Speaker A
Hold tight please!
Learn how to prepare for a job interview with practical tips on confidence, selling yourself, and giving strong examples from BBC Learning English.
Ask about this video. Answers come from its transcript only — with the timestamp, so you can check them.
Generated from the transcript and can be wrong — check the timestamp.
Key Takeaways
- Be confident and positive without sounding arrogant.
- Always support your answers with concrete examples.
- Highlight important qualities like punctuality and organization.
- Show enthusiasm and pride in your achievements.
- Prepare for common interview questions and practice your responses.
What the video covers
- Anna prepares for a sales executive interview at Tip Top Trading in London.
- The importance of selling yourself confidently without being arrogant is emphasized.
- Using specific examples to demonstrate skills and achievements is key.
- Timekeeping and punctuality are highlighted as valued traits by employers.
- Anna practices responding to common interview questions about experience and teamwork.
- Demonstrating enthusiasm and pride in your accomplishments helps make a positive impression.
- Organizational skills and budgeting experience are presented as valuable assets.
- The video models a realistic interview scenario with interruptions and small talk.
- Viewers are encouraged to reflect on how they would answer challenging questions.
- The video concludes with a recap of useful phrases to use in interviews.
Full Transcript — Download SRT & Markdown
Speaker B
This is Anna, on a bus going to an interview for a job as a sales executive at Tip Top Trading - one of London's fastest growing companies. How are you feeling Anna?
Speaker C
Oh, a little nervous but I really want this job.
Speaker B
Well don't worry Anna, as long as you say the right things, you'll be fine.
Speaker C
The right things!? Like what?
Speaker B
You need to sell yourself, be confident, not arrogant and give examples.
Speaker B
Like: A good example that comes to mind. I'm particularly proud of. Timekeeping is important to me.
Speaker C
Oh right. Thanks. Perhaps you can come with me?
Speaker B
Sorry Anna, you're on your own now - but we'll be listening in.
Speaker B
Look! You've just arrived.
Speaker B
Good luck!
Speaker D
Come in. Hello, I'm Paul, the Manager of Tip Top Trading. And you must be...?
Speaker C
It's Anna.
Speaker D
Yes, very good. Thanks for coming. Now somewhere in this pile, I've got your CV. Oh yes, thanks Hannah. Your qualifications look impressive but I was wondering what sales experience can you bring to our company?
Speaker C
I worked in a shop once.
Speaker B
Ohhh Anna! Sell yourself. Give a good example!
Speaker C
Oh right... mmm... well a good example that comes to mind is when I was involved with a campaign to promote and sell a new range of clothes.
Speaker C
I loved doing it and it was...
Speaker E
Oh sorry, excuse me, here's your tea Paul.
Speaker D
Oh, uh, uh, thanks Denise.
Speaker D
Now Anna, it looks like you've achieved a lot during your time at university. Could you give me an example of good team working during your time there?
Speaker E
Sorry, I forgot the sugar.
Speaker D
Thank you Denise.
Speaker C
Hmm, so you want an example? I was the treasurer of the debating society at university. That was OK I suppose.
Speaker B
Come on Anna. Be more enthusiastic - the debating society is exciting!
Speaker C
I mean... I'm particularly proud of how I organised the finances for the debating society. We had a very small budget and I had to make decisions on what to buy.
Speaker B
I like it! "I'm particularly proud of" - Positive but not boasting. You're doing well.
Speaker D
Very impressive - so you're a good planner Anna! We like organised people here... ooops, silly me. I seemed to have spilt tea over your CV.
Speaker C
Oh, do you need some help?
Speaker D
Oh no... I'm sure it'll dry out... carry on please...
Speaker C
Also... timekeeping is important to me.
Speaker B
Timekeeping is important to me. That's good!
Speaker C
I always try to complete my work on time. At university I never handed my assignments in late.
Speaker D
That's good to hear. We like punctuality here...
Speaker E
Excuse me Paul. Sorry it's a bit late - but I thought you might like a biscuit with your tea.
Speaker D
Hmm thanks... oh lovely, custard creams... mmm. Now Hannah, finally I wanted to ask you what exactly made you apply for this job at this company?
Speaker C
Errrr... ooo... well. The reason I applied is....
Speaker B
Yes, yes, yes Anna? Do you need a bit more time to think?
Speaker C
Errr... mmm...
Speaker B
What's she going to say? How would you answer that? Join us next time to find out. Before we go, here's a reminder of some of the great lines Anna's used today.
Speaker C
A good example that comes to mind... I'm particularly proud of... Timekeeping is important to me.
Speaker B
Until next time, bye bye!
Topics:job interviewinterview preparationsales executiveconfidenceselling yourselfteamworktimekeepingBBC Learning Englishcareer tipsinterview skills
