📝 Workbook · Business B1 · Unit 9

The interview process — Workbook

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Exercise 1

1. Vocabulary gap-fill

Complete each sentence with ONE word or phrase from the box.

Word bank — drag or tap, then tap a gap
  1. The  drop  took 20 minutes and covered salary and start date.
  2. They asked me to do a  drop  — a two-hour spreadsheet exercise.
  3. I have five interviewers on Thursday — it's the  drop .
  4. I've made it to the  drop  — one more conversation with the CEO.
  5. The  drop  came in on Friday: €68k + bonus.
  6. In the  drop , they usually call two of your past managers.
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Exercise 2

2. Present perfect continuous or simple?

Choose the more natural form.

  1. I (work) here for three years.
  2. We (ship) five features this quarter.
  3. She (lead) the team since 2022.
  4. I (know) the founder for ten years.
  5. They (interview) candidates for six weeks now.
  6. We (hire) three engineers this month.
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Exercise 3

3. Which interview answer is stronger?

Choose the answer that would move you to the next round.

  1. 'What's your biggest weakness?'

  2. 'What are your salary expectations?'

  3. 'Do you have any questions for me?'

  4. 'Tell me about a 24-month gap on your CV.'

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Exercise 4

4. Find and fix the mistake

Each sentence has ONE mistake.

  1. I've been in this role since two years.
  2. She's been knowing the CFO since 2019.
  3. We've been ship five features this quarter.
  4. I am interviewing for three months already.
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Exercise 5

5. Listening — two candidates, one panel

The final panel for a Head of Marketing role. Two candidates answer the same questions. Which one gets the offer?

  1. Who answers with numbers and who with adjectives?
  2. Who asks a sharp candidate-side question?
  3. Who handles the weakness question best, and how?
Show transcript

Candidate A:So, I think I'm kind of a strategic person, I like the big picture, I've been in marketing for a while and I think I bring a lot of creativity and passion. This role sounds interesting and I've been kind of looking for something new. My weakness is probably that I care too much about the work. And, do you know how the holiday policy works here?

Candidate B:I've been leading marketing at a B2B SaaS in Barcelona for four years. In that time we've grown MQLs 40% year-on-year and cut CAC from €340 to €190. On the weakness side, I've been learning to say no to good ideas so the great ones actually ship. And one question for you: what has surprised you most about the last two hires in this role?

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Exercise 6

6. Writing — your weakness answer

Write a 3-sentence answer to 'What's your biggest weakness right now?'. Use present perfect continuous to signal growth. Include one specific past behaviour ('I used to…') and one specific present behaviour ('now I…'). No clichés. Max 60 words.

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Exercise 7

7. Case study preview

Before Case Study 9, answer briefly.

  1. Two finalists, one role. What's the ONE deciding factor for you — track record, culture fit, first-90-days plan, or cost?
  2. How do you write a rejection that keeps the door open?
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