Dit artikel is geschreven in het Engels om je leerproces te ondersteunen
When people prepare for an interview in English, they usually focus on themselves.
They practise answers.
They improve vocabulary.
They try to sound more fluent.
That makes sense.
But interviews are not one‑sided.
They are a shared interaction between:
- someone trying to present themselves clearly
- and someone trying to interpret what they hear
And when English is not the first language for one or both people, that interaction becomes more complex.
Many of the issues that arise in English interviews are not simply “mistakes”.
They are mismatches between intention and interpretation.
Below are some of the most common ones, and what actually makes the difference.
Mistake 1: Trying to sound more advanced than necessary
From the candidate side:
- using complex vocabulary
- building long sentences
- trying to sound impressive
From the interviewer side:
- struggling to follow the message
- focusing more on language than content
What makes a difference
Start by identifying the one thing you want the interviewer to understand.
Then build your answer around that using clear, direct language.
A simple structure works well:
- one clear statement
- followed by one example
For example:
“In my previous role, I was responsible for…”
Most interviewers are not looking for advanced English.
They are looking for clarity and understanding.
Mistake 2: Overthinking while speaking
From the candidate side:
- checking grammar mid‑sentence
- searching for the “perfect” word
- adjusting while speaking
From the interviewer side:
- hearing hesitation
- interpreting pauses as uncertainty
What makes a difference
Keep your focus on completing the idea.
A useful approach:
- start your answer clearly
- finish your first sentence fully
- then build from there
If you notice a mistake, don’t stop and restart.
Continue, and adjust later if needed.
Confidence in interviews is heard through flow, not perfection.
Mistake 3: Translating instead of communicating
From the candidate side:
- thinking in your own language
- translating full sentences
From the interviewer side:
- hearing unnatural phrasing
- missing the key point
What makes a difference
Think in key points, not sentences.
Before speaking, identify:
- the main idea
- one supporting example
Then build your answer step by step.
This reduces pressure and makes your communication more natural.
Mistake 4: Unclear entry into answers
From the candidate side:
- hesitating at the start
- taking too long to “get into” the answer
From the interviewer side:
- struggling to understand the main point
- losing focus early
What makes a difference
Practise how you start your answers.
Use a simple opening:
- direct statement
- followed by explanation
For example:
“One example of this would be…”
“In my previous role, I focused on…”
A clear start creates immediate structure and confidence.
Mistake 5: Avoiding pauses completely
From the candidate side:
- rushing
- filling every silence
From the interviewer side:
- receiving less structured answers
- finding it harder to follow
What makes a difference
Allow short pauses.
Before answering:
- take a breath
- organise your first sentence
A pause signals:
- thinking
- control
- structure
Rushing often creates more confusion than silence.
Mistake 6: Focusing too much on correctness
From the candidate side:
- worrying about grammar
- constantly self‑monitoring
From the interviewer side:
- still understanding the message
- but sensing less confidence
What makes a difference
Shift your focus to clarity.
Ask yourself:
“Is my message clear?”
instead of:
“Is my English perfect?”
Small mistakes rarely matter.
Unclear communication does.
Mistake 7: Losing structure in an English job interview
From the candidate side:
- answers become less organised
- key points get lost
From the interviewer side:
- difficulty understanding experience
- reduced confidence in the candidate
What makes a difference
Prepare a simple structure, not full answers.
A reliable format:
- Situation
- Task
- Action
- Result
This is often referred to as the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), and it helps you organise your answer in a way that is easy to follow. You don’t need to use it perfectly, but having a structure like this in mind makes a noticeable difference under pressure.
Mistake 8: Not practising out loud
From the candidate side:
- answers stay in your head
- speaking feels unfamiliar
From the interviewer side:
- hearing hesitation
- noticing lack of rhythm
What makes a difference
Say your answers out loud at least once. You can also record yourself and listen back.
Hearing your own answers is often the quickest way to notice where things feel less clear than you expected.
It allows you to:
– hear how your message actually comes across
– adjust your phrasing and flow
– build confidence in real-time speaking
Thinking ≠ speaking.
Mistake 9: Misinterpreting the other person
This happens on both sides.
From the candidate:
- over‑analysing reactions
- assuming negative judgement
From the interviewer:
- misreading hesitation
- misinterpreting careful language
What makes a difference
Accept that interpretation is not always accurate in the moment.
If the interviewer pauses:
- they may be thinking
- taking notes
- or preparing the next question
Stay focused on your message.
The more stable your delivery, the easier it is to interpret correctly.
Mistake 10: Treating English as the main problem
From the candidate side:
- believing language is the issue
- trying to “fix English”
From the interviewer side:
- linking confidence directly to ability
What makes a difference
Reframe the situation:
This is a communication challenge under pressure, not a language deficiency.
Focus on:
- structure
- clarity
- delivery
Not on becoming suddenly more fluent.
A practical note
These are exactly the patterns I see in professionals who already use English at work, but notice that interviews are where things become more difficult.
It is rarely about learning more English.
It is about understanding:
- how communication changes under pressure
- how your answers are interpreted
- and how to manage that interaction more effectively
Final thoughts
English job interviews are not just about language.
They are about two people trying to understand each other clearly in a shared, but not always neutral, language.
Most mistakes are not errors.
They are misunderstandings.
And once you begin to recognise both sides of the interaction, preparation becomes:
- more focused
- more realistic
- and far more effective
You are not trying to sound perfect.
You are trying to come across as yourself, clearly and confidently.
Thank you again for reading
Until next time,
Stuart
Dutch 
English 
French