Blog, 19/02/2025
In an increasingly globalized world, the ability to handle a job interview in English can make the difference between landing the job of your dreams or missing out on a great opportunity. While mastering the language is essential, it is also crucial to be victorious in the face of adversity, how to structure your answers and prepare properly while sounding professional.
In Spain there are more and more globalized cities with a more international job offer. Mastering English in cities as international and with as much expat talent as Barcelona will open up a range of possibilities that you should not overlook on a professional level.
In this article, we will provide you with a complete guide on how to prepare for a job interview in English, including a list of the most frequently asked questions and answers in a job interview: key vocabulary, tips and practical examples. Let’s get to it!
1. How to Prepare for a Successful Job Interview in English?
Preparation is the key to passing any interview, and when it’s one in another language, even more so. Do you want to join an international company or simply interview to go abroad and/or remotely work in English from Barcelona or another location in Spain? Follow all these steps to make sure you’re ready to go.
1.1 Research the Company and the Position
Before the interview, research the company and the position you are applying for. Know their values, mission and vision so you can align yourself with them during the conversation.
đź’ˇ Simple and helpful phrases:
- “I am very interested in this position because it aligns with my professional goals.”
- “I have researched your company and I admire its commitment to innovation.”
1.2 Prepare Your Presentation Calmly
One of the first questions will be about yourself, so it is essential to know how to present yourself in English in a job interview. It sounds easy, but in real life it’s not so easy. Try to stay calm and if for whatever reason you get carried away and venture into conversation, pay special attention to false friends, where most Spanish speakers screw up during an interview. be careful!
Example of an introduction:
“Hello, my name is Maria Lopez. I am a marketing specialist with over five years of experience in digital campaigns and brand management. I am passionate about data-driven strategies and I enjoy working in dynamic environments.”
2. Typical Questions in Job Interviews with International Companies
It’s very important to know the most common questions in job interviews with international companies to avoid last-minute surprises. No one likes to be caught off guard when speaking at a professional level and go blank. It happens to expats in their native language too!
If you dream of working in English/Spanish or any other in a globalized city like Barcelona, avoid the following mistakes discussed in the next point.
2.1 Key Questions and How to Answer Them: Essential Tips
Here are some of the most common questions and possible answers, as considered by BCN Languages:
- Question 1: Tell me about yourself.Â
 ✔ Tip: Be brief and mention relevant experience.
❌ Common mistake: Talking too much about personal life.
🔹 Suggested answer: “I am a software developer with a strong background in web development. I have worked on several successful projects that improved user experience and increased efficiency. I am passionate about problem-solving and learning new technologies.”
- Question 2: What are your strengths and weaknesses?
 ✔ Tip: For strengths, highlight relevant skills. For weaknesses, mention something you’re improving.
❌ Common mistake: Saying you have no weaknesses.
🔹 Suggested answer: “One of my strengths is my ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines efficiently. I also have excellent communication skills. As for my weakness, I sometimes focus too much on details, but I have been working on prioritizing tasks more effectively.”
- Question 3: Why do you want to work here?
 ✔ Tip: Show enthusiasm and mention what attracts you to the company.
❌ Common mistake: Giving vague answers like “Because I need a job.”
🔹 Suggested answer: “I admire this company’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. I believe my skills in project management and team leadership can contribute to your team’s success.”
- Question 4: How much money do you expect to earn?
âś” Tip: Be realistic and flexible. Research the salary range for the position before the interview to know what to expect.
❌ Common mistake: Giving a vague answer like “I want to make a lot” or “Salary doesn’t matter to me.”
🔹 Suggested answer: “Based on my research and industry standards, I believe a fair salary for this position would be in the range of €X to €Y. However, I’m open to discussing the full compensation package, including benefits and opportunities for growth.”
3. Useful Vocabulary for Job Interviews in English
To sound more professional in the interview, here is some key vocabulary you should be using from now on:
- Resume.
- Cover letter.
- Work experience.
- Skills.
- Teamwork.
- Problem-solving.
- Deadline.
- Strengths and weaknesses.
- Leadership.
4. Practical Example: Conversation with Short Professional Responses
Here is a sample job interview dialogue in English for you to practice:
Interviewer: Can you tell me about yourself?
Candidate: Sure! My name is John Smith and I have five years of sales experience. I have worked with international clients and have led teams to achieve significant revenue growth.
Interviewer: Why do you want to work with us?
Candidate: I admire your company values and your innovative approach to marketing. I believe my digital sales skills can contribute to your continued success.
Interviewer: What is your strength?
Candidate: I am highly adaptable and a fast learner. In my previous position, I quickly adapted to new technologies and improved customer satisfaction by 20%.
Interviewer: Do you have any questions for me?
Candidate: Yes, what are the next steps in the hiring process?
Interviewer: Thank you for your questions, John. We are interviewing several candidates and expect to make a decision by the end of next week. We’ll let you know the next steps soon.
Candidate: That sounds great! I really appreciate the opportunity to speak with you today. It was a pleasure to learn more about the position and the company. I look forward to hearing from you.
Interviewer: You too, John. Thank you for your time and for sharing your experience with us. Have a great day.
Candidate: You too! Have a great day.
5. Our Advice from BCN Languages 🎓
Don’t be afraid of failure. We’ve all failed at something in our lives and it’s part of learning.Â
Getting a job where native English is required is not an easy task, but not impossible. Still don’t feel ready? If you still have doubts about how to get selected for your dream job, follow these tips that can definitely help you stay calm during the selection process:
âś” Practice with a friend or in front of a mirror to gain confidence.
âś” Record your voice and listen to your pronunciation.
âś” Research the company and personalize your answers.
âś” Arrive prepared with questions for the interviewer.
âś” Be positive and show enthusiasm during the conversation.
If you don’t succeed in the interview or feel discouraged by the outcome, don’t worry. At BCN Languages, we offer intensive courses, to help you gain confidence, as well as private tutoring, to improve your fluency in English, French, German, Italian or Catalan, and be fully prepared for your next opportunity. Let us help you achieve your professional goals!
Final Thoughts
Facing an interview can always seem like a big challenge, especially when it comes to speaking a language professionally, but with preparation and practice, you can succeed.
Learn all the most common questions used by recruiters in international companies, improve your vocabulary, and apply our best tips from BCN Languages. They will help you stand out to recruiters and your potential competitors, whether in Barcelona or abroad, to achieve your personal goals.
Good luck in your next interview, wherever it may be! 🚀
