How do you feel about this question right now, before the lesson? Як ти почуваєшся з цим питанням зараз, до заняття?
Key words & pronunciation · tap a card
These words are often mispronounced in interviews. Stressed syllables are shown in CAPITALS. Ці слова часто вимовляють неправильно на співбесіді. Наголос позначений великими літерами.
Phrase Flashcards My Word Bank 0
“Which is exactly why I applied for this position.”
“One of my key contributions was…” (sounds more confident than “I’m proud of”)
“This role aligns perfectly with where I want to grow.”Сильніші варіанти bridge:
“Which is exactly why I applied for this position.”
“One of my key contributions was…” (звучить впевненіше за “I’m proud of”)
“This role aligns perfectly with where I want to grow.”
Interview Crimes · what not to say
“Tell me about yourself.”
You say:
“I was born in Kyiv in 1995. I went to school and then studied at university…”
Interviewer thinks:
“This is not your autobiography. Why are you telling me about your childhood?”
Better:
Start with the present: “I currently work as...” or “I have three years of experience in...”Починай з теперішнього: “I currently work as...” або “I have three years of experience in...”
You say:
“As you can see from my CV, I worked at… and then at… and also at…”
Interviewer thinks:
“I have your CV right here. Just tell me who you ARE, not what’s on paper.”
Better:
Pick one or two key achievements and tell the story. Don’t walk through your CV line by line.Обери одне-два найважливіші досягнення і розкажи про них. Не переказуй резюме рядок за рядком.
You say:
“I am a hard-working, responsible and communicative team player who is passionate about…”
Interviewer thinks:
“Every single candidate says exactly this. Word for word.”
Better:
“In my last role I managed a team of five and delivered the project two weeks early.” Use facts, not adjectives.“In my last role I managed a team of five and delivered the project two weeks early.” Дій через факти, не прикметники.
You say:
“Hmm, good question… Well, I guess… So, basically… you know…”
Interviewer thinks:
“They are unprepared. This is the most common question in every interview.”
Better:
A second of silence is fine. Then start with the first phrase you’ve practised. Clear and filler-free.Секунда мовчання: це нормально. Потім починай з першої фрази, яку відпрацював. Чітко і без заповнювачів.
You say:
“I’m a developer with three years of experience.” And then silence. Or the opposite: you talk for 4 minutes non-stop.“I’m a developer with three years of experience.” І тиша. Або навпаки: говориш 4 хвилини без зупинки.
Interviewer thinks:
“Too short: they clearly haven’t prepared. Too long: they can’t prioritise what matters.”
Better:
60–90 seconds is the golden standard. That’s roughly 130–160 words. Practise out loud and time yourself. That’s the only way to feel the right pace.60–90 секунд: золотий стандарт. Це приблизно 130–160 слів. Практикуй вголос і засікай час, тільки так ти відчуєш правильний ритм.
Model Answer · read & fill in the gaps
“I __________ as a marketing specialist at a digital agency in Kyiv. I have __________ in digital marketing for three years, mainly __________ for social media campaigns and content strategy.
Last year, I __________ a campaign for one of our clients that __________ their online sales by 30% in two months. I’m particularly __________ of that result because our team __________ a very small budget.
I’m now __________ for an opportunity to grow into a leadership role, which is why this position __________ my attention.”
Cultural Note
Ukrainian candidates often downplay their achievements: this is a cultural norm. But in English-language interviews, speaking directly about your results is expected and considered normal, not boasting. If you don’t mention your achievements, no one else will. The recruiter will not read between the lines. Українські кандидати часто применшують свої досягнення: це культурна норма. Але на англомовній співбесіді говорити прямо про свої результати очікується і вважається нормою, не хвастощами. Якщо ти не скажеш про свої досягнення, ніхто інший цього не зробить. Рекрутер не читатиме між рядками.
Check your understanding
1. What is the structure of a good "Tell me about yourself" answer?
Current role → Key achievement → Why you’re here. Three parts, 60–90 seconds total.
2. Why should you NOT start with "I was born in..."?
The interviewer wants to know your professional value, not your life story. Start with your current role or experience instead.
3. How does the model answer end? Why is that effective?
It ends with "which is why this position caught my attention": a bridge to the next question "Why this company?" This shows preparation and purpose.
Answer Builder · build your answer
Fill in three parts with your own experience. Click Build my answer to get your complete response. Заповни три частини своїм власним досвідом. Натисни Об'єднати відповіді і отримаєш готову відповідь.
Target: 130–160 words ≈ 60–90 seconds of spoken speech. Try to stay within this range. Орієнтир: 130–160 слів ≈ 60–90 секунд усного мовлення. Намагайся не виходити за ці рамки.
Your answer
Grammar Practice · Present & Past
Fill in the gaps
Write the correct form of the verb in brackets.
Both Present Simple (I work) and Present Continuous (I’m working) are correct here; the answers below use the most natural spoken form.
I’m (currently / work) as a project manager. I (work) in this role for two years. Last year, my team (deliver) a project three weeks early.
Fill in the gaps
Complete the "Tell me about yourself" answer.
“I’m (responsible) for client relationships at a tech company. I’m particularly (proud) of a deal I (close) last spring, which (bring) in our biggest client. I’m now (look) for a senior role.”
Video Practice · Real Interview Mode
- Tell me about yourself.
- Walk me through your professional background and experience.
- Describe a key achievement you are proud of and explain its impact.
- What are you looking for in your next role, and why now?
- What is the most significant contribution you have made in your career so far?
Interviewer Ready
HR Manager
Watch for:
- ☐Eye contact with the cameraLook into the lens, not at your own image on screenЗоровий контакт з камероюДивись в об’єктив, а не на своє зображення на екрані
- ☐Straight posture, confident lookShoulders straight, relaxed hands, sit slightly forwardРівна постава, впевнений виглядПлечі прямо, спокійні руки, сиди трохи вперед
- ☐Background, lighting, clothingEverything the interviewer sees should look professionalФон, освітлення, одягВсе що бачить інтерв’юер: має виглядати професійно
While reviewing:
- ☐Eye contact: am I looking at the camera?Not at yourself on screen, but directly into the lensЗоровий контакт: чи дивлюся в камеру?Не на себе на екрані, а саме в об’єктив
- ☐Does the answer sound natural, not like a memorised script?Small variation in pace and intonation is a good thingВідповідь звучить природно, не як заучений текст?Невелика варіація темпу та інтонації: це добре
- ☐Did I stay within 60–90 seconds?Too short: add details; too long: cut it downЧи вклався у 60–90 секунд?Занадто коротко: розвинь деталі; занадто довго: скороти
- ☐No long pauses, “uh”, “um”, “you know”?One short pause before a key point is fineБез довгих пауз, “uh”, “um”, “you know”?Одна коротка пауза перед ключовою думкою: нормально
- ☐Do posture, expression and gestures look confident?Shoulders straight, slight smile, relaxed handsПостава, міміка, жести виглядають впевнено?Плечі прямо, легка усмішка, руки спокійні
HR Manager
Connecting…
Check before recording
How do you feel about this question now, after the lesson? Як ти почуваєшся з цим питанням тепер, після заняття?
Worksheet Episode I
Формула PAB, ключові фрази і місце для твоєї відповіді. Введи email. Надішлемо на пошту або завантаж одразу.
Без спаму. Тільки корисне від VIVA VOX.