Job interviews: don’t try to sound perfect

In the previous post, we worked on three questions:

What do I do? What am I good at? What am I looking for?

Now let’s use those ideas to answer:

“Tell me about yourself.”

This is where many candidates make the same mistake: they try to sound impressive.

But a good interview answer doesn’t have to sound impressive. It has to sound believable.

Imagine a real person saying:

Well, I’m currently working as an administrative assistant. I’ve been doing that for about four years. I mainly deal with clients and paperwork, and I also help with some of the day-to-day organization of the office. I’m quite organized, and I think I’m good at dealing with people, even when they’re not particularly easy. Now I’m looking for something where I can have a bit more responsibility and, ideally, use my English more.

Is it perfect?

No.

Does it sound like something a real person could actually say?

Yes.

And that matters.

You don't need to say:

I am a highly motivated, results-oriented professional with excellent interpersonal skills who thrives in challenging environments.

Unless… that's genuinely how you speak. 

What makes the first answer work?

It gives the interviewer something real to work with:

• what the person does
• what their actual responsibilities are
• two genuine strengths
• what they are looking for

It also leaves room for the interviewer to ask follow-up questions.

And that's important.

An interview isn't a speech competition. It's a conversation.

Try this

Don't write a “perfect” answer.

Imagine the interviewer is sitting in front of you and simply asks:

“So, tell me a little about yourself.”

Answer as you would naturally explain your professional life to another person.

Then ask yourself:

Would I actually say this out loud?

If the answer is no, simplify it.

Your goal isn't to sound like a native speaker.

Your goal is to sound like yourself — in good English.

 B1, B1+ and B2 lesson plan

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 A bilingual visit to Teatro El Círculo

Today we had a wonderful bilingual guided tour of Teatro El Círculo, one of Rosario’s most beautiful and historic theatres.

We discovered fascinating stories about its history, architecture and the people who helped make this place part of the cultural life of our city. It was also a great opportunity to enjoy English in a different context, surrounded by art, history and culture.

Thank you to Lucía (our guide) and to everyone who joined us and made this morning so special!

Una visita bilingüe al Teatro El Círculo

Hoy disfrutamos de una hermosa visita guiada bilingüe al Teatro El Círculo, uno de los teatros más lindos e históricos de Rosario.

Conocimos historias fascinantes sobre su historia, su arquitectura y las personas que hicieron de este lugar una parte tan importante de la vida cultural de nuestra ciudad. También fue una excelente oportunidad para disfrutar del inglés en un contexto diferente, rodeados de arte, historia y cultura.

¡Gracias a Lucía (nuestra guía) y a todos los que nos acompañaron y hicieron de esta mañana una experiencia tan especial!