How to answer common interview questions (non-native English speakers)
Short answer
Most interview questions can be answered with a short structure of three parts and one true example from your own work. Choose a question below to see a short answer, the steps, example answers for real jobs, common mistakes and useful phrases.
Introducing yourself
- Tell me about yourself — 3 steps: Now, Proof, Why here
- How would you describe yourself in three words? — 3 steps: Choose, Prove, Link
Why you want the job
- Why do you want this job? — 3 steps: Them, You, Together
- Where do you see yourself in five years? — 3 steps: Here first, Next step, Link back
- Why did you leave your last job? — 3 steps: Short reason, Fair words, Look forward
- What motivates you? — 3 steps: Real reason, Example, Link
- What do you know about our company? — 3 steps: Research, Two facts, Link
Strengths and how others see you
- What is your greatest strength? — 3 steps: One, Proof, Link
- What are your strengths and weaknesses? — 3 steps: Strength, Weakness, Balance
- What would your previous manager say about you? — 3 steps: Their words, Why, Honest note
Weaknesses
- What is your greatest weakness? — 3 steps: Honest, Action, Progress
Situations and examples
- Describe a difficult situation you handled — 3 steps: Situation, Action, Result
- How do you handle pressure? — 3 steps: Habit, Example, Result
- Tell me about a time you worked in a team — 3 steps: Team and goal, Your part, Outcome
- How do you handle conflict with a colleague? — 3 steps: Early and private, Listen and agree, Back to work
- Tell me about a time you made a mistake — 3 steps: The mistake, The fix, The lesson
- How do you prioritise your work? — 3 steps: Rule, Example, Communicate
- Tell me about a time you helped a customer or service user — 3 steps: Situation, Action, Result
- How do you deal with a difficult customer? — 3 steps: Listen, Solve, Example
- How do you handle criticism or feedback? — 3 steps: Attitude, Example, Change
- Tell me about a time you went above and beyond — 3 steps: Normal, Extra, Difference
- How do you stay organised during a busy shift? — 3 steps: Before, During, Example
- What would you do if you made a mistake at work? — 3 steps: Stop and check, Tell, Fix and prevent
Fit for the role
- Why should we hire you? — 3 steps: Match, Proof, Reliable
- What are your salary expectations? — 3 steps: Research, A range, Stay open
- Do you have any questions for us? — 3 steps: Be ready, Ask about the work, Next steps
- Are you more of a team player or an independent worker? — 3 steps: Both, Examples, Fit
- What makes you a good fit for this role? — 3 steps: Skills, Way of working, Practical fit
- Why should we choose you over other candidates? — 3 steps: Your mix, Proof, Respect
- Tell me about your availability and flexibility — 3 steps: Hours, Flexibility, Start date
Answers for your job, in your language
Each question also has model answers for specific jobs, with the explanation written in your first language.
One question a day
Practise one real interview question each day: what the interviewer may listen for, a 3-line answer shape and a weaker and a stronger example.
Questions and situations for non-native English speakers
- "How good is your English?" — how to answer — an honest, confident answer at work level
- "Why did you move here?" — how to answer — a short reason, then your plans for work here
- Talking about work experience from another country — explain the job, the size and the result so the interviewer can picture it
- Your next interview after a rejection — what to change, what to keep, and what to say if they ask
Practise your answers
Answer real interview questions out loud or in writing, and see what an interviewer may notice and what to fix first. Free to start, no card needed.