. These questions could be brain teasers or just random questions.

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

How many surfers travel to Costa Rica every year?

How many soccer balls are there in Argentina?

 

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:

Now we're going to talk about the different types of interview questions. Depending on what you're asked is how you're gonna respond. You don't need the star method for everything.

So when you verify credentials, you're basically sharing, your education and where you've worked. They're just checking right? When they verify, they're checking to make sure you have what's needed. So they are confirming your qualifications, and they want to make sure that they can, that you can put what you've learned into the actual real-life job situation.

Can you walk me through your educational background and explain how it prepared you for this role?

So, if I were trying to get a job teaching English, I would talk about how I started off teaching Spanish. And that experience gave me the skills I needed to shift into another language, and then I would share about where I worked and my experience teaching English.

I would talk about the different countries people were from, the different ages, and the different things that we focused on in classes, maybe it was business English, or maybe it was a pronunciation practice.

Verifying experience.

Now they're checking with your experience. They want to validate your past experience, right? Especially if you are in a multinational company, making sure that you have that global, experience in business.

Have you ever worked with international clients or teams? If so, what was your role?

Ah, yes. At this company I worked with people in other countries. Um, our countries has headquarters all over Europe, so I would work with people from France and from Germany and from Poland we'd have meetings and we'd conduct all those meetings in English. I also have international clients. I worked with the sales team in Latin America, and I had direct contact with clients in five different countries.

Okay, here, these are the ones that we use the star method for. So these are going to be a little longer.

Behavioral questions are assessing your real-world behavior, if you're adaptable and how you collaborate with others.

Tell me about a time you had to coordinate with a team across different time zones. How did you ensure smooth communication?

So remember, we're given the situation, the task, the action, and then the result situation.

Situational and opinion questions are the same. Now these are things that might not have actually happened, but you can use real-life stories to convey your ideas. So they're making sure that you understand the thought process, that you can communicate well, and that you have cultural awareness.

If a major client from another country disagrees with your proposal, how would you handle it?

Well, one day I had an issue with a client because he didn't understand why we had a vacation day one Monday, and his shipment didn't,  end up being shipped out on the day he thought it was going to be. I explained to him how we sent an email and I asked him if he received that email. It ended up that he never looked at the email and that's why the confusion happened. So I made sure to send him little reminders on messaging because he said he looks at those more, and sometimes he misses things in his emails. So I was able to communicate with the client and reconnect with him and reestablish our communication. In the end, he kept on ordering from us, and he ended up being our largest client.

Skills-based questions are showing that you know how to do something right. You can walk through your process and what you do to get your result. This is more about naming tools and describing your process briefly, so you're not necessarily giving those in-depth answers like with Star, what tools or software do you use to manage project tasks, and how do you prioritize when everything feels urgent? So maybe here I would talk about the different online tools I use like Trello.

We use Trello in the office and we communicate that way. Everyone checks it in the morning, so we're sure to be up to date on what's, uh, what we're prioritizing for the day. We also have meetings every Friday to close out the week and talk about what our plan is for the following week.

And then an abstract question is kind of more about showing your personality and creativity. They're making sure that you can handle pressure and that maybe you don't freak out when something kind of weird happens.

If our company were an animal, what would it be and why? Right? You're really want to show like a cultural fit that you're creative and that you're able to come up with an answer in kind of a difficult or awkward or weird situation.

So maybe you could say something like, I would say that you guys are a lion because you are the king of the jungle in this industry.

We could talk about these kinds of questions in more depth together in our private sessions, so that we can focus on your specific niche and what your specific position is that you're interviewing for.

When responding, be enthusiastic and show why you are passionate about the job. Also, be memorable. Give detailed answers to support what you are saying. Give many examples to illustrate your skills.

For each of the 12 questions, complete the following:

#1 Write out notes for your answers. Use the STAR method to support your ideas. 

#2 Say your answers aloud.

#3 Record yourself answering the questions.

Use the given examples as a guide.

