Transcription
The English you need to work, communicate, and grow.
Hello, welcome to the 20 minutes English for Work podcast. My name is Liz, and I'm really happy you're here with us today.
And my name is Tom. We're your hosts, and this podcast was created for professionals who want to use English at work with more confidence, even if they feel nervous sometimes. If you understand English but freeze when you need to speak in meetings, interviews, or work calls, this space is for you. You don't need to be perfect. You just need to keep going.
Here, we practice real English for real work situations in a calm and simple way. You can listen, pause, repeat, and come back as many times as you need. That's how progress happens.
In today's episode, our topic is job interview basics. Job interviews can feel stressful, especially in another language, but with the right phrases and mindset, they become much more manageable.
First, you'll listen to a realistic dialogue, just like a real job interview conversation. After that, we'll explain everything step by step, useful phrases, important vocabulary, and cultural tips from the workplace.
Remember, you don't need to understand everything the first time. That's normal. You're learning and you're doing great. Study English everyday, even a little.
Before we start, subscribe to the channel so you can practice English for work every day with us and tell us in the comments where you are from. We really love to read your messages.
Now, take a deep breath, relax, and let's begin.
Good morning. Please come in and have a seat. How are you feeling today?
Good morning. Thank you very much. I'm feeling okay. A little nervous to be honest, but also excited to be here.
That's completely normal. Many candidates feel that way, especially during interviews. Take your time. There's no rush.
Thank you. I appreciate that. That helps me feel more comfortable.
I'm glad to hear that. Before we start, did you have any trouble finding the office or arriving on time?
No, everything went smoothly. I checked the route yesterday evening and left home earlier than usual just in case there was traffic.
That was a good decision. Planning ahead is always helpful. Would you like some water or coffee before we begin?
Water would be great. Thank you.
Here you go. All right, let's get started. Could you please tell me a little about yourself and your professional background?
Sure, I'll do my best. I have been working in administrative and office support roles for about 5 years. During this time, I've developed experience with customer communication, organizing documents, scheduling, and supporting different teams with daily tasks.
That sounds interesting. When you say customer communication, what does that usually involve in your day-to-day work?
Mostly emails and phone calls. I usually answer questions from clients, clarify simple issues, and when the situation is more complex, I forward it to the appropriate department.
That makes sense. And how comfortable do you feel communicating in English in those situations?
I feel more confident with written communication like emails because I have time to think, review, and correct my message. Speaking is more challenging, especially when I need to respond quickly or during meetings.
That's very common. In this role, you would need to use English in meetings and sometimes in calls with international clients. How do you feel about that responsibility?
I understand that it's part of the role. I won't say it's easy for me, but I'm committed to improving. I study English every day, even if it's just a little, and I try to practice whenever I can.
That's a great attitude. Keep going. Now, let's talk about your previous position. What were your main responsibilities there?
In my last job, I was responsible for organizing team schedules, preparing simple reports, updating internal systems, and helping my colleagues when they needed support. I also participated in weekly meetings where we discussed priorities and deadlines.
It sounds like you were involved in many aspects of daily operations. Can you give me an example of a challenge you faced at work and how you handled it?
Yes, of course. There was a period when our team had several urgent tasks at the same time and we were short staffed. Deadlines were very tight and everyone felt stressed.
That can be difficult. What did you do in that situation?
First, I tried to understand which tasks were the most urgent and which ones could wait. Then I talked to my supervisor and explained that the workload was becoming difficult to manage. We discussed priorities and adjusted some deadlines.
That was a responsible approach. How did your team react to that?
They appreciated the clarity. Once priorities were clear, it was easier for everyone to focus and work more efficiently.
That shows good communication skills. How do you usually manage your time when you have multiple tasks and deadlines?
I like to start my day by reviewing my task list. I identify what needs immediate attention and what can be scheduled for later. If something is not manageable, I don't hesitate to ask for guidance.
That's very professional. In this role, you may need to make decisions about priorities without direct supervision. Are you comfortable with that?
Yes, as long as expectations are clear. If something is unclear, I prefer to ask questions rather than make assumptions that could cause problems later.
That's a good habit. Let's talk about teamwork. Do you prefer working independently or as part of a team?
