How to prepare for an interview in an IT company in English

For IT enthusiasts considering a career in software development, management, or testing, an English language interview can be a crucial moment in securing a prestigious position. Even if you have impressive Hard Skills, interviews such as initial phone calls or final interviews with executives or managers can be challenging if your English proficiency is low.

And, of course, every IT professional wonders: how can I quickly prepare for an interview?

Tips for preparing for an English interview in IT

Next, we will discuss several useful tips that will help you prepare for an English language interview in an IT company, whether you are doing it on your own, with a teacher, or with a hiring consultant:

• Study and practice common phrases

Start by mastering common phrases that are often used during interviews. These can include greetings, self-introductions, expressions of interest, and so on.

Utilize various sources such as YouTube, online courses, or even conversation clubs to practice these phrases in real-life situations.

• Familiarizing yourself with specific vocabulary

In the world of IT, terminology and lexicon have their own unique diversity. It is worth immersing yourself in this unpredictable ocean or, better yet, creating a mind map for yourself or using Quizlet to create study modules with key terms and expressions related to your professional stack and related positions. These terms may include programming, web development, UX/UI design, project management, and other IT aspects. Having a deep understanding of these terms will help you provide more accurate and professional answers to the questions asked.

• Role-playing and video recordings

Invite friends or colleagues to play the role of recruiters and prepare a list of typical interview questions. Take on the role of the candidate and answer the questions in English. This will help you practice speaking and receive feedback on your pronunciation, grammar, and overall communication skills.

It is also helpful to record these role-playing sessions on video so that you can review them later and identify any weaknesses that need improvement.

• Practice active listening

Listen to audio or video materials related to your future position in English. While listening, pay attention to the use of professional vocabulary, phrases, accents, and overall understanding of the context. Practice listening skills, try to imagine yourself in an interview, and practice understanding what is being said to you.

• Don't study grammar - use it

The biggest problem for anyone learning the English language is grammar. Usually, we study it rather than using the "grammar in use" approach.

However, if you are a bit rusty on "grammar in use" and need to address your mistakes, review the basic grammatical rules, especially those used in spoken English. Pay attention to the proper use of tenses, cause and effect, conditional sentences, and other grammatical aspects that may come up during an interview.

• Practice conversational speech

The best way to improve your English language skills is to practice conversational speech daily. Find people with whom you can converse in English, such as friends or colleagues, or join conversation clubs or online lessons where you can interact with native speakers. Alternatively, find a qualified teacher.

• Pre-interview ritual

Develop your personal pre-interview ritual that helps you relax and focus before the interview. This could involve performing specific breathing exercises, listening to music, or using positive affirmations.

• Plan potential questions and answers

Familiarize yourself with typical questions that may be asked during an IT interview and prepare answers for them. Use a structured approach to your answers, including important details about your experience, achievements, and skills.

Remember that an English language interview may include technical questions, so be prepared for them and find simple and understandable ways to explain complex concepts.

It is also recommended to create a template with useful phrases that can help describe your experience and talk a bit about your soft skills, as this topic is of great interest to recruiters, especially in the initial stages of the interview.

Phrases for Soft Skills in an English Interview

The key soft skills that may be sought after during an IT company interview are communication, collaboration, leadership, problem-solving, adaptability, and many others.

Here are 10 examples of useful phrases that can be used to highlight your soft skills during an interview, using IT English:

• "In my opinion, effective communication is vital in IT. I have sharpened my skills by collaborating with cross-functional teams and presenting complex concepts clearly and concisely."

• "I have a strong ability to work well in teams, understanding the importance of collaboration and actively contributing my expertise while also respecting and valuing the input of others."

• "As a leader, I prioritize empowering my team through guidance, support, and creating an environment that nurtures innovation and growth."

• "I have a proven track record of problem-solving, leveraging my analytical skills and attention to detail to identify and resolve complex technical issues efficiently."

• "I am highly organized and possess excellent time management skills, allowing me to effectively prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and deliver high-quality results."

• "I am a proactive learner, constantly seeking opportunities to expand my knowledge and skill set. I stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies to ensure I can contribute to the success of the company."

• "I value feedback and actively seek it out to continuously improve myself both personally and professionally. I believe in fostering a culture of constructive feedback within the team to drive growth and development."

• "I am skilled at managing conflicts and resolving issues in a diplomatic manner, ensuring that the team maintains a positive and productive work environment."

• "I possess a strong sense of accountability, taking ownership of my work and delivering results with integrity and professionalism. I understand the importance of reliability in the IT industry and strive to exceed expectations."

Remember that soft skills play a crucial role in an IT company interview. Prepare answers that demonstrate your strengths in these areas and provide examples that showcase your competence. Share your achievements and situations where you successfully utilized these skills in a work environment.

Our team is happy to assist you in interview preparation: reviewing grammar errors, improving vocabulary, proofreading and rewriting your CV, and conducting a mock interview with our CEO. The express course for interview preparation in IT is suitable for professionals at a Low Pre-Intermediate level.

Job interview course