Phrases for an interview in English
Master essential phrases for interviews in English and boost your confidence with FluencyPal.
At the end, we’ll share a valuable tool for realistic interview practice.
Introduction: Small Talk with the Interviewer
The first few minutes of an interview are often dedicated to casual conversation — also known as 'SmallTalk'. Recruiters use this time to create a friendly atmosphere and get to know you a bit better.
Don’t skip small talk — it’s important to engage in this short conversation before jumping into professional topics. Here are some useful English phrases to start off the interview:
English Phrases
- Hello! Nice to meet you.
A polite and professional greeting.
- Thank you for having me.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity.
- I’m doing well, thank you.
A standard reply to “How are you?”
- It’s a lovely office (here).
A friendly compliment to break the ice.
Smile, shake hands (if culturally appropriate), and speak in a friendly tone. If the interviewer asks, “Did you have any trouble finding us?” you might say:
“Not at all, the directions were clear. Thank you for asking.”
Short answers with a positive attitude show that you’re easy to talk to and open to dialogue.
Self-Introduction: Talking About Yourself
After the greeting, you'll usually hear: “Tell me about yourself.” This is your chance to introduce your experience and skills. Don’t list your full biography — focus on the highlights of your professional background. A good answer structure in English might look like this:
“Sure. I am a [position] with X years of experience in [industry]. I previously worked at [company] where I [key achievement]. I’m excited about this opportunity at [Company Name] because [reason].”
For example:
“I am a marketing specialist with 5 years of experience in digital advertising. I previously worked at an e-commerce company where I led a project that increased sales by 30%. I’m excited about this opportunity at ABC Corp because I admire your innovative campaigns.”
Keep your answer focused: current or last position, a key achievement, and your interest in the company. Practice your self-introduction so you sound natural and not robotic.
Useful Phrases for Self-Introduction
- I have X years of experience in…
- My background is in…
- I specialize in…
- Currently, I work as a…
Use these templates to craft your own story. Don’t forget to mention an achievement:
“I managed to…” – This shows results and makes you stand out.
Answering Typical Interview Questions
Recruiters ask a variety of standard questions to understand your motivation and personality. Preparing answers in advance will help you stay calm and articulate. Focus on showing enthusiasm and confidence in your skills. Let’s look at some common questions and how to answer them:
“Why do you want to work here?”
Show knowledge of the company and genuine interest. For example:
“I’m impressed by your company’s mission and values. I want to be part of a team that [does something meaningful in the field].”
“Why should we hire you?”
Highlight your strengths relevant to the role:
“I have a proven track record in [skill/area]. For example, in my last role I [achievement]. I’m confident I can bring the same success here.”
“Where do you see yourself in five years?”
Show your long-term goals:
“In five years, I see myself growing into a senior role where I can lead projects and contribute even more to the company’s success.”
Other common questions include:
“What motivates you?”, “Tell me about a challenge you overcame.”, “What are your salary expectations?” Prepare short, honest, and positive answers with real-life examples.
If you don’t understand a question, don’t panic — ask politely:
“I’m sorry, could you repeat or rephrase the question, please?”
Talking About Strengths and Weaknesses
Most interviews include the classic “strengths and weaknesses” question. It’s especially important to handle this well in English.
Strengths:
Pick 2–3 key qualities relevant to the job. Avoid clichés and provide examples. For instance:
“One of my strengths is adaptability. I quickly adjust to new software or processes – at my last job I learned a new CRM system in just two weeks.”
Other useful strengths: team player, detail-oriented, problem-solver, self-motivated.
Weaknesses:
Be honest but diplomatic. Don’t say “I have no weaknesses.” Instead, mention a minor issue and how you’re working to improve it:
“I used to feel nervous speaking in front of large groups, but I’ve been taking public speaking classes to improve. It’s getting much easier for me.”
“One area I’m working on is delegating tasks – sometimes I try to do everything myself. I’m learning to trust my team members more.”
This approach shows self-awareness and growth.
Questions to Ask the Employer
At the end of the interview, you’ll usually be asked: *“Do you have any questions for us?”* Never say “no.” Prepare 2–3 smart questions in advance:
- What are the prospects for growth and advancement in this company?
- Could you describe the team I’ll be working with?
- What are the immediate goals for this role in the first few months?
- Will there be opportunities for training or professional development?
Always respond politely:
“Could you tell me…”, “Would it be possible to…”
Show curiosity and engagement. Don’t forget to thank them for their answers:
“Thank you for clarifying.”
Ending the Interview: Final Phrases
Wrap up the interview with gratitude and confidence. Use these phrases to end on a positive note:
- Thank you for your time. It was a pleasure meeting you.
- Thank you for this opportunity. I enjoyed our conversation.
- Have a great rest of your day!
- I look forward to hearing from you soon.
If it was an in-person interview, shake hands and maintain eye contact. If it was online, say goodbye with a friendly tone. Consider sending a thank-you email the next day:
“Thank you once again for the interview yesterday – I appreciated the chance to learn more about [Company].”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping small talk — Follow the interviewer’s lead and be friendly.
- Saying “I don’t know” directly — Instead say: “That’s an interesting question. Let me think for a moment.”
- Lack of politeness — Use *please*, *thank you*, *excuse me* as needed.
- Over-rehearsed answers — Don’t memorize; prepare ideas and speak naturally.
- Negative comments — Never badmouth past employers. Stay neutral and constructive.
- Showing no interest — Ask questions and react positively to company information.
Avoiding these mistakes will make you look more professional and increase your chances of success.
Practice Interviews on FluencyPal: Your Path to Confidence
Knowing useful phrases and tips is great, but the most important step is real-world practice. The best way to prepare is to do a mock interview. That’s exactly what the interactive role-play on FluencyPal offers.
On this platform, you can upload your resume, specify your desired job, and go through a realistic interview with an AI interviewer.
How it works: You answer questions just like in a real interview and get instant feedback. The AI adapts the questions to your profession and experience. This kind of training helps you identify weak spots, work on your pronunciation, and learn how to handle unexpected questions calmly. You’ll notice your speech becoming more fluent and your answers more polished with each attempt.
Career benefit: After several sessions, you’ll walk into your real interview much more confident. You’ll know what phrases to use, how to present yourself, and how to respond professionally. It can significantly boost your chances of landing your dream job.
Preparing for an interview in English takes time, but it pays off. Use the tips from this article, practice with FluencyPal’s interview simulator, and walk into your next job interview with confidence.
Good preparation today means career success tomorrow.