Unit 4 — Job Interviews

1– recruit (verb) – hire (new staff)
Example: The company plans to recruit five new employees this year.

2– criteria (noun, plural) – requirements you use to make a decision
Example: Experience and qualifications are important criteria for selection.

3– shortlisted (adjective/verb) – selected from a larger group
Example: Only ten candidates were shortlisted for the interview.

4– do your homework (phrase) – prepare carefully by finding out information
Example: Make sure you do your homework before attending an interview.

5– trial run (noun) – a practice of something new
Example: I did a trial run of the interview with my friend.

6– boost your confidence (verb phrase) – improve or increase confidence
Example: Practising answers can boost your confidence.

7– panel (noun) – a group of people (interviewers)
Example: The interview was conducted by a panel of three managers.

8– line manager (noun) – the person who is directly responsible for your work
Example: Your line manager will supervise your daily tasks.

9– eye contact (noun) – looking directly into someone’s eyes while speaking
Example: Maintaining eye contact creates a good impression.

10– body language (noun) – physical movements which show how you are feeling
Example: Positive body language is important during interviews.

11– speak up (phrasal verb) – speak more loudly and clearly
Example: You need to speak up so everyone can hear you.

12– first impression (noun) – the initial opinion someone forms about you
Example: A firm handshake helps create a good first impression.

13– talk someone through (phrasal verb) – tell us about in more detail
Example: Can you talk us through your CV?

Present Continuous Tense

1- What is the Present Continuous?

The Present Continuous is used for:

Actions happening right now

Temporary actions or situations

Future arrangements or plans

Trends or changing situations

It describes actions that are ongoing at the moment of speaking.

2- Structure (Form)

2.1- Affirmative (Positive)

Subject + am/is/are + verb-ing

Examples:

I am studying English.

She is reading a book.

They are playing football.

He is watching TV.

2.2- Negative

Subject + am/is/are + not + verb-ing

Examples:

I am not sleeping now.

She is not (isn’t) playing tennis.

They are not (aren’t) listening.

He isn’t watching TV.

2.3- Questions

Am/Is/Are + subject + verb-ing?

Examples:

Am I speaking too fast?

Is she coming to the party?

Are they studying for the exam?

Short answers:

Yes, I am. / No, I’m not.

Yes, she is. / No, she isn’t.

Yes, they are. / No, they aren’t.

3- Spelling Rules for Verb-ing

1- Most verbs → add -ing

play → playing

read → reading

2- Verbs ending in -e → remove e + ing

make → making

write → writing

3- One vowel + one consonant (short) → double consonant + ing

run → running

sit → sitting

4- Verbs ending in -ie → change ie → y + ing

die → dying

lie → lying

4- Uses with Examples

4.1- Actions Happening Now

I am talking to my teacher.

She is drinking water.

4.2- Temporary Actions

He is staying with his uncle for a week.

They are working on a new project this month.

4.3- Future Arrangements

I am meeting my friend tomorrow.

She is visiting her grandparents next week.

4.4- Trends / Changing Situations

More people are using electric cars.

The weather is getting colder.

5- Time Expressions

now

at the moment

currently

today / this week

tomorrow (for future plans)

Examples:

She is studying at the moment.

I am meeting my teacher tomorrow.

6- Common Mistakes

❌ He watching TV now → ✅ He is watching TV now

❌ She am not coming → ✅ She is not coming

❌ I am go to school → ✅ I am going to school