I can work independently when needed, but I prefer working with a team. I enjoy exchanging ideas, learning from others, and feeling that we're working toward a shared goal.
That's good to hear. How do you usually handle feedback from supervisors or colleagues?
I see feedback as an opportunity to improve. Sometimes it's not easy to hear, but I try to stay open and focus on learning instead of taking it personally.
That mindset is very valuable. You're doing great. Now, I'd like to ask about communication. If you don't understand something during a meeting, what do you usually do?
I try to ask for clarification politely. For example, I might say, "Sorry, could you repeat that?" Or, "Can you explain that again, please?"
That's exactly what we encourage. Clear communication avoids misunderstandings. Now, let's talk about problem solving. Can you describe a situation where you had to make a decision quickly?
Yes. Once a client called with an urgent request while my supervisor was in another meeting. I had to decide whether to wait or take action.
What did you do?
I assessed the situation and realized it was something I could handle. I explained the steps to the client and informed my supervisor afterward. Everything worked out well.
That shows initiative and responsibility. How do you usually handle stressful situations at work?
I try to stay calm and focus on one task at a time. If I feel overwhelmed, I take a short break and then come back with a clearer mindset.
That's a healthy approach. Now, do you have experience working with deadlines and reporting progress?
Yes, very much so. In my previous role, we had weekly deadlines and I often had to update my supervisor on the status of tasks.
And how did you usually do that?
I provided clear and honest updates. If something was delayed, I explained why and suggested a new timeline.
Transparency is very important. Let's talk about learning. How do you usually approach learning new systems or processes?
I like to take notes and ask questions. I also try to practice as much as possible because that helps me learn faster.
That's great. Now, I'd like to give you a hypothetical situation. Imagine you have two urgent tasks, both with the same deadline. What would you do first?
I would try to understand which task has a higher impact. If that's not clear, I would talk to my supervisor and ask for guidance on priorities.
That's the right approach. Do you feel comfortable communicating delays or challenges?
Yes, I believe it's better to communicate early than to wait until it's too late.
Exactly. Now, do you have any questions about the role, the team, or the company?
Yes, thank you for asking. Could you tell me more about the team I would be working with?
Of course. You would work with a small collaborative team. People are supportive and we encourage open communication.
That sounds like a positive environment. And what would be the main focus during the first month?
The main focus would be onboarding and training. We don't expect you to know everything right away. Learning and asking questions are part of the process.
That's reassuring. I appreciate that. One more question if that's okay. What qualities do you value most in an employee?
That's a great question. We value responsibility, clear communication, and a willingness to learn. Skills can be developed, but attitude makes a big difference.
That makes a lot of sense. Thank you for explaining and for taking the time to answer my questions.
You're welcome. Thank you for your thoughtful answers and your openness. We'll review all candidates and get back to you soon.
Thank you very much. I appreciate this opportunity. I look forward to hearing from you.
Have a great rest of your day.
You too. Goodbye.
All right. Welcome back. Now that you've listened to the dialogue, let's slow things down and understand it step by step. Don't worry if you didn't understand everything the first time. That's completely normal.
Exactly. In this part, we're going to review the most useful phrases, explain the vocabulary in context, and talk about how these expressions are really used in job interviews. This will help you feel more confident next time you hear or use them. So relax, take your time, and remember you're learning. You're doing great. Let's start with the main phrases from the dialogue.
Phrase one, "How are you feeling today?" This is one of the first phrases Emma used in the interview. "How are you feeling today?" In job interviews, this question is not only about your physical condition, it's also about creating a friendly and professional atmosphere.
Yes, the interviewer is not expecting a long emotional answer. A simple calm response like, "I'm doing well, thank you." Or, "I'm feeling good. Thank you for asking," is perfect.
This phrase shows politeness and professionalism. Even if you are nervous, you don't need to explain everything. Short and positive answers work very well here.
Phrase two, "Did you have any trouble finding the office?" This is a very common phrase in interviews and meetings. It's a way to start the conversation naturally and make you feel comfortable. You can answer simply, "No, everything was fine." Or, "No, I checked the address in advance." This also shows that you are organized and prepared.
Preparation is a key message in interviews. Even small answers can show big qualities.
