A Job Interview You Remember

The task

Talk about a job interview that you remember well. Describe what happened before, during and after the interview.

• Read the task, prepare during the preparation time, then speak aloud for the speaking time.
• This is an original practice question written in a CELPIP-style format. It is not a real test question.
• The CLB level of each model answer was reviewed by a TESOL-certified instructor. It is not an official CELPIP score. This practice material is not affiliated with or endorsed by Paragon Testing Enterprises.
• CELPIP is a registered trademark of Paragon Testing Enterprises. This site is not affiliated with Paragon Testing Enterprises.

Preparation

30 seconds

Speaking time

60 seconds

Question

23 of 30

My first job interview in Canada was for a cashier job at a hardware store in Surrey. Before the interview I was very nervous, so I practised the answers with my brother many times. On the day I arrived too early, like forty minutes, so I waited in my car. There were two managers. They asked me about customer service and what I do if a customer is angry. I was nervous and I forget one question, but I asked them to repeat and it was okay. Three days later they called me and I got the job. I was so happy.

Why this answer works

• Covers before, during and after in a clear order, as the prompt asks.
• Simple vocabulary and slips ("what I do if a customer is angry", "I forget one question") consistent with a CLB 7.
• The key moment (forgetting a question) is mentioned but not developed.

The interview I remember best was for an office administrator job at a dental clinic in Regina. I'd prepared for days and practised my answers out loud. On the morning of the interview, though, my bus broke down, and I had to run the last few blocks in the snow. I arrived just on time, but completely out of breath, with soaking wet boots. The office manager noticed and joked that I'd already passed the commitment test, which really helped me relax. She asked how I'd handle a patient who was upset about a bill, and I described a similar situation from my previous job. A week later she offered me the position, and I still work there today.

Why this answer works

• An unexpected problem (the bus) makes the story memorable.
• Reported speech and past perfect used accurately ("joked that I'd already passed").
• All three stages are covered within 60 seconds.

The interview that really sticks with me was for a junior analyst role at a credit union in Halifax. I'd spent the whole weekend reading their annual report, so I walked in feeling well prepared. Then, about ten minutes in, one of the panel asked me to walk them through a spreadsheet I'd never seen before, right there on a laptop. My mind went completely blank for a second. Instead of bluffing, I admitted I needed a moment, talked through what I was noticing, and asked a couple of clarifying questions. Afterwards, I was convinced I'd blown it. But two days later the hiring manager called and said that moment was exactly why they'd picked me. They wanted someone who stayed composed and honest under pressure.

Why this answer works

• Builds to a turning point ("My mind went completely blank for a second") and resolves it, a strong story shape.
• Precise, natural language: "sticks with me", "Instead of bluffing", "clarifying questions", "composed".
• The twist at the end (the mistake was the reason they hired the speaker) gives the story a memorable point.