ESL/Dialogue practice: job interview

Retail Sales Position Interview - Beginner English

Interviewer: Welcome. Call me Michael. Thank you for coming in today.

Interviewee: Hello, Michael. I am very glad to meet you. My name is ________.

Interviewer: This is a sales position. Tell me why you are interested in this job.

Interviewee: I like working with people.

Interviewer: Do you have any sales experience?

Interviewee: I do. I worked for my uncle in his grocery store.

Interviewer: What did you like about working there?

Interviewee: I liked helping customers.

Interviewer: How long did you work there?

Interviewee: I worked there three years.

Interviewer: Why do you want this job?

Interviewee: I want to work for an established company. And I like your brand very much.

Interviewer: Well, thank you. We offer excellent career opportunities, as well as benefits.

Interviewee: That is exactly what I am looking for.

Interviewer: Tell me, what would you do if you had an angry customer?

Interviewee: I would let them know that I care about them and want to help.

• note: modern English can use the pronoun "them" to refer to a single person, either male or female

Interviewer: And if you were unable to help?

Interviewee: I would ask them to wait a moment while I find the supervisor.

Interviewer: Very good. Where do you expect to be in five years?

Interviewee: I want to advance in this position at this company.

Interviewer: Well, we offer excellent career advancement opportunities. Do you have any questions for me?

Interviewee: Yes, what are the hours for this position?

Interviewer: We need flexible hours. This job requires a strong commitment.

Interviewee: I am very flexible. I want to help out any way I can.

Interviewer: Well, thank you for your interest in this position. We will be in touch soon.

Interviewee: Thank you for your time, Michael. It is very nice to meet you.

Retail Sales Position Interview - Advanced English

Interviewer: Welcome. I am Michael. Thank you for coming in today.

Interviewee: Hello, Michael. I am very glad to meet you. My name is ________.

Interviewer: We are looking at a very important position for our business. So why are you interested in this position as a Sales Representative?

Interviewee: I really enjoy working with people. And I believe in your product and your company. It would be an honor to represent you to your customers.

Interviewer: Indeed, we are a people-based organization. We aim to please our customers. Do you have any experience in sales? Interviewee: I do! When I was younger during school, I helped my uncle at his grocery store. It was a very friendly store. I liked helping the customers.

Interviewer: Why did you stop working there? Interviewee: Well, now I am looking for a career at an established company. I believe this is the direction and place for me. And I like your brand very much.

Interviewer: Well, thank you. We offer excellent career opportunities, as well as benefits. Interviewee: Fantastic. That is exactly what I am looking for.

Interviewer: Tell me, what would you do if you were to encounter an angry customer? Interviewee: I would let them know that I care about their concerns, and without interrupting them, I would let them explain their concerns.

• note: modern English can use the pronoun "them" to refer to a single person, either male or female

Interviewer: And if you were unable to help? Interviewee: I would ask them to please wait a moment while I find the supervisor.

Interviewer: Very good. Where do you expect to be in five years? Interviewee: I am interested in a career here, so I want succeed in this position. I believe that a career follows hard work.

Interviewer: Very good. We offer excellent career advancement opportunities. Do you have any questions for me? Interviewee: Yes, could you tell me about the schedule for this position.

Interviewer: We need flexibility and commitment. Do you have any trouble with a flexible schedule? Interviewee: Not at all! I am very flexible, and I want to help out any way I can. I am very committed to this career.

Interviewer: Well, thank you for your interest in this position. We will be in touch soon. Interviewee: Thank you for your time. It is very nice to meet you. I look forward to hearing from you.