Phrase three, "Can you tell me a little about yourself?" This is probably one of the most important interview questions, and many people feel nervous when they hear it. Yes, because "a little about yourself" doesn't mean your whole life story. It means your professional background, your experience, and what connects you to the role.
A good structure is what you do, your experience, what you enjoy or do well at work. Simple, clear, and focused.
Phrase four, "That makes sense." This phrase appears many times in professional conversations. It shows understanding and agreement. You can use it when someone explains a process, a decision, or a situation. It's polite, neutral, and very professional.
Even if you don't fully agree, "that makes sense," shows respect, and attention.
Phrase five, "How comfortable do you feel communicating in English?" This question is very realistic in international environments. The interviewer wants honesty, not perfection.
You don't need to say, "I'm fluent." If you're not, you can say, "I'm more comfortable with emails and I'm improving my speaking skills."
That answer shows self-awareness and willingness to learn. Very positive traits.
Phrase six, "That's completely normal." This phrase is often used to reduce stress and build trust.
You can say this when you see someone nervous or having a small problem. It creates a safe environment for communication.
Phrase eight. "Can you give me an example?" Interviewers love examples. This phrase invites you to show real experience, not just theory.
When you hear this, think of a real situation. You don't need a perfect story. Just be clear and honest.
Examples make your answers stronger and more memorable.
Phrase nine. "How do you usually manage your time?" This question is about responsibility and organization. The interviewer wants to know if you can handle priorities and deadlines.
Simple answers work well. Task lists, priorities, communication with supervisors.
Phrase nine. "If something is unclear, I prefer to ask." This sentence shows maturity and professionalism.
In many workplaces, asking questions is better than making mistakes in silence.
This phrase builds trust and avoids problems.
Phrase 10. "Do you prefer working alone or with a team?" There's no perfect answer here.
The key is balance. Showing flexibility is important.
Most companies value collaboration, so highlighting teamwork helps.
Phrase 11. "How do you handle feedback?" Feedback is part of professional life.
The interviewer checks emotional maturity and growth mindset. Phrases like, "I see feedback as an opportunity to improve," are excellent.
Now that we've reviewed the main phrases, let's focus on the key vocabulary from the dialogue. These are words you will hear very often in job interviews and professional conversations.
Yes. And the goal here is not just to understand the meaning, but to feel comfortable using these words at work. We'll explain what they mean, how they're used, and give you clear examples.
Take your time. Listen carefully and remember you're learning. You're doing great. Let's start with the word responsibility. In a work context, responsibility means the tasks, duties, or obligations that you are expected to handle in your role.
When you talk about responsibility in a job interview, you're showing that you understand what is expected from you. For example, you can say, "My responsibilities included organizing schedules and supporting the team." This word is very important because employers want people they can trust. Saying you take responsibility seriously shows professionalism and maturity.
An opposite idea or antonym of responsibility would be neglect, which means not paying attention to your duties. Of course, this is something you want to avoid in professional life.
The word deadline appears very often at work. A deadline is the final date or time when a task must be completed. In interviews, deadlines show how you handle pressure and time management. You might say, "We had a tight deadline, so we organized our tasks carefully."
Talking about deadlines also shows honesty. If something cannot be delivered on time, professionals communicate early instead of waiting.
An opposite idea related to deadline could be flexibility. When timelines are more open, but even then, communication is key. The word priority is essential in any job. A priority is something that is more important than other tasks and needs attention first. In the dialogue, Daniel talked about organizing tasks by priority. This shows planning and decision-making skills.
You can use this word in many situations like "this task is my top priority today."
Understanding priorities helps reduce stress and confusion at work. Now let's talk about the word manageable, which is very useful in professional conversations.
Manageable means something that can be handled without becoming overwhelming. For example, "the workload is manageable with the current team."
This word is helpful when talking about capacity and limits. It's okay to say something is not manageable yet. That shows awareness.
The opposite idea would be overwhelming, which means too difficult or too much to handle. The word feedback is extremely common in the workplace. Feedback means comments or suggestions about your performance.
Feedback can be positive or constructive. In interviews, showing that you accept feedback well is very important.
For example, you can say, "I see feedback as an opportunity to improve." This shows growth mindset and emotional intelligence.
Let's look at the word clarification. Clarification means making something clear or easier to understand.
