Useful Speaking Phrases For Job Interviews

Learn useful speaking phrases for job interviews in English. Even in your native language, job interviews can be nerve-wracking; now, picture that anxiety when done in English.

Many of these formal English phrases will be useful during negotiations and meetings in English. So, if you want to get better at business English, especially speaking, these phrases will be very useful.

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List of English phrases

Useful Speaking Phrases For Job Interviews

In today’s advanced English lesson, we’ll focus on expressions for job interviews, divided into different sections for easier understanding.

We’ll cover agreeing and disagreeing, seeking clarification, buying time, rephrasing, and more.

Practice these expressions to boost your confidence during job interviews, especially if English isn’t your first language.

Let’s dive in.

How to agree with somebody

I can’t help thinking the same

Meaning: when the interviewer expresses a viewpoint or opinion, and you agree with it

Examples:

I can’t help thinking the same. Yes, it will be a great idea to improve marketing by doing something creative.

I can’t help thinking the same. Remote work can indeed provide a focused environment.

true enough

Meaning: to acknowledge a point that the interviewer has made

Examples:

True enough, being adaptable can lead to success in today’s dynamic work environment.

True enough, working together can really boost results.

that’s right

Meaning: to indicate that the information they provided is accurate

Examples:

That’s right. That’s what they do. If we want to get to them, we need to have a presence online where they’re active.

That’s right, I’ve used Excel extensively for various data analysis tasks in my previous role.

I couldn’t agree more

Meaning: when you want to emphasise that you agree with what they’ve said

Examples:

I couldn’t agree more – we need to establish a strong online presence where they’re active.

I couldn’t agree more. Effective communication is essential in any successful team.

that’s just what I was thinking

Meaning: express agreement with sth the interviewer has mentioned

Examples: 

That’s just what I was thinking. Remote collaboration can really help build a strong sense of teamwork and efficiency.

That’s just what I was thinking. Innovation is key to staying ahead in the industry, and I’m excited to bring fresh ideas to the team.

Useful Speaking Phrases For Job Interviews

Speaking phrases for job interviews. Business English skills. Prepare for a jobi nterview in English #learnenglish

How to disagree with someone

I don’t entirely agree with you

Meaning: when you want to express a level of disagreement while maintaining professionalism and respect for the interviewer’s viewpoint

Examples:

I appreciate the emphasis on efficiency, but I don’t entirely agree with you.

I don’t entirely agree with you. Hierarchies can be good, but I think working together as a team can help us come up with better and more creative solutions.

I’m not sure about that

Meaning: you are uncertain about a particular piece of information

Examples:

I’m not sure about that, as my experience suggests there could be more effective options.

I’m not sure about that. Perhaps I need some time to think about it.

I see things rather differently myself

Meaning: when you want to express a contrasting viewpoint in a professional manner

Examples: 

I see things rather differently myself, but I understand where you’re coming from.

I see things rather differently myself. While speed is important, I also believe in thoroughly addressing the root causes to ensure long-term customer satisfaction.

actually

Meaning: express a polite disagreement or provide a different perspective

Examples:

Actually, I believe that while deadlines are important, a more flexible approach can sometimes lead to better creativity.

Actually, I believe exploring new approaches could bring about better results.

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Ask for clarification or repetition

let me get this right

Meaning: seek clarification or confirm your understanding of something that was said

Examples:

Let me get this right: this position involves overseeing regional offices with 10 direct reports?

Here are some other phrases you could use to ask for clarification in a job interview:

  • Would you mind repeating that, please?
  • Pardon?
  • I’m afraid I didn’t catch that

Saying something in a different way

how can I best say this

Meaning: you’re looking for a more effective or tactful way to express sth

Example:

How can I best say this? What I would actually like is a little bit of time to consider your offer.

perhaps I should make that clearer by saying…

Meaning: you realise that your previous statement might have been unclear or misunderstood, and you want to rephrase it to provide a clearer explanation

Example:

Perhaps I should make that clear by saying that I’m actually seeking a job with a bit more responsibility.

Other phrases that you could use to say something in a different way:

  • What I’m trying to say is … 
  • What I mean is…
  • In other words

Useful Speaking Phrases For Job Interviews

Speaking phrases for job interviews. Business English skills. Prepare for a jobi nterview in English #learnenglish

Giving yourself time to think

The last section is about giving yourself time to think. This is very important during interviews because sometimes you’re ready, but other times you might not be fully ready, or they might ask unexpected questions.

Here are some phrases that you could use to give yourself those vital 10-15 seconds to gather your thoughts:

  • May I think about that for a moment?
  • Let me see (in response to a question)
  • How can I put this?
  • I guess…
  • It is my understanding
  • The way I see it…

Alright, so here are useful speaking phrases for job interviews in English.

As always, if you need extra assistance or suggestions, feel free to reach out to me at www.englishlessonviaskype.com. I’m more than happy to assist you.

This is Harry saying goodbye. Thanks for listening and watching. Remember to join me for the next lesson.

speak better English with Harry podcast- episode 444

more information

For more information on English grammar rules, English collocations and English idioms, check out the links below:

How to talk about money in English

Phrasal verbs about crime and scam

You can always study English advanced level at Learning English with the BBC and British Council Learn English.

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