Interview Vocabulary: Words Related to Job Interviews
Interview vocabulary is like a special toolbox of words and phrases that you should know when you’re talking about job interviews.
It’s kind of like learning a new language specifically for job interviews.
These special words and phrases help you understand what’s going on during the interview and how to talk about yourself in the best way possible.
For instance, you might need to know words like “resume” (which is a document about your work experience and skills) or “qualifications” (which means the things that make you suitable for a job).
When you have a good grasp of interview vocabulary, you can confidently answer questions and explain why you’re the perfect person for the job.
It’s like having the right tools in your toolbox to do well in the interview and show the interviewer that you’re the ideal fit for the job.
What’s the importance of vocabulary related to job interviews?
When you’re in a job interview, using the correct words is super important to show that you’re the perfect fit for the position.
Having the right vocabulary makes it easier for you to talk clearly and get your point across.
It proves that you know what the interviewer is discussing and that you’re knowledgeable about the job and the company.
For instance, if you’re familiar with terms like “resume,” “skills,” and “experience,” you can confidently discuss your qualifications.
Understanding phrases like “behavioral interview” or “teamwork” helps you respond to questions effectively and demonstrate how well you mesh with the company.
So, having the right vocabulary is like having a key to unlock success during the interview.
It allows you to communicate effectively and leave a great impression on the interviewer, potentially boosting your chances of landing the job.
You may want to read more:
- 10 Common Interview Questions and Answers in English
- 6 Ways to Build Confidence at Work
- How to Prepare for a Job Interview in English
- What Is Personal Development and Why Is It Important?
- Interview Vocabulary: Words Related to Job Interviews
- Linking Short-Term Goals to Long-Term Career Goals
Now let’s move onto vocabulary related to job interviews:
Resume/CV: A document summarizing one’s education, work experience, skills, and achievements.
Cover letter: A letter accompanying a resume that introduces the candidate and highlights their suitability for the job.
Interview: A formal meeting between a job applicant and one or more representatives of a company to assess the applicant’s qualifications and suitability for a position.
Applicant: A person who applies for a job.
Interviewer: The person or persons conducting the job interview.
Candidate: A person being considered for a position, especially in the context of a job interview.
Qualifications: Skills, experience, education, or other attributes that make a candidate suitable for a job.
Skills: Abilities and expertise relevant to the job, such as technical skills, communication skills, leadership skills, etc.
Experience: Previous work or life experiences that are relevant to the job being applied for.
Strengths: Positive attributes or qualities that make a candidate well-suited for a job.
Weaknesses: Areas where a candidate may have limitations or areas for improvement.
Achievements: Accomplishments or successes in previous roles or projects.
Behavioral interview: An interview technique that focuses on assessing how candidates have behaved in specific situations in the past.
Competency-based interview: An interview approach that assesses a candidate’s skills and competencies required for the job.
STAR method: A technique used to structure responses to behavioral interview questions, standing for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
Cultural fit: The extent to which a candidate’s values, beliefs, and behavior align with those of the company’s culture.
Professionalism: The conduct, behavior, and appearance expected in a professional setting.
Etiquette: Appropriate behavior and manners during a job interview.
Follow-up: Communication sent after the interview to express gratitude, reiterate interest, or provide additional information.
Salary negotiation: Discussion between the employer and the candidate about compensation and benefits for the position.
Job description: A document outlining the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and other details of a job opening.
Company culture: The values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that characterize an organization.
Teamwork: Collaborative effort by members of a team to achieve a common goal.
Leadership: The ability to guide, motivate, and influence others to achieve goals and objectives.
Problem-solving: The ability to identify, analyze, and solve problems effectively.
Communication skills: The ability to convey information clearly, effectively, and persuasively, both verbally and in writing.
Adaptability: The ability to adjust to new situations, environments, and challenges.
Initiative: The ability to take action and make decisions independently, without needing to be prompted.
Time management: The ability to prioritize tasks, organize schedules, and use time efficiently.
Professional development: Activities and efforts undertaken to improve skills, knowledge, and career prospects.
Networking: Building and maintaining relationships with professionals in one’s field or industry.
References: Individuals who can vouch for a candidate’s qualifications, character, and work ethic.
Dress code: The expected attire for a job interview or workplace, often reflecting the company’s culture and professionalism.
Body language: Nonverbal communication cues such as posture, gestures, and facial expressions, which can convey confidence, interest, or nervousness.
Behavioral traits: Personal characteristics, attitudes, and behaviors that influence how a person interacts with others and approaches tasks.
Rejection: Notification that a candidate has not been selected for the job.
Onboarding: The process of integrating a new employee into the organization, including orientation, training, and introduction to company policies and procedures.
Remote interview: An interview conducted via video conference or phone, typically used for candidates who are not able to attend an in-person interview.
Panel interview: An interview format where a candidate is interviewed by a group of people, often representing different departments or roles within the organization.
