Text 3. Read and translate the text.

Funny interview questions

Job interview questions differ according to the work structure of a company. But most of the job interview questions asked by the companies are related to the three categories. In the first set, the interviewer asks about the candidate’s family background, education, and interests. The second set comes with questions meant to assess the technical knowledge of the candidate. While the last is to judge the candidate’s personality – his/her nature, decision making capacity, ideology, and ability to solve problems.

But some interview boards also ask a few funny interview questions to the candidate. This is a tricky method to check the candidate’s reaction. Many candidates don’t know how to answer a funny interview question. Hearing a funny interview question some candidates get irritated. What is there in getting irritated hearing a funny interview question? The candidates have to know that these questions are meant to check the psychological structure of the candidate. There is nothing to get panic or irritated hearing funny interview questions. Just answer the funny interview questions as other technical questions in a simple way.

By asking funny interview questions the interviewer is trying to test the nerve of the candidate. Just relax and show enthusiasm to answer the funny interview question as the other interview questions. The interviewer is trying to check what type of person you are. That is whether you have enough humor sense. Funny interview questions are asked to put the candidate at ease. By asking funny interview questions, the interviewer is also trying to make you relaxed and enthusiastic. The interviewer also needs to remove the tension in you and make the interview process very informal. This is done so as to smoothen the interview process.

Text 4. Read the dialogue. Compile a similar dialogue with a partner.

Advice on job interview

Fay asks Jerry for advice on how to succeed at a job interview in English

Fay: Hi, Jerry. I'm thinking of applying for a job with a multinational company, but I'm worried about having an interview in English. Can you give me any good tips?

Jerry: Hmmm. That's a tough one. I guess the first thing is to try to make a good impression. We often say, "you never get a second chance to make a first impression". You really need to get off to a good start.

Fay: That sounds like good advice. Maybe I could sing and dance for them, ha ha ha! Then they'd really be impressed! But seriously, how do I make a good first impression?

Jerry: To begin with, you should firmly shake the interviewer's hand while greeting him or her with a smile. Be sure to keep eye contact, especially when listening to the interviewer.

Fay: Ah, "body language" is really important, isn't it?

Jerry: Yes, it is. The second thing is to have confidence. You get confidence from being prepared. You should learn a little bit about the company before the interview. Find out what they do, how long they've been in business, what their business motto is, that kind of thing. You should also anticipate possible questions, and think about how you will answer.

Fay: Should I memorize my answers beforehand?

Jerry: No! Definitely not! That sounds very mechanical. You should be natural when you speak. Just think about how you want to answer, and choose the right words at the time of the interview. That way, you can use the interviewer's own words in your answer, which shows you've been listening. Then you're sure to make a good impression.

Fay: I never thought about that before. That's very helpful, Jerry. Thanks so much. Ah, one more thing. Should I ask about the salary during the interview?

Jerry: No, either let them bring up the topic of money, or else wait for a second interview. If you prepare well, make a good first impression, have confidence, and speak naturally, you're almost certain to be interviewed again. Good luck!

Text 5. Read and translate the text.

Job interviews: breaking the ice

You'll notice a few questions in the beginning of the interview that concerns how the job applicant arrived and the weather. This is commonly referred to as 'breaking the ice'. 'Breaking the ice' is an important way to begin the job interview, but it shouldn't take too long. Generally, job interviewers will break the ice to help you feel comfortable. Make sure to give positive, but not too detailed answers to these 'ice breakers'.

Referrals

Sometimes, you may have found about a job opportunity through a referral. If this is the case, make sure to use the referral to your best advantage by mentioning it at the beginning of the interview.

Language

Relating your job experience and how it relates to the specific job for which you are applying are the two most important tasks during any job interview. Make sure to use lots of descriptive verbs and adjectives to describe your responsibilities. For example, instead of the following job description:

I talked to customers about their problems.

A more descriptive phrase with better vocabulary might be:

I counseled customers documenting their concerns, and coordinating our response to their individual needs.