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Key Phrases for Job Interviews

The document provides guidance on preparing for job interviews by using effective phrases. It discusses researching industry-specific language on company websites, trade publications, and job postings. The document outlines key mistakes to avoid, such as using informal language, vague terms, pronouns incorrectly, company-specific words without explanation, and acronyms without definition. It emphasizes having examples to support any skills or experiences mentioned. The document also provides sample phrases for common interview questions about oneself, career goals, and industry knowledge.

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MItul Patel
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
11 views5 pages

Key Phrases for Job Interviews

The document provides guidance on preparing for job interviews by using effective phrases. It discusses researching industry-specific language on company websites, trade publications, and job postings. The document outlines key mistakes to avoid, such as using informal language, vague terms, pronouns incorrectly, company-specific words without explanation, and acronyms without definition. It emphasizes having examples to support any skills or experiences mentioned. The document also provides sample phrases for common interview questions about oneself, career goals, and industry knowledge.

Uploaded by

MItul Patel
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

PHRASES FOR INTERVIEW

Words you use sends strong message.

You are selling yourself during the entire job search process, beginning with the
words you choose to write your résumé and continuing through the interview,
salary negotiation, and acceptance of the offer. You are constantly revealing -
about yourself and putting together a picture of yourself with words. And the
words you use give details and add life and drama to your statements and stories.

How will I know which words and phrases are “key” for the position
or industry that I am applying for?
There are various sources you can look to if you want to learn words and phrases
specific to your industry. You can look at company Web sites, their PR material,
and even Web sites of competitors to learn what language they use. You can also
look at trade magazines and journals, and even books for that indus- try as
another resource.

Another very accessible source of key words and phrases is actually one that’s
free and that can save you valuable time. Using job boards, you can go online and
look at job postings where you will discover the exact words used in the job,
company, and industry. One more source to consider is the classified ads in your
local newspapers, which also feature the specific job words to use.
( SHOW THEM DEMO OF YOUR JOB DESCRIPTION )

Exercise
One way to prepare is to start looking at online postings, even if you aren’t ready
to apply for a position. Begin by visiting one of the major job boards and do an
online job search. Enter the title of the job you are interested in pursuing, but at
this point leave the geographical preference open. By leaving the loca- tion open,
you will get a broader look at the industry and the common words and phrases
that are used nationwide.

When you find job postings that are of interest to you, print them out and put
them aside. After you have seven or eight, read through the postings noticing the
words and phrases used. Read through the posting the first time for content. Then,
read it again and begin to catch the key words used. Read the posting through one
more time, but this time read between the lines. Become aware of what is not
written. As you read between the lines, ask yourself,“What would it take to do
this job?”
Perfect Phrase:

“From what I have read in your job posting, it appears that you want someone
who has superior communications skills, both written and oral. It sounds like it
would take someone who can work independently and who is a self-starter. That
matches with my skills completely.”

Top Eight Word Mistakes Candidates Make in Job Interviews


1. Use language that is too informal : Poor Phrase:“I’m sure you guys
are aware that the job market is in the dumps right now. It’s been one
heck of an uphill battle for me for the past year.”
2. The use of words that are vague :
“I have had a lot of experience with various lines of multiple products. I am
proud of the results I’ve had in saving the company a great deal of money.”

3. Misuse of pronouns
It can be very confusing and words can be misinterpreted when pronouns are
misused. Be especially alert to this when you are using the pronouns “we,”“I,”
and “you.”

Poor Phrase: “We were behind on our project, and we decided that we would
stay and finish the job rather than miss our deadline. We pulled it together, and
we were able to meet our deadline.”

Perfect Phrase:“I worked with a team of designers to bring a project in on time.


We each took responsibility for a particular area. We worked closely, but at the
same time we were completely disconnected from one another. This seemed to
work because my four counterparts and I managed to pull the project together on
time.”

4. Using company-specific words


Each company has certain terms that are indigenous only to that company.
Outsiders will not know what you are talking about if you use these terms.

Poor Phrase: “While I was working on the 767 project, I discovered an error in
the “Whichamaculit” used to produce our 656 product line. This was a really
costly mistake.”
Perfect Phrase: “At my last company there was a par- ticular marketing project
that involved a software con- version. Because of my strong attention to detail, I
was able to catch an error that would have cost the com- pany millions of
dollars.”

5. Assuming everyone knows the acronym you are using


6. Describing skills by using “weak” words
Beware of small words that can sabotage your credibility— words like
“pretty,”“most of the time,” and “kind of.”

7. Use too few words to answer the question


Poor Phrase: “Yes, I have had experience in that area.”

