English for Specific Purposes (ESP)
Year 2 – College of Education, University of Rwanda
Topic: Job Interview
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
Understand the purpose and importance of job interviews.
Identify common job interview questions and appropriate responses.
Demonstrate effective verbal and non-verbal communication during an interview.
Practice a job interview scenario relevant to their field of study.
1. Introduction to Job Interviews
A job interview is a formal conversation between an employer and a job applicant. It allows the
employer to assess the candidate’s qualifications, skills, and suitability for the job.
Types of Job Interviews:
Face-to-Face Interview: The most common, where the employer and applicant meet in
person.
Panel Interview: Conducted by multiple interviewers.
Phone Interview: A preliminary interview done over the phone.
Online Interview: Conducted via video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Google
Meet, or Microsoft Teams.
2. Common Job Interview Questions and Suggested Responses
a) Tell me about yourself.
Start with a brief introduction (name, background, education).
Highlight relevant skills and experience.
Conclude with why you are a good fit for the job.
Example Answer: "My name is John Mugenzi, and I have a degree in Education from the
University of Rwanda. I have two years of teaching experience and a strong passion for
innovative teaching strategies. I am eager to bring my skills to your institution to enhance student
learning outcomes."
b) Why do you want to work for this company/institution?
Show knowledge of the company.
Relate your career goals to the company’s mission.
Example Answer: "I am drawn to this institution because of its commitment to student-centered
learning. My teaching philosophy aligns with your focus on innovation in education."
c) What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Choose strengths relevant to the job.
Mention a weakness and how you are working to improve it.
Example Answer: "One of my strengths is my ability to engage students in active learning. A
weakness I am working on is my public speaking skills, and I have been attending workshops to
improve in that area."
d) Where do you see yourself in five years?
Show career progression.
Indicate your willingness to grow within the organization.
Example Answer: "In five years, I see myself as a senior educator, contributing to curriculum
development and mentoring new teachers."
e) Do you have any questions for us?
Always have a question to show interest.
Example Questions:
"What are the opportunities for professional development?"
"How does the institution support new teachers in their first year?"
3. Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication in Interviews
Verbal: Clear pronunciation, confidence, structured responses.
Non-Verbal: Eye contact, positive body language, appropriate facial expressions.
4. Activities
Activity 1: Identifying Strong and Weak Responses (10 Marks)
Read the following responses and identify if they are strong or weak. Justify your answer.
Example Question: "Tell me about yourself."
Response 1: "I like teaching. It is my passion. I want to work." Response 2: "I have a
Bachelor’s degree in Education. I have been tutoring students for two years and developed strong
lesson planning skills. I am eager to apply my knowledge in a professional setting."
Marking Scheme:
Identifies the strong response (2 marks)
Identifies the weak response (2 marks)
Justifies the answer with clear reasons (6 marks)
Activity 2: Mock Interview Role Play (20 Marks)
In pairs, one student will act as the interviewer and the other as the interviewee. The interviewee
must answer five common job interview questions.
Marking Scheme:
Content relevance (5 marks)
Fluency and clarity (5 marks)
Confidence and engagement (5 marks)
Non-verbal communication (5 marks)
Activity 3: Writing a Follow-Up Email (10 Marks)
Write a short email thanking the interviewer and expressing interest in the job.
