Vocabulary
If you describe yourself as "good at multi-tasking", what do you mean?
You’re not easy to give into despair when things are getting hectic and you have to juggle a lot of responsibilities at the same time.
Once you've found a job description you're interested in, what's the first step in the application process?
Begin by thoroughly researching the company you're applying to.
Identify the key adjectives and skills sought after. How do they describe themselves so you can TAILOR your cv and interview answers?
I'm a fourth year engineer student at Grenoble Institute of Technology specialising in ...
(Identify and correct the mistake ... which you will NEVER make)
I'm a fourth year engineerING student at Grenoble Institute of Technology specialising in ...
Name at least four "soft skills" which you have developed and could be highlighted on your cv or in a job interview.
Tell me about a time you had to handle
criticism or stress ...
Maximum points awarded for answering succintly using the below STAR method within 2 minutes:
* Situation - What was the situation faced?
* Task - What tasks were involved in that situation?
* Action - What actions did you take?
* Results - What were the results of those actions?
What does having a proven track record mean?
It means you’ve been working in the sector and you have an official employment history and related references.
eg. I have a proven track record IN teamwork as I have succesfully collaborated in (major) projects at Phelma
Name at least three non-verbal means of communication which you should pay attention to during an interview.
- maintain eye contact (without eyeballing your interviewers!)
- avoiding distracting hand gestures
- sit with an upright, poised posture
- dress professionally and groom yourself neatly
- be engaged and attentive to your interviewers
- smile and nod (at appropriate times) while the interviewers are talking, but don’t overdo it
How would you translate "Classes préparatoires" into common English?
University-level education in mathematics/physics chemistry/ ...
OR Intensive undergraduate courses for entry to (top) engineering institutes
NOT "prepatory classes"(!)
Tell us about yourself.
(Maximum 2 minutes)
Remember that the interviewers have read your cv and know about your qualifications. Try to incorporate (truthful) adjectives and skills which are sought after by the recruiter.
The interviewer wants to know how well suited you are to the job and how you can benefit the company. By analysing the job description and carrying out detailed company research in advance, you will have a clear idea of the ideal candidate. Focus on your skills, qualifications, and accomplishments that relate to the advertised position.
Give an example of a time when you used analytical skills to solve a problem.
Maximum points awarded for answering succintly using the below STAR method within 2 minutes:
* Situation - What was the situation faced?
* Task - What tasks were involved in that situation?
* Action - What actions did you take?
* Results - What were the results of those actions?
A synonym for a curriculum vitae
A resumé
How long should a recent graduate's cv be?
One page
I have realised numerous projects during my engineering studies such as ...
(Spot and correct the mistake please)
I have (SUCCESSFULLY) CARRIED OUT/COMPLETED numerous projects during my engineering studies such as ...
NB. To realise = to become aware of something
Why did you choose to become an engineer?
Remember to include traits and attributes - and why not include an anecdote about what drives you?
Tell me about a time when you disagreed with a decision at work/ during a group project.
Maximum points awarded for answering succintly using the below STAR method within 2 minutes :
* Situation - What was the situation faced?
* Task - What tasks were involved in that situation?
* Action - What actions did you take?
* Results - What were the results of those actions?
Explain what I’m good at trouble-shooting means.
A synonym for resolving complicated situations : difficult customers, resolving problems – technical problems and whatnot.
Give four examples of action verbs used to highlighlight technical engineering skills.
assembled, built, calculated, designed, devised, engineered, fabricated, maintained, operated, overhauled, programmed, remodeled, repaired, upgraded, solved, trained
My formation has enabled me to develop the technical and interpersonal skills necessary to integrate the team.
(Spot and correct the mistake)
My UNIVERSITY/ENGINEERING STUDIES have enabled me to develop the technical and interpersonal skills necessary to integrate the team.
If you could be any colour what colour would you be?
Choose colours that highlight your best qualities and make sure you justify why you chose that colour.
Give an example of a goal you didn't meet and how you handled it.
Maximum points awarded for answering succintly using the below STAR method within 2 minutes:
* Situation - What was the situation faced?
* Task - What tasks were involved in that situation?
* Action - What actions did you take?
* Results - What were the results of those actions?
What does people skills refer to?
People skills = interpersonal skills
The ability to communicate effectively and interactively with people in a friendly manner.
Name at least five examples of signposting language you could use to structure your interview answers.
Signposting language = lexical items which enable your interviewers to better understand the logical progression of your answer.
ex. therefore/subsequently/so, moreover/furthermore, likewise/similarly, in particular/more specifically, for example/instance, although/despite/notwithstanding, lastly/finally/overall ...
Translate: “j’ai réalisé un stage de 3 mois... “.
I carried out/completed/did a 3-month internship/training period
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
(Max. 1 minute)
This particularly tricky question requires painstaking preparation and rehearsal. The interviewer is looking for evidence of critical self-assessment and a commitment to continuous self-development. Stress specific job-related strengths and accomplishments. Select one weakness that could be viewed both as positive and negative, e.g. you are a perfectionist who tends to work too long hours. Show, by particular example, how you have successfully addressed this tendency. Make sure to portray yourself in a positive light. Never mention a weakness that is directly related to the job for which you are being interviewed.
Was there ever a time you had to work with someone whose personality was very different from yours? Can you tell me about how that affected your work?
Maximum points awarded for answering succintly using the below STAR method within 2 minutes:
* Situation - What was the situation faced?
* Task - What tasks were involved in that situation?
* Action - What actions did you take?
* Results - What were the results of those actions?