Perfect Phrase: “I have over 10 years working with biotech testing. If you were
to ask any of my coworkers, they would tell you that I hold the record for the
least number of mistakes when using testing equipment.”

8. Talking too much—not getting to the point


Your answers should be no longer than two to three minutes long.”

Preparing for Follow-Up Questions


As you put together your phrases, always try to think of any follow-up questions
you might be asked. Of course, you would never use a word or say a phrase just
to impress your inter- viewer without knowing the definition behind the word.
You should also never use a phrase unless you have an example to back up the
word or phrase.

Example

A young man might say during an interview,“I have excellent written and oral
communication skills.” The interviewer could follow-up with a question like,
“Can you give me an example of a time when you used your written
communication skills?” The candidate might look embarrassed if he didn’t have
an example. He said that he had great written communication skills because he
thought it sounded good.
Perfect Phrases for the Perfect Interview: General
Questions

WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT YOU KNOW

Breaking The Ice

“Did you find the place okay?”

“How was your commute?”

“How was your trip here?”

“How is your summer going so far?”

“Cold enough for you?”

GETTING TO KNOW YOU


“Tell me about Yourself.”

“Are you familiar with our company?”

“How would you describe yourself?”

“What are three words that describe you?”


CAREER GOALS

What are your short term and long term goals?

What goals have you set for yourself in your career?

How do you see our company helping you achieve your goals?

INDUSTRY SAVVY

Common questions

Powered by AI

Job candidates should support their claims with concrete examples from their past experiences. For instance, when stating they have excellent communication skills, candidates should be prepared to give specific instances where they effectively utilized these skills, such as writing reports or leading meetings . Additionally, using clear and detailed descriptions helps distinguish their contributions from others, showing personal impact rather than vague group efforts .

Candidates can identify key industry-specific language by reviewing company websites, their PR materials, and even competitors' sites. Trade magazines, journals, and industry books are also valuable resources. Additionally, job boards and classified ads in local newspapers provide direct examples of job-specific terms and language used across the industry .

Informal language in a job interview may lead the interviewer to perceive the candidate as unprofessional or unserious about the opportunity. It can undermine the gravity of the interview setting and make the candidate appear less polished, potentially damaging their credibility and chances of making a positive impression . Formal, polished language sets a professional tone that is often expected in such scenarios.

Candidates can prepare for potential follow-up questions by anticipating what information the interviewer might seek based on their initial answers. They should be ready with specific examples to substantiate any claims made about their skills or experiences. For instance, if a candidate speaks about their leadership experience, they should be prepared to discuss a particular project that illustrates their leadership abilities . This preparation helps demonstrate depth of knowledge and authenticity.

Misuse of language can result in making a candidate appear less professional or prepared. Using informal language might come across as unprofessional, while vague language fails to convey competence and specific achievements . Misusing pronouns can lead to confusion about a candidate's role and contributions, and reliance on company-specific jargon might alienate those unfamiliar with it, hindering effective communication .

To balance their responses, candidates can practice delivering concise answers by structuring responses around the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method. This ensures their answers remain focused and relevant. Additionally, they should time their responses to fall within a two-to-three-minute range, ensuring adequately detailed yet succinct answers. Practicing potential questions and refining answers with these techniques can help candidates maintain engagement and clarity .

Precision in language helps to clearly delineate a candidate’s specific contributions and achievements, distinguishing their role from that of team efforts. It avoids misunderstandings and conveys a more authentic portrayal of personal capability, responsibility, and expertise. Precision also helps prevent the interviewer from inferring a lack of substance or clarity in the candidate's past experiences .

Analyzing job postings helps candidates understand the specific skills and attributes sought by employers, enabling them to tailor their responses and showcase relevant strengths. Reading between the lines can reveal unwritten expectations or potential challenges of the job, allowing candidates to prepare more strategically and align their qualifications with the employer's needs . This comprehensive approach aids in crafting effective and targeted interview responses.

Perfect phrases help in clearly conveying a candidate's skills and experiences in a professional manner. They provide structured, impactful responses that leave a good impression. However, candidates should use them intelligently, ensuring they match their own skills and experiences with proof or anecdotes. Blindly using impressive-sounding phrases without understanding or relevant examples can backfire if assessed further by the interviewer .

Weak words like "kind of," "pretty," and "most of the time" diminish the impact of statements, making the candidate appear unsure and less confident about their skills and experiences. These words can undermine credibility by suggesting a lack of decisiveness or full commitment to previous achievements . Clear, assertive language, supported by specific examples, strengthens a candidate's position as a competent and confident professional.

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