15 interview questions in English, with answers you can adapt

Interviews are more predictable than they feel. Prepare fifteen answers and you have covered most of what you will be asked.

Do not memorise these word for word — you will sound recited. Use the shape, put in your own facts.

About you

1. Tell me about yourself.

I have been working as a school administrator for three years, handling admissions and parent communication. Before that I was at home with my children for four years. I am looking for a role where the customer-facing work is the main job.

2. Why do you want this job?

You need someone who can handle enquiries patiently in English, and that is what I have been doing every day for three years.

3. What are your strengths?

I am patient with people who are frustrated. In admissions that mattered — parents come in worried and they leave calmer.

4. What is your weakness?

I take on too much myself rather than asking for help. I have started keeping a shared task list so my manager can see my load.

Never say "I work too hard". Give a real one, then what you do about it.

About your history

5. Why did you leave your last job?

The commute became impossible after we moved. I gave two months' notice and finished my handover.

6. Why is there a gap in your work?

I took four years out when my children were small. I have spent the last six months preparing to return — I completed an English communication course and I am ready for full-time work.

7. What have you been doing during the gap?
Answer specifically. A course, volunteering, helping in a family business — all count.

About the work

8. What would you do if a customer shouted at you?

Let them finish. Say I understand why they are upset. Then tell them exactly what I will do and by when.

9. How do you handle several tasks at once?

I write everything down and mark what has a deadline today. I would rather tell someone their work will happen tomorrow than promise everything now.

10. Tell me about a mistake you made.

I sent an admission letter with the wrong date. I noticed, called the parent myself, apologised and sent a corrected letter that day. Afterwards I started reading dates twice before sending.

About fit

11. Where do you see yourself in three years?

Doing this work well enough to train the person who comes after me.

12. How do you feel about working in English all day?

That is what I want. I have been studying specifically for it.

13. Are you comfortable with the timings?
Answer honestly. Agreeing to a shift you cannot do ends badly for both sides.

14. What is your salary expectation?

I am looking in the range of X to Y, but I am open to discussing it based on the full role.

15. Do you have any questions for us?
Always have two ready:

What would a good first three months look like?
Who would I be working with day to day?

The one thing

Say your answers out loud before the interview. Not read — spoken. The gap between an answer you have thought about and one you have said is enormous, and only one of them is available under pressure.