I: Please, come in and take a seat.
C: Thank you, Sir/Madam.
I: Hello. What is your name?
C: Good morning, Mr/Mrs/Ms/Professor Smith. My name is John Doe.(NB:
first name first, last name last!) It’s a pleasure/ Nice/Pleased to meet you.
I: How do you do?
C: How do you do. My name is….
I: Hello. Nice to meet you, too. Thank you for coming.
C: Thank you for having me.
I: How are you, today?
C: I’m very well, thank you. And you?
I: Fine, thanks. Would you like a cup of coffee or something to drink before
we begin?
C: No, thank you all the same. I’m fine.
I: Ok, then. Let’s get started.
• Tell us something about yourself.
• How would you describe yourself?
• Can you talk to us about yourself?
My name is Jane Doe. I come from Mexico, but I live/am currently living in
Italy.
I have conferred a BSc in Geology and hold an MSc degree in Physics. I am
currently working towards a PhD in geophysics.
(I graduated in Geology from the University of Bari, in 2010)
My qualifications also include knowledge of petrol research and 3 years’
experience in geological surveying.
I am single/married//separated/ divorced. I have one/two/three….
children.
What are/would you consider to be your greatest strengths?
What would you say your strongest assets are?
What are your most positive aspects?
trustworthy flexible
honest hard-working
persistent reliable
determined friendly
tolerant loyal
open-minded
adaptable
achiever expert
initiator detail-oriented
mediator team-player
quick-learner problem-solver
Leader competent
efficient multi-tasker
EXAMPLE:
I would say I am an honest, reliable, hard-working person. I also possess a positive
outlook towards my profession and life in general. People say I am friendly and good at
giving advice.
I have very good leadership qualities, as well as organizational and time management
skills, but my greatest strengths are my flexibility and ability to effectively handle multiple
projects and meet deadlines.
• I am…
• I have/possess
• My greatest strengths are/include…
• I would (I’d) say I am….
• I would (I’d) define/describe/depict myself as….
• I consider myself to be….
• I think/believe I am…
• People say I am….
What are your greatest/strongest weaknesses?
Which aspects or areas of yourself are you improving or would like to improve?
I am always working on improving my communications skills to be a more effective
presenter. I recently joined Toastmasters which I find very helpful.
Sometimes, I have trouble delegating duties to others. I’ve since taken courses in
time management and learned more effective delegation techniques
• What are your hobbies/interests?
• Do you practice any sports?
• What do you do your free/leisure time?
• Do you belong to any clubs or associations?
• Do you do any volunteer work?
Well, I really enjoy travelling because it gives me an opportunity to appreciate new
cultures. In the evenings, I unwind by playing the piano.
I am also keen on speed-walking and playing volleyball with friends.
I’m a member of the Rotary Club International where I put forth my professional aptitudes
to serve others.
At weekends, I volunteer with the Autism Society where I spend time with children.
Why are you interested in working here?
Why have you applied for this post?
What do you expect from this job?
It would be a privilege to work in a reputable company such as yours. When I read about
the opening, I found that my skills and qualifications matched the requirements, and I
could make use of the experience gained in the past 5 years.
Furthermore, I believe your company will allow me to grow both professionally and as a
person.