English Job Interview: 10 Key Phrases You Need to Know (and Mistakes to Avoid)

A job interview is stressful on its own, but when you have to conduct it in English, the anxiety can skyrocket. Suddenly, your mind goes blank, and your brain starts defaults to translating Polish phrases word-for-word.

In the corporate world and recruitment, it is not just what you say, but how you say it. Recruiters pay close attention to diplomacy, confidence, and whether you fall into common translation traps (Polglish).

Here are the 10 key interview areas and phrases that will help you sound like a polished professional and secure that dream job offer.

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1. How to Answer: “Tell me about yourself” (The Present Perfect Trap)

This is the classic icebreaker. You want to explain how long you have been working in your industry.

• ❌ The Mistake: I am a developer since 5 years. or I work in marketing since 2020.
• 💡 Why it fails: Polish speakers often copy the present tense structure ("pracuję od..."). In English, however, to describe an action or state that started in the past and continues in the present, you must use a Perfect tense.
• How to say it correctly:
  • I have been working as a developer for 5 years.
  • I have been in marketing since 2020.

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2. Describing Achievements Instead of Just Duties

During the interview, recruiters want to hear about what you achieved, not just a passive list of tasks.

• ❌ The Mistake: My responsibilities were writing code and meeting clients.
• 💡 Why it fails: This structure sounds passive and routine-oriented. In English-speaking recruitment, using active verbs (action verbs) makes a much stronger impression.
• How to say it correctly:
  • I was responsible for developing scalable code and managing client relationships.
  • I successfully delivered 10+ projects and cooperated directly with clients.

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3. Discussing Your Strengths

You want to highlight what you are truly excellent at.

• ❌ The Mistake: I am very good in programming.
• 💡 Why it fails: The adjective good (as well as bad, excellent, or skilled) is paired with the preposition at, not in.
• How to say it correctly:
  • I am very good at programming.
  • My key strength is my ability to quickly adapt to new technologies.

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4. Being Diplomatic About Leaving Your Current Job

The recruiter asks: “Why do you want to leave your current company?”.

• ❌ The Mistake: My boss is bad and I want more money.
• 💡 Why it fails: Criticizing your current employer or focusing solely on money at this stage is a major red flag. It requires diplomatic business English.
• How to say it correctly:
  • I am looking for new challenges and opportunities for professional growth.
  • I feel I have reached a ceiling in my current role and want to leverage my skills in a dynamic environment.

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5. Talking About Salary Expectations

When the critical question about your wage requirements comes up.

• ❌ The Mistake: I want to earn 15 000 PLN.
• 💡 Why it fails: This sounds too demanding and inflexible. Professionals state a salary range and express openness to negotiations.
• How to say it correctly:
  • My salary expectations are in the range of 14,000 to 16,000 PLN gross.
  • I am looking for a salary around 15,000 PLN, but I am open to negotiation depending on the overall benefits package.

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6. Describing Teamwork

Collaborating with others is a key soft skill recruiters look for.

• ❌ The Mistake: I worked in a group of developers.
• 💡 Why it fails: The phrase work in a group sounds very academic or juvenile. In business, use professional terms like team player or cross-functional team.
• How to say it correctly:
  • I am a strong team player and I enjoy collaborating with cross-functional teams.
  • I worked closely with a team of 5 developers to deliver the solution.

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7. Discussing Your Weaknesses

The question “What is your greatest weakness?” causes anxiety for many candidates.

• ❌ The Mistake: I don't have any weaknesses. (sounds arrogant) or I am a perfectionist. (a worn-out cliché).
• 💡 Why it fails: Recruiters want to see self-awareness and how you actively work to overcome your developmental areas.
• How to say it correctly:
  • In the past, I struggled with public speaking, but I joined a local workshop to improve my confidence.
  • I sometimes find it hard to delegate tasks, but I am actively using project management tools to trust my team more.

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8. Explaining Gaps in Your CV

The recruiter notices a gap of several months in your employment history.

• ❌ The Mistake: I did nothing for 6 months.
• 💡 Why it fails: Too negative. Frame any gap as a deliberate choice for professional upskilling or personal growth.
• How to say it correctly:
  • I took a career break to focus on upskilling and completed several professional courses.
  • I took some time off to travel and gain a broader global perspective.

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9. Asking Questions at the End of the Interview

“Do you have any questions for us?” – this is a crucial opportunity to show interest.

• ❌ The Mistake: When will I get the feedback? (As your only or first question).
• 💡 Why it fails: Focuses entirely on yourself. Ask questions that show your interest in the team, culture, and business challenges.
• How to say it correctly:
  • What does a typical day look like in this role?
  • What are the biggest challenges the team is currently facing?

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10. Thanking the Recruiter at the End

You want to leave a great, lasting impression.

• ❌ The Mistake: Thank you for the meeting.
• 💡 Why it fails: While grammatically correct, it sounds overly formal, cold, and a bit dry. Natural English speakers prefer warmer phrases appreciating the time spent.
• How to say it correctly:
  • Thank you for your time today. It was a pleasure talking to you.
  • I really enjoyed our conversation and I look forward to hearing from you.

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Szybka ściągawka rekrutacyjna (Quick Cheat Sheet)

What you want to say	Avoid (Polglish / Weak phrasing)	Use (Professional English)
Pracuję tu od 5 lat	I work here since 5 years.	I have been working here for 5 years.
Jestem dobry w...	I am good in...	I am good at...
Chcę zarabiać X	I want to earn X.	My salary expectations are in the range of X.
Szukam nowych wyzwań	I want to change boss.	I am looking for new challenges.
Dziękuję za rozmowę	Thank you for the meeting.	Thank you for your time today.

Prepare 1:1 with an Expert

Remember, even the best phrases won't help if you don't practice them aloud. In my Executive English Coaching sessions, we conduct mock job interviews tailored directly to your industry (IT, Finance, Management).

I help you manage stress, prepare tailored answers to difficult questions, and negotiate your salary confidently in English.

Book a free consultation (15 min) and land your dream job without any language barriers!