1. Tell me a little about yourself. (We have already gone into this question in depth. Yet take the time to reflect and see if you want to add or change anything.)

Be sure to stay relevant to the position you are applying for, but also include any special talents you have that could make you seem more creative or resourceful. This is a time to showcase some of your interests and strengths. 

 

I enjoy traveling and meeting new people. Every year, I plan a trip where I spend 2-3 weeks immersing myself in another culture through community outreach and volunteering organizations. Not only do I have a lot of interesting stories to share about my experiences, but I have also learned to think fast and adapt quickly to new situations. For example, I enjoyed teaching during my volunteering experience because when working with children, you always have to be ready to adapt to make sure everyone is engaged and safe. 

I love being active, and working out with co-workers is a great way to strengthen relationships.  I have set up evening gym meet-ups with colleagues from work and found that building a relationship out of the office usually creates a bond filled with trust and confidence. 

Share your favorite things about past jobs you have had. For example, if you loved the organization at your last job, your organizational side should be highlighted during the interview.

2. What do you know about the position? Why are you interested in working here? What stood out to you about the position? What did you learn about the company when researching it? 

I know this position involves helping customers plan their travel experiences and making sure their stay is comfortable. What stood out to me was the company’s focus on creating personalized service. When I researched the company, I read about how your team supports eco-tourism and partners with local businesses. I’m passionate about that, and I would love to be part of your team.

3. What skills do you have that you are most proud of? How have you used these skills in former positions?

One skill I’m very proud of is my ability to stay organized and manage time well. In my last job, I was in charge of planning team meetings, sending reminders, and keeping project deadlines on track. My manager often said I helped the team stay focused and meet our goals faster.

4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years, I see myself growing in leadership, helping train new team members, and sharing the skills I’ve learned. I also want to continue learning—maybe by taking more courses and improving my communication and technology skills.

5. Talk about when you were the most satisfied in your career and when you were the least satisfied.

I was most satisfied when I worked on a team project that helped improve guest experiences. We created a new welcome guide that made guests feel more comfortable, and the positive reviews showed it worked. I felt least satisfied in a job with little communication with my team. I enjoy working with others and sharing ideas, so I found it difficult when I had to work alone for long periods without any input from my team.

6. Talk about a time you had to learn how to use a new tool at work. Talk about your experience. 

In my last job, I needed to learn how to use a new booking system. At first, it was confusing, but I asked questions, watched tutorials, and practiced on my own. After two weeks, I became confident using the system and even helped train a new coworker on how to use it.

7.  Describe your strengths and weaknesses. How can you shift your weaknesses into strengths?

One of my strengths is that I’m dependable—I always show up prepared and on time. A weakness I had was struggling with group communication. Our team had problems in one job because no one knew who was doing what. I realized we needed more structure, so I suggested we hold weekly check-in meetings and clearly define roles. That helped me grow and become more confident leading small teams.

8. Describe your goals and your motivation. 

My goal is to keep learning and growing in my career. I’m motivated by helping people and solving problems. When guests or clients are happy, I feel proud. I enjoy taking on new challenges and always try to improve my skills so I can better support my team.

9. What sets you apart from others?

My curiosity and willingness to go the extra mile set me apart. I don’t wait for someone to tell me what to do—I look for ways to improve the process and help others. For example, I created a checklist for our welcome process that helped reduce errors and improved the client experience.

10. Why were you interested in this position?

This position matches my skills and interests. I enjoy helping people, solving problems, and working with a team. I also appreciate that your company values local culture and provides unique experiences to guests. That’s the kind of company I want to grow with.

11. Discuss your experience in conflict management, leading teams, or interviewing people (the topic will change according to your experience).

As a team lead, I helped manage conflicts by encouraging open communication. Once, two coworkers disagreed about how to handle a guest complaint. I listened to both sides and asked them to consider the guest’s experience. We found a compromise and created a new process that both coworkers agreed on. The result was better service and more teamwork.

