Why Interview English Is Different
Business English in interviews is more formal, more structured, and more precise than everyday conversation. Interviewers are evaluating not just what you say, but how clearly and professionally you say it. Vague or informal language — even if grammatically correct — can cost you the role.
- Use complete sentences, not fragments or short notes
- Avoid filler words: 'like', 'you know', 'basically'
- Be specific — give facts, numbers, and outcomes
- Match your language to the company's tone and vocabulary
How to Structure Your Answers
The STAR Method
STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Use this to answer behavioural questions like 'Tell me about a time when...' or 'Give me an example of...'
- Situation: describe the context briefly — one or two sentences
- Task: explain what your responsibility was in that situation
- Action: focus specifically on what YOU did, not the team
- Result: state the outcome, ideally with numbers or concrete specifics
The Past–Present–Future Structure
Use this for open questions like 'Tell me about yourself' or 'Walk me through your background.'
- Past: where you've come from professionally (briefly)
- Present: what you're doing now and what you've achieved
- Future: what you're looking for in your next step — and why this role fits
Professional Vocabulary for Interviews
"I have hands-on experience in..."
Describe practical, applied skills.
"In my previous role, I was responsible for..."
Describe past experience.
"One of my key achievements was..."
Highlight a result.
"I'm particularly drawn to this role because..."
Express genuine interest.
"I believe my background in X makes me well-placed to..."
Connect your experience to the role.
"This aligns closely with my professional goals because..."
Show thoughtful motivation.
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How to Handle Difficult Questions
'What is your biggest weakness?'
Avoid vague answers like 'I work too hard' or 'I'm a perfectionist.' Choose a real but manageable weakness and show what you're actively doing about it.
Strong answer
"I used to find it difficult to delegate. I was very hands-on and wanted to manage every detail myself. Over the past year, I've worked deliberately on this by setting clearer expectations with my team and trusting them with more ownership. It has been one of my biggest areas of growth."
'Why do you want to leave your current job?'
"I just want something better. My current job isn't exciting and I feel stuck."
"I've built strong experience in my current role, but I've reached the ceiling of what it can offer me. I'm looking for an environment where I can take on more strategic responsibility — which is what drew me to this position."
Practical Preparation Tips
- Research the company's language — use their terminology in your answers
- Prepare 3–4 concrete examples from your career using the STAR method
- Practice saying your answers out loud, not just reading them in your head
- Prepare two or three thoughtful questions to ask at the end
- If you need time to think, say: 'That's a great question — let me think about that for a moment.'
Coaching Tip
I always ask clients to practise with their real examples, not model answers from the internet. Your own numbers, decisions and results are easier to remember — and they make you sound credible rather than rehearsed.
Anna Baran
Cambridge CELTA Certified English Coach · Business English Specialist
Last updated: 1 October 2025