Job interviews

Watch the video just for fun. There are some useful phrases in it, though.

I have been looking over your resume (AmE for CV) and I have to say I am very impressed.

I think to be honest you are overqualified to be an accountant.

I don't feel like you're then the correct person for this position.

That's okay I quit.

Even if you did work here, I wouldn't even give you the opportunity to quit because I would fire you.

You offered me the job but I never accepted it.

I've already worked for you.  It's very tedious and now you want me back. I think it's a regressive career move.

What can we do to get you to come work for us?  

A rise (BrE) /raise (AmE)?

I've already been an accountant here I feel like I've outgrown the position.

I want something higher.

I regret that I have to fire you.

We do have a new position opening up as head of personnel. Do you have any experience?

JOB INTERVIEWS

- Listen to a job interview (don't look at the script) and do the task at the bottom of the page.

- Watch this video and answer the questions (check your answers in "comments").
Glossary: 

Tweak: /twiːk/  INFORMAL to make small changes in order to improve something

Slouch: /slaʊtʃ/ to sit, walk, or stand with your shoulders bent forwards and your head low so that you look lazy

1. What is the purpose of this video?

2. What does it look like if you slouch in the chair and fold your arms? 

3. What is the impression you give if you keep your body open and lean forward?

4. What are two examples of things that can make you appear anxious or nervous? 

5. What does palm upwards signify?

6. How long do you have to wait before mirroring the interviewer?

7. Don’t stare at the interviewer. How long should you look at their eyes? 

8. What facial features should you avoid touching?

9. What happens if your handshake is too firm?

10. What do you need to worry about if you put all these tips into practice in your next interview?

- If you are interested in learning more about job interviews you can also watch this video (the first part is transcribed "ver más" and for the rest you can use the subtitles).

An interview

President Barack Obama sits down with Stephen Colbert for a frank discussion of his career prospects after he leaves office.

Watch the video from 45” and do the following tasks. Check your answers in “comments”.

   A. Choose the right option:

1. a. Obama asked Stephen to help him find a new career.

    b. Stephen says Obama asked him to help him find a new career.

    c. Obama knows why Stephen is there.

2. a. Obama already knows what he’s going to do for a living.

    b. Randy knows what Obama is going to do for a living.

    c. Randy’s job is to find out what Obama will do for a living.

3. a. Obama’s age is a problem to find a job.

    b. Obama’s age is perfect to find a job.

    c. Obama’s age is no problem to start over.

4. a. Obama doesn’t know how to hand a resume.

    b. Obama is very good at handing resumes.

    c. Obama has never handed a resume.

2. Answer the questions:

5. Can you explain why there hadn’t been any promotions in the last eight years?

6. Who is more powerful than Obama?

7. Why is he leaving?

8. What does Randy think the employer will think about Obama’s explanation?

9. What kind of office would Obama like to work in?

3. Match one to three to a to c.

1. Obama slowed the impact of climate change and prevented Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
2. He reopened relations with Cuba for the first time in 50 years.
3. He saved the American Auto Industry.
4. He helped lots of Americans with their healthcare.

1. He drives stick*.
2. Proficient in Microsoft Excel.
3. Giving medical advice to prove it (Don’t do that).
4. Conversational Spanish.

*to drive a manual transmission vehicle.

4. Write the questions or the answers:

1. Do you have any awards or commendations?
2. I usually let Seal Team 6* handle that.
3. Do you have any experience with social media, like Twitter?
4. How do you plan to get the attention of the Millennials?
5. Did you know there’s a snapchat filter that gives you a flower crown?
6. What would you say your biggest weakness is?
7. I cannot stand it when people reduce complex ideas to some simplistic catch phrase.
8. I know several turkeys that owe me a favour.
9. I really love encouraging the youth of America to vote to continue the good work.
10. Which candidates do these snacks represent?

-          an extra fibre nutrient bar which has travelled to more than 100 countries:

-          A shrivelled tangerine covered in golden retriever hair and filled with bile:

11. Any questions for me?

12. What does Randy have to do before offering him the job?

EXTREME JOB INTERVIEWS

The candidate at Heineken

That Mitchell and Webb Look - Job Interview  Watch this just for fun!