12. How do you handle a project and work with a team? How would your co-workers describe you?

When working on a project, I start by making a plan with clear roles and deadlines. I check in with my team regularly to ensure everyone is on track. My coworkers would describe me as supportive, dependable, and someone who stays calm under pressure. I like to create a positive work environment where people feel comfortable asking for help.

 

Go back and watch the recordings of your answers.

Reflect on these questions:

1. How relaxed did you feel while recording the video?

2. How do you appear in the video? What adjectives would you use to describe yourself?

3. What do you think you should say that you said?

4. What information do you think you should add to your responses?

 

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:

Now I'm going to give you 12 practice questions.

So throughout this whole course, you've had other examples of questions. So I would go back and write those out and see if any of those seem like they would be important for your interview.

Now, when you're practicing questions, there's really three steps I suggest.

First is to write out your notes, write out what you want to say.

Next, practice saying it aloud when we just have the ideas in our mind. Sometimes it's really difficult to speak them in a situation if we haven't practiced them. It sounds different in our mind than in our head. So I really suggest taking the time and saying all of these things aloud.

And I would also take it one step further and video yourself answering the questions. Then you can also see how it sounds. You can check your own body language and see if there's any other things you think you should add.

Of course, I can work through these questions with you, and if you have a specific career that you are interviewing for or a specific position, we can come up with some really niche questions together.

You can also, you know, feel free to, do some research and see what are some popular questions depending on the position that you are interviewing for..

Now that you’ve completed Activity 2, take the adjectives or qualities you wrote and use them to describe yourself in complete sentences for Activity 3a and 3b.

A great way to describe yourself in an interview is to give specific examples showing your strengths.

Let’s look at how to turn your qualities into short, confident stories using real experiences.

Passionate
I am passionate about my work because I truly love what I do. I often set personal goals so I can continue learning and growing. For example, last year I wanted to become an expert in Excel. I taught myself new tools and functions and eventually designed a course to teach others. I enjoy learning something new and sharing that knowledge to help others improve.

Driven
I am highly motivated and focused on achieving my goals. In my previous job, I was promoted just three months after starting, even though promotions were usually given after six months. The management team saw how committed I was and recognized my efforts. In fact, during my second month, I helped land one of the company’s biggest clients.

Highly Organized
Organization is one of my strongest skills. I keep detailed notes and use online tools like Trello to manage my checklists and deadlines. I believe productivity increases in a clean and efficient workspace, so I enjoy creating systems to help my team stay on track. In 2017, I created an online filing system that my workplace still uses today.

Skilled Communicator
Good communication is key to a successful team. I always make sure everyone has clear information and knows what to do. I’ve led over 20 projects where my team completed everything by the first deadline. I also create space for open conversations, so my teammates feel safe sharing their thoughts. When challenges come up, we work together to find solutions.

Flexible
I stay calm under pressure and adapt quickly when things change. I enjoy learning new tools—like Photoshop, Excel, or other programs—and working with different people. I’m comfortable taking on new responsibilities when needed. For example, I’ve helped other teams with budgeting and created charts and graphs for presentations, even though finance isn’t my background.

Reliable and Responsible
I take deadlines seriously and always plan. I’m known for being prepared, arriving on time, and staying late if needed. I organize my day every morning to ensure I stay productive and meet my goals. My boss and coworkers trust me to follow through, and they know they can count on me when it matters most.

Curious
I’m naturally curious and love learning. I often take online courses through platforms like Udemy and Coursera. Since my industry changes quickly, I make it a priority to stay informed. At my current job, I started a book club so we could share ideas, grow together, and connect with different perspectives.

 

Complete Activity 5. 

 

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:

You've already done the work for this section. So you're going to go back to activity two and look at what you found out. What is the company looking for, and what are the qualities that you possess that you have that connect back to what you found out in your research? You're going to turn your qualities into short, confident stories using real-life experiences.

So I would come up with a list of four or five qualities you want to highlight throughout the interview. Are you really passionate about something? Maybe you're super organized and you love creating systems. Maybe you want to highlight that you have great communication skills.