In work situations, asking for clarification avoids mistakes. You might say, "Can I ask for clarification on this task?"
This word shows professionalism, not weakness. Clear communication saves time and energy.
This is an important distinction. A task is a specific action you do, like sending an email or preparing a report. A responsibility is broader. It includes several tasks and ongoing duties.
Understanding this difference helps you explain your role more clearly in interviews. The word initiative means the ability to take action without being told every step.
In the dialogue, Daniel showed initiative when he handled a client request while his supervisor was unavailable.
You can say, "I try to show initiative when I see a problem." Companies value initiative because it shows confidence and problem-solving skills.
The word communication goes beyond speaking English. It includes listening, writing, and understanding others.
Good communication at work means being clear, polite, and professional.
For example, "clear communication helps avoid misunderstandings." Let's talk about workload. Workload means the amount of work you have at a given time. In interviews, talking about workload helps explain stress, priorities, and time management.
You can say, "The workload increased, so we adjusted our priorities." A supervisor is the person who manages or oversees your work.
Using this word correctly is important in professional settings. You can say, "I discussed this with my supervisor."
This shows respect for structure and hierarchy. Now, let's talk about something that is just as important as vocabulary and grammar. Workplace culture. Many people think that speaking English at work is only about words, but culture plays a huge role in interviews and daily communication.
That's true. You can know the right words and still feel uncomfortable if you don't understand how things usually work in professional environments, especially in international companies. So, in this part, we'll talk about real behaviors you'll see in job interviews and workplaces, meetings, deadlines, tone of voice, formality, feedback, and expectations.
And remember, there's no need to feel scared. Understanding culture gives you confidence. You're learning and you're doing great.
Let's start with meetings. In many international workplaces, meetings are expected to be organized, focused, and respectful of time. Yes. That's why phrases like, "Sorry, could you repeat that?" or "Can you explain that again?" are not rude. They are actually appreciated.
People prefer you ask for clarification instead of staying silent and making mistakes later.
Also, it's common to see people taking notes during meetings. This shows engagement and responsibility, not boredom.
And one important cultural point, interrupting politely is acceptable in many English-speaking workplaces as long as you use polite language. For example, you can say, "Sorry to interrupt, but can I ask a quick question?" This is very natural and professional.
Now, let's talk about deadlines. Deadlines are taken very seriously in most professional environments.
Yes. But what's even more important than meeting a deadline is communicating about it.
Exactly. If you realize you may not meet a deadline, the worst thing you can do is stay quiet. Professionals are expected to communicate early and clearly. Saying something like, "I'm having some difficulties and I may need more time," is much better than missing the deadline without explanation.
This shows responsibility and transparency, which are highly valued.
And remember, asking for help or more time does not mean you're not capable. It means you care about quality.
Tone of voice is another very important cultural element. In English-speaking workplaces, the tone is usually calm, polite, and respectful.
Even when there is pressure or disagreement, people try to keep their tone neutral.
Raising your voice, sounding aggressive, or emotional can be seen as unprofessional.
That's why phrases like "I understand your point" or "that makes sense" are so common. They help soften conversations.
These phrases don't always mean full agreement. They often mean respect and openness. Many learners ask, "Should I be very formal at work?" The answer is it depends, but usually professional and friendly is the best balance.
In job interviews, a more formal tone is expected. As you get comfortable in the company, communication may become more relaxed.
But even in relaxed environments, politeness remains important.
Using "please," "thank you," and "I appreciate that" never goes out of style.
Let's talk about feedback because this can be uncomfortable for many people.
In many cultures, feedback is direct but not personal. It's about the work, not about you as a person.
That's why interviewers like to hear phrases like, "I see feedback as an opportunity to improve."
This shows emotional maturity and professionalism.
It's also common for employees to ask for feedback. For example, "Could you give me some feedback on this task?"
This is seen as proactive, not insecure.
Another important cultural aspect is ownership. This means taking responsibility for your tasks. If something goes wrong, professionals usually say, "Let me check what happened," or, "I'll take care of this."
Blaming others or making excuses is generally not well-received.
Employers value people who take responsibility and look for solutions.
Asking questions is encouraged. This is a very important point for non-native speakers. In many English-speaking workplaces, asking questions is encouraged.
