Business English: Employment Vocabulary & Job Interview Questions

★★★★★ Business English

Business English: Employment Vocabulary & Job Interview Questions

Improve your Business English with essential employment vocabulary, office terminology, and common job interview questions. Learn key workplace expressions, describe your skills and qualifications confidently, and prepare for interviews with practical examples and real-world Business English vocabulary.

Level: Intermediate ⏱ Time: 5 - 10 minutes Categories: Business English, Real-Life English, Vocabulary

🎯 What you'll learn

1
Build essential employment and workplace vocabulary, including terms such as vacant position, career prospects, desk job, work experience, employment agency, and human resources
2
Describe people in the workplace using vocabulary such as competent, ambitious, reliable, and resourceful, and learn how these qualities relate to different careers
3
Understand and answer common job interview questions about work experience, qualifications, references, salary expectations, availability, personal strengths, and career goals
4
Talk confidently about your education, skills, software knowledge, volunteer work, and previous experience using natural business English
5
Identify the qualifications and personal qualities required for different jobs, and match candidates with the most suitable employment opportunities
6
Expand your business vocabulary by learning terms related to careers, office work, training, career development, and employment opportunities
7
Develop the confidence to discuss career preferences, workplace responsibilities, and future employment plans in realistic situations
8
Apply your knowledge by choosing appropriate vocabulary, answering interview questions, and selecting the best candidate for a variety of workplace positions

🧠 Practice Exercises

Think of your answer first, then click to reveal!

What is the correct term for a job opening? A. Desk job B. Vacant position C. Work experience
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✅ Answer:

✅ B. Vacant position

A vacant position is a job that is available for someone to apply for.

Which expression describes a job that can lead to future opportunities?
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✅ Answer:

✅ Career prospects

Career prospects are the opportunities you have to grow and advance in your career.

What kind of job do you usually do in an office while sitting at a desk?
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✅ Answer:

✅ A desk job

A desk job is an office job where you spend most of your time working at a desk.

Which personal quality describes someone who can do their job well?
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✅ Answer:

✅ Competent

A competent employee has the skills and ability to perform the job successfully.

Where do many people go when they are looking for a new job?
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✅ Answer:

✅ An employment agency

An employment agency helps connect job seekers with employers.

What interview question asks about your education and skills?
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✅ Answer:

✅ Can you tell me something about your qualifications?

This question gives you the opportunity to describe your education, training, and skills.

If an interviewer asks, "When would you be able to commence work?", what are they asking?
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✅ Answer:

✅ When you can start the job

Commence work means begin working.

Which interview question asks about your personality?
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✅ Answer:

✅ How would you describe your character?

This question is used to learn about your personal qualities, such as being reliable or ambitious.

Why is work experience important when applying for a job?
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✅ Answer:

✅ It shows employers that you have practical experience.

Previous work experience helps employers understand what skills and responsibilities you have already developed.

When matching a person to a job, what should you compare?
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✅ Answer:

✅ The person's skills, qualifications, experience, and career goals with the job requirements.

Choosing the right candidate means finding the best match between the applicant and the position.

Which department manages the people who work for a company?
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✅ Answer:

✅ Human Resources (HR)

The Human Resources department is responsible for employees and workplace matters.

What is the purpose of an interview?
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✅ Answer:

✅ To determine whether a candidate is suitable for a job.

During an interview, employers evaluate a candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, and personal qualities.

💳 Key Words

Learn the Difference 🎯

Employment VocabularyPersonal QualitiesJob InterviewsSkills & QualificationsChoosing the Right JobOffice VocabularyReview

Essential Employment Vocabulary

Learn common words used when talking about jobs, careers, and the workplace.

Examples:

  • A company has a vacant position.
  • This job has excellent career prospects.
  • She has a desk job.
  • Employers often ask about your work experience.

Key Vocabulary:

vacant position • career prospects • desk job • work experience • qualification • employment agency • volunteer work

Describing Employees

Companies look for employees with positive personal qualities.

Examples:

  • A competent employee does the job well.
  • An ambitious person wants to succeed.
  • A reliable employee can be trusted.
  • A resourceful person finds solutions to problems.