HR (Human Resources): The department within an organization responsible for managing employee recruitment, training, benefits, and other personnel-related matters.
Behavioral questions: Interview questions that ask candidates to provide specific examples of past behavior in order to assess their skills, abilities, and suitability for the job.
Situational questions: Interview questions that present hypothetical scenarios and ask candidates how they would respond or handle the situation.
Technical skills: Specific skills and knowledge related to a particular field or industry, such as programming languages, software proficiency, or technical certifications.
Transferable skills: Skills that can be applied across different jobs or industries, such as communication, problem-solving, and leadership.
Remote work: Working from a location outside of the traditional office environment, often using technology to stay connected and collaborate with colleagues.
Work-life balance: The equilibrium between one’s professional responsibilities and personal life, including leisure activities, family time, and self-care.
Benefits package: The total compensation package offered by an employer, including salary, health insurance, retirement plans, vacation time, and other perks.
Exit interview: An interview conducted with an employee who is leaving the company, usually to gather feedback on their experience and reasons for departure.
Behavioral assessment: An evaluation method used to measure personality traits, behavioral tendencies, and interpersonal skills, often administered as part of the hiring process.
Employment contract: A legally binding agreement between an employer and employee outlining the terms and conditions of employment, including salary, benefits, job responsibilities, and termination clauses.
Non-disclosure agreement (NDA): A legal contract that prohibits parties from disclosing confidential information, often used to protect proprietary company data during the interview process.
Job offer: An official offer extended by an employer to a candidate, outlining the terms of employment, including salary, start date, and other conditions.
Counteroffer: A response from a candidate to a job offer, proposing changes to the terms or negotiating for better conditions.
Performance review: An assessment of an employee’s job performance, typically conducted by a supervisor or manager on a regular basis.
Professional development plan: A personalized roadmap outlining goals, objectives, and strategies for advancing one’s skills, knowledge, and career prospects.
Diversity and inclusion: The practice of creating a workplace environment that values and respects individuals from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and identities.
Equal employment opportunity (EEO): The principle that all individuals should have equal access to employment opportunities, regardless of factors such as race, gender, age, or disability.
Career advancement: The process of moving up the career ladder, gaining promotions, and taking on increased responsibilities within an organization.
Mentorship: A professional relationship in which an experienced individual (mentor) provides guidance, support, and advice to a less experienced person (mentee) to help them develop their skills and achieve their career goals.
Soft skills: Personal attributes and interpersonal skills that contribute to success in the workplace, such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.
Negotiation: The process of discussing and reaching agreements on terms, such as salary, benefits, or job responsibilities, between an employer and a candidate.
Remote collaboration: Working together with colleagues or team members who are in different locations, often facilitated by technology and online communication tools.
Professional references: Individuals who can provide feedback on a candidate’s qualifications, work ethic, and character to potential employers.
Follow-up email: A thank-you message or letter sent after a job interview to express gratitude, reiterate interest, and maintain communication with the interviewer.
Elevator pitch: A concise and compelling summary of one’s background, skills, and career goals, typically delivered in about 30 seconds or the duration of an elevator ride.
Professional attire: Formal clothing appropriate for a job interview or professional setting, such as a suit, dress shirt, or business attire.
Remote hiring: The process of recruiting and hiring candidates who are not physically present at the company’s location, often conducted entirely online or through virtual means.
Panel discussion: A group conversation or interview format where multiple participants, including candidates and interviewers, discuss topics related to the job or industry.
Work samples/portfolio: Examples of a candidate’s previous work, projects, or accomplishments, often presented as part of the job application or interview process.
Background check: A verification process conducted by employers to confirm a candidate’s employment history, education, criminal record, and other relevant background information.
Performance metrics: Quantifiable measures used to evaluate an employee’s job performance and productivity, such as sales targets, customer satisfaction ratings, or project deadlines.
Behavioral indicators: Observable behaviors and actions that demonstrate a candidate’s skills, attitudes, and personality traits, often assessed during interviews or assessments.
Job shadowing: A learning experience where a candidate observes and follows a current employee in their role to gain insight into the job duties and responsibilities.
On-the-job training: Training provided to employees while they are performing their job duties, often to develop specific skills or knowledge relevant to the role.
Work samples/portfolio: Examples of a candidate’s previous work, projects, or accomplishments, often presented as part of the job application or interview process.
Remote collaboration: Working together with colleagues or team members who are in different locations, often facilitated by technology and online communication tools.
Red flags: Warning signs or indications of potential issues or concerns regarding a candidate’s qualifications, behavior, or suitability for the job.
Remote onboarding: The process of integrating a new employee into the company culture, policies, and procedures, conducted entirely online or through virtual means.
Impression management: The deliberate effort to control or influence the perceptions others have of oneself, particularly during job interviews or professional interactions.
Work-life integration: The blending of work and personal life activities in a way that allows individuals to achieve balance and fulfillment in both areas.
That’s everything you need to know about interview words and why they’re important.
Depending on the situation, you can use these terms.
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