English for interviews: how to pass a technical or HR interview with confidence

The global labor market has no borders anymore. Ukrainian specialists are increasingly being interviewed by international companies where English is the working language. And even if you are a super-specialist in your field, without the ability to speak English clearly and confidently, your chances of getting a job are sharply reduced.

English at a job interview is not about perfect grammar. It's about whether the recruiter or technical interviewer will understand how you think, whether you can explain your decisions, and whether you can interact with an international team.

In this article, we will analyze:

● the differences between HR and technical interviews

● what English skills are important for interviews

● how to answer typical questions

● what words and phrases will help you sound confident;

● how to prepare so that you don't look confused.

An HR interview is the first barrier. It tests not only English, but also soft skills: communication, motivation, and the ability to fit into a team.

It is important not to memorize ready-made answers, but to have a structure. For example:

● Briefly: who you are, what experience you have.

Specifics: an example from life or work.

Conclusion: a positive conclusion.

Example:

"One of my strengths is adaptability. For example, when my team switched to a completely new tool last year, I quickly learned it and helped others onboard. I believe this skill will help me integrate smoothly into new projects."

The main thing here is to prove that you can solve problems. But you need English to explain the logic:

● how you approached the problem

● why you chose this particular algorithm or technology

● how your solution works.

● IT: solve an algorithmic problem and explain your thought