ESL CONNECT

Job Interview English

A B1 ESL CONNECT lesson on job interviews, helping learners describe experience, strengths and workplace situations with confident answers.

Stock image of a job interview with an interviewer speaking to a candidate across a desk
Lesson preview

Step into a realistic interview setting

This lesson helps learners build confidence for job interviews with practical vocabulary, useful question forms, and a guided role play. The image adds a more professional, real-world feel to the page.

B1CEFR level
40 minInteractive lesson
6 stagesPractice flow
Section 1
Stage 1 — Warm-up
Getting ready for a job interview
5 minutes · Discussion & context setting

Before we start, think about these questions:

1. Have you ever had a job interview? How did you feel?

2. What do you think interviewers look for in a candidate?

3. What makes a good or bad answer in an interview?

Teacher note: Elicit key ideas from students and write them on the board. This activates prior knowledge and introduces the topic.

Today you will be interviewed for this position:

Customer Service Assistant — Bright Futures Company

Full-time Entry level Office-based

Requirements: good communication skills, ability to work in a team, basic computer skills, punctuality.

5 min
Stage 2 — Vocabulary
Key interview vocabulary
10 minutes · Gap-fill exercise
Click a word from the box below, then click a blank line to place it. Click a filled blank to remove the word.
motivated
experience
strengths
qualify
deadline
teamwork
interview
applicant

Complete the sentences with the correct word from the box.

I am highly and always give my best at work.

Do you have any previous work in customer service?

What are your greatest and weaknesses?

My degree in business studies should me for this role.

I always finish my tasks before the .

Good is essential in a busy office environment.

Thank you for inviting me to this today.

As the top , she was offered the job immediately.

10 min
Stage 3 — Functional language
Useful phrases for interviews
8 minutes · Study & practise

Starting the interview

Thank you for seeing me today.
I'm delighted to be here.
I've been looking forward to this opportunity.

Talking about yourself

I have two years' experience in...
One of my key strengths is...
In my previous role, I was responsible for...
I would describe myself as...

Buying time to think

That's a great question. Let me think...
Could you give me a moment to think about that?
If I understand your question correctly...

Asking for clarification

Could you clarify what you mean by...?
I'm not sure I follow — do you mean...?
Would it be possible to rephrase the question?

Ending the interview

Thank you for the opportunity.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Is there anything else you'd like to know?
Practice saying each phrase aloud with your partner. Which phrases feel the most natural to you?
8 min
Stage 4 — Question forms
Interview question forms drill
10 minutes · Multiple choice quiz
10 min
Stage 5 — Role play
Mock job interview
12 minutes · Pair work
How to use: Student A = Interviewer. Student B = Candidate. Use the script as a guide — try to add your own ideas!
Interviewer
Good morning. Please take a seat. My name is Alex Brown, and I'm the team manager here. Thank you for coming in today.
Candidate (you)
[Greet the interviewer. Use a polite phrase to say you are happy to be here.]
Interviewer
Could you start by telling me a little bit about yourself?
Candidate (you)
[Introduce yourself. Mention your studies or previous experience. Use "I have experience in..." or "I would describe myself as..."]
Interviewer
What are your greatest strengths?
Candidate (you)
[Talk about 2 strengths. Give an example for each one if possible.]
Interviewer
Have you ever had to meet a tight deadline? What did you do?
Candidate (you)
[Tell a short story about a time you managed your time well. Use past tenses.]
Interviewer
How do you feel about working in a team?
Candidate (you)
[Give your opinion on teamwork. Use "I believe..." or "In my experience..."]
Interviewer
Do you have any questions for us?
Candidate (you)
[Ask 1–2 polite questions about the job. Use "Could you tell me..." or "I was wondering whether..."]
Interviewer
That's all for today. We'll be in touch within the week. Thank you very much.
Candidate (you)
[Close the interview politely. Use a functional phrase from Stage 3.]

Swap roles and do it again!

After the first round, switch: the candidate becomes the interviewer. Try to use different functional phrases and your own answers.

12 min
Stage 6 — Summary
Lesson complete!
5 minutes · Review & feedback

Today's lesson

Job Interview English

B1 level · ~40 minutes

What you practised today:

8 key vocabulary words for interviews
Functional language phrases for 5 interview situations
6 question form exercises (present simple, present perfect, indirect questions)
A full mock interview role play

Homework ideas:

1. Write a short paragraph (80–100 words) answering: "Tell me about yourself."
2. Find a job advertisement online and write 3 interview questions you might be asked.
3. Record yourself answering one interview question and listen back.
Great work today. Keep practising — confidence in interviews comes with preparation!