Free ESL Lesson Plan: Job Interview English – Key Phrases and Strategies for Success

Job interviews in English can feel intimidating—but with the right language, you can sound confident and professional. This free ESL/TEFL lesson plan teaches essential English interview phrases for introductions, describing your skills, handling strengths and weaknesses, and asking smart questions. Includes sample answers, cultural tips, and practice strategies so you can prepare effectively. Perfect for English learners preparing for interviews and TEFL teachers looking for ready-made Business English materials. Practice these phrases daily to boost confidence, leave a strong impression, and succeed in your next job interview.

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Transcript

1. Master Your Next Job Interview 20 Essential English Phrases for Success Essential phrases to boost your confidence in interviews by Scott Kucher - TEFL certified English teacher
2. Introduction Most interviews are won or lost in the first 3 minutes. This presentation will equip you with essential phrases to boost your confidence and make a strong first impression. By mastering these key expressions, you'll be able to navigate your interview with poise and professionalism from start to finish. The phrases in this guide are designed to help you communicate clearly and effectively, even if English isn't your first language.
3. How to Use This Deck 1 Read each phrase out loud Become comfortable with pronunciation and intonation. 2 Copy the mini-answer format Create your own personalized responses that feel natural to you. 3 Practice repeatedly Continue until the phrases sound natural and confident. Pro Tip: Record yourself or practice with a friend for feedback on your delivery.
4. Start Strong: Making a Powerful First Impression "Thank you for inviting me today." Example: Thank you for inviting me today—I'm excited to learn more about the role and how my skills align with your team's objectives. "It's a pleasure to meet you." Example: It's a pleasure to meet you. I've followed your team's recent mobile launch with great interest. "I'm excited about the opportunity to join your team." Example: I'm excited about the opportunity to join your team and contribute from day one. "I'm confident I can bring value to your team." Example: I'm confident I can bring value to your team through my experience in [specific skill].
5. Answering Tough Questions: Navigating Challenges with Grace "That's a great question—let me think for a moment." Example: "That's a great question—let me think for a moment. I want to provide a thoughtful response." "In my previous role, I learned how to..." Example: "In my previous role, I learned how to prioritize tight deadlines using a 2×2 system." "I handled a similar challenge by..." Example: "I handled a similar challenge by implementing a new communication protocol." "I used to [weakness], so I started [strategy]." Example: "I used to struggle with delegating tasks, so I started using project management tools."
6. Show Interest in the Company: Demonstrating Your Fit "I admire your company's approach to..." Example: "I admire your company's approach to mentoring juniors—I'd love to be part of that culture." "What I find exciting about this role is..." Example: "What I find exciting about this role is the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies." "I see this position as a chance to grow and contribute." Example: "I see this position as a chance to grow and contribute my analytical skills to your data-driven projects." Pro Tip: Research the company beforehand and mention specific initiatives or values that align with your own.
7. Practice Makes Perfect: Refine Your Delivery Record yourself answering: "It's a pleasure to meet you." "Tell me about yourself." "Why are you interested in this role?" "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" Say it out loud: "I'm confident I can bring value to your team." "I am a quick learner and eager to take on new challenges." Pro Tip: Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself on video to observe your body language and facial expressions. Aim for a natural, confident delivery.
8. Close the Interview: Leaving a Lasting Impression "Thank you for your time today." Example: "Thank you for your time today. I truly enjoyed learning more about this exciting opportunity." "I look forward to hearing from you." Example: "I look forward to hearing from you regarding the next steps in the hiring process." "This role feels like a great match for my skills." Example: "This role feels like a great match for my skills and career aspirations, and I'm very enthusiastic about the possibility of joining your team." Questions you can ask: 1 What does success look like in the first 90 days? 2 Is there anything else I can clarify for you? 3 What are the next steps in the hiring process?
9. Ready to Nail Your Next Interview? Take your interview skills to the next level with personalized coaching and feedback. Book your free 10-minute evaluation Learn English with Scott Master these phrases, practice regularly, and approach your next interview with confidence! Scan to visit