What are your past experiences that support these qualities? Now remember, you can also look at activity three, right? This is where you came up with those specific qualities, and you started thinking about your experience.

So it's time to put all of this information together and practice saying it aloud so that you can describe why you are perfect for this position. (Use Activity 5 for this.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Emotional intelligence plays a key role in making a strong impression during an interview. It helps you stay calm, confident, and focused under pressure. With emotional intelligence, you can actively listen, understand the interviewer's tone and body language, and respond thoughtfully. This shows maturity, self-awareness, and strong communication skills—qualities employers value highly.

It also allows you to manage your emotions, especially when answering difficult questions or discussing challenges. Connect with the interviewer on a human level to build trust and rapport. In team-based roles, showing empathy and the ability to work well with others is just as important as technical skills.

Employers often hire not just for skills, but for attitude. Emotional intelligence demonstrates that you're adaptable, respectful, and easy to work with—all of which can help you stand out from other candidates and increase your chances of getting the job.

When discussing emotional intelligence, interviewers will ask about what motivates you and how you work with and react to others.

Complete Activity 6 to illustrate your past use of emotional intelligence in specific situations. 

 At the end of most interviews, you’ll be asked, “Do you have any questions for me?” This isn’t just a formality—it’s a valuable opportunity.

Asking thoughtful questions helps you learn more about the job, show your interest, and make a strong final impression. It also shows that you’re serious about finding the right fit—for both you and the company.

Read the following reasons to be prepared with questions:

1. Shows You’re Genuinely Interested

When you ask thoughtful questions, you show that you’ve taken the time to learn about the company and the role. It signals enthusiasm, curiosity, and commitment—not just someone looking for any job, but this job.

2. Demonstrates Confidence and Professionalism

Interviews are a two-way street. When you come prepared with questions, you show that you understand your value and want to make sure the position is a good fit for you, too.

3. Helps You Evaluate the Company

This is your chance to learn about:

The team dynamic
Leadership style
Growth opportunities
Work culture
Challenges the company is facing

These things aren’t always apparent in a job posting. 

4. Builds a Stronger Connection

Good questions lead to good conversations. This helps you stand out and be remembered as someone who is engaged and easy to talk to.

5. Highlights Your Critical Thinking

By asking thoughtful questions, like how success is measured or what the company’s goals are, you show that you’re thinking ahead and already imagining yourself in the role.

 

Complete Activity 7.

 

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:

At the end of the interview, the interviewer usually asks if you have any questions. This is important because it shows that you have confidence and curiosity and real interest when you ask questions at the end. So it's important to come up with some ideas before you go into the interview.

So you can ask about a variety of things. You can ask about the specific role. I like to think about questions such as:

What does a typical day or week look like in this position?

And another favorite is:

What would success look like in the first 90 days? How would you know that I was doing a good job?

You can also get more details about the company, so maybe you want to ask about how would you describe the company culture, especially between international teams or maybe what's the most exciting project, project the team is working on right now?

You can also talk about the team and global collaboration.

So maybe what qualities do you think make someone successful when they're working on a multicultural team here at this company?

Maybe, can you tell me more about the people I'll be working with? What are their strengths?

Maybe you want to ask about leadership and feedback.

It's always a good question to ask about how is feedback typically given here, or maybe what kind of professional development is offered for employees at this company.

You could also ask about the goals and how they keep track of the goals that people reach in the company.

So you might want to ask about the next steps, right?

What should I expect after the interview? What are the next steps in the process?

Now, you don't want to ask about salary and vacation time, especially in that first interview. Save that for when you get later in the interview process.

We can come up with specific questions for your niche if you want to sign up for some private sessions.

Things To Avoid

What to avoid checklist:

Failing to prepare

Using your cell phone during the interview--put it on SILENT

Getting too personal

Asking about salary and benefits too soon

Being unprepared to discuss the salary you want to earn

Not selling yourself enough/overselling yourself

Telling a lie

Not asking questions

Rambling 

Not learning from rejection

 

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:

Let's talk about what to avoid during the interview process.