Yes, silence can be confusing. Questions show interest and engagement. If something is unclear, you can say, "Just to make sure I understood."
This phrase is very powerful and very polite.
Now, let's talk about small talk. Small talk often happens at the beginning of meetings or interviews.
Questions like, "How are you?" or "Did you have any trouble getting here?" are part of this.
They are not deep questions. They help create a comfortable environment.
Short, positive answers are perfect. No need for long explanations.
Decision-making and priorities. In professional environments, decisions are often discussed openly.
It's okay to say you need time to think. For example, "Let me check and get back to you."
This shows responsibility and avoids wrong decisions.
Priorities can change and that's normal. What matters is communication.
Now, it's time to move from understanding to using English. In this part, we'll practice model sentences you can actually use in a job interview or at work. We'll show complete versions and also short simple versions for moments when you feel nervous or under pressure.
Don't worry about memorizing everything. The goal is familiarity. The more you hear these sentences, the easier they become.
Let's begin. Take a deep breath. You're doing great.
Talking about yourself. A very common moment in interviews is when you need to introduce yourself. A complete version could be, "I have experience working in administrative roles and I enjoy supporting teams with organization and communication." If you feel nervous, a shorter version works perfectly. "I work in administrative support."
Both are correct. The long version adds detail. The short version adds confidence talking about experience. Here's a complete sentence you can use. "In my previous role, I was responsible for organizing schedules, answering emails, and supporting daily operations." And a shorter version, "I supported daily operations."
Simple, clear, professional, talking about skills. Complete version, "I'm comfortable working with emails, basic reports, and team communication."
Short version, "I'm comfortable with emails and reports."
Short sentences reduce stress and still sound professional. Talking about English level, many people feel nervous here. Remember, honesty is better than perfection. Complete version. "I feel more comfortable with written English and I'm improving my speaking skills every day."
Short version, "I'm improving my English."
That's enough. You don't need to explain everything. Asking for clarification. Complete version. "Sorry, could you explain that again, please?"
Short version, "Could you repeat that?"
These phrases are your safety net. Use them without fear.
Buying time to think.
Complete version. "That's a good question. Let me think for a moment."
Short version, "Let me think." Silence plus a sentence like this shows confidence. Talking about priorities. Complete version. "I usually organize my tasks by priority and focus on urgent deadlines first."
Short version. "I focus on priorities."
Very professional and very common. Talking about deadlines. Complete version. "When deadlines are tight, I communicate early and adjust my schedule."
Short version. "I communicate early."
This shows responsibility and responsibility. Talking about challenges. Complete version. "One challenge I faced was managing multiple tasks at the same time. But I learned to organize my workload better."
Short version, "I learned to organize my workload."
Notice how the focus is on learning, not on the problem. Talking about teamwork, complete version, "I enjoy working with a team because it helps me learn and stay motivated."
Short version, "I like working in a team."
Simple answers are powerful.
All right, let's take a moment to wrap up today's episode. You just practiced a full job interview conversation, learned useful phrases, important vocabulary, and cultural tips that really matter in the workplace.
We talked about how interviews are conversations, not tests. We reviewed how to talk about your experience, how to ask for clarification, how to manage priorities, deadlines, and how to communicate professionally even when you feel nervous.
You also learned that simple English is powerful. You don't need long or complicated sentences to sound professional. Clear, calm, and honest communication is enough.
And remember, it's okay to pause, to ask questions, and to say, "Let me think," or "I'll get back to you." These are not signs of weakness. They are signs of professionalism.
Now, here's an important question for you. Which part of a job interview feels the most difficult for you right now?
Is it talking about yourself? Is it answering unexpected questions or is it speaking English under pressure?
Tell us in the comments. Your answer can help other listeners, too.
And here's another question. Which phrase from today's episode do you think you could use tomorrow at work?
Choose just one. That's enough. Small steps make a big difference.
Keep practicing. Listen again. Repeat the dialogue. Each time it will feel more familiar.
Study English every day, even if it's just 20 minutes. You're learning, you're improving, you're doing great.
Don't forget to subscribe to the channel, share this episode with someone who also uses English at work, and keep coming back.
Thank you for spending these minutes with us.
See you in the next episode. Take care and keep