B) Suggested answers

1. Alejandro could improve his answer by: speaking for longer and providing a fuller response; not simply repeating details from his CV; using the question as an opportunity to demonstrate his skills and experience relevant to the position he is being interviewed for.

2. Alejandro could improve his answer by: providing more detail about what he has learnt, rather than just listing the modules of his course; relating his answer to the requirements of the position; providing concrete examples of transferable skills he developed at university.

3. Alejandro could improve his answer by: keeping his answer brief and well-structured only mentioning common professional concerns, which have either been addressed or would not affect his ability to do the job.

4. Alejandro could improve his answer by: providing a much fuller response; talking about his career plans which include his prospective employer.

6d) How has Alejandro improved his responses?

1. Alejandro uses this question as an opportunity to demonstrate the skills and experience relevant to the post he is applying for. He demonstrates high levels of motivation and achievement (I put a lot of effort into everything I do; our team managed to reach the regional final) as well as organizational and communicational skills (I had to organize matches and motivate the players).

2. He uses his question to highlight transferable skills relevant for the job which he has obtained through his time at university 9there were many elements of the degree that could be applied to the business world. This helped me to develop my prioritizing skills and ability to work to tight deadlines).

3. Alejandro admits to worrying about meeting deadlines. However, as long as he can demonstrate that he is able to meet them, then this response is likely to be seen as a strength rather than a weakness. He also uses this potentially difficult question to highlight how he has overcome a problem.

4. He emphasizes his desire to work for the company (I am very keen to get a job with a company such as yours), whilst also reminding the interviewer of the reasons why he is a strong candidate (my degree and professional experience; I am a dedicated worker).

6e) Complete Alejandro’s improved answers using the correct form of the verbs in the box.

1. put 7. work

2. Motivate 8. meeting

3. Communicate 9. getting

4. Leading 10. get

5. Applied 11. make

6. Develop 12. gain

A) Listening.

1. Qualifications in catering

2. Computer skills

3. Driving licence

4. Languages

5. Experience in sales

6. Strengths and weaknesses

8b) Can you remember if these sentences are true or false?

1. True

2. False – she wants to work in any area.

3. False – she hasn’t got it with her.

4. False – She wants to work for a bigger company

5. False – She’s not good at working on her own.

8c) What does Lauren say in her interview? Match 1-8 with a-h.

1. f 5. a

2. e 6. c

3. b 7. d

4. g 8. H

APPENDIX 3. TESTS

Vocabulary

1. Working words

1. you have to do a lot of exams 10. passed all her exams

2. I did courses in economics 11. I wanted to be a police officer

3. He did community service 12. She got a degree

4. She was good at maths 13. applied to a local college

5. I left my last job 14. talk on architecture

6. I went to university 15. interested in languages

7.did a course in French 16. I left school

8. works as a nurse 17. got a job

9.work in marketing

Studying

1. Thesis 2. Degree 3. Sign 4. Doctorate 5. Passed

Working conditions

1. Atmosphere 2. Flexible 3. Benefits 4. Management

Presenting yourself

1.I’ve always wanted to have my own business.

2. I’m not very good at working with computers.

3. I’m looking for work in the catering industry.

4. I’ve been in the IT business for the last 12 years.

Grammar