Remember:

These adjectives are commonly used during interviews and when describing employees.

Common Interview Questions

Employers often ask questions about your experience, qualifications, and career goals.

Common Questions:

  • What work experience do you have?
  • Can you tell me about your qualifications?
  • What kind of job are you looking for?
  • How would you describe your character?
  • When would you be able to commence work?
  • What salary are you expecting?

Tip:

Answer clearly and support your answers with examples from your education, volunteer work, or previous jobs.

Talking About Your Skills

When applying for a job, describe the skills and qualifications that make you a good candidate.

Examples:

  • I have secretarial training.
  • I can use common software packages.
  • I have bookkeeping experience.
  • I have volunteer work experience.

Remember:

Employers value both qualifications and practical experience.

Finding the Best Match

Different jobs require different qualifications, personalities, and career goals.

Examples:

  • A graduate may become a trainee manager.
  • A school leaver may start in an office job.
  • A retired army sergeant may become a caretaker.
  • A medical student may volunteer abroad.

Tip:

Always compare a person's skills, experience, and interests with the job requirements.

Business English Vocabulary

Many jobs require knowledge of common office and business terms.

Examples:

  • Human Resources
  • Accounts
  • Software
  • Qualifications
  • Employment Agency
  • Volunteer Work

Remember:

These words frequently appear in job advertisements, interviews, and business conversations.

Exercise 1 Review

  • Learn important employment vocabulary.
  • Describe personal qualities employers want.
  • Answer common interview questions confidently.
  • Talk about your education, skills, and experience.
  • Match candidates with suitable jobs.
  • Understand common business and office vocabulary.

Mastering this vocabulary will help you communicate more confidently during job searches, interviews, and workplace conversations.

Topic Key Vocabulary Example
Job Openings 💼 Vacant position The company advertised a vacant position.
Career Growth 📈 Career prospects This job offers excellent career prospects.
Office Jobs 🖥️ Desk job She enjoys her desk job.
Experience 📄 Work experience Employers often ask about your work experience.
Employee Qualities ⭐ Competent • Ambitious • Reliable A reliable employee always completes assigned tasks.
Finding Employment 🏢 Employment agency She visited an employment agency to look for work.
Unpaid Experience 🤝 Volunteer work He gained valuable experience through volunteer work.
Qualifications 🎓 Qualification Employers may ask about your qualifications.
Interview Questions 💬 Work experience • References • Salary • Availability "When would you be able to commence work?"
Office Skills 💻 Software • Bookkeeping • Accounts She can use spreadsheet software and help with the accounts.
Choosing the Right Candidate ✔️ Skills • Experience • Career Goals The best candidate matches the job requirements.
Business Vocabulary 🏬 Human Resources • Accounts • Software Many office jobs require knowledge of Human Resources and Accounts.

Podcast: Work versus Job.

Complete the pre-listening exercise first. Then, listen to the podcast while following along with the script.

Pre-listening Exercise
▼ Reveal

Podcast: Jackie's Job Interview
▼ Reveal
Narrator: Welcome to 5-Minute English. In today's lesson we're going to listen to Jackie's job ininterview.

Interviewer: So what work experience do you have?

Jackie: Well, I don’t have much because I have just left school, but I used to work in a record store during my school holidays. Oh yes, and I did some volunteer work for a charity, helping out in the office.

Interviewer: Would they be able to supply us with references?

Jackie: Oh yes, I'm sure that they would be happy to. I enjoyed working at both places, and I'm sure that they did not have any complaints about me.

Interviewer: Can you tell me something about your qualifications?

Jackie: Well, I've done quite well in my exams, but I don’t want to go on to university. I did some secretarial training in the sixth form, and I can use most common software packages, including spreadsheets, and I can touch type. Oh yes, and I used to help doing the accounts at the charity, so I know a bit of book-keeping.

Interviewer: What kind of job are you looking for?

Jackie: I don’t know. I was hoping you could tell me what I'm most suitable for. I guess something in an office. I’m not expecting to start at the top, but I'd like to have a career in something like human resources eventually. But it has to be something local, because my mum is ill, and I want to be able to see her in the evenings.

