A job interview in English is stressful for almost everyone — even native speakers prepare their answers. The good news is that most interviews follow the same pattern: a little small talk, questions about your experience, a few questions about how you work, and finally your chance to ask questions.
On this page you'll find a realistic interview dialogue, the phrases that make you sound clear and professional, the mistakes learners make most often, and two short games. When you're ready, practise with a real partner: one of you is the interviewer, the other is the candidate. Then swap.
You'll get conversation starters for this topic.
Sample dialogue
💡 Tip: read the dialogue out loud twice — once as each person.
Useful phrases
| Phrase | When to use it |
|---|---|
| I've worked in … for … years. | Describe your experience (present perfect, not past simple). |
| I'm responsible for … | Explain your main duties. |
| What attracted me to this role is … | Say why you applied. |
| One of my strengths is … | Talk about a strength — follow it with an example. |
| I'm working on … | Present a weakness as something you're improving. |
| For example, in my last job … | Support every claim with a short story. |
| Could you clarify what you mean by …? | Ask politely when you don't understand a question. |
| That's a good question — let me think for a moment. | Buy a few seconds without panicking. |
| What would a typical day look like? | A strong question to ask at the end. |
| Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you. | A polite way to finish. |
Common mistakes
✗ I am working here since 2021.
✓ I have been working here since 2021.
With since/for and an action that continues now, use the present perfect.
✗ I have a big experience in sales.
✓ I have a lot of experience in sales.
‘Experience’ (knowledge from work) is uncountable — no ‘a’, and use ‘a lot of’ or ‘extensive’.
✗ I am very good in communication.
✓ I am very good at communicating.
We say ‘good at’ + noun or -ing.
✗ I want to apply to this position.
✓ I want to apply for this position.
Apply for a job; apply to a company.
✗ My salary expectation is depend on the role.
✓ My salary expectations depend on the role.
‘Depend’ is a verb — no ‘is’.
Games: test yourself
Conversation starters
Use these when you chat with your partner:
- Interviewer: Could you tell me a little about yourself?
- Interviewer: Why do you want to work for us?
- Interviewer: Tell me about a challenge you faced at work.
- Swap roles after five questions!
Frequently asked questions
How can I practise for a job interview in English for free?
Read the sample dialogue out loud, learn the key phrases, then practise with a partner on learnenglish.chat: one person asks the questions, the other answers. Swap roles so you both practise.
How long should my answer to “Tell me about yourself” be?
About 45–90 seconds: your current role, your most relevant experience, and why you're interested in this job.
Should I use the present perfect in an interview?
Yes. Use it for experience that continues until now: “I have worked in IT for six years.” Use the past simple for finished jobs with a time: “In 2019 I worked at a bank.”