Job Interview Vocabulary

noun a request for information or a favor

verb to inquire about something by speaking or writing

• I need to ask for permission before making any changes to the project.
• Can I ask you a question about the homework?
• I'm gonna ask my boss for a day off next week.
• Sometimes it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission.

adjective describing word that modifies a noun or pronoun, in this case, 'attractive' describes something that is pleasing or appealing

• The company is looking to hire attractive candidates for the new marketing positions.
• I think the new restaurant in town is really attractive, we should check it out.
• That new car is so attractive, I wish I could afford it.
• Her ideas were so attractive that everyone in the room was drawn to her.

verb to find or encounter something unexpectedly

adverb in a way that is unexpected or by chance

• During my research, I came across a rare manuscript from the 15th century.
• I came across your old yearbook while cleaning out my closet.
• I came across this cool new band on Spotify.
• After years of searching, she finally came across the answer to her question.

noun a person's outward behavior or bearing

adjective relating to a person's behavior or attitude

• His calm and composed demeanor during the meeting impressed everyone.
• She has a friendly demeanor that makes it easy to approach her.
• I can't stand his cocky demeanor, it's so off-putting.
• The storm's fierce demeanor was a warning of the chaos to come.

noun a formal test of a person's knowledge or proficiency in a subject or skill

• The examination will cover a wide range of topics from the course material.
• I heard the examination is going to be really tough, so we better start studying now.
• I totally bombed that exam, I wasn't prepared at all.
• The examination of his motives revealed a hidden agenda.

noun the ability to speak or write a particular language easily and accurately

adjective describing someone who is able to speak or write a particular language easily and accurately

• Her fluency in multiple languages impressed the hiring committee.
• I wish I had the same fluency in Spanish as my cousin.
• Dude, his fluency in coding is off the charts!
• The dancer moved with such fluency that it seemed like she was floating on air.

noun a good opportunity or possibility for success

adjective having desirable or positive qualities

• There is a good chance that the project will be completed on time.
• You have a good chance of winning the raffle with all those tickets!
• There's a good chance we'll hit up that new burger joint tonight.
• If you study hard, there's a good chance you'll ace the exam.

noun a formal meeting in which someone is asked questions to determine their suitability for a job or other position

verb to have a formal meeting in which someone is asked questions to determine their suitability for a job or other position

• The candidate prepared extensively for the job interview.
• I aced the interview and got the job!
• I totally nailed the interview!
• The interview with the author provided a window into their creative process.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea. In this phrase, 'impression' is a noun that refers to the effect or impact made on someone

verb a word that expresses an action or a state of being. In this phrase, 'make' is a verb that indicates the action of creating or forming something

article a word that specifies a noun. In this phrase, 'an' is an article that indicates a non-specific noun following it

• Her impeccable presentation and confident demeanor never fail to make an impression in business meetings.
• Wearing that stunning dress will definitely make an impression on your date.
• Dude, if you show up with that car, you'll totally make an impression at the party.
• The artist used bold colors and striking imagery to make an impression with their latest painting.

noun a small stick made of wood or cardboard, typically with a flammable tip, used for lighting fires, candles, or cigarettes

verb to light (an object) by striking it against a rough surface

• The match between the two teams ended in a draw.
• Did you catch the match last night? It was intense!
• That match was lit! Both teams played really well.
• Their personalities are a perfect match, they get along so well.

noun a possibility or probability that something may happen or be true

• On the off chance that the meeting is rescheduled, please let me know as soon as possible.
• Just on the off chance that she shows up, I'll save her a seat.
• I'm gonna grab an umbrella on the off chance it starts raining.
• He decided to invest in the startup on the off chance that it becomes the next big thing.

verb to be balanced or held in a steady position

adjective having a composed and self-assured manner

• The company is poised for significant growth in the upcoming quarter.
• She looks poised to win the competition with her skills.
• He's always poised to party whenever there's an opportunity.
• The dancer was poised like a graceful swan on the stage.

noun a refusal or rejection of something

verb to decrease in intensity or volume, to reject or refuse something

• I had to politely turn down the job offer as it did not align with my career goals.
• I had to turn down the invitation to the party because I already had plans.
• I had to turn down the opportunity to hang out with my friends because I was feeling under the weather.
• Sometimes you have to turn down the noise in your life to focus on what truly matters.

verb to make someone feel anxious or frightened, typically causing them to lose confidence or courage

• The unexpected news seemed to unnerve the investors during the board meeting.
• The creepy noise coming from the attic always manages to unnerve me.
• The horror movie was so intense, it totally unnerved me.
• The thought of failing the exam unnerves me to the core.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

verb a word that expresses an action, occurrence, or state of being

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence

article a word that is used to specify a noun as definite or indefinite

• The candidate's qualifications and experience tick all the boxes for the job requirements.
• She's got the skills, the experience, and the personality to tick all the boxes for the role.
• Her outfit totally ticks all the boxes for a cool and trendy look.
• The new proposal ticks all the boxes for sustainability and innovation in the industry.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

verb a word that expresses an action or a state of being

pronoun a word that can function by itself as a noun phrase and that refers either to the participants in the discourse or to someone or something mentioned elsewhere in the discourse

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence

• The candidate's impressive qualifications really stand out to the hiring manager.
• The new restaurant in town really stands out to me because of its unique decor.
• That new rapper's style really stands out to me, man.
• The bright colors of the painting really stand out to the viewer, drawing their attention immediately.

verb to perform extremely well or score very highly on a test or exam

• She aced the exam with a perfect score.
• He totally aced that presentation, everyone was impressed.
• I aced that job interview, they practically hired me on the spot.
• The team aced the project, exceeding all expectations.