When you avoid something, you stay away from it, right? So these are things that you shouldn't do. Don't do these things.

Failing to prepare.

Preparation is essential. It is key. It is an integral part of the process. When you fail to do something, you don't do it. If you fail a test, you get a really low grade. You can fail a class in school. That means you have to take the class again. You don't get credit for the class.

Don't use your cell phone during the interview. Put it on silent.

You should have no distractions. If you're interviewing online from home, then make sure that there's no one that can walk behind you and tell everyone in your house what you're doing so that you don't get interrupted.

Don't get too personal.

Keep it professional. Don't share details about your personal life, about your marriage, or your boyfriend or girlfriend or your children. Stick to what they ask.

Don't ask too much about salary and benefits too soon.

This is something that you can discuss as the process goes on. You don't wanna seem like you're only interested in how much money you're going to be earning, even though it is important.

Think about what kind of benefits you want. Is healthcare included? Is there a gym membership? Do they offer professional development? What are some other things you would be interested in having?

However, don't be unprepared to discuss the salary you want to earn.

Be confident in the number that you decide is your golden number, the number you need to have to take the position. Do your research. Don't just think you're worth a certain amount. Look at the company and what they've offered in the past research for other companies to see what they offer for this position. If you know people that work in this area, maybe you can ask for some advice.

Don't sell yourself. Don't undersell yourself. That's the word, right? When you undersell, you're not really very confident. You're not sharing everything you have.

But you don't want to oversell either, because then you might be thought of as conceited or maybe having a big ego. So there's a fine line. That's why you practice and you get answers that are really detailed and supportive. and showcase your abilities.

Never tell a lie.

If people find out you're lying, they can never trust you. People research the interviewees, right? They could call your old bosses. So be honest.

Don't not ask questions at the end.

We have that section about answering questions. Figure out which ones are perfect for your situation.

Rambling means you're talking on and on and on and on, and you're not really saying anything new. You don't want to ramble. You want to be concise. You want to be direct and you want to be clear. That's why you practice.

And don't not learn from rejection.

If you get rejected, it's part of life. Figure out what went wrong or what was maybe off in this job search so that you can tweak it. When you tweak something, you make a little change so that you're, uh, more likely to have success in the future.

Can you think of other, any other things you should avoid during the interview process? Send me a message. If you come up with anything else.

Good luck.

Why Following Up After an Interview Matters (and How to Do It Well)

Following up after a job interview is more than just polite—it’s a smart strategy to help you stand out from other candidates and leave a strong final impression. Here’s why it’s important and how to do it effectively.

Why Is It Important to Follow Up?

It shows appreciation.
Sending a thank-you message shows that you value the interviewer's time and effort. It reflects professionalism and gratitude—qualities employers appreciate.

It demonstrates interest.
A follow-up message reinforces your enthusiasm for the role and the company. It lets them know you're serious and excited about the opportunity.

It helps you stand out.
Many candidates skip the follow-up. This extra step can set you apart and keep you fresh in the interviewer's mind.

It provides a chance to add information.
Maybe you forgot to mention something important or want to share a work sample. The follow-up gives you a chance to do that.

It keeps the connection alive.
Even if you don’t get the job, a professional follow-up helps you build a long-term connection for future opportunities.

Tips for a Great Follow-Up

Send it within 24 hours.
Timing matters. Aim to send your message the same day or by the next morning while the interview is still fresh.

Make it personal.
Mention something specific from the interview to show you were engaged and paying attention.

Be brief and clear.
Keep your message short, warm, and professional. No need to repeat your whole resume—just a few thoughtful lines.

Reaffirm your interest.
Tell them why you're excited about the role and how you can contribute.

Proofread.
Typos in a follow-up message can hurt your chances. Double-check before sending.

Follow-Up Email Template #1

Subject: Thank You for the Interview 

Hi [Interviewer's Name],

Thank you again for taking the time to meet with me today. I enjoyed our conversation and learning more about the [Job Title] role at [Company Name].

