Youtube Exercise » English Grammar Homework

B1-B2

How to Interview for a Job in American English, part 1/5

Rachel's English

5.8M views 10 years ago

Warm-up Questions

When you hear the title “How to Interview for a Job in American English,” what part of interviews do you think will be most difficult in English?
Why do you think this video is labeled “part 1/5”? What topics do you expect in the other parts?
What is one goal you have for improving your American English in job interviews?

Up Next

Should Michael Drive The Forklift? – The Office US The Office
Jim Pranking Dwight for 12 Minutes Straight – The Office US The Office
The Oldest Ice Mummy Ever Found | Ancient Bodies: Secrets Revealed | National Geographic UK National Geographic UK
Meet Artemis II Astronaut Reid Wiseman NASA
What happens when you share an idea? TED-Ed

Start With: Word Definition

Order: Alphabetical Random

…

How to Interview for a Job in American English, part 1/5

Introduction: stress, goals, and what you’ll learn (00:00 – 00:58)

Transcript will load here…

1. What is this video mainly about?

Preparing for a job interview and answering common questions
How to negotiate a higher salary
How to write a résumé in American English
How to dress for an interview

2. Why can interviews feel even more stressful for some people?

Because interviews are always longer than expected
Because offices are hard to find
Because interviewing in a non-native language can increase stress
Because interviewers speak too quietly

3. What does the speaker say you will learn during the interview example?

How to fill out company forms
How to ask for vacation time
How to refuse an interview politely
How to answer common interview questions

How to Interview for a Job in American English, part 1/5

Small talk at the beginning of an interview (00:58 – 03:15)

Transcript will load here…

1. What usually happens at the start of many interviews?

A long presentation by the candidate
A difficult technical test
A tour of the building
A handshake and some small talk

2. What advice does the speaker give about answering small-talk questions?

Give long, detailed answers to show your personality
Avoid answering and change the topic
Keep answers short and be polite and friendly
Only talk about work topics

3. What is the main purpose of small talk in an interview?

To make the environment more comfortable before the interview begins
To test your knowledge of the company history
To check if you can tell jokes
To decide your salary immediately

How to Interview for a Job in American English, part 1/5

Common question: “Tell me a little bit about yourself” + practice tips + closing (03:15 – 07:05)

Transcript will load here…

1. When interviewers say “Tell me a little bit about yourself,” what should you mainly focus on?

Your plans for retirement
Your personal problems and challenges
Your favorite movies and music
Your education and work history

2. What practice method does the speaker recommend?

Write one perfect paragraph and memorize it word for word
Only practice by reading answers silently
Practice free-talking with key phrases and record yourself if possible
Avoid practicing so your answers sound spontaneous

3. In the example answer, why is the speaker looking for a new job?

Because the commute is too long
Because the company is closing
Because the speaker wants to change countries
Because the speaker has run out of room to grow and wants new opportunities

How to Interview for a Job in American English, part 1/5

Transcript will load here…

1. Which strategy matches the video’s advice for small talk in an interview?

Talk only about your technical skills
Answer politely, keep it short, and ask a simple question back
Refuse to talk until the “real” interview starts
Make jokes to stand out

2. What is the best overall plan for answering “Tell me a little bit about yourself”?

Describe your whole life story from childhood
Talk mainly about your hobbies
Focus on education, work history, and key experience areas
Explain why your last boss was difficult

3. Why does the video suggest practicing without memorizing a full paragraph?

Because interviewers dislike complete sentences
Because memorizing makes you forget everything
Because free-talking with key phrases can help you sound more natural and comfortable
Because you should not prepare for interviews

Discussion Questions

Discuss the ideas from this video

How to Interview for a Job in American English, part 1/5

What small-talk questions feel safe and comfortable for you in an interview (weather, travel, weekend)? Which ones feel too personal?
How would you answer “Tell me a little bit about yourself” in about 60 seconds? What key phrases would you include?
Do you prefer to memorize answers or practice free-talking? Why?
What makes job interviews stressful for you, and what can you do to feel more prepared?