Interviewer: How would you describe your character?

Jackie: Well, your own opinion is never right, is it? But I think I am friendly and helpful. I’m sociable, I have lots of friends, and I am reliable. You know, if I say I’ll do something, then I’ll do it.

Interviewer: What level of salary were you thinking of?

Jackie: Since it’s my first job, I’m not expecting too much. I mean, I need the experience, don’t I? What I need is enough to cover my expenses, but what is more important for me is that I get some skills, and that there's a chance for me to develop my career. I don’t want to end up in a dead-end job – I want my life to be going somewhere.

Interviewer: When would you be able to commence work?

Jackie: Immediately. I don't have any plans. I’ve put this month aside for getting myself a job. I have to tell you that I have another interview this afternoon, but I'd really prefer to work here, because it seems friendlier, and its better for the busses.

Interviewer: Can we contact you at home?

Jackie: Yes sure, at any time. My number is on my resume, and if I am not in, my mum will probably be. If she has gone to the hospital, then you can leave message on the voicemail. Oh yes, you can also get me on my cell. I always carry that on me. I’ll look forward to hearing from you.

Narrator: If you enjoyed this free 5-Minute English lesson, why not try a free trial group class or a free trial private class? Contact Joe on WhatsApp at 81-81-13-53-67 for more information. That’s81-81-13-53-67.

Check your understanding
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Job Interview Listening Comprehension
Quiz
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Flashcards

Click the flashcard to reveal the answer. Use the buttons to move forwards or backwards.

Business Studies - The Office: Exercise 1 Flashcards
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🎓✨ Check your Understanding

Think of your answer first, then click to reveal!

Complete the sentence: "The company has a _____ for an office assistant."
▼ Reveal

✅ Answer:

vacant position

A vacant position is a job opening that someone can apply for.

Complete the sentence: "This company offers excellent _____ for young employees."
▼ Reveal

✅ Answer:

career prospects

Career prospects are the opportunities you have to develop and advance in your career.

Complete the sentence: "Sarah has a _____, so she spends most of the day working at a computer."
▼ Reveal

✅ Answer:

desk job

A desk job is an office job where you mainly work while sitting at a desk.

Complete the sentence: "Most employers ask about your _____ before offering you a job."
▼ Reveal

✅ Answer:

work experience

Work experience helps employers understand the skills you have developed.

Complete the sentence: "An _____ can help you find a suitable job."
▼ Reveal

✅ Answer:

employment agency

An employment agency helps job seekers find employment.

Complete the sentence: "Jackie completed some _____ in the sixth form before applying for jobs."
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✅ Answer:

secretarial training

Jackie mentions that she completed secretarial training before applying for her first job.

Complete the sentence: "What _____ are you expecting?"
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✅ Answer:

salary

Interviewers often ask candidates about their expected salary.

Complete the sentence: "When would you be able to _____ work?"
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✅ Answer:

commence

Commence work means to begin or start working.

Complete the sentence: "Jackie would eventually like a career in _____."
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✅ Answer:

human resources

Jackie says she hopes to have a career in human resources.

Complete the sentence: "Jackie described herself as friendly, sociable, and _____."
▼ Reveal

✅ Answer:

reliable

Jackie says she is reliable because she always does what she promises.

Summary

1
Learned essential employment vocabulary, including vacant position, career prospects, desk job, work experience, and employment agency.
2
Expanded vocabulary by learning common workplace terms such as qualifications, software, volunteer work, accounts, and human resources.
3
Practiced describing personal qualities using words such as competent, ambitious, reliable, and resourceful.
4
Reviewed common job interview questions about work experience, qualifications, references, salary expectations, availability, and career goals.
5
Learned how to talk confidently about education, skills, training, work experience, and career objectives during a job interview.
6
Practiced identifying the qualifications, experience, and personal qualities needed for different jobs and matching candidates with suitable positions.
7
Built confidence using practical Business English vocabulary related to employment, interviews, careers, and the modern workplace.

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Business English: Employment Vocabulary & Job Interview Questions © 2026 by Joe Ehman is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International.