You’ve done the hard work—finished your degree, sent in countless applications, and finally, you’ve been called for an interview. Congratulations! But hold on a second… now what? You’re probably thinking, “I’ll just prepare a few answers about my skills and qualifications, and that should be enough, right?”
Wrong.
UK job interviews are a whole different game. You’re not just being tested on your knowledge or whether you can do the job. They’re looking for something more—a mix of cultural fit, problem-solving, and the all-important ability to communicate effectively.
And this is where many Vietnamese students stumble, often without realizing it. So, how do you avoid falling into that trap?
Let’s start with the first big hurdle: the “soft skills” trap. In Vietnam, academic success is often prioritised, and technical knowledge reigns supreme. But in the UK, interviewers are just as interested in how you handle situations, how you think on your feet, and whether you can communicate your ideas clearly and confidently. They don’t want to hear you list off your qualifications (they already saw that on your CV). Instead, they want you to demonstrate how you’d apply those skills in real-life situations.
Take this example: You might be asked, “Tell me about a time when you worked as part of a team to overcome a challenge.” In Vietnam, you might instinctively dive into the technical solution you provided. But in the UK, they’re more interested in how you navigated team dynamics, how you communicated with others, and how you handled conflict. It’s not just about what you did—it’s about how you did it.
Next, there’s the “Tell me about yourself” question. Sounds simple, right? Not quite. This is usually the first thing they’ll ask, and most Vietnamese students fall into the trap of reciting their resume. But the UK interviewer isn’t looking for a list of achievements—they want a story. They want to get to know you, not just as a professional, but as a person. So, instead of running through your academic history, try to craft a narrative.
Who are you beyond your qualifications? What brought you to this point in your career? Why did you choose this field, and more importantly, why do you want this job?
A friend of mine was caught off guard by this question in one of her first UK interviews. She started listing her university achievements, but halfway through, she could see the interviewer’s eyes glazing over. After that, she switched gears. She started talking about how her experience volunteering back in Vietnam shaped her understanding of leadership and teamwork, which tied directly into the job she was applying for. Suddenly, the interviewer was engaged again. She got the job.
Another curveball that trips up a lot of Vietnamese students is the “What’s your biggest weakness?” question. Now, in Vietnam, you might be tempted to answer this with a humble-brag—something like “I work very hard ” But in the UK, that’s a rookie mistake.
Here, they appreciate honesty. They want you to show self-awareness and a willingness to improve.
A better answer might be, “I sometimes struggle with time management, but I’ve been using tools like Trello to organize my tasks better, and it’s made a huge difference.” See the difference? It’s not about pretending you’re flawless—it’s about showing that you know your flaws and are actively working on them.
Finally, there’s the all-important question of cultural fit. UK companies are big on finding someone who fits their values and workplace culture. It’s not just about ticking off the technical boxes—they want to know if you’ll thrive in their environment. Are you a team player? Do you embrace diversity and inclusion? Are you adaptable? These are the things that can make or break your chances. So, make sure you research the company beforehand—not just what they do, but how they do it.
Bring up their values in your answers. Show them that you’ve thought about how you’ll fit into their team.
The takeaway
Interviews in the UK are about more than just your knowledge. They’re about how you present yourself, how you communicate, and how well you understand the company and the role. It’s not just about proving you can do the job—it’s about proving that you belong there.
So, if you’re preparing for an interview in the UK, remember: It’s not just about what you know. It’s about how you show it.
Need help mastering your UK Application Skills? Our course is designed to help Vietnamese students navigate the unique challenges of UK job application. From building confidence to answering tricky questions, we’ll equip you with everything you need to nail the application and secure the job of your dreams. Let us help you succeed. Register for the course: https://www.vietjobseeker.com/
Comentarios