You’ve landed an interview — in English. Whether it’s with a multinational in Paris, a startup in London, or a remote role with a US company, the prospect of interviewing in your second language adds a layer of stress. But with the right preparation, you can feel confident and professional.
This guide covers everything you need: the structure of an English interview, the most common questions, how to answer them, and cultural differences French speakers should know about.
How English Interviews Are Different from French Ones
Before we get to the language, let’s talk about what English-speaking interviewers expect:
More informal, faster paced. English interviews — especially in the US and UK — tend to be more conversational than French ones. Don’t expect long silences or overly formal exchanges. Interviewers often use first names immediately.
“Tell me about yourself” is the real start. In France, the interviewer typically walks you through your CV. In English-speaking companies, YOU lead the narrative. They want to hear your story in 90 seconds.
Results and numbers matter more than diplomas. While a French recruiter might ask about your grande école, an English-speaking interviewer wants to know what you achieved. Always quantify when possible.
Cultural fit is huge. Many English-speaking companies explicitly evaluate whether you’ll mesh with the team. Being personable, showing enthusiasm, and asking good questions all count.
The 10 Most Common Interview Questions (With Answer Frameworks)
1. “Tell me about yourself.”
This is NOT a request for your life story. Give a 60-90 second pitch covering:
– Your current role (1 sentence)
– Your relevant experience (2-3 sentences)
– Why you’re interested in this role (1 sentence)
Example: “I’m currently a project manager at Renault, where I lead a team of eight on digital transformation initiatives. Over the past three years, I’ve delivered four major projects on time and under budget, including migrating our supply chain platform. I’m excited about this role because it combines my project management experience with my interest in sustainability.”
2. “What are your strengths?”
Pick 2-3 strengths that are relevant to the job. Give a brief example for each.
Strong phrases: “One of my key strengths is…” / “I’m particularly good at…” / “People often tell me that…”
3. “What is your biggest weakness?”
Be honest but strategic. Name a real weakness, then explain what you’re doing about it.
Good answer: “I tend to be a perfectionist, which sometimes means I spend too long on details. I’ve been working on this by setting stricter deadlines for myself and focusing on ‘good enough’ for first drafts.”
Never say: “I work too hard” (cliché) or “I have no weaknesses” (not credible).
4. “Why are you interested in this company?”
Research the company before the interview. Mention specific things: a recent project, their mission, their culture, a product you admire.
5. “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
Show ambition but align it with the company’s trajectory.
6. “Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult situation.”
Use the STAR method:
– Situation: Set the scene (1-2 sentences)
– Task: What was your responsibility?
– Action: What did you do? (This is the longest part)
– Result: What was the outcome? Use numbers if possible.
7. “Why are you leaving your current role?”
Always stay positive. Never criticize your current employer.
Good: “I’m looking for new challenges and opportunities to grow.”
Bad: “My boss is terrible and the company is a mess.”
8. “What are your salary expectations?”
Research market rates beforehand. Give a range, not a single number.
Useful phrase: “Based on my research and experience, I’d expect something in the range of €X to €Y, but I’m open to discussing this based on the full compensation package.”
9. “Do you have any questions for us?”
Always say yes. Prepare 2-3 questions:
– “What does a typical day look like in this role?”
– “What are the biggest challenges the team is facing right now?”
– “How do you measure success in this position?”
10. “Why should we hire you?”
Summarize your three strongest selling points in 30 seconds. Connect them directly to what the role needs.
Key Phrases for Every Stage
Starting the interview:
– “Thank you for having me today.”
– “It’s great to meet you.”
– “I really appreciate the opportunity.”
Buying yourself thinking time:
– “That’s a great question. Let me think about that for a moment.”
– “If I understand correctly, you’re asking about…”
Expressing enthusiasm:
– “I’m really excited about this opportunity because…”
– “What attracted me to this role is…”
Wrapping up:
– “Thank you for your time today. I really enjoyed our conversation.”
– “Is there anything else I can clarify?”
– “When can I expect to hear back?”
French Speaker Traps to Avoid
- Don’t translate “formation” as “formation” → Use “training” or “education.”
- Don’t say “I made my studies” → “I studied at…” or “I graduated from…”
- “Stage” ≠ “stage” → Use “internship” (work) or “training course” (professional development).
- “Société” ≠ “society” → Use “company” or “firm.”
- Don’t over-apologize for your English. One brief mention is fine: “Please bear with me — English isn’t my first language.” Then move on and be confident.
Practice Your Interview With LEFO
Our Job Interview Essentials course includes mock interviews with real-time feedback from both your teacher and our AI assistant. You’ll practice your answers until they sound natural and confident.