When it comes to meeting important new people in life, and especially during the interview process, it’s important to make a good first impression. But how do you do that when English is your second language? To begin, you’ll want to be confident, and confidence in any second language for any person means practice. In order to practice, you’ll need to do more than read books or take ESL courses—even the best ESL classes won’t be able to offer you the training with English pronunciation that a qualified Speech Pathologist can give you.
But beyond that, there are a few other things that are very important to take into consideration:
What you’re saying without language:
People watch every move you make when they interview you for a position with their company. From the time you walk into the lobby until the time you walk out, and everything that occurs in between, your body language and demeanor mean everything. From a handshake that is limp to a handshake that is too firm, and from an awkward entrance or exit where you don’t seem to know what to say, everything is being evaluated. To avoid these foibles, make sure you practice some hellos and goodbyes many times before an interview or meeting.
Make sure they know your value:
When you speak clearly and confidently, make sure you remember your assets: your education, your experience, your personal strengths in communication, the fact that you are bilingual, and anything else that is pertinent to the interview or meeting.
In summation, to make a good impression as an ESL speaker, you mainly need to demonstrate your strengths in pronunciation and character—be assertive without being aggressive, and rather than being timid, be polite. But above all, be yourself. Just because you’re speaking a new language doesn’t mean you have to seem weak or nervous, anxious or confrontational. If you represent your true self and execute your communication with good English pronunciation, you have a good interview in your hands. And even if you don’t get the job, it’s one more practice round for the next interview.
