Free learning guide · Terralingua
English Interview Preparation Checklist
A good interview answer is clear, specific and your own. Use this checklist to practise your English before a job, university or medical-school interview. It is a practice tool, not an assessment of your language level.
1. Start with the invitation
- Check the interview date, time zone, expected length and platform or location.
- Read the role or programme requirements. Write down three reasons it fits your goals.
- Confirm the format: one interviewer, a panel, a discussion or several short stations.
2. Prepare examples, not a script
- Choose three real examples: working with someone, solving a problem and learning from a mistake.
- For each example, note the situation, what you personally did, the result and what you learned.
- Practise a short answer first. Add detail only when it helps answer the question.
3. Make your structure easy to follow
- Answer the question directly in your opening sentence.
- Give one relevant example with enough context to understand it.
- Explain your action and learning. Avoid claiming someone else’s contribution as your own.
- Finish by connecting the example to the role or programme.
4. Practise useful clarification phrases
- “Could you repeat the last part of the question, please?”
- “Do you mean my experience in … or …?”
- “May I take a moment to think about that?”
- “One example that comes to mind is …”
5. Record and review one answer
- Can a listener understand my main point without guessing?
- Did I answer the actual question and give a specific example?
- Where did I repeat myself or lose the thread?
- Choose one thing to improve, then record the answer again without reading a script.
6. Check the practical details
- For online interviews, test your microphone, camera and internet connection.
- Keep your invitation, application and a few short notes available.
- Prepare two genuine questions about the role or programme.
- Leave time to arrive or connect early.
English Preparation Checklist for University Applicants
Choose prompts for your interview
Job interview
- Tell me about a time you solved a problem at work.
- How would you explain a difficult decision to a colleague?
- What would you like to learn in this role?
University interview
- Why does this programme interest you?
- Which project or experience changed the way you think?
- How would you contribute to a seminar discussion?
Medical-school interview
- What have you learned about a career in medicine?
- How would you listen to someone who disagrees with you?
- Describe a situation where you considered more than one perspective.