I’m especially excited about [something specific they mentioned— “your plans to expand into new markets” or “the team’s collaborative approach”], and I’d love the chance to contribute my experience in [your area of expertise] to help with that.

Please feel free to reach out if you need anything else from me. I’m looking forward to what’s next!

All the best,
[Your Name]
[Your LinkedIn profile link, if relevant]

Follow-Up Template #2

Subject: Thank You for the Interview

Hi [Interviewer's Name],

Thank you for speaking with me today about the [Job Title] position. I enjoyed learning more about your team and your exciting work at [Company Name].

I’m very interested in the role and believe my background in [your skill area] would make me a great match. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need any more information.

Thanks again,
[Your Name]

 

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

After the interview, it's time to follow up with the interviewer. When you follow up, it means that you're reconnecting with this person so that your name is fresh in that person's mind.

You want to stand out, right, so they remember you, you want them to offer you the job. So bring up something that happened in the interview that was positive, something you learned about the company you really liked, something you would be excited to start doing at the company, anything that's just gonna make you stand out for them to remember how great of a fit you would be in this position.

It doesn't have to be a long email, right? Keep it short. But, um, really just reminding them that you want this position and that you're excited for something new.

Everyone gets rejected at some point. Rejections mean that the position wasn’t meant for you at this time. It doesn’t mean it will never be your time.

When rejected, it is key to focus on where you can develop. If your Excel skills weren’t up to par, you couldn’t complete the job to your fullest potential. That doesn't mean you will never be fit for the job. There are tons of courses nowadays that you can take to hone your skills.

Reflect on the following questions:

What was lacking in my experience and skills for the position? Do I want to improve in these areas? If yes, what can I do?

How did I feel about the position and company during the interview? Did it feel like a fit?

What would my ideal position be at this time?

 

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:

After the interview process, if you end up getting rejected, it's essential to see rejection as a path toward development. This is your time to really reflect on the whole process and figure out what you can change in the future. 

What did you do really well during the interview process?

If you could change something, what would it be? 

What stands out as something that you're not satisfied with the way that you've responded? 

So it's really important to take the time and reflect so that you know what to do in the future. Let's look at some quotes to help give us some motivation in this area. 

Without experiencing criticism and rejection in life, it would be impossible to grow or improve yourself. 

It's part of the process. It's how we grow. We can get stuck and get upset about something, or we can learn from it. What are you gonna choose?

Every time I thought I was being rejected from something good, I was actually being redirected to something better. 

This is the idea of when one door closes, another door opens. What else is out there that's better for you? I interviewed for a job once that I thought I really wanted. I really liked the salary, and it was doing things in self-development, something I'm really interested in, but it wasn't who I really was. I would've been working and sharing someone else's ideas, not my own. So I knew when the process was over, it just wasn't the right fit for me. Being able to accept that allows you to move forward and do other things.

Don't let anyone or any rejection keep you from what you want. 

So once you reflect and you decide, no, this is what I really want, don't give up. Your heart knows, you know, deep inside, trust your intuition. 

Maybe you need a little more experience. 

Maybe you need a different kind of company. 

Maybe you should focus on some different examples in your answers. 

Decide what you want. Write out your dreams. Go back to those other activities and figure out what do you, what do I want my ideal day to look like? What is my ideal schedule? What are the tasks I would be doing every day in a job that I love? 

We have the power to create our reality with our thoughts and our actions.

VOCAB LIST

an exciting time

It is an exciting time!

When something is exciting, you look forward to it and enjoy it.

to be crucial

Preparing for an interview is crucial to making a positive impression and increasing your chances of success. 

Another word for crucial is key or essential… it’s very important.

improving this skill

For example, if you feel like you are not good enough at using a specific computer program, focus on improving this skill instead of thinking about what you lack. 

When you improve something, you get better at it. A skill is something you know how to do. Communication skills are important when interviewing. 

Deliberately

Use this power deliberately, rather than allowing random thoughts to flow through your mind.

