Conversation Gambits - Eric Keller, Sylvia T Warner 1988

58. The Interview
3. Responding Gambits

In groupsof 3 or 4 prepare to hold an interview fora job. Decide who will be the applicant and who will be the 'interviewing board’.

The applicant: you have been manager of a medium-sized supermarket in the centre of town for 10 years. You think you have been successful and a good boss. When the interviewers ask a question, use one of the phrases from the list. The phrases will give you a little more time to think of your answer.

The interviewers: you own a large department store in the centre of town. It employs 200 people. The manager has just resigned. You are interviewing the applicant for the post of manager Use the questions below or think up your own questions. Take turns to ask the questions.

Questions

1. Why would you like to leave your present job?

2. Say a little about the work you do.

3. How long have you been manager?

4. What is the worst problem you have had in your present job?

5. What makes you think you will enjoy this new job?

6. Do you think you are popular with the people who work for you?

7. If you could choose your own boss, what kind of person would you choose?

8. If you didn't agree with your boss about something important, what would you do?

9. Think of the situation where one of your employees was late for work three days out of four. He is a very good worker. What would you do?

10. What do you think you will be doing in 10 years time?

11. What do you do in your spare time?

12. How much do you think we should pay you?

Well, let me see.

Well, let me think.

I’ll have to think about that.

That’s a good question.

How shall I put it?

Let’s put it this way.

The best way I can answer that is ...

Mm, that’s a difficult question. Let me see.