A job interview

A job interview

Listen to the job interview to practise and improve your listening skills.

Do the preparation task first. Then listen to the audio and do the exercises.

Preparation

Transcript

Interviewer: Hello, Maria. Thanks for coming in for the interview.

Maria: It's my pleasure. Thanks for inviting me.

Interviewer: Well, as you know, the company has been expanding and we have an opening in our HR department. We're creating a new role for someone to lead our training and development within the company.

Maria: Yes, I very much think that my skills and experience are a good fit for what you're looking for.

Interviewer: That sounds great. So, your CV looks strong, though it would be good if you could give us an overview, in your own words, of what you've been doing over the past four years or so.

Maria: Well, in my first job, four years ago, I was working for a small HR services provider which offered HR services, including L&D, to corporate clients.

Interviewer: OK, so it was only B2B?

Maria: Yes, we only offered services to other companies, not B2C.

Interviewer: Right, and it says here you then left that company about three years ago.

Maria: Yes, that's right. I was looking for a little more stability and also to be part of a larger organisation. So I joined a company with around one hundred staff and a small HR team. As there are only a few of us, we each deal with a range of HR topics. In addition to payroll, one of the areas I was responsible for was learning and development.

Interviewer: I see. And, so why do you want to change jobs now?

Maria: Well, I very much like the L&D side of my role and I've always had particularly good feedback for my work in this area. I believe I excel in that field. So, I'm looking to specialise, and as your company has around 2,000 people, right …? 

Interviewer: Yes, that's right.

Maria: Well, an organisation of this size would give me the scope to specialise in L&D. I'm also a big follower of your brand and feel fully aligned with your image and values.

Interviewer: Well, that all sounds good. And I can see you have an L&D qualification.

Maria: Yes, I got a diploma two years ago. I am also currently working on a further diploma in psychology, with a specific focus on learning and performance management.

Interviewer: Very good. Well, it looks like you have the qualifications and experience we're looking for. What do you think will be the main challenges of coming to a much larger company?

Maria: I can see that it might be perceived as a weakness to not have experience in an organisation of this size, though I see that it could also be a benefit. I won't be bringing too many preconceived and possibly inflexible ideas with me to the role.  

Interviewer: Yes, that would be a good thing.

Maria: Also, I'm used to taking a very personal approach to employee development. I realise that such an approach with 2,000 staff members will have to happen in a different way, but I bring many ideas with me that can be replicated on a larger scale.

Interviewer: I see what you mean. Right, so, do you have any questions for me?

Maria: Um, I think we've covered many of the areas I had wanted to address. I have two quick questions though.

Interviewer: Go on.

Maria: Who would I mostly work with on a daily basis?

Interviewer: Well, there's the HR manager who you would report to. And then the HR team, which currently has six people in it. There's usually an intern or two who you can get some support from also.

Maria: OK. Thanks. That's all really clear. And my other question is how performance in this role will be measured. What does success look like?

Interviewer: That's a good question. As you know, we have a performance management system in place, and from that we have identified some learning and development needs within the organisation. But we haven't devised a strategy. Your role would be to devise and then successfully implement this strategy.

Maria: Thank you. That sounds interesting.  

Interviewer: Great. So, thanks again for coming in today. We'll be discussing all candidates next week and then I'll get back to you by the end of next week to let you know the outcome.

Maria: Thank you for your time. I'd welcome the opportunity to continue discussing this role with you.

Task 1

Task 2

Discussion

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Submitted by jmajo on Fri, 27/05/2022 - 16:47

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When I’m looking for a new job or a change in my line of work, I usually start researching about the companies I would like to work in or in which I have a friend of mine working in, so I could have some real reference about the work environment and the benefits they offer to their employees, but
nowadays If I have to change my actual job to another one I’ll probably start to work as a freelance worker rather than take another employee dependent job like the one I actually have.

Thanks for the episode.
Great site!

Submitted by Aisuluu on Fri, 15/04/2022 - 06:49

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After having failed some interviews, I dedicate time to preparation. Usually, companies ask approximately the same questions but depend on what company it is. I prepare answers for the question that I might be asked. However, the greatest thing to do is just, to be honest with information about yourself. My goals, expectations, skills, etc. So, write down answers beforehand to all possible questions, and prepare a full and concrete presentation about myself.

Submitted by Momen Ayman Hagag on Sun, 23/01/2022 - 19:47

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I think one the most important thing that you have to do it if you've got an interview is just to read about the history of this company and you have to know all details about it as well.so, if you wanna be more confident and less fair you must practice alot .

Submitted by misty on Wed, 12/01/2022 - 19:16

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Any job interview is quite nerve wracking especially if it consist of panel.First, I prepare for an interview by reading about the job scope they are looking in order for me to correlate my experience. Second, I practice answering possible questions. Lastly, I make sure to be presentable and confident in answering questions. There is this saying,"First impression last."

Submitted by RuthYong on Thu, 14/10/2021 - 08:37

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Before I attend any job interview, I usually prepare by going through the company's history, what they do, and about the job scope. I'll also prepare how to answer questions to introduce myself.

Submitted by NicolasBuff on Sun, 10/10/2021 - 21:20

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Well, before going to an interview, I like going over my CV in order to check out if anything is missing on it.. I also search for the most commom questions asked on an interview on the internet, so I can practice my answers before. I always get in early for my interviews.

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Submitted by Jamil Harumi on Wed, 01/09/2021 - 20:49

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Since the pandemic began, many interviews have happened remotely. It would be a nice idea if you could show us how to ace those job interviews!

Submitted by Maitane on Mon, 23/08/2021 - 12:59

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I usually prepare the content of my CV, to be able to explain orally to the interviewer. Also, I read about the company before the interview.

Submitted by ahmedengland on Fri, 02/07/2021 - 01:35

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i think this is fantastistic interview we can learn it through and have knowlodge how touch with in itnterview thanks britsh council

Submitted by Suraj paliwal on Mon, 26/04/2021 - 10:51

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If you're going to give interview in any company then I give you some tips for crack interview. Firstly you would read your CV. Secondly why are you left company? learn about past experience and open mind with positive thinking. Thirdly what's your area to work, knowledge about your area and work Fourthly you should learn about company, what's related to company and then company's past, present and aim Fifthly what's could you able to contribute in company's development.