When you do something deliberately, you do it on purpose.

see challenges 

To develop a growth mindset, see challenges as new opportunities. 

Seeing challenges means that you are aware of difficult times. A challenge is something one must overcome. 

your best assets

These activities will help you focus on your goals and learn how to explain and show examples of your best assets.

Your best assets are the characteristics that you want to share. They are the good things about you.

to figure out something 

Figure out your dream and go for it! 

When you figure something out, you have an outcome where you solved a problem or made decisions to do what you had to do. 

move away from scarcity

Work on attracting abundance and move away from scarcity.

When you move away from something, you shift into a new energy. Moving away creates distance. Scarcity is lack. 

perks

The perks you receive

Perks are benefits you receive. 

salary

The salary you have.

Your salary is the amount of money you earn/make.

support your ideas

Your INTRO is a way to highlight what you offer regarding the position and share details explaining specific situations to support your ideas.

When you support your ideas, you give details and show why.

tailor your resume

You should tailor your resume according to the position you desire. 

When you tailor something, you make changes accordingly. 

highlights your most relevant skills and experience

It introduces you, explains your interest in the position, and highlights your most relevant skills and experience. 

When you highlight something, you circle it so that it stands out. Something relevant is connected to your personal situation. 

a great fit

Think of it as your chance to connect with the employer and show why you'd be a great fit.

A great fit means that the thing you refer to is perfect for what you are talking about. We say a clothing fits or it is too big or too small. If you are a good fit for a position, then you tick all the boxes, you have the needed skills and experience. 

appropriate attire 

Be sure to wear appropriate attire that fits the role you desire. 

Attire refers to clothing and appropriately means the correct type of clothes for the situation. 

exude confidence

Be sure to wear an outfit that helps you exude confidence.

When you exude confidence, people feel your confident vibe–you display confidence. 

feel rushed

Showing up early could make the interviewer feel rushed, and arriving late is a definite no-no. 

When you feel rushed, you feel like you need to get something done quickly, that you don’t have enough time so you need to move quickly. 

what it entails

His conversation will allow you to practice describing the position so you know what it entails, and show how you are the perfect candidate. 

When something entails something, it is what is included. What the position entails are its responsibilities/tasks. 

 to know precisely

You need to know precisely what the company is looking for and practice ways of explaining how you would be an excellent addition to the team. 

When you know precisely what you need, you know exactly what is needed. 

fill the available position

Complete Activity 3 to practice demonstrating why you should fill the available position.

You hire a person for a job to fill a position that is open. 

dissecting the job description

This involves dissecting the job description.

When you dissect something, you take it apart. You break it down into smaller parts. 

showcasing your skills

When responding to behavioral questions in an interview, using the STAR method to give detailed explanations showcasing your skills is best.

When you showcase your skills, you demonstrate what you are good at. 

 

what tools you used

Tell us what you did, how you did it, and what tools you used.

We use tools to help us get a job done. You can use organizational tools or accounting tools.

fixing the problem

What was your role in fixing the problem?

When you fix a problem, you repair it.

 

performed well under a huge amount of pressure

Tell me about a time you performed well under a huge amount of pressure.

When you perform under pressure, you are able to accomplish something even though it's challenging.

gathered our team

"I immediately gathered our team to troubleshoot and discovered the issue was caused by a failed overnight update.

When you gather the team, you get a group of people together. A team is a group that works together for a common goal. 

boosting your team's morale

Describe a time you had to work towards boosting your team's morale. 

When you boost someone’s morale, you increase thier motivation and help get them thinking positively. 

stayed calm under pressure

Tell me about a time you stayed calm under pressure. 

When You stay calm under pressure, you are relaxed during a stressful situation. 

 

in depth

We have already gone into this question in depth.

In depth shows you go deep into something. You odn;t just scratch the surface, you really know every angle of something.

to stay relevant

Be sure to stay relevant to the position you are applying for, but also include any special talents you have that could make you seem more creative or resourceful. 

