Job interviews in English can be nerve-wracking, especially if it’s not your first language. You’re juggling vocabulary, pronunciation, and trying to sound professional—all while making sure you don’t forget your best stories. That’s where role-playing can save the day. By practicing consistently, you’ll not only build your confidence but also polish the skills that help you stand out to potential employers. Let’s talk about how role-playing can make all the difference.
Why Should You Try Role-Playing?
As Rush (Canadian 80s band -- You should check them out or revisit their music if you already know them) says, “All the world’s indeed a stage. We are merely players, performers and portrayers.” When you are interviewing, you are trying out for a part. Would an actor ever read for a role without rehearsing first? Of course not! That would be foolish. It’s practical and good common sense to prepare for your moment on the stage before you perform in front of an audience.
So goes it with preparing for an interview. Role-playing with your English coach trains you for your high stakes interview in a low-pressure controlled environment. Make your mistakes with your coach, not with human resources.
Confidence Boost: Practicing your answers helps you feel more in control when it counts.
Fluency Practice: Saying your responses out loud trains your brain to think and speak in English naturally.
Spot Your Weaknesses: Mock interviews reveal where you can improve, whether it’s pronunciation, pacing, or sticking to the point.
How to Role-Play for Job Interviews:
- Do your research
A friend, teacher, or even a colleague who knows the interview process is the ideal. If none of these options is available, try to find out as much as you can about the company on your own and what their interview process is like. Platforms like Glassdoor and Reddit are sometimes surprisingly good places to look for background information.
Once you have your background information, find someone you trust to practice with.
It’s a good idea to make a video recording of yourself if you can. Watching the playback can be incredibly eye-opening.
2. Prepare Common Questions with your coach. We can start with some obvious ones like the following:
- “Tell me about yourself.”
- “Why should we hire you?”
- “What’s a challenge you’ve overcome at work?”
Your answers should be tailored to the company you’re interviewing with, of course.
3. Simulate the Interview Setting
Sit at a desk, dress like you’re going to the actual interview, and eliminate distractions. The more realistic, the better. Actors do dress rehearsals before the debut, right? You should too.
4. Record and Reflect
Either use your phone to record your practice or ask your coach to record your session. When you play it back, listen for things like unclear pronunciation or answers that ramble.
5. Polish Your Delivery
Speak clearly and keep your answers concise—1-2 minutes is a sweet spot. Practice and guided feedback from your coach will help you achieve this with comfort and ease.
Things to Focus on During Practice
Use of Relevant Vocabulary: We’re sure you’re already using industry-specific terminology. The use of the proper vocabulary signals your belonging to your specific professional group.
Be mindful of Pronunciation: You’re using the correct phrases, nevertheless, we advise you to make sure that your pronunciation of these words is clear and correct to avoid confusion. For example, a common word in a professional setting could be the term “FOCUS.” In one of our previous blog posts we cover how mispronunciation of this word and others could lead to embarrassing (and funny) consequences.
Apropos of Free Resources for working on your pronunciation:
You can practice the pronunciation of specific terms using online tools such as the Cambridge Pronunciation Dictionary, apps like BoldVoice, or YouGlish, which allows you to select a word and provides several examples of native speakers pronouncing the term.
Body Language is important too: Remember, confidence isn’t just in your words. Sit tall, make eye contact, and use open, natural gestures.
Many of our learners have stated that they’ve felt thrown by some current interview techniques. We will be writing more about techniques that you may encounter on the road to finding your perfect job, but let’s start with the STAR Method.
Mastering Behavioral Questions with the STAR Method
The STAR Method consists of four parts. Companies like to rely this interview technique because they believe that past behavior is indicative of what you will do in the future. If you master this method, you will be able to structure your answers clearly. In broad strokes, STAR’s elements are the following:
- Situation: Set the scene.
- Task: Explain the problem or goal.
- Action: Share the steps you took to address it.
- Result: Highlight the outcome and what you learned.
For example, if asked, “Can you tell me about a time you worked on a team project?” your well-practiced STAR response will guide the interviewer through your experience step-by-step.
Pro Tips for Role-Playing Success
- Switch Roles: Play the interviewer to get a sense of what makes answers strong and engaging.
- Time Your Answers: Practicing timing ensures your responses are detailed but not too long.
- Be Ready for Follow-Ups: Interviewers often ask for more details—practice going deeper into your stories without losing focus.
Overcoming Common Challenges
If you’re feeling nervous about interviews, practicing through role-playing can make a huge difference. Repeatedly going through the process helps desensitize you to the pressure, so you’ll feel more comfortable and confident with each practice session. For those moments when unfamiliar words trip you up, it’s helpful to make a list of job-specific vocabulary and practice saying them until they feel natural. This ensures you’re not caught off guard by industry terms during your interview.
Additionally, if cultural differences are a concern, learning the basics of professional etiquette in English-speaking settings can be incredibly beneficial. Understanding how to navigate small talk, formal greetings, and overall workplace communication norms will help you make a strong impression and feel more at ease in a professional environment.
Finally, Our Last Words
Role-playing isn’t just about preparing for an interview—it’s about building the confidence to showcase your skills and personality. Every practice session makes you sharper, calmer, and better equipped to handle even the toughest questions.
At Level Up | American English, we’re here to help you nail your next job interview. With personalized coaching and mock interviews, we’ll guide you through every step to ensure you’re ready to impress. Ready to start? Let’s level up together!