Interviews are always stressful, but they can be incredibly stressful when you are expected to speak in your non-native language. Before your next job interview, make sure that you master the English tenses used in interviews.
English Tenses Used in Interviews
The Simple Present
Use the Simple Present to talk about general truths or states.
- I am from Germany.
- I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Communications.
- I study at Converse International School of Languages.
The Simple Past
Use the Simple Past to talk about things you did or completed in your home country.
- I went to school in Berlin.
- I completed my studies last year.
- I was an intern for a large bank in my hometown.
- I wrote my final research paper on currency exchanges and world market trade.
The Present Progressive
Use the Present Progressive to talk about your current stateĀ here in California. This is not linked to a time that this state began (see below).
- I am currently studying at CISL.
- I am living in Little Italy with a lovely roommate.
The Present Perfect/Progressive
Use the Present Perfect or Present Perfect Progressive to talk about things you are doing now that started in the past.
- I have been studying here in San Diego for five months.
- I‘ve interviewed with two companies so far.
- I’ve been having a wonderful time here in California.
- I’ve had the chance to see many parts of the state since I arrived.
With CISL’sĀ Career English Program,Ā students first improve their English in the CISL classroom and then spend time with an American company, where they continue improving their English in the professional environment. Is one of your goals to use English to further your career? Check out what a graduate has to say aboutĀ CISL’s Career English program.
CISL Career English Program from Converse International School on Vimeo.
Do you need more practice before your interview? Check out some of our other articles!