When something is relevant it is connected to what you are talking about. 

in former positions

How have you used these skills in former positions?

A former position is a job you had in the past.

the least satisfied

Talk about when you were the most satisfied in your career and when you were the least satisfied.

The opposite of least is most. If you were the least satisfied, you were not happy with the situation. 

shift your weaknesses into strengths

How can you shift your weaknesses into strengths?

How can you change things that are not positive into positive ideas and growth?

improved the client experience

For example, I created a checklist for our welcome process that helped reduce errors and improved the client experience.

When something improves, it gets better. You can make the work with the client better than ever. 

stories

Let’s look at how to turn your qualities into short, confident stories using real experiences.

Stories can be used to share about yoru experience. When you tell a story, you share about a specific situation. 

recognized my efforts

The management team saw how committed I was and recognized my efforts.

When something is recognized, people are aware of it. My effort is connected with how much I try when doing something. 

efficient workspace

 stay on track

I believe productivity increases in a clean and efficient workspace, so I enjoy creating systems to help my team stay on track.

An efficient workspace gets things done in a timely manner. When you stay on track to stick to your timeline/calendar. 

challenges come up

When challenges come up, we work together to find solutions.

When problems arise…

my background

For example, I’ve helped other teams with budgeting and created charts and graphs for presentations, even though finance isn’t my background.

My background is my past work and study experience.  

to follow through

it matters most

My boss and coworkers trust me to follow through, and they know they can count on me when it matters most.

When I follow through, I complete the cycle of something. Make a goal and follow through. You can achieve your goals!

Something that matters is important. 

make it a priority

Since my industry changes quickly, I make it a priority to stay informed. 

Something that is a priority is on the take of your list to complete. It is something you are paying attention to. 

finding the right fit

It also shows that you’re serious about finding the right fit—for both you and the company.

When you find the right fit, you have it when you need it. 

stand out

to be engaged

This helps you stand out and be remembered as someone who is engaged and easy to talk to.

Something that stands out gets noticed. People are aware of it.

When someone is engaged, they are paying attention to the situation. The teacher must engage her class so everyone is participating and following along. 

to ramble

Don’t ramble.

When you ramble, you talk too much, maybe you mumble (not speaking clearly), and you are not being clear. 

gratitude

It reflects professionalism and gratitude—qualities employers appreciate.

Gratitude is being thankful. 

set you apart

This extra step can set you apart and keep you fresh in the interviewer's mind.

Something that sets you apart makes you stand out and be noticed. 

hone your skills

There are tons of courses nowadays that you can take to hone your skills.

When you hone your skills, you practice and work on improving something specific.

 

 

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:

So I made a vocabulary list of phrases that are used throughout the course, and I put them all together here. So you will see the phrase, you'll see the sentence of how it's used in the course, and then you'll get an example or kind of a description of what it means in my own words.

I think it's a good idea to review this list before you start the course. There might be some new vocabulary there for you. Go through the phrases, read through the meanings, make some lists of new vocabulary so that you have them on hand for when you're working through the course, and you already know what they mean. It's always important, um, to have an English notebook throughout your life, right?

When you learn new things, if you're reading a book, if you're listening to a song, if you're watching a TV show and something comes on that's new and something that's important in your life, jot it down, right? When you jot something down, you write it down quickly. So keep a list of all important things in your English learning, um, in a notebook so that you can review it over time and just kind of keep things fresh.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:

It's been a pleasure working with you through this process of preparing for an interview. Remember, we don't prepare up here. We prepare in real life. So it's really important to always practice speaking aloud and really signing up for some face-to-face classes and zoom with me, so that we can go through all of this stuff together.

Send me a message if you're interested. I'm here to help you really figure out how to be the most effective during your interview and the pro whole process. I have a lot of fun helping people prepare for interviews. It's very rewarding when people get new job opportunities, so it's one of my favorite things to do.

So, it would be my pleasure to help you a little more. Feel free to message me and we can figure out what would work for you.

Good luck.