IELTS Speaking Part 1

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Job interviews questions and answers

IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions are short and personal: the examiner asks three to five on two or three everyday topics in the first four to five minutes. Here are 5 questions about job interviews written by BandLadder in the examiner's style, each with a Band 8 sample answer and useful vocabulary. Aim for two or three sentences each: answer, reason, one detail.
  • 5 questions
  • 5 Band 8 answers
  • 4 to 5 minutes

5 answers

Job interviews questions with sample answers

1

Have you ever had a job interview?

Yes, I've actually had a few over the years. The most memorable one was for a part-time role at a local bookshop during my university days. I remember feeling terrified beforehand, but the manager was remarkably friendly, which put me at ease straight away.

2

How do you usually prepare for an interview?

Well, I tend to spend quite a bit of time researching the organisation beforehand so I understand what they're looking for. I also run through common questions with my flatmate. Last time, doing a quick mock interview really helped boost my confidence.

3

Do you prefer face-to-face interviews or online video interviews?

I'd definitely go for in-person ones. It feels much easier to build rapport and pick up on body language when you're in the same room. With video calls, there's always the slight worry about dodgy internet connections, which just adds unnecessary stress.

4

What do you think is the hardest part of an interview?

For me, it's definitely dealing with unexpected questions. It's so easy to freeze up when you're asked something completely out of the blue. I remember once being asked about my biggest failure, and it took me a good few seconds to compose myself.

5

Do you think job interviews will change much in the future?

I suppose so, yeah. We're already seeing more automated assessments and remote panel interviews, so that trend will probably continue. Still, I think companies will always want at least one personal conversation before making a final hiring decision to see if someone fits the culture.

Details are invented. Use the shape, not the sentences: examiners mark memorised answers down.

Answer out loud and get a band

The AI examiner asks Part 1 questions like these, listens, and scores fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation, with the words that cost you.

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7 words

Useful vocabulary and tips

  • put me at ease

    made me feel relaxed and less nervous

  • run through

    practise or review something quickly

  • build rapport

    develop a friendly, positive relationship with someone

  • dodgy

    unreliable, poor quality, or likely to fail

  • freeze up

    become suddenly unable to speak or act due to nervousness

  • out of the blue

    completely unexpectedly without any prior warning

  • compose myself

    calm down and regain control of my emotions

  • →Speak openly about your real experiences or feelings, as admitting you feel nervous sounds natural.
  • →Use natural spoken discourse markers like 'well' and 'to be honest' to keep your delivery fluid.
  • →If you have not had a full-time job interview yet, mention university entrance chats or part-time roles instead.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are in IELTS Speaking Part 1?+

Usually about ten to twelve, over four to five minutes: a few on your work, study or home, then three or four short questions on each of two everyday topics.

How long should a Part 1 answer be?+

Two or three sentences, about 15 to 20 seconds: a direct answer, a reason and one detail. One-word answers cost fluency marks, and long speeches eat into the examiner's time.

Keep practising

More Part 1 topics

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