Chapter 1
Chapter 1: Interviews
Master interviews in international English
Introduction
Welcome to this chapter on interviews in the Human Resources sector. By the end of this chapter, you will be able to handle a interview confidently in English, using the right vocabulary, the right level of formality, and the right structure.
Many professionals in Human Resources already master the technical side of interviews, but feel uncertain when they have to switch into English. This chapter focuses on the bridge between what you already know and the words you need to express it clearly to an international audience.
We will make you all International !
We will move step by step: first the core vocabulary, then a realistic scenario, then the language patterns that hold it all together, and finally a short practice activity. Take your time, read the dialogue aloud, and try to reproduce the patterns in your own words.
Key vocabulary
Before the scenario, study these eight essential terms. Read each definition aloud, then write one sentence per term using a real situation from your own work in Human Resources.
**onboarding** — integrating a new hire into the company.
**attrition** — loss of employees over time.
**appraisal** — a formal performance review.
**benefits** — non-salary compensation.
**grievance** — a formal complaint.
**headcount** — total number of employees.
**PIP** — performance improvement plan.
**succession** — planning for future leadership.
Scenario in context
It is Monday morning. You are sitting in a meeting room with two international colleagues. The agenda mentions interviews, and your manager has asked you to lead the discussion. You take a breath and begin.
"Thank you all for joining. Today I would like us to focus on interviews, because it directly affects how we serve our clients in Human Resources. I will start with a short summary, then I would like to hear your views before we agree on next steps."
We will make you all International !