How to Speak Effectively in Interviews When English is My Second Language

Two weeks ago, I wrote about  how to improve my communication skills when English is my second language. It was prompted by this question below from a member.

I am a software engineer at a major American tech company.  I came here two years ago but have been studying English since the first grade.  I want to do an MBA and move into business development.  I feel my communication skills are holding me back.  I need to improve my communication skills. I want to feel more confident, speak fluently and answer to the point. I feel I tend to jump into answers, get too excited and do not know when to be quiet. Can you suggest how can I improve on this?

Once she read the article, she emailed me with the these two follow-up questions.

I am doing good in terms of pointers of Section 1.  I have been watching American sitcoms for 4 years and I believe in general people enjoy talking with me. I think my problem is more focused towards the Section 2. In situations where I am being judged, such as behavioral interviews  or when the question is abstract, such as talking about my project, is when I get excited and tend to blabber. This in turn shows me as a not so confident person.   I think your Section 2 pointers should help, they make complete sense. 

1. Is there anything else I can try? 
2. Also I wonder how can I assess that I am improving and may be define milestones to make sure that I am progressing. Do you have any suggestions for that?

Here was my response.  Hope it can help you along with this member.

For your question 1, it is as much about controlling your nerves as it is about being clean and concise.  A few tips

1. Right before the interview, try power stance and deep breathing. It will prep and calm you for the interview.
2. Prep for subjects like questions about your project as it’s likely to come up often. Know how to communicate your impact on a project and any results.   Be proactive in sharing how your experience on the project demonstrate the skills that a hiring manager may be looking for in the role you are applying.
3. Answer the question asked. Don’t get into details about how you did it unless asked. For example. If someone ask “Tell me about your experience here?” You want to say something crisp about your role and impact to the business or customer. Use short sentences. Quantify!  Remember to tie it back to the role you are applying.  For example, “ I led this project successfully as the business lead.  We delivered it ahead of schedule and on budget.  After launch, we achieved a 20% improvements in cost savings within 6 months.  I think my xxx and xx skills demonstrated in this project will be an asset to the role on your team.”  This will convey confidence and show case why you are a good fit for the role.  Refrain from going into more detail unless you are asked follow up questions.
4. Enlist a colleague or friend to role play with you.  They can ask you about your project or ask an abstract question.   Practice your answer with them and get their feedback.   Any practice you do will help you come closer to your goal of speaking confident in any situation.
5. Consider getting one on one coaching.  Sometimes 1-2 sessions with a professional coach can help you realize key areas you can improve immediately plus you can practice in safe, comfortable setting.

As for how you can assess progress, a few tips

1. Ask a colleague you respect to help you assess if he or she is in meetings with you often. While meetings are different from interviews, abstract question and questions about your project will also come up.
2. Secretly record yourself in interviews.  You can easily get a phone app and do this for phone and in person interview.   You will be amazed at how much you can learn about your communication style by listening to yourself. You will be able to tell if you are improving easily that way
3. Share with your manager that you are working on communication skills in meetings & presentations and ask him or her for feedback on your progress. This will also show you are proactive in your development.

Your comments: Do you have any follow up questions?  please feel free to ask in the comment section below

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Best wishes

Lei