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Word list · Teens & Adults

Job Interview Vocabulary in English

From the CV to the job offer: the words of applying and interviewing.

Age
Ages 13+
Level
B1–B2
Skill
Vocabulary
Format
Interactive
More in the library
  • Work & business
  • 24 words

Practise

Three ways to learn the list. Nothing is saved: start again whenever you like.

Front of the card:

0 of 24 learned

CV (résumé)

noun

The list

Tap the speaker to hear each word.

  1. CV (résumé)

    noun · B1

    a short document that lists your education, skills and work experience

    Make sure your CV is no longer than two pages.

  2. cover letter

    noun · B1

    a letter you send with your CV to explain why you want the job

    In your cover letter, explain why you want this particular job.

  3. apply for

    verb · B1

    to formally ask for a job, usually by sending a form or a CV

    I've applied for three jobs this week.

  4. candidate

    noun · B1

    a person who is trying to get a job

    We interviewed six candidates for the position.

  5. vacancy

    noun · B1

    a job that is available for someone to do

    There's a vacancy for a receptionist at the hotel.

  6. qualifications

    noun · B1

    the exams you have passed or the courses you have completed

    What qualifications do you need to become a nurse?

  7. experience

    noun · B1

    the knowledge and skill you get from doing a job for some time

    I have five years' experience in customer service.

  8. strengths

    noun · B1

    the good qualities or skills that a person has

    One of my main strengths is staying calm under pressure.

  9. weakness

    noun · B1

    a part of your character or skills that is not as good as it could be

    My biggest weakness is that I find it hard to say no to extra work.

  10. reliable

    adjective · B1

    able to be trusted to do what is expected

    You can count on me. I'm reliable and I always keep my promises.

  11. team player

    noun · B2

    a person who works well with other people in a group

    We're looking for a team player who enjoys sharing ideas.

  12. hard-working

    adjective · B1

    putting a lot of effort into your work

    She's very hard-working: she's often the first in the office and the last to leave.

  13. shortlist

    verb · B2

    to choose a small number of the best candidates for the final stage

    Congratulations, you've been shortlisted for a second interview.

  14. reference

    noun · B2

    a letter or statement from a previous employer or teacher about your character and work

    My old boss agreed to give me a reference.

  15. salary expectations

    noun · B2

    how much money you hope to be paid in a new job

    What are your salary expectations for this role?

  16. notice period

    noun · B2

    the time you must keep working after you tell your employer you are leaving

    My notice period is one month, so I could start in June.

  17. full-time

    adjective · B1

    working the whole of a normal working week

    Is this a full-time or a part-time position?

  18. promotion

    noun · B1

    a move to a more important job in the same organisation

    After two years, she got a promotion to team leader.

  19. responsible for

    phrase · B1

    having the job of looking after something or making sure it happens

    In my current job, I'm responsible for training new staff.

  20. achievement

    noun · B1

    something good that you have done through effort and skill

    My biggest achievement was cutting customer complaints by half.

  21. hire

    verb · B1

    to give someone a job

    The company is hiring twenty new people this year.

  22. motivated

    adjective · B1

    wanting very much to do something and work hard at it

    I'm very motivated to learn new skills, so this training programme is perfect for me.

  23. background

    noun · B2

    your education, experience and the kind of life you have had

    She has a background in engineering and design.

  24. job offer

    noun · B1

    when a company formally offers you a job

    I accepted the job offer the day after the interview.

Use it: speaking task

For pairs or small groups, about ten minutes.

Mock interview. Student A is the interviewer and asks the questions below; Student B answers in full sentences using words from the list. Then swap roles and choose a different job.

  1. Can you tell me a little about your background?
  2. What would you say are your main strengths, and what is one weakness?
  3. What is your biggest achievement so far?
  4. In your last job or course, what were you responsible for?
  5. What are your salary expectations, and how long is your notice period?

Printable worksheet

One page of matching and gap-fill, the speaking task, and an answer key on a separate page.