James Baquet

    Mark is chatting with his classmate Ming in the common room of their dorm.

    Mark: Hi, Ming. What’s up?

    Ming: Oh, Hi, Mark. I’m just cramming for a job interview. “I am Ming. I am from China. I have been studying English for 16 years. I...”

    Mark: Hang on there, Ming. What are you doing?

    Ming: I’ve written down a bunch of stuff, and I’m memorizing it.

    Mark: Ohhhh, bad idea, Ming.

    Ming: Really? Why?

    Mark: Because the interviewer may not ask you the questions you’ve studied for! And besides, the things I heard you say just now would already be on your resume.

    Ming: That’s true... So how should I study?

    Mark: The best way is to have someone ask you questions. That way, you don’t know what they’re going to say, and you have to be ready for anything.

    Ming: That sounds like good advice. So, what kinds of questions should I be ready for?

    Mark: Of course, at the start, there will be small talk. The interviewer might ask, “Did you have any trouble finding this place?”

    Ming: I get it.

    Mark: Or, she might ask about the weather, or sports, or anything two people talk about when they first meet.

    Ming: So, I should practice some general conversation skills.

    Mark: That’s right. Another common question — kind of like what you were just practicing for — is, “Can you tell me something about yourself?”

    Ming: And saying my name, or nationality, or stuff like that, isn’t good?

    Mark: Not if it repeats what the interviewer already knows.

    Ming: So what can I talk about?

    Mark: You can start with something he might already know, like your personal interests. But pretty soon, you should transition into things that could be job-related.

    Ming: Like what?

    Mark: Like your personal characteristics. Are you hard-working? Do you like details? Do you work better with others, or alone?

    Ming: I can see how that would help.

    Mark: Be sure to emphasize things that would help you in the job you’re applying for, too.

    Ming: Got it.

    Mark: Another common question is about your work experience. What have you done? Why are you leaving your previous job? If this is your first job, what experience do you bring that will help you succeed?

    Ming: I see.

    Mark: Then there are detail questions. When can you start here? Are there any restrictions?

    Ming: What kind of restrictions?

    Mark: Well, for example, lots of sales people go out drinking with customers. You might want to mention if you don’t drink alcohol.

    Ming: That’s helpful!

    Mark: Same is true if you don’t want to travel, or work on weekends.

    Ming: I see. Well, thanks, Mark.